Tag: sailing

Intro to Ice Sailing

Posted on Lacey Spear
Several ice boats on the ice
Photo Courtesy of Minnesota Monthly
  • An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail.
  • Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour.
  • There are two methods of boating: sailing downwind or going upwind.
  • There are several upcoming ice boating competitions in the U.S. for 2023.

Imagine feeling the breeze rush against your face as you glide across the ice at invigorating speeds. Welcome to the world of ice sailing, also known as ice boating or ice yachting—a fast-paced, thrilling winter lake sport enjoyed worldwide. In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—feature lively ice sailing clubs and exciting annual competitions. Perhaps you’ve wanted to visit one of these wintry havens and try the sport for yourself. If so, check out our intro to ice sailing before you go!

Video Courtesy of Waterlust

What is an Ice Boat?

A drawing of the different components of an ice boat
Photo Courtesy of Harken

An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail. The hull must support one or two crew members and have floating capabilities in case it slips into the water. Historically, ice boats have utilized a wooden hull, but today’s vessels incorporate fiberglass or laminate.

The runner plank rests at the stern of the boat and is made of wood, laminate, or metal. Generally spanning 6.5 feet long, the runner plank lies perpendicular to the boat’s main axis. Additionally, three skates—also called runners—attach to the principal runner plank. Two of these smaller runners connect to each end of the main runner and function like large ice skates. In addition, the steering runner joins the bow and features a parking brake, preventing the wind from moving the boat. The steering runner is especially useful in keeping the boat in place before the race begins.

Lastly, the sail—crafted with canvas or synthetic fabrics—powers the boat’s speed. The sail functions as the vessel’s “engine” and can span 35–1,000 square feet according to the boat’s size.

How to Ice Sail

Two ice boats sailing across the snow
Photo Courtesy of Colorado Springs Gazette

If you live in a lake area with plenty of ice and snow, the ice sailing opportunities are endless. Plus, you don’t have to worry about air pollution when you engage in this pastime. Since ice sailing is wind-powered, it is an extremely green sport.

Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour, therefore, it’s essential to take some necessary precautions. If you’re new to the sport, IceBoat.org recommends purchasing an inexpensive DN-class boat, which is fairly easy to navigate and transport. They also advise racing with an ice yacht club for a couple of seasons. Then, after you become acclimated to the sport, you can upgrade your vessel and start boating solo.

When it comes to navigating, an ice boater must skillfully direct the vessel, capturing enough wind to generate velocity and power. The sail propels the boat at different speeds using two methods: sailing downwind or boating upwind. When an ice boat sails downwind, it is pushed along by the breeze and cannot exceed the wind’s velocity. However, when sailing upwind, the ice boat uses a zigzagging technique, gaining traction from the force of its own motion to augment the velocity of the wind.

Ice Sailing Competitions

Photo Courtesy of Atlas Obscura

Throughout the year, various ice sailing clubs around the world hosts large tournaments. In the United States, you will mostly find these gatherings in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, or Minnesota. Check out a few of the upcoming U.S. tournaments for 2023 here.

With our intro to ice sailing, now you know what to do and where to go. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ice boat and hop on the lake!

FAQs

An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail.

The sail functions as the vessel’s “engine” and can span 35–1,000 square feet according to the boat’s size.

Ice boats can reach speeds of over 140 miles per hour.

The sail propels the boat at different speeds by using two methods: sailing downwind or boating upwind.

When an ice boat sails downwind, it is pushed along by the breeze and cannot exceed the wind’s velocity.

When sailing upwind, the ice boat uses a zigzagging technique, gaining traction from the force of its own motion to augment the velocity of the wind.

Lake Life in the Slow Lane: Non-Motorized Watercrafts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Outdoor News

In 2021, most boats that you’ll see on the lake are motorized. The typical propulsion system for boats, outbound motors are a self-contained unit affixed to the back of the boat which contains an engine, gearbox, and propeller. Essentially, these contraptions take fuel and convert it to power so your boat moves forward. Some motors are inbound rather than outbound, meaning that the engine is inside the boat’s hull. 

