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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

35.0. "Boat Launches" by MOTHER::PITCHER () Fri Jul 13 1984 20:19

I recently bought a 17' Spindrift Daysailer.  My first boat!  I've got 
a trailer, and am looking for places to sail it, not too far from Nashua.
So far I've been to:

Lake Massabesic (sp?) just east of Manchester.  It has two boat launches
near Auburn, both of which are ok, but a little shallow.  I.E.  when I get
the trailer all the way into the water, the boat isn't floating, and its
a job to shove it off the trailer.

Robinson Pond - Hudson NH.  This is small for sailing, but adequate for
a couple hours.  It had a nice launch.

Not sure of its name, but there's a nice enough salt water bay between
Hampton beach and Seabrook NH.  There's a nice boat launch at the state
pier in Hampton Beach.

I'm looking for places which are easy enough for an in-experienced sailor
such as my self.  (I do quite well, as long as the wind isn't blowing!)
At Hampton Beach, I even managed to sail the other day alone, without too
much disaster.  So far, I haven't dared go out into the open ocean.

Especially, is there a boat launch at Great Bay (NH) which won't dump me right
into tidal currents?

I'm sure Winnipesaukki (sp?  Can't spell these Indian names!)  must have sever
launches, but I haven't gotten up there yet.

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35.1SUMMIT::HOGLUNDTue Jul 17 1984 20:139
You might try Alton bay on Winnapauski (sp). If you launch the boat
and motor under the bridge and then step the mast you should be in good
shape. It is a good area for a beginner. As you aquire more skill you
can venture further out into the broads.

Center Harbor also has a good launch.

I understand that Lake Sunapee is a good lake for sailing.

35.2CLOUD9::FRENCHTue Jul 17 1984 20:1528
Greetings. I trailer a Com-Pac 16 from Epsom N.H. (10 mi. E. of Concord)
to various places. I often go to Northwood Lake, if I want a brief sail.
Mc Callum's Boatyard has a nice steep ramp. They are on rte 4 at the east end 
of Epsom. Fee is $2. 

If you are interested in Winnipesaukee, I launch at Minge Cove Marina,
which is set off away by itself. No crowds or Security problems. They
are about 5 miles north of Alton Bay, heading toward Laconia. Right at the 
foot of the hill after you pass the senic lookout. There is a small sign
but it is easy to miss. Hopefully you have an outboard, as there is a bit
of cove before the main lake. You could sail it tho if you are proficent
at controlling your boat to a modest degree.

Some other larger lakes which I plan to try, are Sunapee and Newfound.
Both are sizeable and have a lot of sailboats.

I cartop my Sunfish to Pawtuckaway in Raymond, but there is no place to
launch real sailboats.

Oh yes, Minge Cove has a nice ramp and charge $3.

Once you are ready for coastal sailing, the state ramp at Rye Harbor is
fairly good, but the harbor is very crowded. You will need good control
of your boat to get in and out.

Bill French
MK01

35.3MOTHER::PITCHERTue Jul 17 1984 21:115
I've now tried Ames Farm, above Alton in Winnipesaukee.  Good launch, and
nice sailing (on a quite day) around Diamond, and Rattlesnake Islands.
Launch fee is $3.  Pay at the building on the way in, or they come looking
for you once you've driven by!

35.4ASGMKA::SOULEFri Aug 17 1984 21:274
My name is Don Soule and I sail out of Wolfeboro up on Winnipesaukee. Though
I have a mooring at Goodhue & Hawkins, there is a public launch right at
the town docks.

35.5COEVAX::FIELDThu Aug 30 1984 16:254
WOULD THE LAUNCH RAMP AT MINGE COVE BE DEEP ENOUGH TO LAUNCH AND
HAUL MY CAPE DORY TYPHOON, I HAVE 2'7" DRAFT.  IF NOT, WHERE ON
THE LAKE MIGHT IT BE DEEP ENOUGH?