ULS&TC
... Sailing!
ULS&TC
... Sailing!
GENERAL INFO
The club has local sail racing and also hosts regattas, (MAYRA) and other boating events such as the Small Craft Association, (hand made boats), canoeing events etc. The club is active in Sunfish, Hobie, Open Class (modified handicapped multi-sail) racing and the ever popular Combat Sailing.
Every Wednesday at 6pm and Sunday at 3pm informal racing is held. All sailors and non-sailors are welcome.
Currently there are three classes we race, Open Class (all boats modified to local PHRF), Sunfish, and Hobie.
Racing is supported by volunteerism, and there is no distinctions for ages, so come on out, help, and get involved regardless if you have never raced or if you are an old salt. It is fun, relaxing, (if you are winning), occasionally hilarious, but always entertaining! After racing there is usually some form of pot luck supper, extensive debriefs, recriminations, retelling past glories, and plenty of good beer...I mean cheer! So as you can tell racing is not limited to those with boats, skill or even an interest in sailing. Families are heartily encouraged to come out and experience the thrills and chills that our club racing can produce...even in becalmed conditions! Some of the best racing can be experienced on the dock...after the race!
The club's "official" racing season is from Memorial Day and ends Labor Day, or anytime one or more boats claims they are racing. We do record official races and trophies are awarded based on cumulative standings at the end of the year Change of the Watch dinner.
GENERAL BOATING REGULATIONS
Sailing is fun, and can remain so provided good common sense is applied at all times. Though the lake is usually very calm, strong winds can arise fairly quickly and catch the unwary sailor. Your boat should meet all State requirements, as well as USCG recommended equipment. We have a fairly active bunch of pirates, (err..sailors) and if you are new or old to sailing and need any help what-so-ever, just ask and there will be somebody always ready to lend a hand and help out. Advice is always available in great quantities!
Below are some official salient points regarding state regulations to keep in mind. Please note these are not the complete regulations and if you desire to get more specific information check out www.state.nj.us/mvs
All Boats over 12 feet must be registered and display a current state ID number (at least 3 inches high), and state validation decal located on the bow of the boat. The lake is patrolled and tickets have been issued. The only other exceptions to this rule apply to kayaks and canoes.
Each person on board must have a correctly sized United States Coast Guard USCG approved personal flotation device, (PFDs). Children 12 and under must be wearing the PFD if the vessel is underway.
Between sunset and sunrise canoes, kayaks and sunfish sized sail boats must have ready at hand a white light. Larger boats should exhibit navigation lights consisting of green and red on the bow, and white on the stern.
Do not operate a vessel if intoxicated. Operating a power boat, (sail boats are not mentioned but I would not test the theory!), under the influence will result in being arrested for DUI. An accident report must be filed with the NJ State Police if there is any damage in excess of $500, injury or death in a boating accident.
The lake is limited to a maximum propulsion system of 9.9hp.
Any boat MUST be in sailable condition. As our membership has expanded yard spots are at a premium. The intent is to insure that there are no derelict or "project" boats in the boat yard. Accordingly, all boats must be able to be sailed properly within twenty four hours. Boats that are unable to be sailed owing to a derelict status or requiring extensive repair must be removed to the back woods parking lot locations out of sight from normal traffic. Any boat that goes one season without attention will be removed no-notice from the boat yard regardless of payment after a reasonable attempt to contact the owner has been made. This may include boat removal from the club property. PLEASE INSURE YOUR BOATS ARE MAINTAINED.
All determinations for condition of boats will be at the discretion of the Sail Master. Appeals may be made directly to the board of directors.
CLUB BOATING RULES
Launching and retrieval of all boats must be done on the "Boat Beach". This is the beach between the dock and the cement boat ramp directly in front of the paved circle.
When operating your vessel stay out of the swimming area which is bordered by the other side of the dock, the floating platform and the furthest edge of the swim beach, (where the volley ball net is).
When launching your boat please do not block or hinder others from doing so as well. Do not leave your boat trailer or vehicle unattended. When your boat is beached make sure that the sail can luff and that wind shifts will not cause any damage to other boats, or cause your boat to sail away unmanned! After beaching your boat do not leave it on the beach for any extended period of time. The beach is only a temporary parking spot!
Do not leave any items on the beach or ramp after you have either launched or retrieved your boat.
Police, (pick up stuff), the area for any objects which could bite stab or stick, damage, cut or scratch, block, trip or create pain - mental or otherwise. The policing of the beach is everyone's duty!
Children and persons not directly involved with the launching and retrieval of boats should remain clear of the boat beach.
From the floating platform to the beach is a no wake / go- slow area. Little children may be swimming in that area.
Boats getting underway have the right of way over boats returning to the beach.
Do not attach your boat to any other boat without that owner's permission.
Please insure that when using the sail shed you do not use other sailors equipment or assigned space. (Check with the Sail Master for available space).
SAIL CAMP, SAILING LESSONS and "Ladies at the Helm"
Each summer the club holds a variety of sail camps. Some are for kids, adults and ladies only. Each year events are offered. Details on each years sail camps will be posted as soon as they are finalized. In the meantime check with the Sail Master if you are interested or have any questions.