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 in May.
How to Register:
- Adult Fleets Complete THIS FORM.
- Junior Sailing Program 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
Highland Lakes is home to five active sailboat racing fleets: Sunfish, Force 5, Flying Junior (FJ), Windsurfing, and Hobie.
Each fleet offers a unique sailing experience, allowing members to choose the boat that best matches their skill level and interests. To help you find the right fit, a brief overview of each fleet is provided below.
All races begin at the Eckhart Sailing Center Dock on Lakeside Drive West, just south of the intersection with Alturas Road. Most fleets hold two races per race day unless otherwise noted.
Sunfish -Fleet #23
Highland Lakes Sunfish Fleet #23 with the International Sunfish Class www.sunfishclass.org
Sunfish sailboats can be raced solo or with two people. As the most popular recreational sailboat in history, the Sunfish is a classic one-design boat known for its exceptional stability and ease of use, making it suitable for sailors of all ages.
Owners value the lightweight hull, which can be easily transported on the roof of a car. Its ultra-durable construction offers years of low-maintenance enjoyment. Whether heading to a race or a casual outing, taking your Sunfish along is simple - just load it up and go!
The Sunfish is the classic sailboat many grew up with - simple, fun, and easy to sail. It features two easy-to-rig lines and snap-on sail rings. Racing Sunfish can be upgraded with an outhaul, cunningham, race sail with window, quick-release gooseneck, and tiller extension. The International Sunfish Class sanctions more than 1,000 racing events annually.
At Highland Lakes, we race four Sunfish fleets: Junior Singles (under 19), Junior Doubles (two sailors under 19), Ladies Singles (19 and over), and Seniors (men and women, 19 and over). We also participate in SANJL (Sailing Association of North Jersey Lakes), which hosts four championship regattas at various local lakes. Highland Lakes proudly hosts one of these SANJL regattas each year and has, on several occasions, hosted the prestigious SANJL Junior Championship Regatta.
junior Sunfish Fleet
The Junior Sunfish fleet offers members under 19 years of age the opportunity to learn how to rig, sail, and race Sunfish boats. Juniors can start the program once they can swim confidently and have passed the HL independent swim test. U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type 3 life jackets, properly fitting, are required to sail in the HL Junior program.
Singles Fleet (skippers only) races are held on Wednesdays, and Doubles Fleet (skipper/crew) races on Fridays. Junior members are encouraged to attend both days to learn proper equipment care, basic racing techniques, and boat maintenance.
Sailors should bring a properly fitting life jacket, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and water-appropriate attire. Parents are allowed to watch but must not be on the docks with the Fleet Captains. Sailors will learn independence, rigging a Sunfish, basic sailing terms, racing knowledge, and Sunfish racing skills from our dedicated and talented volunteer fleet captains.
The Club maintains some donated boats for sharing, and those with their own Sunfish are encouraged to bring them to the ESC dock by race time.
Force 5 - Class Fleet #27
The Force 5 is a small, one-design racing sailboat similar to the more widely known Laser, but with a hard chine aft for improved performance. While designed for single-handed racing, its large cockpit can comfortably accommodate two people.
Built by Weeks Yacht Yard in Long Island, New York, the Force 5 is a sleek, competitive boat known for its responsiveness to wind - delivering an exciting and agile sailing experience. This 14-foot craft features a 91-square-foot mainsail, rolled deck, adjustable rig, and can be easily transported on a car top.
Flying Junior “FJ”
The Flying Junior (FJ) fleet at Highland Lakes was established in 2012.
Zim Sailing and Laser Performance are the leading builders of this durable, agile boat. The FJ is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced sailors. It’s especially well-suited for senior clubs and junior programs that want to introduce younger or college-bound sailors to double-handed sailing. While some versions of the FJ are equipped with a spinnaker, Highland Lakes uses the collegiate version without one - the most widely used double-handed sailboat in college sailing. More collegiate teams in North America sail FJs than any other double-handed class.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing www.uswindsurfing.org
Windsurfers offer simplicity in design - one board, one sail, and one sailor. The lightweight foam-core boards make transportation easy and hassle-free, with loading and unloading easily managed by one person. Manufacturers offer a wide range of boards, from stable beginner models with stand-up paddle options to high-performance planning hull race boards.
At Highland Lakes, we race in two basic classes: Sport and Open. The Sport Class is intended for beginner to novice racers, while the Open Class is for more experienced sailors. The maximum sail size allowed is 7.5 square meters for Sport and 9.5 square meters for Open. Both classes may use any manufacturer’s board and sail. US Windsurfing-sanctioned events take place year-round across the country, with points contributing to national rankings. Our club windsurfers actively participate in events along the New Jersey Shore and in Annapolis, both of which count toward those standings.
Hobie
Most of the catamaran-style boats on the lake are made by Hobie, with the Hobie 16 being the most common. Constructed of fiberglass, the Hobie 16 features two sails with a total sail area of 216 square feet, a 27-foot mast, and a hull weight of 320 pounds.
Hobies are exciting boats to sail, especially in higher winds. They can be sailed single-handed or with a crew, making them a versatile choice for both recreational and competitive sailors.
Sailing Events
Basic Sailing Clinic
Held in early July, the Basic Sailing Clinic is geared toward beginner sailors of all ages as a' Learn to Rig a Sunfish' and 'Sailing Basics' educational event. It's a worthwhile sessions and review for those who have questions on the basics of sailing.
Windsurfer Clinic
Hosted by the Windsurfer Fleet, this hands-on clinic offers both simulator practice and real-time, on-the-water experience for those eager to learn the art of windsurfing. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to try out the boards and get a feel for these exciting wind-powered boats. A variety of sail sizes - from small to large - are available to accommodate all skill levels.
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.
Sailors’ Social
Held mid-season at Beach 2, this annual gathering brings together sailors from all fleets for a relaxed evening of camaraderie. Bring your favorite appetizer to share and enjoy an evening of storytelling, games, and marshmallow roasting by the firepit. Open to Club sailors of all ages, it’s a much-loved tradition on and off the water.
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 for each fleet. Always a wonderful way to end the season.
Eckhart Sailing Center & Storage
The Eckhart Sailing Center along Lakeside Drive West, is the starting place for all races. The center offers storage tubes for fleet racing Club members to store sails and equipment between races.
Rules and requirements:
- Sailing Coordinator/Dock Committee/Fleet Captains assign tube storage yearly.
- Tube assignments match dock assignments.
- 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, per dock.
- Storage is only during the racing season, while docks are in.
- Any abuse of the tubes forfeits your rights to use them.
- Tubes are assigned depending on availability.