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Olympic STAR Open House! CN Class Dates & Understanding Lightening


Mark your calender!
THE STARS ARE COMING TO UTAH LAKE!


 
Join us at Utah Lake State Park this Saturday, October 20th, 12 - 3 PM to meet one of our Star Olympic Class Keelboats.  Bonneville's Boat Builder/Restoration instructor, Dewitt Smith, will be on hand to explain our fleet plans and boat history. Enter a drawing to crew on one of these legendary racing yachts. We will also be unveiling our membership plan that allows access to these incredible boats. Consider joining DeWitt in participating in one of our "Boat Restoration" classes this fall or winter, as we restore these incredible boats to their former glory. This is a new opportunity for our inland sailing community.  Sign up soon as space is limited.

 CN CLASS DATES ANNOUNCED
Our next Celestial Navigation class will be held March 1, 8, 15, 22   2013
This course will also be offered online.

UNDERSTANDING LIGHTNING
Some knowledge of the most powerful force on the face of the earth, might just come in handy while you're out sailing on Utah Lake. It's hotter than the surface of the sun and can strike at distances of up to 10 miles from its source. The "Weather Eye to the Sky" topic this issue is on lightning and how to deal with it. Our request for lightning related events from the park Rangers on how many sailboats have been struck, either out sailing or at the dock, and as far back as their records go, show no lightning related accidents on Utah Lake. But before you get too complacent, check out these sites:
Struck by Lightning while under way
The Science of Making Lightning


Cumulonibus cloud in its early formative stages.
 
Whenever you see building Cumulonimbus clouds with anvil tops and dark bottoms, you may want to start heading back to the marina. Lightning often accompanies these clouds, as well as strong gusty winds. If winds start to build, shorten sail. If you see or hear lightning, finding that safe harbor would be the prudent thing to do. Check your NOAA weather forecast, and check with the Provo air port for current conditions. After getting current weather conditions, turn off all electronics and consider wrapping them in foil, to create a protecting Faraday cage. If you don't already have VHF onboard, you may want to ask Santa for this great safety item for your 2013 sailing season. Make sure it can receive NOAA weather broadcasts. There are also lightning detectors available, if you don't already have enough sailing gadgets:
Lightning Detectors

Bonneville School of Sailing
www.bonnevillesailing.com
801.636.5204
 
Contact Us
    •   (801) 636.5204
    •  Utah Lake State Park
       4440 West Center St.
       Provo, Utah 84601
        •  M-Sat: 8am - 9pm