I'm starting this thread in hopes to inspire more trailer sailors to attend the Midwest's Premier Sailing Event. Okay, it's a little get together in southern Illinois every year. It started when our host Steve retired and realized he had no friends or neighbors that would have anything to do with him. He figured if he started this event, sailors unfamiliar with him would attend, and after traveling many miles, stay the week and tough it out. Well, 14 years ago it worked on my wife and I and we have returned ever since. Not for Steve, but for his lovely wife Sara and her excellent cooking. The sailing is pretty good too. Carlyle lake is 3 miles east to west, and 12 miles north to south. It has several coves that are great for dropping the hook and going for a swim. West Access is a full service marina with a lift. It is located at the southern end of the lake adjacent to the dam. Most sailors arrive on Monday with Steve there to help the raising of masts and launching. The marina clubhouse has a full kitchen with a huge refrigerator, showers, TV, and outdoor grills for use. There are 2 hotels in town, one within walking distance of the marina with a restaurant next door, the other less than a mile away next to a Walmart. There is also a campground next to the marina and walking/bicycle trails around the lake. We have a dinner out one evening, a communal dinner, "awards ceremony", and bags tournament at the clubhouse another, and evenings on the docks telling tales of heroics on the water.
The event began on the Compac Owners Forum as Steve sailed a Compac 16. He now sails a Catalina and we have had many different brand and type of boats in attendance. Compacs, Catalinas, Sunfishes, Robroy, and a home built sailboat have attended.
It is mostly adults but we have had grandchildren attend, so please feel free to bring children if you desire.
Here are some links...
Compac Owners Group
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?board=38.0 (https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?board=38.0)
Carlyle Lake
https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1686 (https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1686)
West Access Marina
https://dwphome.com/ (https://dwphome.com/)
Hotel within walking distance
https://www.marinersvillagecarlylelake.com/ (https://www.marinersvillagecarlylelake.com/)
Hotel 2 miles away
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8 (https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8)
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=12832.0
June 16-20
That sounds sailory socially outstanding.
If I had a boat. If it had a hauler. If I had some youth.
Our boat came from there . It would be fun to take her back for a week or so