While motors are a useful, modern invention for boats, they aren’t always necessary. In fact, there are several joys and benefits of forgoing the motor for paddles, oars, and other manual propellers. If you love being on the water, but you enjoy a slower pace of lake living, one of these non-motorized watercrafts might be perfect for you.

Sailboat

Photo courtesy of CNN Travel

The technology of sailboats is as old as recorded history. Our earliest record of sailboats is from Ancient Egypt when the Nile River and the Mediterranean were used as popular trade routes among various lands. Without the technology of a motor, sailboats simply use the natural wind to propel the boat forward. Because wind is unpredictable, any seasoned sailor knows how to adjust the sails to the wind — a concept that lends itself metaphorically to life. Although the terminology can be complicated, once you learn the tricks of the trade, it’s worth it. 

Canoe

Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash

Similar to the sailboat, the canoe’s history dates back thousands of years. Rather than being specific to one country and culture, canoes were likely ubiquitous across the world and instrumental in trade, war, and personal transportation. The English word comes from a Caribbean word meaning “dugout.” This name appropriately reflects the practice of constructing a boat from a tree and carving a hollowed space for sitting. Instead of a motor, typically, canoers use paddles to propel the boat forward. In a two-person canoe, the front paddler controls the speed and power while the back paddler controls the direction.

Kayak

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Unlike canoes that have an unspecified origin, kayaks likely originated in northern parts of the world such as present-day Greenland, Siberia, and North America. Meaning “small boat of skins” in the Greenland Eskimo language, these non-motorized watercrafts were first used by Inuit and Aleut people for travel and trading. While these first kayaks were created out of bone, wood, and animal skin, today’s kayaks are mostly made from long-lasting polyethylene plastics. Because kayaks are usually operated by one person, the kayaker will use a double-sided paddle to propel the small boat forward. 

Standup Paddleboards

Photo by Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash

Most personal watercrafts involve sitting in, not on the watercraft. Not so with SUPs. An acronym for “stand up paddleboard,” SUPs have roots in surfing. The modern sport originated in Waikiki, Hawaii in the 1940s by John Ah Choy, a surfer who as he aged, wasn’t able to get up and down from his surfboard like he could in his younger days. For aid, he used a canoe paddle to catch waves. Eventually, the style gained popularity among other surfers. Usually made of fiberglass and resin, these boards are a sturdy non-motorized watercraft that’s perfect for fishing, yoga, and other lake recreation. 

Banana Boats

Photo courtesy of ootlah.com

We’re not talking about the brand of sunscreen or the delicious banana s’more dessert. Like other lake floats, banana boats are a purely recreational type of non-motorized watercraft. Shaped like a banana, these inflatables come without any type of motor system and can sometimes be tugged behind a motorized boat. Typically, they seat up to 10 people — perfect for a fun-loving group of guests at your lake house. 

Whether you choose a motorized or non-motorized personal watercraft, we hope you keep enjoying the lake in whatever way suits your lifestyle!

Boat Lingo: Boat Terminology 101

Posted on Camille Smith

One of the best parts about living on a lake is the opportunity to sail or go boating. Especially as the weather is getting warmer, more people will be enjoying the fresh air and sun while out on the water. Whether you’re new to boating or you’re a seasoned sailor, we all can share the common nautical language. That language is different from the terms we use on dry land. Boating jargon can undoubtedly be confusing (what does starboard mean anyway?) but no need to worry. We’re here to help you out with the basics of boat lingo. Not only is it a necessary, common language shared among boaters — it’s also fun. We’ll cover several standard boating terms, their meaning, and history. Whether it’s directions, parts of the boat, or other nautical terms, you’ll be talking like a real sailor in no time!

