Members of the Watauga Lake Sailing Club don’t put their boats away for the winter, they keep on sailing regardless of the weather.
The club will have its annual Frostbite Sailing Race for members Friday, Jan. 1, beginning at 1 p.m. This event usually draws about 12 boats.
The first Frostbite Race was held in a blizzard, but the club has been luckier the past few Frostbite races.
This year’s race will come on the heels of record warmth. Temperatures Saturday are expected to be in the 40s and breezy. “The race will continue rain or shine,” said Patty Jo Nachman, publicist for the sailing club.
Wearing gloves, hats and warm jackets, the sailors are usually on the lake early New Year’s Day preparing for the friendly competition which three and a half to four miles.
Sailing out of Watauga Lakeshore Marina, the skipper’s meeting will be held on the dock at noon. Race crews range from two people on up and usually the most experienced captains race. The race usually lasts two hours.
The race features a staggered start with the slower boats getting a head start.
Although winter is not a traditional sailing time, many of the Watauga Lake Sailing Club members suggest it is actually one of the nicest seasons to take to the open water. “Those serious about sailing don’t mind the weather,” said Nachman.
“Nobody cares who wins or loses the Frostbite Race. It’s a fun race opposed to a competition,” she added.
“Different people look for different things in sailboating. For some, it is a social thing. You are out on the water with other people who enjoy the water, and that is fun. For some, it’s physical; for others, it’s mental. It’s a very satisfying sport. There’s nothing quite like when you’re out on the water, and it’s just you, the wind, the water and sailing,” said Club Commodore Anita Remme.
The race can be observed from the Watauga Point Picnic area or the observation deck at the dam and various spots along highway 321.
The Watauga Lake Sailing Club is the only regional sailing club in the area, with roughly 87 members from Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. Nestled in the Cherokee National Forest, Watauga Lake offers scenic views and plenty of water to sail all day.
During the warmer months, the Club is active with races, picnics, learning opportunities and sailing fellowship. You don’t have to own a sailboat to become a member of the Watauga Lake Sailing Club.
The club was established over 30 years ago to connect people interested in sailing on Watauga Lake. For more information about the race or the WLSC, check out their website at http://wlscjibsheet.wordpress.com or contact Anita Remme, Commodore, (423) 341-3123, doevalley@comcast.net.