2021 Summer Sailing Events on Lake Erie

October 4, 2023April 25, 2021 by BLYC

Regattas are BACK for 2021!

A number of large regattas in our region are planning to return in 2021 and registration is open. Scroll down to learn more.

Click on the Logos below to Register

Mills Trophy Race

June 11-12

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!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Cleveland Race Week

June 18 - 27

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.

I-LYA Bay Week Regatta

July 30 - August 1

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!

At the Helm: Man Overboard!

October 4, 2023April 23, 2021 by BLYC

At The Helm: Man Overboard!

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

Buckeye Lake in the News…

October 4, 2023April 23, 2021 by BLYC

H2Ohio Initiative creates wetland in Buckeye Lake

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….

Click Here to Read More

Initial aeration systems placed in 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….

Click Here to Read More

AP over A

October 4, 2023April 21, 2021 by BLYC

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!

January 22, 2024April 20, 2021 by BLYC

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2021 LAMBRECHT CUP SERIES AND HOLIDAY LONG DISTANCE RACES IS OPEN

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

October 4, 2023April 18, 2021 by BLYC

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

October 4, 2023April 17, 2021 by BLYC

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!…

October 4, 2023April 15, 2021 by BLYC

– 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!

Fleet Launch Day – May 1

October 4, 2023April 13, 2021 by BLYC

NEW DATE
Join your fellow BLYC sailors on Saturday, May 1st. We’ll all work together and get the boats rigged and launched in preparation for the beginning of the Spring “Sail on Sundays” Series and Fleet Blessing – Sunday, May 16

CLICK HERE
to RSVP to Fleet Captain David Paligo or for further information

Gybing an A-Sail