Sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee

"A sailor's joys are as simple as a child's ~ Bernard Moitessier

Sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee is an absolutely thrilling experience.  The feel of the wind through your hair, the relaxing environment, the adventure of leaning to starboard....  You can enjoy all of this on Lake Winnipesaukee, whether you're in the broads or just going between islands. 

I first learned about boating in high school.  My step-dad owned a 13 foot Daysailer and we would go out on weekends.  My mom and step-dad lived in Florida at the time.  So, we went to some islands in the Gulf outside of Clearwater.  It was so enjoyable that I had to learn even more. When the school I went to offered nautical classes, I jumped at the chance to learn even more.

My husband has a passion for this as well.  He owned a Sunfish when I met him and one of our first purchases together was a 24 foot sloop.  We sailed around Lake Winnipesaukee all summer and fall of each year.

The best wind is in the broads.  When we just want to spend all day on our sloop, we go from one end of the broads on Lake Winnipesaukee to the other.

On really rough days, there are few boats out except for the daring.  Sometimes it feels like you're in the ocean with waves crashing over the sides.  But the thrill of working as a team to run a tight ship is exciting.

Most of the rough, windy days are in the fall.  That's when you put on the wetsuits or rain gear.  Otherwise, if you get wet, it can be cold.

The warm and windy days in the summer are the best.  When the wind is just right, you can tack across the broads all day.  Sometimes we anchor behind an island and go for a swim.

Having your own sloop is perfect.  This way you can go out on Lake Winnipesaukee whenever you want, as long as there is wind.  The small boats are easy to pop up and bring to places you want.  The larger sloops take a little more time and effort.  We have both.  Of course, the maintenance on them is always there.  Some years you have to spend more time and other years just require a quick tune-up.

For those who are interested in learning about maintaining their sloop and how to save money on keeping your passion alive, check out Boat Pride.

Sailing Classes

For those who would like to learn how to navigate or hone their skills, Lake Winnipesaukee has a couple of places to learn. The LWSA in Gilford.  This academy offers beginner classes by age groups.  You must know how to swim before taking the course.  Either have a level 4 swim card or pass a swim test before taking part in the course.

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