Port and Starboard

Photo courtesy of SouthernBoating.com.

Port and starboard refer to the right and left sides of a boat, with port, meaning the left side, and starboard, describing the right side. At first, it may seem silly to introduce new words in place of pre-established terms — why not just call it right and left? It’s because the words right and left are subjective to position, and they’re different depending on where a person is standing on a boat. On the other hand, port and starboard refer to fixed locations and will be standard no matter which way your crew is facing. 

But why the names port and starboard? In the early days of sailing, the steering oar was located on the right side of the boat since most sailors were right-handed. The steering side fuses two old English words, steor (steer) and board (side of the boat). Eventually, this was shortened to starboard. On the side of the boat opposite the steering wheel, sailors would load shipments. Since the loading side faced the port, the term port became shorthand for the left side of the boat. And if you have trouble remembering which is which, remember this simple trick — ‘port’ and ‘left’ both have four letters. 

Stern and Bow

Photo courtesy of WorldwideBoat.com.

Just as the terms right and left have been tossed out of the porthole (window) when it comes to proper boating lingo, front and back are history as well. Instead, stern refers to the back of the boat, while bow refers to the front. When moving towards the bow of the boat, sailors use the term forward while aft refers to moving towards the stern. If that’s not perplexing enough, you can also use combined terms like starboard-bow to refer to the front right of the boat, just as you might use the word “northeast” when giving directions for a car.

Tacking and Jibing

Photo courtesy of BoatingGeeks.com.

Tacking and jibing (gybing) are both sailing maneuvers that involve turning the boat’s bow towards the wind, so the wind changes from one side of the ship to the other. While tacking refers to turning your boat against the wind, jibing means turning your boat directly into the wind. As the idiom “may the wind be at your back” implies, tacking is the most common technique to create smooth sailing. Jibing is less common and used when the destination is downwind on the opposite tack. That said, you might not hear sailors use the word “downwind” to describe this direction — the name leeward refers to downwind, while windward refers to upwind (the direction from which the wind is blowing). 

Mainsail and Headsail

Not every sailboat has the same number of sails, but most boats have at least one headsail (head-sill) and one mainsail (main-sill). Both sails are attached to the central pole or mast, while a system of ropes, chains, and cables called the rigging holds up the mast. The difference between the two sails lies in their function and positioning on the sailboat. 

The mainsail is located behind the mast. It is attached to both the mast and the boom. The boom is a pole attached to the bottom of the mainsail perpendicular to the mast, which improves control. Its purpose is to control the ship’s stern. 

By contrast, the headsail controls the bow and increases speed. As any sailor knows, the wind is entirely unpredictable. As such, extra sails like spinnakers (spin-acres) and storm sails help sailors prepare for the unknown. 

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of terms. This beginner’s shortlist is only a starting point to the full world of sailing jargon. Just as you would when learning any new language, the key is practice. So get aboard your boat, hoist the mainsail, and enjoy the open waters! 

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Lake Dates Your Valentine Will Love

Posted on Staff

Love is in the air and lovers are on the water. If you’re hooked on someone special this year, make their Valentine’s Day one to remember with these great lake date ideas.

Set Sail

There’s just something romantic about a sail boat.

Fortunately, you don’t have own one, or be a master sailor, to make this date a reality. In fact, you may not need any experience at all!

sailboat on the water

Many lakes, particularly larger bodies of water, offer sailing classes through their marinas and sailing clubs.

Spend the day enjoying the sun on your face while you bond with your loved one through hands-on training with a veteran instructor.

Or, enjoy sailing as a passenger on a more intimate, private excursion.

Windsong Sailing Academy near Lake Lanier in Georgia is one such academy that offers a variety of sailing cruises for you and your significant other to enjoy.

Passengers can take a peaceful, moonlit cruise with a group, or opt to schedule a private charter for an evening alone on the water.

