Founded 1906
BLYC 
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to RSVP to Fleet Captain David Paligo or for further information
– by Steve Harris
Recently, a few of us were discussing the upcoming Mills Trophy Race on Lake Erie. Some of our members are considering entering this year. The Mills is an overnight distance race starting at the Toledo Lighthouse and ending at Put-in-Bay. Many Lake Erie sailors consider it a “must do” each season – it’s certainly an adventure. I’ve been fortunate to serve as Principal Race Officer for this historic event – cancelled last year due to COVID-19, 2021 will be the 97th running of this event. Being a coastal event, there’s a lot more prep that goes into planning to race in the Mills. One of the requirements for all crews is US Sailing’s Safety at Sea training. Traditionally, this was conducted as a two-day, in person course, but like many trainings lately, US Sailing has made an online training option available. Further information is below….
Whether you’re planning to race an event like the Mills, looking to cruise on Lake Erie this summer, or just want to brush up on your safety knowledge and preparedness, I highly recommend taking the training and getting certified in Safety at Sea. I recently completed the online coastal Safety at Sea Training. It took a few hours to go through all of the modules, but it was very straightforward, easy to understand, and informative. Yes – even on shallow Buckeye Lake bad things sometimes happen! You can never be too prepared.
This Online Course is for… Inland and Coastal Racers and Cruisers. This five unit online course is designed to provide you with essential safety information that you can use immediately on the water. It is for anyone who sails, boats, cruises or races on both inland and coastal waters.
Successfully completing this course with a final Post-Assessment score of 80 or above.
US Sailing Members, $45 (discount code found in “My US Sailing”)
Non-members, $50
Coastal Online covers: Giving Assistance, Personal Safety Gear, Crew Overboard Rescue, Emergency Communication, Search and Rescue. This course satisfies the requirements for Coastal Races being sailed under United States Special Equipment Regulations 4.3.2.
You will receive a Coastal Safety at Sea Certificate upon completion.
This Coastal Online course DOES NOT FULFILL the requirements to obtain an International Offshore Safety at Sea certificate.
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to RSVP to Fleet Captain David Paligo or for further information
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for an article from Yachting World about a few, key but often overlooked rigging issues to consider fixing before you go mast up for the season
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for another pre-season maintenance checklist.
Courtesy of ThumbWind.
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An overnight, distance race from the Toledo Light to Put-in-Bay, the Mills Trophy Race will return in 2021! As one of the longest-running premier events on Lake Erie, the Mills is a “must do” for most big boat sailors!
Cleveland Race Week (CRW) has undoubtedly become one of the largest sailing regattas on Lake Erie and one of the largest in the country. The annual event, celebrating its 39th year, attracts hundreds of boats from across the United States and Canada. Nationally, Cleveland Race Week ranks as one of the largest sailing events based on number of sailing classes. Founded in 1980, CRW has developed into 10 days of racing and special events. Based at Edgewater Yacht Club, which recently celebrated their Centennial and underwent a renovation, the event is annually takes place in the summer sailing season. CRW annually draws over 1,800 national and international participants and offers significant marketing exposure to a premiere demographic of sailing professionals, nationally ranked amateurs, junior sailors and female competitors. With over a dozen One Design classes, nine racing divisions in the Handicap (PHRF) Class and three JAM divisions, the event has expanded to four race courses.
The longest continiously operating sailing regatta in North America, Bay Week will return to its full format this year with classes for PHRF, JAM, Hobie Waves, Interlakes, Portsmouth-handicapped dinghies, and Cruising. Make plans now to spend a weekend at “The Bay” and enjoy racing around the Lake Erie islands!
Published on Sailing ScuttleButt April 22nd, 2021
by Andy Schell, SAIL Magazine
Imagine this simple scenario: the boat’s powered up, sailing close-hauled in a building breeze under full sail. I come on deck as the skipper during the watch change to make sure the new crew is comfortable and the boat is properly set up for both the current conditions and those expected over the next four to eight hours.
The helm feels a little heavy, and it’s going to be dark soon, so we decide to roll up part of the genoa, bringing it in to the first reef mark. In doing so, we’ve also got to move the car forward in order to keep the sheet lead correct—we want it pulling “down” on the leech of the sail as well as aft along the foot to maintain proper shape.
By now our Swan 59, Icebear, is dipping the leeward rail from time to time, and the low side has become the “dangerous” side for the crew who need to work their way forward in order to re-position the car. This maneuver is routine and can happen several times over the course of a four-hour watch when conditions are variable. It’s also risky, making it a great test case for Icebear’s man-overboard safety practices.
As a skipper, if the words “man overboard” don’t send icy chills down your spine, you’re probably not doing enough to prevent it from happening. You go overboard, you’re dead. Simple as that. If we get you back—well, you’ve been very, very lucky. – Full report
Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director, Mary Mertz, last week announced details of a new H2Ohio wetland project that will help prevent harmful algal blooms on Buckeye Lake….
Water quality at Buckeye Lake is a topic that has been discussed, and cussed, for decades. From faulty septic tanks leaking into the lake to nutrient-rich farm runoff to an out-of-control resident Canada goose population, there has always been plenty of fodder for people to complain, blame, or both, about Buckeye Lake….
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.
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.
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)
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
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?
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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!