Is there anyway that we could have a forum where, you folks that sail near a good hunk of water, could pass on the where, when, how and why to sail at your' favored spot?
I'm in N.California and have read the posts on this site, and it seems, that there are 14 places where cats have been sailed (no one died)?
I think that it would be invaluable to have your' local information (across this Nation), and(maybe)promote the sport.
H*ll I'd drive to a good place... If I knew where it was!
Just a thought,
Steve
Where to sail...Local knowlage?
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Posted: May 28, 2009 - 12:11 AM
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Posted: May 28, 2009 - 10:11 AM
What do you consider a "good place"? Some people will sail in the SF Bay, others stay away. Some like smaller lakes, some think they are boring. For central California a couple places I use to sail are:
Rio Vista: typical strong winds, not much beach, river current, jetski's.
Lake Folsom: variable winds, large lake, lots of power boats, not great for picnics
Rancho Seco Lake: VERY small, more reliable summer wind, warm water, no powerboats, great picnic area
Those were the 3 most common for me. Also sailed in Santa Cruz, Black Butte, Clearlake and vaious other lakes up in the Sierras. For Northern California, Fleet 2 can connect you with the areas sailing options.
Here in the Chicago area I have just been sailing on Lake Michigan. Have not found many other good smaller lakes in the immediate area.
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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
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Posted: May 29, 2009 - 08:05 AM
Where do cats sail around Dallas? I'll be there for a bit soon and wouldn't mind seeing the local 'beach cat' community.
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Rob
OKC
Pile of Nacra parts..
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Posted: May 29, 2009 - 01:55 PM
Hobie Point at Lake Lewisville.
Directions are available here:
http://www.hobiefleet23.com/
If I am at the beach the same time that you are, you are welcome to come out for a sail. -
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Posted: May 29, 2009 - 04:19 PM
I'm in Northern California as well. I picked up my boat this year and I'm planning to spend a lot of time on New Melones (but lots of powerboats). Pinecrest is about the same distance for me (boat is stored up hwy 108), but seems a little small and cold. There are a number of cats stored around the lake so I'm sure I'll try it out sooner or later.
I have a friend with his H16 stored on the beach in Santa Cruz. -
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 12:52 AM
Ok. I guess I need to clarify my original question.
Yes, I can get the "how to get there" stuff off the net but, I'm looking for your' knowlage of how (and when) to sail at your' favorite spot?
When are the best days to sail?
Does the wind start calm, then get better, and then die-off?
Do I have to bring a gun to fight-off the the beer drinkin' fishermen and gas guys?
Do I have to bring beaching gear?
Where is the best place to come to; to rig-up, put-in and meet you?
It can make all of this so much better, for all of us... If you can share your' "Local Knowlage"!
Steve -
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 10:26 AM
Alright Steve:
To my knowledge ('knowlage'), the local spot that I sail from (Hobie Point on Lake Lewisville Texas) has the following answers to your questions:
- Best days to sail is any day when the wind is not out of the north. North wind makes the south end of the lake choppy.
- The wind depends on the day. Lots of wind in the spring, fall and winter and not so much in the middle of summer.
- It might not be a bad idea to bring a gun. Lewisville is one of the most dangerous lakes in Texas.
- Beach gear is optional. You can drive down the beach to the edge of the water, but I prefer beach wheels.
- Yes.
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 11:50 AM
HI Every one I am new to Jacksonville Fl. area can anyone tell places to sail in Jax Saint Augustine Fleming Island area Thanking everyone in advance
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 12:08 PM
Boy do I not feel like working today...I think a register of prime water by region is a great idea!
Here are my faves:
NJ:
Round Valley Reservoir - Big round lake for screaming reaches, high elevation, nice facilities.
Seaside Park - Nice launch facilities on Barnegat just above Island Beach St Park
PA: Nockamixon St Park - Fall and Spring winds nice facilities - No power boats
Mass: Wellfleet - Indian Neck Beach - Perfection Perfection Perfection.
Ill:(Lake Mi)
Glencoe Beach - You need to have a sticker and a sand space. My beach.
Evanston Beach - I've not used but nice
Wilmette Gilson Beach - I've not used but nice
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 05:17 PM
My boat is at Wilmette Gilson Beach on Lake Michigan and lots of people there every day the weather is nice. I am always amazed how many boats are setup and on the waters edge but not out sailing. Seems like most the boats there are only on the water 25% of the day max. But great beach and great storage area, but no boat ramp, not even sure how a day pass would work.
