When Does the Sailing Season Begin?

Jan 11, 2014
13,996
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Back in the day the sailing season began with catalogs arriving in our mailboxes. Remember when E&B Marine, Goldberg's, West Marine, Boat/US, and Defender catalogs started arriving in early February.

Now with the demise of paper catalogs, we look for new markers for the beginning of the season. Today UPS delivered the first boat part of the 2018 season; a brand new Compass Marine CMI-90 ERH alternator.

The even better news is that Susan didn't roll her eyes too much when she found it on the kitchen counter. :)

IMG_0957.jpg
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,519
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
First of March.
Just hoping the repairs on my boat are ready.
 
Jun 11, 2011
1,243
Hunter 41 Lewes
According to Safe Harbors Marinas, which used to be Brewers to some of us, the season begins February 15th.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,981
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
We traditionally have our first Wed. PM race the first Wednesday after beginning of Daylight Savings Time. That used to be well into April. But now DST begins March 11th. So the beginning of our sailing season will be March 14th. There won't be too many out there but I hope I am.
 
Apr 19, 2012
1,043
O'Day Daysailor 17 Nevis MN
I think for me the season will start either when my new anti-twist rope arrives for my genniker or when the ice on the lake is gone, whichever comes first.
 
May 1, 2011
5,462
Pearson 37 Lusby MD
Not soon enough based on other posts on this site!

Seriously, whenever my boat gets in the water, usually mid-March.
 
Jun 29, 2010
1,287
Beneteau First 235 Lake Minnetonka, MN
Depending on how stuff there is to do but, usually by the end of April. Heck, been before the end of tax season the last couple of years here.
 

HMT2

.
Mar 20, 2014
900
Hunter 31 828 Shoreacres, TX
It never stops being sailing season down here. Except for maybe the month of August, I sail near and after dark then.
 

Ward H

.
Nov 7, 2011
3,829
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
82 days to launch date, which is May 1st this year. That is the when the marina begins launching boats. Spring prep normally starts in March but this year I started in Jan. since I want to do a lot to our new 93 C30 to get it ready.
By coincidence my new CMI-90-IR arrived from Compass Marine today also.
Other arrivals this week include a new Sterling 30A charger, ACR and various bits to rewire the battery/charging circuits. Marine Beam internal light fixtures, Steaming/Deck Light and mast head tri-light also arrived.
 
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Jan 19, 2010
12,923
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
My boat is in the water. First day it gets into the 60's and I don't have to work... or maybe I call in sick.

I have been thinking a "wind dynamics work shop" might be called for.
 
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