What's the best lake in SoCal for Day Sailors?

[r.oril]

IYHO, "What lakes (within 300 miles of LA), are the best for day sailors?

1. Best Lake
2. Good Facilities
3. Camping or Lake Side Cabins

Planning a family outing.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Stu Jackson]

You'll probably want wind, too, I expect...

Huntington Lake is where the C22s hold their National Regattas, reported to be fine sailing, don't know about your other criteria.

 

[r.oril]

Good info.

Thanks for the input and yes wind would be nice. I checked out the web site for Huntington Lake. Rates look good. We can be there in about 4.5 hours. Planning on checking it out later this month.

Thanks again,

Bob

 

[Timo42]

Lake Don Pedro was nice last time I was there, we camped on an island, we were there for the waterskiing, but lots of wind in afternoon as I recall. Can anyone suggest anything closer? Been wanting to try fresh water:dance:

 

[Joe]

Can anyone suggest anything closer? Been wanting to try fresh water:dance:

Lake Perris, Lake Elsinore, Big Bear Lake are all within 2 hour drive of long beach.

I have sailed at all these lakes over the years, since I live in Riverside, but I don't camp so I have no info in that regard.

Perris is a state park with camping, marina and a "sail cove" where you can launch off the beach rather than using the ramp with all the PWC dudes. Lake is lower than normal because of dam repair but it's still nice for a day sail. Lot of windsurfers hit it in the afternoon when the wind pipes up. I used to keep my NACRA in their dry storage lot with mast up and hit it after work during the summer. It can get pretty crowded out there on weekends, especially with the lake down. No alcohol outside the camping area.

Elsinore is larger, and more commercially developed. There are rentals, many places to access lake with a small sailboat....

Big Bear is very nice, but you have to haul up the mountain, pay a day use fee and fairlly pricey for lakefront. There is a very helpful visitor center at the marina that can tell you about camping, boat fees, etc. Very windy in the afternoon, there have been many class regattas over the years. It is beautiful, lots of restaurants and other recreational activities... like mountain biking at Snow Summit.

Go to Perris some mid week afternoon. You'll have a blast. If it's your first time lake sailing you'll find little difference between fresh and salt water. The big difference is the shifty winds. Lake sailors really have to pay attention to sudden wind shifts and gusts.

 

[r.oril]

Thanks for all the good info!
This weekend, we are going to check out Huntington Lake and Shaver Lake out for Fresno Calif. Not going to pull the boat this trip, just want to check out the lakes and facilities for a family vacation. Thinking that I can put My 1989 Mac 26D in the water for a week and have family come up as time allows.
The winds in the Lake Pyramid/High Desert have been above 24 mph for weeks and my sailing comfort zone is move like 8-15 mph for now. Soon the wind will stop and the temps will go to 100+.
I picked up a Dutchman Brake from Barney (member) to help me control the boom in the changing winds conditions on the lakes. I had the boom fly by my head on our first sail.

Can't wait to get back on the water!

Thanks again to all,
Bob

 

[JoelHoover]

Don't forget about Castaic Lake. I know it's mostly a haven for fishermen and water skiers, but it's just a quick drive up the 5. Don't drop anything overboard, though. Castaic is over 400ft deep. Check keel bolts prior to launch

 

[Glenn17427]

Bob,

Its been a while since I've been on this site, December, January ?

A few things,
First, I dont recommend sailing at Castaic unless may be in the off season. I tried to launch my boat their one summer and gave up trying to fight the crowds who were trying to do the same thing, it really was a zoo.

Secondly, I live in Castaic, I would like to meet up with you some time for a sail on Pyramid Lake. I wouldnt think it would be a large enough area to sail especialy with a 26 footer !

I have my Com Pac Eclipse in dry storage at Ventura Marina, I was thinking about leaving her there for the summer, not sure.

I would like to meet some others who would like to sail together towing to different location in the South Land or points north, depending on the price of gas.

Also, Ive sailed Big Bear Lake a few years ago, there is a nice steep paved ramp on the south shore with two finger docks, yes, they do charge for each day on the water.

Also, I did see some camp sites on the north shore area.

Lake Cachcuma is a long lake with camp sites, its been 35 years since Ive been there.

Isnt there a problem in the fresh water lakes with a "stripe clam" that prevents boaters to go to differnt fresh water lakes ?

Glenn B.

 

[sailor rich]

a great lake

one of the often forgotten lakes here is lake piru its got great camping and picnic areas and the wind usualy blows straight down the lake