SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2013 – SAILING 101
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Meet at the Boat Rental (Main Day-Use Area)
Co-sponsored by DCNR, Friends of Yellow Creek, and the IUP Sailing Club
Join us to explore the sport and art of sailing on Yellow Creek Lake. This two-hour session begins with a lesson on the parts of the sailboat and introduces future sailors to the basics of wind awareness, sail trim, and points of sail. Three US Sailing Certified instructors will be on hand. After this orientation, in the second hour each student will have the chance to enjoy a short sail accompanied by a experienced sailor (weather permitting). We will wear PFDs, but to participate, sailors must be capable of swimming 50 yards in clothing and shoes. Participation is free but is limited to 12 students over the age of 10 years. Pre-registration required. To register call the Park Office at (724) 357-7913
Sailboat Building Opportunity – 2 Spots Left
A Puddle Duck Racer “hatch” is scheduled by the Friends of Yellow Creek for March 2012.
The PDR is an economical, safe, and easy-to-build box boat designed for beginners and families, as well as being suitable for experienced sailors who wish to build XL sails and race. Six Indiana families built them as FOYC projects during 2011 and sailed at Yellow Creek State Park this past summer.
FOYC volunteers will lead a group-build next month. The basic hull can be completed in one day; families then take home the boats for sanding and painting. Cost is approximately $200; only basic carpentry skills are required. Currently 2 slots remain for families who would like to be involved.
FOYC co-chair Ken Sherwood observes “it is a great winter project.” “This year the Friends will also be sponsoring free learn-to-sail sessions for Puddle Duckers.” “So if you have always wanted to learn to sail, this is your chance.”
Contact friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com for more information or to reserve a spot.
What is a Puddle Duck Racer?
According to the designer,Shorty Routh:
* The PDRacer is a one design racing sailboat that is basically a plywood box with a curved bottom, and is the easiest boat in the world to build. . . . A simple hull can be made from 3 sheets of plywood, titebond II glue, and latex house paint. If you work hard for 2 weekends, you can go sailing on the 3rd weekend.
* We use the same shaped hulls and go play with them together in fun and goofy ways, and sometimes for very serious racing.
* Our boat is not just for racing, she is great for all sorts of other purposes – and in most states a boat this small does not need to be titled or registered. The hull shape carries 630 lbs. [A launch permit good for all PA State Parks costs $10; it can be purchased online or at state park offices.]
Want to know more?
* History, free plans, sail design, and more at the official Puddle Duck Racer Website: PDRacer.com
Always wanted to learn to sail?
* This Summer 2011, Indiana Puddle Duckers will learn to sail through free, informal lessons at Yellow Creek; build yourself a boat and come join us. Contact friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com for more information
* Interested in more formal learning? Moraine Sailing Club in Butler offers 12 Sunday lessons throughout the summer at a budget price. The MSC has US Sailing certified instructors and has offered this program for 20 years.
Puddle Duck Events 2011 – Yellow Creek State Park (Penn Run) and Moraine State Park (Butler)
Sat, Feb 19 – PDR Hatch
Indiana, PA
Sat, July 2 – Yellow Creek “Fleet” Launch
sailing lessons(optional)
Yellow Creek SP
Sat and Sun, Aug 6, 7- Regatta at Lake Arthur
Sat: PDR Race (Le Mans start)
Sun: PDR Fancy Dress Party
Moraine State Park, Butler
(Contact John Bridges: brimor@aol.com for more information)
Sat, Sept 24 FOYC SeptemberFest
PDR parade and race
(Contact friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com for more information)
Attention Camp Counselors, Young Adult Leaders
US Sailing Course Offered at Yellow Creek State ParkJune 8-9, 2013 Like sailing? Want to work or volunteer on a waterfront? This course is designed to prepare camp counselors and staff from community sailing and scouting programs to supervise small boat recreational sailing activities. The emphasis is on safety and hands-on practice to familiarize candidates with proper terminology and boating techniques. Participants should have some prior exposure to sailing but need not be experts. The minimum age for attending this course is 14 years old.This course will be taught by a certified US Sailing instructor trainer from Pittsburgh. It is co-sponsored by Friends of Yellow Creek and the IUP Sailing Club. There is a US Sailing fee associated with this course.Contact friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com for more information.
Puddle Duck – Sail Building (Gallery)
