Lake Tahoe?

[telecam]

Thinking about relocating to Lake Tahoe. Looks like there are many power boats but I hear they tend to vanish as wind picks up in the afternoon. I'd love to hear from sailors who live in the area about sailing conditions, facilities, saison duration.... Would probably get a small 20-25 cruiser.

Thanks.

[jrau18]

The main issues with sailing in Tahoe:

1) need to winterize boat and haul it out before freezing weather
2) It can get very strong afternoon winds in the summer
3) the beaches extend shallow water fairly far out along the shoreline areas that most of the housing is on
4) lake level fluctuations in recent years have been problematic due to many moorings and docks drying out. Some years, deep enough water may be a half mile out along some stretches of shoreline

The upsides are beautiful clear water, relatively low boat traffic, and generally very nice summer weather.

There are certainly people up there sailing. I've never sailed the lake myself, except on small sailing dinghies, so hopefully one of them can chime in. All of those issues can of course be overcome with a boat in the size range you indicated.

Shoal draft and trailer able is obviously beneficial. You may have trouble finding what you're looking for in the area, but could always drive something up from the San Francisco area, where more boats are for sale.

[telecam]

Thanks. I think a 20-25 footer with a lifting keel may be the ticket.

[roostermt]

There are a couple of sailing clubs. Is a good option as moorings and dock space is very expensive.

Rooster

[Capt Phil]

Retired here a few years ago and havecrewed on many boats, sail and power. Great sailing club out of the Tahoe Keys Marina, very active and knowledgeable sailors.
Folks who drive power boats around the lake, not too savvy... many flat land boat renters who either don't know the rules or ignore them.
Have taught a couple of folks who only boat on the lake in the summer.
Can be very busy... lake levels have recovered significantly since the drought years but still easy to find shallow spots. Phil