All eyes seem to turn to the lake when the weather breaks. The water is something we have in abundance that so many other communities wish they had. You can walk the Outer Harbor and enjoy the view but what about going beyond the water’s edge and on to the water itself? Water sports in Buffalo are plentiful. However, while it could be water skiing, windsurfing, or kayaking, there’s nothing like sailing. Weekly, you see dozens of boats out on the water bringing more than 600 people together for either the challenge of racing or the joy of a ride that only sailing can provide.
What’s the draw? It’s the moment when the engine turns off and the boat continues to glide through the water that becomes captivating. It’s mastering the skill of building speed and making efficient maneuvers to reach a destination. Consider the healing powers of the water, sun and wind and you have a winning combination that completely un-checks your brain from the stresses of life. And, of course, there’s the camaraderie of crew work and building friendships. Are you asking yourself “How can I get started in that sport?”
Discover Buffalo Sailing is an incredibly affordable introduction to the sport. This program for adults and children over 16 is sponsored by the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club and runs Saturday mornings May 18th through Saturday June 8th. For the cost of club membership ($60) and a class fee ($15) you will learn the basics on keelboats owned by club members. Registration is required by April 23rd in order to attend orientation on April 25th.
Veterans Afloat is a free sailing program provided through the 501(c)(3) Buffalo Community Boathouse. You can opt for lessons or just pleasure sail. Proof of military service is required when registering. Once signed up, you can choose when and how often you sail.
Youth Sailing, for underserved children ages 11-15, is also through the Buffalo Community Boathouse. This program is not a day camp. It is free, structured lessons – scheduled by age bracket – with free transportation from the Bell Center or the William-Emslie YMCA courtesy of NYS Parks Ladders to Outdoors. Pre-registration is required and is limited so enroll early.
For a small fee, the Buffalo Small Boat Sailing League sails on Monday nights, on the Outer Harbor outside Erie Basin Marina. Launch your Laser, FJ, 420, Sunfish or other such small boat and join the fleet for some competitive short course racing. Afterwards, sailors gather at Dale’s Marine for post race conversation.
So what is the Buffalo Community Boathouse you might ask and where is it? The overarching, long term idea is to offer sailing and all of those other aforementioned sports from one facility with directors for each of the programs forming an Operating Board. Providing structure would help all the small sport organizations serve their members better by providing a facility for launching small boats, storing equipment, training and meeting space. That’s the dream.
The reality is that there are very few places at the Outer Harbor where this can exist due to prevailing weather conditions. Previous commitments by Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation have left little usable space. Nevertheless, now in our third year, the Boathouse would like to engage in serious talks about how this concept can grow for the good of the community.
Imagine an upper deck area, open to the public, with a café and broad sweeping views of the water while the lower space is functional for programs geared to be affordable or even free. As a waterfront city, we not only need this, we deserve this.
At this time, the Boathouse is operating out of a cargo container located at Seven Seas South End Marina at 1515 Fuhrmann Blvd where there is a launch for the small boats on dollies and some limited dock space for a couple of larger boats. Want to help us build the dream and support these programs that are so rewarding? You can donate here, or contact us for further information.
Leave a Reply