Lake geneva fun

[ualpow]

I brought my to Lake Geneva Tuesday for some fun in the sun and to show my sailing coworker my new toy. He has won first in class 7 times in the Mackinac races so I was curious as to what he would think about my boat. He was surprised at the quick rig time and I headed for the ramp ar Williams Bay. We motored out with empty ballast because he wanted to see how fast it would go. I hit 10.8 with the wind and when my two friends went forward of the mast we hit 13.5. Maybe that is why the PO had a 40lb ancient anchor in the fwd stowage compt?? I stopped and filled the ballast while my friend raised the main. We had 15mph winds with gusts to 20-25. The only negative thing he said was that it doesn't point very high but that as a compromise boat it is very respectable. He tweaked around a little and squeezed another knot out of her. My luff extrusion still has a bad curve from when it was stored for 8 years. He said I should tension my rig so that my Genoa luff doesn't sag so much, I'll do that when I install new rigging in the spring. We sailed at 10-20 degrees heel most of the upwind leg and let it go until it rounded up a few times just to see what it would do. He said we were at 45 or more and I agree, the clinometer on the compass was pegged over. I was pretty nervous but I wanted to feel it for myself before it happens with the admiral and the minnows on board. The down wind sail was level and relaxing. We cruised at 5.5-6.8 mph on the gps and downwind about 5.2mph. All in all a very good day. Too far of a drive for a one day outing though. 2 hrs each way, ouch. Can't wait until spring and 31st street marina opens, 40min drive and a slip!

[mastreb]

Sounds like you sailed a MacGregor!

[Catigale]

Nice post....and you want to keep that racer friend around! Most racers aren't fond of the Mac to the point of rudeness but this guy/gal sounds like s/he has the head on straight

The assessment is perfect with regards to pointing....imhe.

[tompolak]

Lake geneva is a beautiful lake. Wish I could afford to keep my boat on it. Before I found out that the Abby resort/marina was on the wrong side of bridge I got their pricing. At $6,000 for a 26' slip I about fell out of my chair.

I was not impressed with the Williams Bay launch when I was there. I could barely fit in the parking spots there. It is a good lake for a shakedown cruise or learning experience (not as nice on the weekends, but still not horrible).

Madison has 2 really nice lakes if you are looking for a trip.

[ualpow]

tompolak, I agree on the ramp. I couldn't imagine if it was crowded! I had to back into the space and have the trailer wheels against the curb to fit. I like sailing where you can get out of sight of land for awhile. Then my inner explorer sailing wannabe pirate persona can come out to play!

[snotnosetommy]

Where did you raise your rig at Williams Bay? I thought the sign said "no sailboat rigging in parking lot", and I figured they meant it.
Does look like a pretty good lake to sail.

[Y.B.Normal]

Welcome to my old stompin grounds!
I grew up in "The Bay", where the north "tower" (Bay Colony) now sits. It was our house and Rose Lane Lodge back in 1969, before Bay Colony was built.
If you want to shorten your drive, the 106 year old summer cottage between Bay Colony and Bay Colony South is for sale (only $1.9 million).
The best times to sail on Lake Geneva is during the week or after Labor Day, when the lake returns to the locals. It's a great lake to sail on.
Lake Geneva hosts all kinds of sailors from beginners and cruisers to America's Cup/Olympic skippers (Buddy Melges). The scow skippers (I-20,E,A) are the top in the country.
You're right about mooring costs being high. Most of the boats in the Abbey Harbor never leave the harbor. They're just modest summer homes (see cost of cottage above) that don't pay property taxes.

If you go there the 2nd weekend of August, the Williams Bay Lions Club has a fantastic corn roast with fireworks on Saturday night.

Dale

[pokerrick1]

Can't wait until spring and 31st street marina opens, 40min drive and a slip!

Get it down to a five minute drive to the slip and you'll be talking

Rick

PS Unless you want to call home and say "Honey. it's really foggy here and I don't want to risk driving home so I'm just going to sleep on the boat"

PPS I never had to do that because I was 100 miles from home on the boat in MDR!

[tompolak]

I thought the sign said "no sailboat rigging in parking lot", and I figured they meant it.

There is a small gravel lot just down the road from the launch. This is where you are suppose to rig your boat. There are no trees or power lines from the gravel lot to the launch. There is also a launch in Fontana. They have a bigger parking lot, but the launch is literally just off the side of a road.

I like sailing where you can get out of sight of land for awhile. Then my inner explorer sailing wannabe pirate persona can come out to play!

That is why I am in Racine. The winds have been bad this year (either not enough or way too much), but the past few years have been good. The slips are the cheapest around that I could find. If you want a good deal the first year you are there, talk to Ryan at gaslight pointe marina.

[snotnosetommy]

"There is a small gravel lot just down the road from the launch. This is where you are suppose to rig your boat. There are no trees or power lines from the gravel lot to the launch. There is also a launch in Fontana. They have a bigger parking lot, but the launch is literally just off the side of a road. "

Thanks, tompolak. I may go back up there around the middle of the month.

[ualpow]

The gravel lot has a line of trees in the back. It was the first time I got to derig in the shade! Usually it's in 90 degree sun after a long day on the water while the admiral keeps the kids entertained in the air conditioned van...
I thought about Racine but the drive would keeps us from making frequent trips. I want to be able to get off of work at O'Hare and be on the boat in 40min. Then The family can meet me there after I sleep for awhile.

[Y.B.Normal]

When I took the excursion boat around Lake Geneva last summer (2010), I saw 2 Macs on bouys off
Conference Point. Anybody on this site lay claim to them?
I'd like to get in touch with you before next summer; I may bring my Mac down there next year.
Dale
Y.B.Normal
26M
Neenah, WI

[Catigale]

Its a friend of mine, who isn't interested.

His name is C. F. Icare. His brother, Hayward U. Buzzoff is VP for Customer Service

[flynfol]

There is another ramp on the south side by the narrows. Kind of tricky, but doable. Parking/launch fee is the same IIRC. Someone there attempted to break into my truck bed, but didn't succeed.

Williams Bay is probably the most sailboat friendly, although I have to drive left of center (trees) from the rigging lot to the ramp. The guy that directs the launch ramp could take some nice lessons. Wonderful sailing destination during the week and this time of year(leaf peeping), but insane on weekends. I have camped overnight ...err fished..on the hook a few times.....not sure if it is allowed. I did have some curmudgeon from Williams Bay circle my boat with his dinghy early one morning while making coffee......glad the coffee pot was on a gimbal.....woke everyone else up.

If your up for adventure...check out North Point Marina (Lake Michaigan) just north of Illinois State Beach. $30 a night or $2000 for season with power and shower access and just a short drive from ORD or PWK. The nicest marina I have ever been to. Nice restaurant, boardwalk, beach, parking, security, clean.......etc. etc.

Door peninsula is another good destination.

John