An annual tradition continues to flourish as sailors from across the region ushered in the new year on Watauga Lake during the weekend.
Over 15 years old and going strong, the Frostbite Sailing Race, sponsored by the Watauga Lake Sailing Club, took place on Sunday, Jan. 1, at Lakeshore Marina in Hampton with 14 boats participating in the event.
With a name like the Frostbite, participants were treated to relative calm weather conditions.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day for a January race,” Race Captain Bob Hebner said. “It was 55 degrees. Beautiful, steady wind was blowing five, six knots out of the northeast. Here on the lake, the wind is usually so shifty because of the mountains, but today it was beautiful.”
No stranger to racing, Skip Greene was able to come away victorious for his fourth Frostbite win over the past five years.
“It was perfect. My boat loves this kind of weather,” Greene said about his J/27 vessel.
The years have been kind to the Watauga Lake Sailing Club, and Greene added he’s enjoyed seeing the growth of the Club throughout the years.
“When I first started sailing over here, we had around four boats,” Greene said. “They were on a buoy line and you can see now we have around 80 boats of all different sizes.”
Preparation for the race is quite different compared to other competitions held by the Club, according to Rob Remme, who added he’s done the race over the past three years.
“Our other races are usually a lot warmer,” he said with a laugh the day prior to the event. “There’s times during the warmer months that we have to reschedule due to weather, but with this race, it’s always a go. There’s been times when there’s been ice and snow.”
But the inclement weather provides a fun challenge, according to Billy Becker, who sails in his boat, the Mia Su 2.
“It says a lot about the sport of sailing,” Becker said about the support of the event. “And it says a lot about the type of people who like to sail. Not just anybody can prepare for a sail race. Sometimes you’re going 10 miles per hour, and that might not sound too fast, but when you’re adjusting the sails to move faster, it makes the race more interesting, and more fun.”
Club member Clarke Lucas was also on hand for the event and added that over the years, he’s only missed one or two races due to illness.
“It’s always a fun race,” he said.
Following the conclusion of the race, participants were treated to a special meal inside the marina’s clubhouse. The tight-knit atmosphere of the club only makes the months even more enjoyable, Hebner said.
“It’s awesome,” he added. “(The Club) is a great group of folks. I got down here about two years ago, bought a boat, and everybody has been great.”
The Watauga Lake Sailing Club is the only regional sailing club in the area with over 80 members spanning from Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western Carolina.
Greene added that interested individuals looking to get involved with the Club won’t be disappointed.
“They can look at our website or contact one of the officers,” he said about joining the Club. “We have several races during the year. It’s a great time and perfect environment for children, too.”
A membership for the club costs $40 a year and includes the opportunity to participate in different races and in multiple community events. The Club also offers sailing lessons and other programs for aspiring sailors.
For more information, visit the Club’s website at wlscjibsheet.wordpress.com, the Watauga Lake Sailing Club Facebook page or contact Commodore Anita Remme at (423) 341-3123.