As we prepare for Fleet Launch Day this Saturday, here are some tips from North Sails on inspecting your sails before you head out on the water this season

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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.

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!

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

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….

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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….

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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.