Any Lake Norman, NC sailors out there?

[Jim Smith]

I'm looking at a possible relocation to NC near Lake Norman and I'm wondering how the sailing and boating amenities are on the lake? I'm trying to decide if the lake is large enough for sailing or if I'll have to do a 3+ hour drive to the coast.I would appreciate some feedback Regards to all! -Jim-s/v Foreverh456

 

[Mark M Smith]

I have been there

and if I owned a smaller boat than yours I would sail Lake Norman, but your going to hate (I think) having that big of an offshore boat out there with jet skis, speed boats, ALL OVER THE PLACE.Its a pretty good sized lake but its slap full of speedsters.*sry

 

[duality]

what, sailboats dont get right of way there

here in chicago sailboats still have rightof way, though i can see those nascar drivers racing on the lake on their days off. regards,mikeps; you guys cousins?

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

and slip space....

is very hard to come by. get on the waiting lists now.BTW, I sailed Norman first on a smaller boat and now sail my 37.5 out of Annapolis. Norman is very nice, with beautiful homes and development. But it can't even be compared to the Ches Bay. (but then, what does?)

 

[mdsailing15653]

Look at Kerr Lake

Take a look at Kerr Lake (Buggs Island lake in VA). It might not be as far of a drive as the coast and the sailing is good. Unlike Norman, Jordan, and Gaston lakes it doesn't have the mass amounts of traffic and is said to be the largest lake in the southeast. I have been sailing there for three years and wouldn't move my boat anywhere else.

 

[ian19147]

Too Large for Norman

We kept a H25 on Norman for 5 years. A H456 is much too large. Most on Norman are 25'-30'. There is a very limited sailing season here. Not much wind during the summer months. If you are on the south side of Charlotte it is 3hrs. to Charleston. From Norman it will be 3:45.To the Pamlico it's 5-6 hrs.I think it's about 2.5-3 hrs to Kerr Lake. Again, a H456 would be too large. Your best bet will be the Charleston area. Interstate the entire way.

 

[Chip14366]

Lake Norman

Jim,I sail an O'day 272 on Norman. It is a great lake to sail on. However, if you are accustomed to coastal waters you will be disappointed. It is large enough that you can put your H456 on it, however, you will definitlely be almost the largest vessel out there. Summer winds are very light in this area. This is definitley a hinderance. Summer boat traffic is very heavy, lots of heavy cruisers and loud speed boats, plus jet skis. The waters sometimes become some rough and confused that my boat will stop in it's tracks. I try to sail on weekdays when I can, much less traffic, you will almost have the lake to yourself. The only uncomfortable months of sailing are Jan., Feb. Most of the rest of the year I sail. In Spring and Fall the sailing is most pleasant. Don't know where you are planning on living. Downtown Charlotte to the lake is 30 minutes under ideal conditions. However, with road construction and traffic delays it can take up to 2 hours to get there. Also, I would begin the search for a slip ASAP, seems when you get over 30' it is much harder to find a slip. If you have anymore questions, I will be glad to helpcchalker@carolina.rr.comChip