With elements of horse racing and chess matches, lessons in geometry and meteorology plus a respectable dose of social etiquette, sailing just might be the perfect sport.
Pete Snyder of the local Privateer Yacht Club says it’s definitely the perfect way to spend a day – or a lifetime.
“I enjoy the camaraderie and some people call it the aesthetic – the wind and water. When the sun sets and the water is smooth, being out on the lake, there’s just nothing like it,” says Snyder, who’s been sailing since he was in fourth grade.
The only sailing club in the area, Privateer gives others the opportunity to get on the water, whether that’s just for a day or it is the first day of the rest of their life as a sailor. “Racing is the best way to learn a lot quickly,” says Snyder, who owns a Catalina 22 but usually crews for another club member.
“There’s a lot involved in racing – they say on average a race skipper has to make about 700 decisions. Come on out and learn the ropes, literally,” he says. With race season already under way, the club hosts several races throughout the week until Thanksgiving.