Lake Yosemite sailors compete in season finale; Shrimp Feed coming soon

Some racers loaded families on-board for the final boat race of the season.

The sailors of the Lake Yosemite Sailing Association were showing off skills in the last race of the season.

The sun setting behind Lake Yosemite provided the perfect backdrop for Lake Yosemite Sailing Association’s final sailboat race of the season.

Sailboats gained and lost distance from each other in a way that was hard to interpret for the unfamiliar. 

There were plenty of reminders of just how expertly these captains can maneuver their sailboats, even in very close proximity to other boats.

Even relatively miniscule vessels with single sails were welcome to race through the lake.

Not every moment of sailboat racing is heart-pumping action, and some took chances to rest during moments with low wind.

Quick Fix emerged victorious from the race.

Sailboats gained and lost distance from each other in a way that was hard to interpret for the unfamiliar. 

The Lake Yosemite Sailing Association (LYSA) held their last race of the season last Thursday. Eight sailboats raced through a multi-point course around the lake. The weekly sailboat races during the season are one of their most popular functions. During this season’s last race, the boat “Quick Fix” came in first, as they have for what sounds like many previous races.

In addition to their weekly sailboat races, LYSA is responsible for the maintenance of their clubhouse and the adjoining docks. They also run a junior sailing club in the summer months to teach kids the art of sailing.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, LYSA will hold their largest event: their annual open house and all-you-can-eat shrimp feed. The event functions as their largest fundraiser, which helps to cover their operating costs as well as pay for scholarships for next year’s junior sailors.

The open house event has enough activity to fill a full afternoon and evening. From 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. the club offers sailboat rides along the lake for those attending the shrimp feed. Food is served at 5:30 p.m., with live music from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Festivities will also include a raffle and a dessert auction.

Chris Currier is the current Vice Commodore for the Lake Yosemite Sailing Association, and will be next year’s Commodore, following current Commodore Dan Aleman. Currier said the club is looking at the next generation as they plan their future.

“I think it’s a good time for the sport,” said Currier. “Sailing has been a really tough sell for a lot of years, but every now and then the wind changes, and it seems like it’s going in sailing’s direction right now.”

Currier explained that sailing can seem inaccessible to many people because of how different it is from a lot of other water sports — and more difficult.

“It’s hard work. People want it easy. They want to go to the lake just to cruise around. … But sailing, you actually have to work at it. You have to know the wind. You have to know how to sail,” said Currier. “When you get in your car, you point your car in a direction that you want to go, if you go out on a lake on a motorboat you just drive across the lake. But a sailboat, it’s all based on which way the wind’s blowing.”

On the outset, the abundance of ropes, sails, and nautical jargon can be overwhelming. There’s a whole dictionary of definitions required to understand the lakeside chatter. It would be intimidating, if not for the kind demeanors of members, who are happy to share their love of sailing with those who are curious or tempted to learn to set sail themselves.

According to Currier, what makes sailing difficult to begin is also what can make it a great equalizer.

“You could have all the money, the biggest sailboat in the world,” said Currier. “If you don’t know how to sail, you’re not going anywhere.”

To purchase tickets to the upcoming shrimp feed, call Thom Grimaldi at (209) 617-2115. Tickets are $40 for individuals, $20 for kids under 12, and $300 for an eight-seat table.