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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
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Posted: Jun 03, 2009 - 10:25 PM
Happens on our beach as well on the busy weekends, mostly the regulars are out all day. My pet peeve is the boats that just sit there rotting away. I think the GPD is starting to crack down this year. No point in tying up a spot that an active sailor could have. If you see a white N5.8NA cruising off the beach this summer by that's me. -
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 01:44 PM
I've been wanting to ad a "Places to Sail" database on TheBeachcats.com, just need the motivation to get it done.
A list like has been started above of the things a beachcat sailor would want to know about would help. Then I can figure out how to collect, store, and display the information, ending up with a searchable database. I would like to have a "local knowledge base" attached to it where our members can volunteer to be known as "local experts" and willing to be contacted.
* Exact location - with Google Map
* Shore conditions (ramp or beach)
* prevailing winds
* local group info
* storage available?
* Pictures
* Rentals Available?
What else? I think this would be extremely useful
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 02:30 PM
Maybe something about typical sailing conditions. typically large waves, good family oriented area, parking availability, those types of X factors. I also think it would be a great resource for people.
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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 02:43 PM
Fee's:
Daily
Annual
Boathouse/Rescue Services:
Storage:
Sand Spaces
Personal Lockers
Sail Lockers
Associated Clubs/Racing Programs:
Administrative offices/Contact Info:
Season open/close dates
Winds:
Prevailing Winds:
Best Wind Direction:
Worst Wind Direction:
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 04:16 PM
By the way, I didn't mean to overlook Steve's original question. I'm open to the idea of a specific forum for places to sail or anything else that there is enough interest. But in general I don't want to split up into too many forums, what do you all think?
And thank to everyone for participating in the forums here.
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 05:20 PM
In collecting the places, I don't think we should attempt to categorize them on a good >>>>> bad scale but rather collect all the facts, figures, and human opinions so each cat sailor cat decide for themselves.
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 05:49 PM
I agree Damon good versus bad place to sail is very different to judge based on peoples interests. I remember seeing a post about "worst places to launch", I think somewhere in the database these types of places should be identified, but with details about what is difficult about the place.
A place with no ramp would be bad if you didn't have beach wheels but could be great if you do, for example. Here in Chicago there are some great places to sail if you have your boat stored there, but to trailer your boat to them would be a pain.
I don't know how the best way to display it though.
Another category:
Best time of season at the location. Some may be better in Spring or Fall and not mid-summer for example.
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Scott,
‘92 H18 w/SX wings
‘95 Hobie Funseeker 12 (Holder 12)
‘96/‘01/‘14 Hobie Waves
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Posted: Jun 04, 2009 - 08:45 PM
My personal favorite spots to sail:
Carlyle Lake, IL - its amazing when you have a 25mph wind from the west, giving you 9 miles of prime beam reach runs
The big lake - Lake Michigan - sailed out of a few clubs north of Chicago, the beachs sure are nice to launch from
My home lake - Lake Springfield, IL - by far the worst lake of mine listed, dirty water, no beaches, and shifty winds
Anyone in the Midwest has to sail out of Door County, Wisconsin, sailed a Stiletto 31 out of Ephraim on Green Bay in 20mph winds and 6 ft seas -AMAZING -
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Posted: Jun 05, 2009 - 12:20 AM
Wow? I'm postin' too late at night... It is "Knowledge" (I lernt' that!). Thanks' rpiper138!?
And thank you damon, I thought that I was the only one who knew the value of this kind of information; Admiral!
I already like the (inside) info. posted! Thank you all. Please keep it going.
Steve
P.S.
Hey rpiper138? Should it be C&C, shoulder holster or, belt holster?
(Not that I couldn't be a drunkin' fisherman, after a very heavy pitch pole!) -
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Posted: Jun 05, 2009 - 11:54 AM
wmsteve: I have trouble lernnin' since I left skule.
In Texas you definitely need to conceal. I would go S&W .50 if you can manage to conceal a cannon that large. The first shot is for the trolling motor!
Actually Lake Lewisville has a few bad spots for power boaters, especally in the afternoon (4-8 pm). There are two marinas with lakeside patios (the gas dock at one of the marinas has a 'beer to go' sign) on opposite sides of the lake. There is also 'party cove' where plenty of people go to float around and drink beer. These three locations form a triangle that it is best to stay away from. I think it should be marked on the charts as a 'drunk boating area', but that may just encourage all the drunk boaters from other areas to congregate in the middle of the lake.
Luckily the launch site for beach cats is at the southern end of the lake away from most of the festivities.
