How late in the season do you sail?

This is the first year I can remember being disappointed about fall coming. Usually I am checking out all the ski gear and starting to make plans for the winter --- this sailing thing has really got to me!

How late in the season do you all keep going out? I think if I am extremely luckly I might be able to keep going into the first week of october here in southern Michigan with a wetsuit.

More likely this might be my last week!

Scott.

The problem in October is NOT lack of wind.
The problem in October is NOT having to use wetsuits/drysuits.
In fact, I have sailed as late as Oct 28th, and my buddy Andre once sailed on Nov 6th, crazy guy.

The real problem is that it is highly likely that there is NO ONE else out there, and with strong winds and cold weather/water, that can be dangerous. In October, even the Canadian geese are beginning to head south. We always try and sail with at least two boats, OR, we make sure someone is at the Club keeping an eye on us, with access to power boats. Safety first, and try using scuba booties to keep the feet warm.

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

My thoughts are exactly as John stated above. I sail into late Oct then call it quits as it gets very lonely on the lake and if one needs help, it's not coming! Each year it gets harder to put the boat away for the winter as the older I get the longer the winters become and the more I HATE EM!!

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07 H16
Sail No. 110387

i sail in the san francisco area and we sail year round ( water permitting)
some of our lakes get low but that always leave sf bay for some winter and fall fun

We sail year round in North Texas.

Not exactly true. While you CAN sail in Texas all year, would you WANT to? Typical late July Texas weather is heat index 105F and wind variable at 3mph. Thats "no thanks" sailing weather for me. I dont get out much June-August. It is just now starting to be sailing weather here.

We keep our H16's on the beach in front of our house till mid October.I've also sailed till late into Oct.,but it's all weather depending.We don't go out at that time of year when it's really blowing,but if it's sunny and we have 10-15 kph winds,it's a go.Slap on the wetsuit,booties,gloves and a wool cap and your ready to go.The fall colors are spectacular from the water at that time of year.After sailing ya run to house and plunk yourself down in front of the roaring woodstove with a hot toddie and watch an NFL game !!
Then you start thinking about tuning the Atomic's for the upcoming winter................

We try to sail until we know the consistent freezing morning temperatures are emminent. The hulls are going to take a while to dry out. First freeze is between mid-October and mid-November here. Sailed on 11/06 one year. We "plan" on sailing all four weekends in October.

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Actually, it is true.

I've sailed at least twice every month so far, with over 50 sessions for the year. Seems that your priorities might not include sailing. Or that you don't have it as far up your priority list as some of us.

But we do indeed sail year round.

We sail year round off the coast of SoCal. The water gets a lot rougher and the temps get down to 55 degrees but, oh well. Just means I have to wear a heavier wetsuit. I truely feel blessed to have this type of weather to sail in during the winter.

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Happy Sailing,

David

My crew and my claim to fame is sailing at least once every month for four years...including one stint in Lake Michigan with an air temp of 28F. in February. We need to crack the jib lines as they got frozen.

We stopped a year ago...too old...too cold...I expect we'll get into Nov/Dec we can find a couple decent days.

A couple guys in our club hit the water in early April and will probably sail into late October/Early November with dry suits.

Here in central New Mexico, our last fleet event is Oct 18 - 19, I have been known to go to the smaller closer lake all year around if it is not frozen over.

Sam

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Sail Like you Have a Pair
Bluish gray 73 - 83 H16
Super Nice Yellow 84 H18

I was going to call it quits and pack it up at the end of September, but after some of the comments here I feel inspired!

johnwirth: 28 Degrees in Feb. on Lake Michgian? I can barely stand to walk on the shore completely covered in Feburary -- that is wild! I think I will try to keep going into October with the wetsuit if I can.

Scott.

Scott.... I think that you are wise to consider October as the end of the sailing season for southeastern Lake Michigan. I know that in February ice is often jambed to he shore extending at least a quarter mile out. I strip the canvas and just leave the hulls on the beach mid-Oct in the New Buff area. Tim