Lake Conroe Sailing Association will officially start the sailing season with the Commodore’s Kickoff Party on March 12, 2011 to be hosted by the LCSA 2011 Commodore, Brad and Deena Ballard. This is the official kick-off of the sailing season for the club and awards are presented for the 2010 Yachtsperson of the Year, Contributor of the Year, Competitor of the Year, Crew of the Year, New Member of the Year and the Most Improved Sailor of the Year.
LCSA will offer many educational classes in 2011. Three classes are schedule for February 12, March 5 and April 2 at the Seven Coves Clubhouse/Dock 4. The session hosted on February 12 was an informative session which included: racing techniques, boat handling skills, race rules, tips on boat buying and how to crew/find captains to crew with. The Sail Trim & Safety Class, scheduled for March 5 and the Advanced Training Class scheduled for April 2 will include both class room training and hands-on dock/boat experience. For additional information about training classes, please contact LCSA Education Chair; Dick Morton at 936-581-1098.
Prior to the Race Season, LCSA will host a Spring Boat Working Day on March 19 and 20 at the Seven Coves Marina. The annual Blessing of the Fleet is scheduled for March 26 at the Seven Coves Dock 4.
Many LCSA members enjoy the camaraderie, fun and experience they get from racing. The club has quite an extensive racing season for sailors of all types. Everyone is encouraged to race; from those with many years of experience to those that just bought a sailboat or that would like to learn how to sail. Each Thursday from April 28 through September 9, races will begin around 6:30 and the starting line will be close to the Light House on Lake Conroe. If inclement weather forces a race cancelation, pizza and a mini sail training class will be offered in lieu of a race. Saturday Mini Classes/Short Races will take place from September 17 through October 15. The mini class will be held on Saturdays at 11:00 AM at the Seven Coves Dock 4 and will be followed by a sail/race so that participants can practice their newly learned techniques. Four Long Distant Races are scheduled for April 16, May 14, October 22 and the final one will be a Pirate’s Treasure Hunt on November 19. The Long Distance races are ideal for the entire family and are followed by a Hot Dog Social afterwards to celebrate the day.
A Spinnaker Run will be hosted to capture that perfect sailing Kodak Moment on June 11 (inclement weather date August 6). This event will start around the Lake Conroe Dam and sailors will head towards Bentwater. The Independence Day Boat Parade will start around the Light House and the many boats will parade the banks of Lake Conroe. All boat owners (sail and motor) are encouraged to decorate their boat and join the parade (date and time TBD). A Hot Dog Social will follow both events.
If you would rather enjoy a peaceful destination sail instead of a race, we have plenty of exciting events planned this year. The destination sails are perfect for family and friends.
This year, LCSA has planned two types of destination sails – Saturday lunch cruises and Moonlight cruises. The Saturday Cruises will be on April 9, May 21, June 18 and September 10. The club will pick a local Lake Conroe “hot spot” and meet at 12:30 PM for lunch. The Moonlight Cruises are designed to have a fun evening sail with the full moon at you back. The club will meet for dinner at various Lake Conroe restaurants on the following dates: April 12, May 17, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 6 and October 11.
The club’s annual social events include the Luau, hosted by club members Doug and Charlotte Dobson on April 30th, a tribute to legendary singer/song writer/sailor, Jimmy Buffet, the Parrot Head Party on August 27th, hosted by The Hallet family at the Harbour Town Outrigger and the Annual Meeting/Wine Tasting event on October 29th, hosted by Brad and Deena Ballard. The club will host one remaining event on December 8th to toast to the festivities of the Season and offer an Annual Holiday toast to another great LCSA year (located TBD).
The annual family membership fee is $35.00. For more information, please visit www.lakeconroesailing.com.
For Membership information, please contact Fred Sheldon at fredsheldon@aol.com or call 281-734-2892.
