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I'm thinking of sailing Lake Yellowstone next year. Has anyone here done this ? I was wondering what restrictions they have because I have a 2 stroke. Any information would be great.

Thanks, Tim

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/3maps.pdf

~Rich

We sailed to the Southeast Arms of Yellowstone Lake in summer 2004 and had a wonderful time. We heard elk bugling, wolves howling, and found fresh wolf tracks on a sand bar right next to where we had set our anchor. One of the great attractions of sailing on Yellowstone Lake is being able to enter the motorless areas of the Southeast Arms. The Park Service has buoys set at the head of these arms, marking the non motorized boundary. Powerboats cannot enter, but we just tipped the motor up and sailed on in. It was a real challenge to completely maneuver and navigate by sail, without resorting to motor assist. We ended up utilizing a number of techniques. At one place where we were going to spend the night, there is a narrow channel which leads to a nice sheltered lagoon. We sailed up to the entrance and dropped anchor. I dinghied ashore, carrying a long line which was tied to the bow of the boat. Sandy raised anchor and I handlined the boat into the narrow, shallow entrance. We ended up mooring right in the entrance, with mooring lines tied off to each shore. It was a great place. Getting underway can pose special challenges. At this spot it was too shallow to drop the centerboard, and the wind was light and in the wrong direction to get us going. Sandy got in the dinghy and rowed to the front of the boat. I gave her a bow line which she tied to the dinghy. I then raised anchor and she began rowing. The Mac towed just fine in this fashion until I had enough depth to drop the centerboard and rudders. I raised the sails and began sailing. I got alongside the dinghy and retrieved my tow motor (wife, that is). Part of the challenge and fun of sailing in the Southeast Arms.

We launched at Bridge Bay, which turned out to not be the best place. They have a lovely marina there, with a nice campground nearby. The problem involves the bridge which gives the bay its name. It's too low for the mast, which meant that I had to raise the mast after passing beneath, and again lower on the water before reentering the bay. I prefer tending the mast on land. It would be simpler to launch at the Grant Village ramp, in the West Thumb area. No bridge to deal with there, and there is also a large campground near by.

One thing you need if you're going out overnight is a Park Service backcountry permit, obtainable at any Ranger Station. The Park Service is not at all oriented to the needs of sailing vessels. Their permits are set up for hikers and canoeists/kayakers, all of whom camp on shore. When you set up a trip itinerary, you're required to "book" specific designated campsites for specific dates. If a desired location is occuppied, you can't stay there and must take another. It doesn't matter that you're a boat, anchored out. They still want to disperse people to preserve the wilderness experience. It can be frustrating. Also, their campsites aren't located with any view of sheltered waters or suitable anchorages. Some of them are in extremely exposed locations, and utterly unsuitable for sailboats. The winds on Yellowstone, particularly in the afternoon, are notorious and can become severe. The Park Ranger we dealt with had some feeling for our needs, and tried his best to book us into spots which offered some protection. I would definitely recommend having some long mooring lines and at least 2 or 3 anchors, as well as a dinghy which can be efficiently rowed. That said, sailing on Yellowstone Lake is a marvelous experience. Cruising by the Molly Islands, with their white pelican rookery, is very fun, even at the distance you must maintain away from shore. Oh, and by the way, if you're going to sail on Lake Yellowstone, I highly recommend going down to nearby Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. It's another large lake, although not as big as Yellowstone. The water level is controlled by a dam, which detracts somewhat from the shoreline condition, but sailing in the shadow of the Tetons is a thrill not to be missed. That's the scene in my avatar. Good luck. I hope you make it there. If you get serious with plans, feel free to PM me, and I can send you a map pointing out the spots where we moored.

Thanks for the info. I was sitting here in my office for the last Monday of my career. You see I get to retire and Friday is my last day to work for the "Man". Anyway, I was being thankful that Izzy (my wife, Isabel) wouldn't let me sell the Mac when I bought the Ericson a few years ago. Now I will have the time to travel and sail the lakes around the U.S. A feat that is impossible or at least very hard to do with a 27 foot, 7200 pound, 3'11" draft boat. We went to Yellowstone last year and couldn't get that lake out of my mind so I think it will be our first extended trip.

Thank you again for the information, it is a great starting place to plan.