Couples also enjoy the Academy’s Sail-N-Dine package which takes passengers on a sunset sail to a secluded anchoring point where couples can picnic as the sun goes down.

To start planning your perfect day, visit the American Sailing Association website for a list of sailing schools near you.

Go Fish

Forget the cards, and grab a pole for a leisurely day of fishing with your sweetheart.

Whether on the boat or at the docks, fishing can be a romantic bonding experience with the proper preparation.

Begin by selecting the perfect location. Choose a spot that offers natural beauty like a secluded cove or a bank just off the tree line.

An ambient setting will not only provide a pretty backdrop for pictures but set the tone for a playful, carefree day.

As you settle in, it is important that you’re mindful of your partner’s level of fishing experience. For first-time anglers, the environment might be captivating, but the activity itself may sound uneventful and boring.

One way to ensure the date is enjoyable is to come armed with a handful of lighthearted stories to share about your fondness for the lake or that particular spot. Sharing memories is great for bringing two hearts even closer together.

You can also bring along an assortment of finger foods and snacks to enjoy, picnic-style, while you are there. When packing your picnic, remember to package any sandwich items in their own separate baggies or containers to avoid cross contamination and soggy bread.

Also pack paper plates, napkins and disposable cups for any sparkling juices or champagne you might bring.

Trail mix, cheeses and fruit are all good foods to consider bringing; just make sure you are able to keep cold-food items cool while you are out.

Lastly, before you head out, be sure your tackle box is fully stocked with the following:

  • extra fishing line
  • plastic worms
  • a handful of lures
  • needle nose pliers
  • extra hooks
  • bobbers and sinkers
  • nail clippers or a pocket knife
  • sunscreen

And remember, the day is not about how many fish you can catch; it’s about spending time with someone you love.

Dockside Dinner

This romantic lake date is sure to warm any loved one’s heart, and can be relatively easy on your wallet.

What you will need:

  • large votive candles or battery operated paper lanterns
  • a small table
  • 2 linen napkins
  • a linen table cloth
  • satin ribbon
  • a medium-sized glass bowl
  • 2 long stemmed candlesticks
  • flowers
  • 2 entree plates
  • a wireless speaker
  • 2 side plates
  • 2 drinking glasses

Start by lining your dock with the votive candles or paper lanterns, spaced out every few feet. The soft light from these will create a sense of warmth to your evening as well as guide your guest to the dinner table awaiting them at the end of the dock.

Drape your linen cloth over the table so that the edges of the material brush the floor.

For added elegance, wrap your silverware in the linen napkins and tie them up with your satin ribbon.

Set the table by placing your side plate atop the entree plate, resting the silverware bundle vertically across the dinner dishes.

Complete your table arrangement by filling your medium-sized glass bowl halfway with water.

Floating a few, stemless flowers atop the water in the bowl will create your centerpiece. Your long stemmed candle sticks should go on either side of the bowl so as to not block you and your date’s view of one another.

For what to cook, look to our “Fresh Fish Recipes You’ve Got to Try” article for a few lake-friendly recipe suggestions. Our parmesan baked fish dish is a perfect dinner for two.

As the two of you enjoy your candlelit meal, have an instrumental music playlist playing softly through your wireless speaker, and once you have both finished, end the night with a romantic dance under the moonlight.

Navigating Boating Jargon on the Lake

Posted on Staff

compass and rope over brown butcher paperDo you love boating but have trouble speaking the language?

Are you sunk when people throw around boating jargon, terms and lingo when boating?

Do you look around lost when someone says there are “fish jumping off the starboard bow”?

We’re here to help!

Here are 40+ of the most common nautical terms on the lake. This cheat sheet won’t make you a ship’s captain, but you’ll be able to hold your own on the waves.

Boating Terms

Aft: the rear part of a boat, behind the middle of the vessel (see “fore.”)

Anchor: object designed to stop the drift of a boat; usually a metal, plough-shaped object designed to sink into the lakebed or ground and attached to the vessel via a line or chain.

