Recreational Sailors, Speak Out !

Having visited/investigated a number of DNR boat launches, I have come to the personal conclusion that access considerations for the recreational sailor are the last things on the DNR's mind when designing or maintaining public lake access. This has been as much as confirmed when speaking directly with DNR representatives. But whose fault is this? Is it the DNR's for not willfully seeking the opinions of the sailing public, or perhaps turning a deaf ear? Or is it the the fault of the collective "we", in not impressing upon the DNR the importance of ramp design features which enhance and promote sailing rather than impede it. If it is the later, sailors who live near Burt Lake (Cheboygan county) have a chance June 3rd to begin changing this trend. The DNR has scheduled an open house to discuss improvements to the Maple Bay, Burt Lake boat access site. The open house is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Burt Township Hall, located at 7029 Birchwood Rd. This is a prime opportunity for Burt Lake sailors to improve sailing access, not only for themselves, but also for other Michigan trailer-sailors looking to visit or regatta.

What types of features would make a DNR access ramp more "sail-friendly"? Let's start with an elimination of overhead obstructions at both the ramp and the approach. I have observed DNR ramps on beautiful lakes which were totally unusable to sailors, all because of the presence of major tree limbs 20-25' above the ramp or the presence of a dense tree canopy along the access approach. Let's continue with a dedicated space for sailboat set-up, which includes enough space to step or unstep a mast without being in a roadway or interfering with other boats. Another feature lacking at many ramps is a grassy or sandy area near the ramp for the beaching of daggerboard/centerboard boats. This same type of location would allow smaller boats (Sunfish, Lasers, Zumas) to launch safely without tying up a ramp or contending with powerboat propwash. Finally, lets conclude with a minimizing of on-the-water restrictions to maneuverability at or near the ramp. Sailboats cannot simply power-down and cost into a ramp, but have to contend with wind gusts and shifts. Ramps which don't have at least a 45 degree clearance on either side of the ramp, from the water, create more difficulty for the sailor.

If you are a frequent trailer-sailor, you have witnessed these shortcomings for yourself. Imagine being a new sailor and dealing with such access issues. If we wish to expand recreational sailing in this state, and improve it for those who are currently sailing, the DNR must be an active partner to promote this quiet, clean, peaceful (and exciting) sport.