Ahoy Paupack Sailors,
Sailing is a metaphor for life. I remember taking the boat out for the first sail of this
season. There was a strong gust and she was leaning over and slicing through the water. There
was nothing to worry about except a couple motor boats. I hope all of us have opportunities to
live parts of our lives in this manner - filled with exhilaration and powered by nature. For many
years Paupack Sailing Club has been providing great recreational opportunities on Lake
Wallenpaupack. The Club has made a positive impact on so many members in so many ways and
to our local communities. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have participated at PSC
over the years - from all the sailors, skippers, volunteers, and committee boats who have
worked behind the scenes to provide such great experiences for everyone. And also thank you
to the friends of PSC who continue to help us over the years, some in small ways and others in
larger ways.
I can't believe it's August already. I’m hopeful that we will soon see longer periods
without rain and with favorable winds. As a bit of an aviation buff, I often think that we sailors
are like pilots. To some extent, depending on our individual situations, we are weather
dependent. This week looks to be another wash-out with more rain in the forecast. With
forecasts like these it's important that we check the weather just like a pilot, and go through a
series of checklists (even if they are just mental). We should ensure that we have all the
necessary safety equipment aboard, and that each is operational before leaving the dock. It's
also important that our passengers are briefed on what to do in an emergency, and prepare
those who've never sailed on what to expect.
We are essentially gliding above the surface of the earth 60 feet or more depending on
the lake's depth. Although Lake Wallenpaupack is not the ocean it is still important that you
have a general idea of where you're going and what areas to avoid especially later in the season when the lake level drops. When you make your approach to the dock be aware of which
direction the wind is coming from and use it to your advantage just as an airplane makes it's
approach to landing.
The science of sailing applies the same principles as does flying. Essentially Bernoulli's
principle of lift. For any airfoil generating lift, there must be a pressure imbalance, i.e. lower
average air pressure on the top than on the bottom. Bernoulli's principle states that this
pressure difference must be accompanied by a speed difference. This is most apparent when
sailing upwind as the sails are hauled in close. The difference in the pressure on the sails acts as
a forward suction, producing lift. Conventional wisdom would think that sailing into the wind
would be an impossible task. Yet with the aid of lift we can sail as close as forty-five degrees into
the wind. The same principles of lift apply below the surface as we use the keel's curvature in the same way not only to help the vessel maintain a straight track through the water but also
using lift to aid with the heeling forces along with it's weight of course. As the wind dies we
increase the curvature of the sails to create even more lift just as an airplane uses its flaps to help increase the wings curvature during slow flight. The similarities are so many, and just as flying gives one a sense or freedom and enjoyment so does sailing!
Saturday July 28th the club held its annual Bob Schmidt Regatta. We enjoyed wonderful
weather and great winds as the usual skippers begrudgingly handed over the helm to the less
experienced crews. This is the race for someone other than the regular skipper (or well
seasoned crew) to take the helm. In the past we have done a Rookie Race and Sadie Hawkins
Race. This race combines the two. Some of us didn't hold our courses too well, or were
distracted by the water guns firing back and forth at each other. It was still the most fun race,
and a great learning experience. The food was also great after the race thanks to the dishes
everyone brought and thanks to the cooking by the Fiddler's Green crew!
Although half the season is behind us we have a lot left in store to look forward to.
Sunday August 12th we are scheduled for Race 6 of the season. The crew of 100% is on the
roster for race committee, and Flip Turn is to handle the picnic duties. Later this month we have
Wally Lake Fest to look forward to. Saturday August 25th we will be providing sailboat rides
from Lighthouse Marina. This has been a tradition of ours with Wally Lake Fest. PSC provides
sailboat rides departing every hour from about noon in order to raise money to be donated to a
charity each year. We will raft up afterward at the North end of the lake. Then on Sunday August
26th we will hold Race 7, our Memorial Regatta at the north end of the lake for the Wally Lake
Fest spectators to enjoy. The final piece of exciting news is that our second order from the ships
store has arrived, if you haven't already received your PSC swag. Please let Kristen know if you
plan to attend Wally Lake Fest to provide sailboat rides and how many passengers you can fit
aboard.