Ashore: on or moving towards the beach or shore.

Bearing: the horizontal line of sight between two objects (typically between a boat and its destination.)

Below decks: any of the spaces below the main deck of a vessel.

Bow: the front of a vessel (either side or both.)

Bowline: a type of knot that produces a strong, fixed loop, commonly used in sailing or mooring.

Breakwater: structure built on a coast or shoreline to protect against waves and erosion.

Buoy: a floating object of defined shape and color, anchored at a set location to aid in navigation.

Bunks: wooden supports on which a boat rests while it’s being transported in a trailer.

Capsize: when a boat turns onto its side or completely upside down in the water.

Cast off: to undo all mooring lines in preparation for departure.

Channel: a portion of a waterway that is navigable by boat, usually marked.

Chart: a map used for navigation on the water.

Cleat: sturdy metal fittings to which a rope can be fastened (usually to moor a boat, fixed on docks and/or boats themselves).

Current: the natural, horizontal flow of water.

Deck: the permanent covering over a compartment or hull (usually the main walking surface.)

Downstream: Direction in which the current is moving, or an object in that direction.

Draft: the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a boat’s hull. This is important to know in order to prevent running aground.

Echo sounder: electronic device that uses sonar to measure the depth of water under a boat.

Fender: cushioning device hung on docks and the sides of vessels to prevent damage to them.

Fore: part of the vessel towards the front, or bow (see “aft”.) Here’s a tip to remember the difference between “fore” and “aft.” If you’re in the boat, “fore” is facing “forward,” and “aft” is what is “after” the boat.

Gunwale: the upper edge of a boat’s hull.

Hull: the outer shell and framework of a ship.

Idle speed: the slowest speed at which steering is possible for a boat; the boat shouldn’t produce a wake at this speed.

Inboard motor: a type of boat motor housed inside the hull, with a drive shaft running through the bottom of the hull to a propeller at the other end.

Knot: a unit of speed, equal to one nautical mile (1.15 miles) per hour. It’s called a “knot” because it was originally measured by paying out a line from the stern of a moving boat; the line had a knot every 47 feet 3 inches, and the number of knots passed out in 30 seconds gave the speed through the water in nautical miles per hour.

Leeward: in the direction that the wind is blowing towards.

Marina: a docking facility for boats, small ships and yachts.

Mast: a vertical pole on a ship with sails or rigging.

Outboard motor: a motor mounted externally on the back of a boat (usually smaller boats.) Steering can happen by turning the entire motor on a swivel, or by using a rudder.

Overboard: anything that has gone over the side of the boat.

Personal flotation device (PFD): a life jacket, buoyant vest or cushion designed to be worn (or held) and keep someone afloat in the water.

Pier: wooden or metal structure that extends into the water from the shoreline, allowing vessels to dock.

Propeller: rotating device attached to a boat’s motor that propels the boat through the water.

Rudder: steering device attached under the boat, usually shaped like a blade, which turns to steer the boat.

Sounding: measuring the water’s depth.

Stern: the rear part of a ship.

Upstream: against the current, or the direction from which the current is flowing.

Wake: the turbulence behind a vessel caused by its passing.

Waterline: the line where the hull of a ship meets the water’s surface.

Windward: in the direction the wind is blowing from.

Of course, these aren’t all the boat jargon terms out there. There are hundreds of others! Find more at http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/glossary.aspx.

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Birmingham Sailing Club on Logan Martin Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

The Birmingham Sailing Club is located on Logan Martin Lake near the Logan Martin Dam.

Regattas, which is a series of boat races, are held at the end of the week on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also major races held at different times throughout the year.

