stockton lake

[wampler]

My wife and I are wanting to learn how to sail and are considering taking classes at stockton lake marina. We would really like to go out on a sailboat before we shell out the cash for classes to decide if sailing is for us. If anyone knows someone on stockton lake that would be willing to take on two inexperianced crew we would really appriciate it. We have a little experiance from renting a hobby cat on our honney moon a few years ago but other than that no pratical experiance.

[voodooacrobat]

Wampler, I'm not familiar with Stockton Lake but I've found the best way to learn more about sailing is to find other sailors and ask for crewing opportunities. If there's a yacht club, there's a skipper looking for crew. They get the help they need, and you get free sailing lessons!

[sailingdog]

Taking lessons is a good idea if you're serious about sailing long-term. Learning from other sailors can often get you into trouble, since many will teach you bad habits, which are awfully hard to break once learned.

Go out crewing to see if you like sailing. Crew on different types of boats, since the type of boat you're on can have a big impact on what your experience is like. Some people like more stable boats, others like to go fast...

[joeybkcmo]

Wampler:

Larry the instructor at Stockton Start Park and Marina is very good, and an overall good guy. I would suggest that you contact him and ask about the classes, and see if you can arrange a "test ride" before you buy. It may cost you a few $, but it would be cheaper than the price of the class. Or he may be able to arrange a ride along for you on another boat. here is the link for the marina Stockton State Park Marina just go to the sailing lesson section, and there is contact information for him

[wampler]

Thank you very much for you input I'll contack him and work something out.

[T34C]

I have a friend that recently bought a Corsair 31 (?) and is planning on keeping it at Stockton. Not sure if he is there yet, but I'll see what I can find out.

[ReverendMike]

Wampler,

Here's a couple of links to help you find a ride/more experience:

MidwestSailing

The Official Lake Stockton Yacht Club Web site

Ozark Sailing Club
(this last if you want to drive, my wife and i crew there, but the season is spring and fall, summer belongs to the powerboats)

(my goodness, half of sailnet really is from/in Missouri!?!?)

Mike

(PS, with Springfield having bought the pumps to tap Stockton for water, is there much concern for the lake level...? Just curious)

[wampler]

Thank you for the links we are really looking forward to getting some experience.

As for the pumps Springfield uses Fellows Lake for our water supply. In 1996 they put in a pipe from Stockton Lake to Fellows Lake to compensate for population growth. I’m sure this would drop the lake level some but I wasn’t really boating yet so I'm not sure how much of an outrage there was at the time. The pumps being bought by Springfield I think is more because of maintenance issues then changing the current levels. The pumps have failed two or three times in the last few years and have cost the city a fortune in renting temporary pumps.