What is Sailing by the Lee?

An explanation of sailing by the lee and how it can be dangerous.
#sailing #sailinghowto #sailinglife

[@Valkyrie11609]

I have accidentally done that and learned to try to avoid it. Now i know what its called!

[@ColoradoSailing]

Definitely something to keep an eye on!

[@thosoz3431]

We use a preventer on the boom. It has its own problems, it can lead to a broach with a sudden wind shift or lack of attention. The trick is to sail into the broach as it starts to occur (as long as you have sea room), rather than try to correct it. Weighing up the pros and cons the preventer definitely has its place.

[@ColoradoSailing]

I normally sail single-handed on a lake that is 5 miles long and only 1 mile wide (with rocks and small islands strewn about). So for my situation, by the time I rig up a preventer (or a whisker pole for sailing wing-on-wing), I'd likely be changing course already just due to the small sailing area I have to work with. But...if I was an ocean sailor or on a bigger lake, then I would definitely add those tools to my toolkit! For now, I just try to maintain my concentration and sail dead downwind with a heavy bias toward the mainsail (not worrying if the jib doesn't stay filled). If, however, I don't have the mental bandwidth to concentrate on the downwind sailing (which does happen)...then I usually move to a beam reach course so I can take care of whatever needs taking care of...and then get back to focusing on sailing! =)

[@dreamtimesv]

Nice clear explanation thx

[@ColoradoSailing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it...

[@TheCaptainjz]

All the best.

[@jaekn]

I grew up and lived in Colorado for 34 years and never once heard of any Colorado sailing . Now I live in SW Washington and Sail the Columbia and am wondering where in Colorado is the best place to sail?

[@ColoradoSailing]

@@jaekn Well, it depends on what you are looking for. Dillon Reservoir is famous for its unpredictable weather, deep water marina and the annual Dillon Regatta. Pueblo Reservoir, with its 2 marinas, is known for year round sailing and the annual New Year’s Eve sail. Lake Granby is well known for larger yachts and overnight sail camping. Blue Mesa is great if you want lots of rugged, unspoiled space and no crowds. Chatfield and Horsetooth are popular for their easy access from Denver. Cherry Creek is known for the community sailing program and fleet of dinghys. There’s also Grand Lake, Ruedi, Vallecito, Navajo, and Nighthorse that all have marinas. There are many other beautiful lakes with no marinas, but that have ramps for trailersailing (Torquise Lake comes to mind). My primary sailing lake (11 Mile Reservoir) is not popular for sailing due to the short 90 day season, frequent high winds and small, shallow marina-but I love it! ⛵️

[@jaekn]

@@ColoradoSailing Thank you so much, what a great list of places to check out. I spent my childhood in the rocky mountains, can't wait to come back and do some Colorado Sailing!

[@ColoradoSailing]

Forgot Carter Lake…another one close to the Denver metro with a sailing school (Victoria Sailing) and yacht club racing.

[@ColoradoSailing]

@@jaekn if you don’t bring your own boat, then I’d recommend a Catalina 22 rental from the marina at Dillon or the Victoria Sailing School’s “why buy” boat sharing program at 4 lakes (Dillon, Cherry Creek, Carter and Chatfield). Also, here’s a list of sailing clubs: www.communitysailing.org/sailing-programs/local-adult-programs/

[@jaekn]

@@ColoradoSailing Yeah, I definitely can't bring my own boat so that's great info. Eternally grateful to you sir.

[@TheCaptainjz]

Really...I'm not being snarky...but only "lubbers" say "leeeward." It's "loooward."

[@ColoradoSailing]

I’m aware of the old world pronunciations, but simply choose not to use them. I don’t fault anyone for using the traditional pronunciations, I just don’t think that particular aspect of sailing is appealing to new sailors or the younger generation.

[@TheCaptainjz]

@@ColoradoSailing That’s fine. But I think that “tradition is the tolerant bond of affection that binds the generations.”

[@TheCaptainjz]

Got my Masters License 45 years ago. I’m gonna stay with it. Thank you for posting your interesting things.

[@ColoradoSailing]

@@TheCaptainjz Back when I was a firefighter we had Volusia County’s first female firefighter at my station…and I don’t think she would have described the man-centric traditions of the fire service at the time as “tolerant.” She was, however, an absolutely excellent firefighter and paramedic. Similarly, during my 25 years in the military, we went from kicking out gays and lesbians to welcoming them (just one example of a tradition that was jettisoned). I have the utmost respect for all who serve with honor no matter their race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. So, while I deeply appreciate and respect the traditions of the fire service, the military and of sailing…I think some are more important than others. One of my motivations for this channel is to grow the sport by presenting sailing topics in an understandable and non-intimidating way for new or prospective sailors. ⛵️

[@ColoradoSailing]

@@TheCaptainjz I’m guessing you already knew what sailing by the lee was then! Lol! Seriously though, thank you for paving the way for the generations that will follow! I will try to do my part and keep sharing the joy of sailing through this channel…and try to keep it fun and interesting too! 😁