Race Yourself
Consider creating a racing concept for your lake. Try to inspire sailing activities that have a purpose. Individual initiative will be required however comparing elapsed times will generate interest. The example below could be a model.
Race yourself on Lake Newell
You will need a log book to record your times. Better yet a GPS watch that you can keep your sail tracks history on your phone app associated with the GPS watch.
From the sailing club use one of the speed control buoys (that we can hopefully identify with orange paint) as a starting point. Remember to set your time piece or GPS watch or hand held GPS at the time of your start. Sail to one of the following destinations and back to the same buoy. Remember to record which course you sailed, your elapsed time, along with the date and wind conditions (strength and direction) in your log book. Carry all necessary safety gear including towing lines, paddle, water, proper attire and give yourself lots of time. Leave as early in the day as possible and have an accurate forecast of the weather. It will be your decision to decide if it is safe enough to sail one or more of the courses. After reaching your destination sail back to your start point and stop your time piece or GPS and remember to record your elapsed time.
Google Earth Picture of Lake Newell with descriptions in link above.
Course no. 1
From the start buoy in launch bay, sail to a line, in line with the eastern dike on the new EID inlet structure NE of the sailing club. Both dikes are visible on Google Earth. This location is in Redelback bay NE of the club. Sail back to your start point and record your elapsed time.
Course no. 2
From start buoy sail to a line directly south of the Pumphouse on the NW side of the lake and back again to the start buoy. Remember to record your time and other pertinent details.
Course no. 3
Sail from the start buoy and around Bird island directly North of the club and back to the start buoy. Remember to sail anti clockwise around the island and to sail around and not through the reeds. Stay well off the west end of the island due to submerged rocks.
Course no, 4
Sail from the start buoy to Bantry Bay then through the reed bed channel into Greenwold inlet and back to the start buoy. There are at least two channels through the water weeds. Take it easy the first time through so as to familiarize yourself with this area. This course should not be attempted if the lake level has dropped more than two feet or if your boat draft is greater than 18".
Sail these courses yourself or with others. Be sure to keep your history as accurate as possible.
The goal of these exercises is to help you improve your sailing skills.