Nothing says summer like the combination of blue skies, sparkling water, and billowing sails out on the lake. On any given day, particularly on weekends, you’ll see sailboats and windsurfers out on the water. Some of them are enjoying leisurely rides around the lake and between its' islands, while others are participating in fleet races to see who has the fastest boat, the best skills, and the most luck.
New and novice sailors and windsurfers are able to learn the ropes or improve their skills throughout the season. More experienced sailors can participate in a wide variety of races and events that are held throughout the summer.
CUrrent Sailing Fleets
Fleet Coordinator, sailing@hlcc.org
Junior Sunfish fleets, Ladies Sunfish fleet, Senior Sunfish fleet, Force 5, Flying Junior “FJ” , Windsurfing , Hobie
Registration
Sign-ups for Sailing Fleet begin on XXX weekend.
How to Register:
- Complete THIS FORM.
- Contact sailing@hlcc.org with any questions.
Sailing Schedule
Sunfish Fleet #23
Junior - Singles (under 19) on Weds @ 11:00 am
Junior - Doubles (two under 19) Fridays @ 11:00 am
Ladies - Singles Thursdays @ 11:00 am
Seniors - Sundays @ 2:30 pm
Force 5 - Class Fleet #27
Saturdays @ 10:00 am
Flying Junior “FJ”
Sundays @ 11:00 am - 2 races
Windsurfing
Saturdays @ 3:00 pm
Hobie
Saturdays @ 1:00 pm
fleets
We are fortunate to have 5 active sailing fleets in Highland Lakes: Sunfish, Force 5, Flying Junior “FJ”, Windsurfing, and Hobie.
The boats sailed represent different experiences for those interested in sailing. In order to help members find out which boat best fits the needs and wants of their desired sailing experience below are the fleets.
All local fleet races begin at the Eckhart Sailing Center Dock located on Lakeside Drive West south of the intersection with Alturas Road. All Fleets include 2 races except where indicated.
Sunfish
Highland Lakes Sunfish Fleet #23 with the International Sunfish Class www.sunfishclass.org
One sail. Is raced either with one person or two. Current builder is Laser Performance in Rhode Island. The Sunfish is the most popular recreational sailboat in history. Its classic design, unmatched stability, and sailing ease are enjoyed by all ages. Owners appreciate the lightweight hull, which easily travels on the top of a car. The ultra-durable construction ensures years of maintenance-free enjoyment. Sailing trips are a breeze, just load the Sunfish on your car and go!
This is the classic boat you grew up with. The Sunfish has two easy to rig lines and easy-snap sail rings. A racing sunfish can have an outhaul, cunningham, race-sail with window, and quick-release gooseneck upgrades. The International Sunfish Class sanctions more than 1,000 racing events each year. In Highland Lakes, we sail four fleets of Sunfish: Junior - Singles (under 19), Junior - Doubles (two under 19), Ladies (19 and over) as a singles race, and, Seniors (19 years of age men and women). We also are part of SANJL (Sailing Association of North Jersey Lakes) that holds four Championship regattas at various local lakes. We annually host one of the SANJL regattas and in various years have held the prestigious SANJL Junior Championship Regatta.
Force 5 - Class Fleet #27
The Force 5 is a small one-design racing sailboat that is similar to the more well-known Laser, but with a hard chine aft. Although it is designed for single-handed racing, two people can easily fit into the large cockpit. The boats are currently built in Long Island, New York by Weeks Yacht Yard. This is a competitive, sleek boat that is sensitive to the wind making for exciting sailing. This 14-foot craft has a 91-foot mainsail, rolled deck, and an adjustable rig. It can be car topped.
Flying Junior “FJ”
Fleet started 2012. www.cfjclass.org
The current builder is Laser Performance in Rhode Island. The Club Flying Junior is a tough, agile performer for beginners to elite sailors. The FJ is a fantastic choice for clubs and junior programs looking to introduce young and less seasoned sailors to double-handed sailing with a spinnaker. The collegiate version of the FJ (no spinnaker) is the most popular boat in college sailing and is the type we sail in Highland Lakes; more collegiate sailing teams in North America sail FJ’s than any other double-handed sailboat. Come enjoy this growing energetic fun fleet.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing www.uswindsurfing.org
Windsurfers are simplicity in design – one board, one sail, and one sailor. The lightweight foam core boards also make for a quick and painless transport to your favorite launch site. Loading and unloading can easily be done by one person. Manufacturers produce everything from stable beginner designs with stand-up paddle options to planning hull race boards. We utilize two basic classes for racing – Sport and Open. The Sport Class is designed for beginner to novice racers. The maximum allowed sail sizes for racing are 9.5 square meters for the Open Class and 7.5 square meters for the Sport Class. Both classes can use any type manufactured board and sail. US Windsurfing sanctioned events run throughout the year at various locations with points counting toward national rankings at the end of each year.
Hobie
Most of catamarans on the lake are made by Hobie. The Hobie 16 is made of fiberglass, has 2 sails with 20m of sail area, a 27' mast, and weighs 320 lb. Hobies are fun boats to sail, especially in higher wind. Come join us if you can. Let’s show all how these big boats fly!
Sailing Events
All Boat Regatta
Held every Labor Day weekend, all sailors are invited to participate in this breathtaking event, which features Flying Juniors, Sunfish, Force Fives, Windsurfers and Hobie Cats racing simultaneously. Prizes are given in each class, as well as the annual Mastrangelo Top Junior Sailor.
Sailing Association of North Jersey Lakes (SANJL) Regattas
Highland Lakes participates in SANJL and offers several regattas for both senior and junior sailors. For information about SANJL in Highland Lakes, contact sailing@hlcc.org
Sailors’ Awards Picnic
The annual picnic for sailors, their crews, and families is held on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The main event hosts a trophy ceremony. A small fee is charged, and sailors are asked to contribute food items.
Eckhart Sailing Center & Storage
At the Eckhart Sailing Center along Lakeside Drive West, there are several storage tubes available for fleet racing Club members to store their sails and equipment between races.
Rules and requirements:
- Do not put wet sails or other items in the tubes. Dry items only.
- Junior sailors have the right of the first refusal due to parent transportation considerations.
- Lock and combination information must be provided to the Club via Fleet Captains.
- Only HL racing fleet sailors can utilize tubes.
- Only non-lakefront members can use this option.
- Only one set of sails with spars per tube.
- Storage is only during the racing season—year-round storage is prohibited.
- Sails can only be stored in tubes when the docks have been installed for the racing season.
- Any abuse of the tubes forfeits your rights to use them.
- Request a tube in early Spring.
- Sailors and/or their parents should contact #7420 for information.
- A signed release form is required before a tube number can be assigned.
- Tubes are assigned depending on availability.