Lake L anier
Ron. Well its a far cry from Rhode Island, but for us in Atlanta, Lake Sydney Lanier is the closest body of water we have! Its an Army Corp damned reservoir that provides our drinking water (670+ miles of shoreline) so the Army Coprs pretty much sets the fees, lowers the water levels and regulates just about everything. When water levels come down, you must be careful to avoid shoaled areas. If you view a map of Lanier (check the web) you will see that our sailing area is limited south of Browns Bridge, so with that, its the "lanier-two step", with running down and beating back or the opposite dependent on the seasonal wind changes. Its a great place to yell, "starboard tack", but yet you get plenty of room to stretch out, and explore. Lanier is a beautiful lake with the mountains to the north in view, beautiful sunsets and great marina's and amenities. You can stop at many dockside restaurants, anchor in a beautiful cove, or catch a wonderful sunset from the dock. For the money I think Sunrise Cove marina is the best choice; however, note that Aqualand Marina is the largest on the lake for sailboats. Hoiliday is known as the "world's largest inland floating marina", but has been home more to powerboats then sailboats. They are pretty pricey too. All marina's are gated. Figure $2,000.00 a year including water and electricity. No great bargains!! Sunrise is the best choice to me because they provide running water at the docks and provide the best protection. I sail a 1988 Catalina 30 and their must be dozens of 30 foot Cats on the lake. I am always impressed with the vessels that come down from the north and midwest to make Lanier their new home. I noted we have a 38' Tayana that hails from Rhode Island on "J" dock behind me. Morgan 41's, Irwin 38's, Bristol 42's, Hunter 37's, Catalina 38's......you name em and we pretty much have them here enjoying the fresh taste of mountian water. The "do-it-yourself yard" at Aqualand, where you will probably have your vessel delivered to, is a great yard and down the road is a West Marine store. The key here is to procure a dock fairly soon. No telling what could happen in two years, so I would inquire about that when visiting the marinas in April. If your coming down and want to charter a boat here check out "Windsong Sailing School". They can get you in the right direction. Lots of stuff on the web about Lanier. Bob Catalina 30 Breezin II
