I'm considering trailering my Hunter 260 to Arkansas for a change of pace. I've heard from others (non-sailors) that Bull Shoals is wonderfully clear and uncrowded. That doesn't always necessarily equal good sailing! Can anyone provide some information or recommendations? If there are better options, I'm open to suggestions... Thanks in advance, Mike
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You'll love it!
We used to have our boat on Bull Shoals. That is my absolute favorite lake! I used to scuba dive there a lot too, so it is indeed clear for a midwest lake. Thirty to fifty feet visibility is common. The drive is a bit obnoxious, but that keeps the lake peaceful because it doesn't get too crowded. In fact, if you sailed far enough from civilization you could be out all weekend without seeing another boat! The lake is very large with 1100 miles of shoreline, so you'll have a LOT of places to go and the scenery is unbelievable. It's mostly a fishing a skiing lake, so you won't see many large power boats and even fewer sailboats. Unfortunately there are not a lot of services down there for sailors though. Amongst the largest marina's there are probably only a couple dozen sailboats there and they are mostly local people that live nearby. Because of the mountainous(hilly) terrain, the sailing is more difficult than what you're used to at Carlyle. The winds are good in the spring and fall, but they change directions every time you round a point on the lake, which is VERY frequent. It is something that you must do, and you may want to consider leaving your boat down there for a while and make a couple of trip out of it. Let me know if I can be of any help. Mark
We used to have our boat on Bull Shoals. That is my absolute favorite lake! I used to scuba dive there a lot too, so it is indeed clear for a midwest lake. Thirty to fifty feet visibility is common. The drive is a bit obnoxious, but that keeps the lake peaceful because it doesn't get too crowded. In fact, if you sailed far enough from civilization you could be out all weekend without seeing another boat! The lake is very large with 1100 miles of shoreline, so you'll have a LOT of places to go and the scenery is unbelievable. It's mostly a fishing a skiing lake, so you won't see many large power boats and even fewer sailboats. Unfortunately there are not a lot of services down there for sailors though. Amongst the largest marina's there are probably only a couple dozen sailboats there and they are mostly local people that live nearby. Because of the mountainous(hilly) terrain, the sailing is more difficult than what you're used to at Carlyle. The winds are good in the spring and fall, but they change directions every time you round a point on the lake, which is VERY frequent. It is something that you must do, and you may want to consider leaving your boat down there for a while and make a couple of trip out of it. Let me know if I can be of any help. Mark
Grand Lake
Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma has a yacht club that is becoming more active. It's not far at all from NW AR. Cheers
Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma has a yacht club that is becoming more active. It's not far at all from NW AR. Cheers
Greers Ferry Lake
I have never sailed on either of the aforementioned lakes, however, I have been sailing for over 13 years at Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, AR. It's a beautiful lake, approximately 44,000 acres, with plenty of open water for great sailing. I would suggest that you skip July and August. It's very hot and we lose our prevailing southwesterlies. Wherever you go in Arkansas, you'll find it's a beautiful state and a well kept secret. Or, at least it was until now.
I have never sailed on either of the aforementioned lakes, however, I have been sailing for over 13 years at Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, AR. It's a beautiful lake, approximately 44,000 acres, with plenty of open water for great sailing. I would suggest that you skip July and August. It's very hot and we lose our prevailing southwesterlies. Wherever you go in Arkansas, you'll find it's a beautiful state and a well kept secret. Or, at least it was until now.
I had the opportunity
while visiting to hitch a ride with a local on his Catalina 250. Water clarity is very good but the terrain and layout makes for some interesting sailing. As mentioned, you will experience some odd changes in wind direction. If you go consult someone who is knowledgable. There are some underwater hazards in spots you wouldn't expect them. Sail during the week and you might see a few locals fishing. It picks up on the weekends but you can still go for long periods without seeing another boat. We sailed out of Pontiac Boat Dock in Pontiac, MO. I make it down there a couple times a year and have thought about taking our 23' down for a long week.
while visiting to hitch a ride with a local on his Catalina 250. Water clarity is very good but the terrain and layout makes for some interesting sailing. As mentioned, you will experience some odd changes in wind direction. If you go consult someone who is knowledgable. There are some underwater hazards in spots you wouldn't expect them. Sail during the week and you might see a few locals fishing. It picks up on the weekends but you can still go for long periods without seeing another boat. We sailed out of Pontiac Boat Dock in Pontiac, MO. I make it down there a couple times a year and have thought about taking our 23' down for a long week.
Greer's Ferry Lake, Heber Springs Ark
Hello Mike, Glad to hear you want to visit Ark, I live in Memphis, Tn I have a sailboat at GF, Eden Isle Marina for 3 years now and its wonderful, fun and beautiful... Good wind, clear water you must check it out. Katie La Rue 28.5 Hunter
Hello Mike, Glad to hear you want to visit Ark, I live in Memphis, Tn I have a sailboat at GF, Eden Isle Marina for 3 years now and its wonderful, fun and beautiful... Good wind, clear water you must check it out. Katie La Rue 28.5 Hunter
Greers Fairy Lake
Hi Mike, I am a new owner but not new to sailing... I just bought my first boat last fall. It is a 34'5 Hunter. I sail on Greers Fairy Lake in Heber Springs, AR. It is a awesome lake with lots of great sailing and they do have sail boat races if your in to that as well. If you are looking for a good lake with all the works I believe Greers Fairy would be it. Thats my opinion... Ty Wright "Lovin' Life"
Hi Mike, I am a new owner but not new to sailing... I just bought my first boat last fall. It is a 34'5 Hunter. I sail on Greers Fairy Lake in Heber Springs, AR. It is a awesome lake with lots of great sailing and they do have sail boat races if your in to that as well. If you are looking for a good lake with all the works I believe Greers Fairy would be it. Thats my opinion... Ty Wright "Lovin' Life"
So Many Options, So Little Time
Thanks to everyone for all the info - very helpful and enlightening, much more than I've been able to piece together from other sources. Unfortunately I can only swing an occasional four day trip - it looks like I could spend a month doing a tour and not run out of fun. Based on your replies, I think Greers Ferry will be my first trip and then I'll give Bull Shoals a try. Thanks again! Mike
Thanks to everyone for all the info - very helpful and enlightening, much more than I've been able to piece together from other sources. Unfortunately I can only swing an occasional four day trip - it looks like I could spend a month doing a tour and not run out of fun. Based on your replies, I think Greers Ferry will be my first trip and then I'll give Bull Shoals a try. Thanks again! Mike
As Brian said....
Grand Lake is another option, but is in Oklahoma. You know, where the "Wind comes sweeping down the plain.." or is it "plane." I can never remember. We are on Grand Lake and really enjoy it. It is 65 miles long and has 1300 miles of shoreline...so make two trips, or three, and enjoy them all.
Grand Lake is another option, but is in Oklahoma. You know, where the "Wind comes sweeping down the plain.." or is it "plane." I can never remember. We are on Grand Lake and really enjoy it. It is 65 miles long and has 1300 miles of shoreline...so make two trips, or three, and enjoy them all.
Wind
I live in AR, but sail in eastern OK at Lake Tenkiller...the wind always blows in Oklahoma!
I live in AR, but sail in eastern OK at Lake Tenkiller...the wind always blows in Oklahoma!
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