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, [email protected]
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:
- Complete THIS FORM.
- Contact [email protected] 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 sailboat racing fleets in Highland Lakes: Sunfish, Force 5, Flying Junior “FJ”, Windsurfing, and Hobie.
The boats raced represent different experiences for those interested in sailing. In order to help members find out which boat best fits their needs and wants of their desired sailing experience below are the fleets.
All fleet races begin at the Eckhart Sailing Center Dock located on Lakeside Drive West, south of the intersection with Alturas Road. Most Fleets sail 2 races per day except where indicated.
Sunfish -Fleet #23
Highland Lakes Sunfish Fleet #23 with the International Sunfish Class www.sunfishclass.org
Sunfish are raced either with one person or two. Sunfish is the most popular recreational sailboat in history. The classic one design boat with outstanding stability and sailing ease of use can be 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!
The Sunfish is the classic boat you grew up with. It 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 and tiller extension 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.
junior Sunfish Fleet
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 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-square foot mainsail, rolled deck, and an adjustable rig. It can be car topped.
Flying Junior “FJ”
The Flying Junior Fleet started in 2012.
Zim Sailing and Laser Performance are the current leading builders. The Flying Junior is a tough, agile performer for beginners to elite sailors. FJ is a fantastic choice for senior clubs and junior programs looking to introduce young college bound 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.
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 size for racing is 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 take place year-round at various locations, with points contributing to national rankings. Our club windsurfers participate in events along the New Jersey Shore and in Annapolis - both of which count toward those rankings.
Hobie
Most of the Catamaran/Hobie boats on the lake are made by Hobie. The Hobie 16 is made of fiberglass, has 2 sails with 216 square foot of sail area, a 27' mast, and weighs 320 lb. Hobies are fun boats to sail, especially in higher wind. They can be sailed single-handed or with a crew.
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:
- Highland Lakes 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.