Do have a sailing story, news, or helpful sailing-related information to share?
Please contact P/C Steve Harris to have it included. We’d love to hear from you.
AP over A
POSTPONED
As of this evening, we’ve had limited response of Thistles planning to join us this Saturday. Sadly, with the forecast, we’re having trouble to get firm commitments from our RC Volunteers as well. At this time, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone and try again at a later date. One possibility that immediately comes to mind is that we add a one-design fleet for the Thistles at our Snowball Regatta, October 16. Stay tuned – we’ll get this thing revived sooner or later. Please share this information.
2021 Racing Registration is Open!
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2021 LAMBRECHT CUP SERIES AND HOLIDAY LONG DISTANCE RACES IS OPEN
Use the above form to register for both the Lambrecht Cup (“Sail on Sundays”) and Holiday Long Distance Races. This form will register you for all.
We need to have all entrants registered through the online system in order to score the races this year. Thank you for your cooperation.
COME SAIL WITH US!
Thistle Sailing Coming to Buckeye Lake
This coming Saturday, BLYC will again host the Mean Green spring tune-up regatta for are Thistle sailors. Thistles can be exciting boats as you can see in the video below.
Just some former junior sailors from Cleveland Yachting Club having a fun day on the water in an exciting boat.
(Probably should’ve thought about donning the PFDs a bit earlier though)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We plan to use this day as a ‘tune-up” and practice for our Race Committee and Regatta volunteers so that we’re ready for our largest regatta of the season – the I-LYA Traveler Series Regatta, June 5.
If you’re planning on helping with the Junior Regatta or the Snowball in the fall, we strongly encourage you to come out and help with this laid-back one-day tune-up event.
More information?
Contact Governor Bill Collinson
Buckeye Lake Conditions
Did You Know?...
As the season approaches, it seems like social media is blowing up with posts about boating conditions at Buckeye Lake – some of it good, but also some of it critical.
Did you know that you can always find the latest lake conditions on the BLYC Website?
CLICK HERE
to visit our “Lake Conditions” page
Where you will find up-to-date information on current water depth as well as current and forecasted wind conditions. Plan your outing and Stay Safe BLYC!
Sailing isn’t Scary!…
– by Steve Harris
... or at least it doesn't have to be!
Recently, I’ve been very excited by the renewed interest in sailing at Buckeye Lake and at BLYC in particular. The last time we saw this kind of renewed interest was about 20 years ago. Following the lowering of the lake and other factors, its not surprising that interest fell off, but WOW! It’s great that so many people are now interested in learning more and getting involved.
Most of our sailing activity at the Club has tended to focus around racing. Given that fact, its easy to see how some may find sailing a bit intimidating – the terminology, the rules, sailing the boat in tight quarters near other boats… It can all be a bit overwhelming to the “newbie.” Reflecting on this, I recalled a video series from the early 80s that I used to watch repeatedly as I was preparing to teach sailing as part of the high adventure program at the summer camp I worked at in college. While I had some experience sailing as a child, I wasn’t at all confident about it. Someday, I’ll find that old VCR tape and digitize it (the clothing is certainly dated, but the principles of sailing never change!) It was a very convenient way to learn and review and I think many new to the activity would find it useful.
While attempting to find the video online, I came across this “Your First Sail” online course from the American Sailing Association that does a very good job with the same introductory learn to sail instruction that I found so helpful in that old video. Although most of my involvement in sailing in recent years has been with US Sailing, it’s important to remember that they aren’t the “only game in town.” US Sailing is more focused on the racing aspects of sailing, whereas the American Sailing Association is geared more towards the recreational sailor. Both are great resources and, I believe, their goals and efforts compliment each other well.
So… whether you’re a “rank newbie” or have some experience and just want to brush up on the basics, this is a great 30-45 online course that will help get you started and maybe build some confidence and excitement. (I did it – it’s well put together) BLYC sailors are an open, friendly group and, certainly, you’ll find someone here who is happy to help you put your newfound knowledge and enthusiasm to work on the water – just show up and ask! We race every Sunday starting May 16 and our weekly (Friday) “Grow the Sport” sailing experiences will also start in May.
See you on the water!