This is a private club that is located 40 miles east of Birmingham. The organization is dedicated to:

  • Providing programs for its membersBirmingham Sailing Club logo in red, white and blue
  • Promoting Sailing, as well as sailboat racing with members
  • Promoting safety out on the water
  • Encouraging a friendly atmosphere for all social activities

BSC History

Before 1960, sailing was almost unknown as a sport in the Birmingham area, except for a few enthusiasts who were willing to travel for two hours or more in order to visit North Alabama.

The club was incorporated in June, 1963 with 44 Charter Members. Many of the members had very little sailing experience, with Sam Caldwell serving as the first Commodore, or leader of the group.

Today, the club boats nearly 150 members.

Importance of the BSC

The Birmingham Sailing Club offers many educational course, events and fun with racing.

There are educational courses that take place at this club including Junior Sailing classes and general classes. The Junior Sailing Camp is open to children who are 8 to 17-years-old.

Each child learns how to or improve basic sailing skills while using Optimist sailboats, Club 420’s and Lasers.

The wonderful thing about the club is that they not only offer classes for the young ones but for adults as well.

They also hold safety classes on the water to help ensure that there are no accidents with their members.

If you are a beginner to sailing, and you want to give sailing a try, sign up for the next course or contact the education lead, Jack Rogers, to register.

His contact information is as follows:

Jack Rogers
205.979.1831
education@birminghamsailingclub.org

If you have sailed before and you want to get in as a crew member or even a skipper, then contact Laura Graham. Her contact information is as followed:

Laura Graham
205.215.4344
commodore@birminghamsailingclub.org

If you are interested in becoming a member of this club, you will need to apply for the membership.

In order to do this you will need to contact the membership board at: 205.960.6534 or email them at: membership@birminghamsailingclub.org.

For more information visit their website at here.

 

A Beginners Guide to Sailing – Sailboat Terminology

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you are ready to take on the wonderful and relaxing world of sailing, then you will need to learn a few things. Here you will learn the most used terminology that you will hear and soon be using yourself.

Boating Terms

  • SailboatAbeam: This means something lies at the right angle from the boat. Example: The buoy is abeam from us.
  • Aft: The portion of the vessel behind the middle area of the vessel
  • Ahead: This means in front of the boat. Example: The land is ahead.
  • Astern: This means behind the boat. Example: The competition is astern.
  • Beam: This is the widest part of your boat. Example: The boat’s length is 50′, but the beam is 14′.
  • Boom: This is the horizontal pole that extends from the bottom of the boat’s mast.
  • Bow: This is the front of the boat.
  • Crew: These are all those who participate in operating the boat.
  • Forward: This is toward the bow.
  • Freeboard: This is the height of your deck above the water.
  • Helmsman: (also called helmsperson) This is the one that steers the boat.
  • Lee and Leeward: (Pronouncing: “lee” and “loo ward”) This is downwind.
  • Port: 1 – This is the left side when you are looking forward. 2 – This is a window in the side of your boat. 3 – Location where boats and ships dock.
  • Rudder: This is beneath your boat. It is a flat piece of wood, metal, or fiberglass that is used to steer it.
  • Running Rigging: This is all of the lines that control any part of your sails, which includes the sheets, outhaul, and halyards.
  • Skipper: This is the person who is in charge.
  • Standing Rigging: This is all of the wires or the cables that hold up the mast.
  • Starboard: This is the right side of the boat when you face forward.
  • Windward: This is towards the wind.

Sailing Tips for Beginners

Now that you are aware of the typical terms used while sailing, here is a list of tips to help you when you are a beginner.

  • Choose un-crowded and calm water when you are beginning.
  • Pick a smaller boat.
  • Use a boat rigged with one sail to start.
  • Follow all sailing basics for the safety of you and your passengers.
  • Research the wind, tide, and weather conditions.
  • Get familiar with the control of the sails.
  • Capsize to ensure you know how to manage should it happen for real.
  • Show respect to the boom.
  • Memorize the terms.
  • Practice as much as possible.

Learning to sail is very exciting, but make sure to take all rules, regulations, and safety information very seriously!