Sail Lake Winnipeg is committed to providing fresh information about sailing on our lake. Whether it’s connecting you to sailboat rentals, classes, cruises, or getting you prepared with your own boat, you can count on us. Lake Winnipeg is a natural beauty that calls sailors of all ages to her. Answer the call, get active, and come join us.
User submitted photo by Sean Mourre of Gimli.
Seems a little thick out there via the Gimli Harbour Webcam…
For those of us getting a late start to the season, it seems like the weather is just behind us. We were out sailing this time last year and now we’re still showing about 3 feet of ice out there. Hopefully we see some progression with some bursts of +30c in the coming weeks.
Here’s a pic taken on Monday afternoon showing one boat happily moving down the highway towards the lake.
It takes a lot of scouring the web to find gems such as these. I tripped across this slideshow from Tiana at Silver Harbor Sail Club posted in 2011. From the front slide you know it’s going to be quite a show. For those that have been to harbor you’ll appreciate there is a total package up there. A beautifully protected harbor reaching past the clubhouse, with so many beautiful boats and interesting people. This slideshow gives you a glimpse of the Silver Harbour culture that is like no other on the lake. There’s people that are passionate about sailing, food, and friendship. This definitely portrayed here, with examples spanning across generations. If you haven’t spend some time walking the boats for sale up against the fenceline, or sailing in for a peaceful evening with new or old friends, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s only a short sail up from Gimli Harbour, or a day down from Hecla. Put it on your plan for this year, and visit them at Silver Harbour.
This video popped up a year or so ago, featuring some of the timeless methods of ice fishing on our lake. From the Bombardier to the clap boards it’s a cinematic gem. The predominant species being caught here is the Pickerel, known for their popular cheeks and light flavor, a welcome meal in any home. Other predominant fish species are the Sauger and Whitefish. Lake Winnipeg is home to many commercial fisherman, bringing in $50 million per year in economic activity to Manitoba.
For those that frequent the Kijiji Sailboats section you’ll see some crazy deals out there with some awesome specimens. I’ve selected boats that are racer/cruisers, with room to spare and well outfitted with wheels. You’ll find all lines led aft, with all the amenities down below. These boats have not been in the salt water and have had less then three owners (according to the ads). I have talked with each of the sellers and found them to be experts in boat maintenance and they show in impeccable condition. In short buying any boat in this class would be the last boat you would likely ever need to buy.
Boat number one is a 31′ Niagara outfitted for cruising with a strong focus on racing. The entire boat is in immaculate condition and has a fresh water pedigree. Very impressive at a crazy $33,749 it takes the top spot on boat of the month. With an oven on board you can bake a couple loafs of bread during the Skallywag next year as you relax with a comfortable lead.
The second boat is from a little farther north at Silver Harbour. This Sirus 28′ is not lacking in any area, and could very well be the best equipped sailboat on the market. This boat has cruised the lake with it’s single owner in absolute comfort. The only boat featured with it’s own custom engineered bow thruster. Now that’s riding in style.
Boat number three is an interesting single sail design. The Nonsuch 26′ was marketed directly at the single handed sailor. A gem on the lake, it’s likely the only one of it’s kind locally.
Have you long wondered how to get started in sailing? Have you watched from the pier in Gimli and admired all those beautiful boats out on cruising along? Then this is the blog for you. Hopefully once all the information is populated you’ll have a really clear picture of what’s involved.
If you take a look at Kijiji’s Winnipeg Sailboats for Sale you’ll find many boats looking for new owners. Don’t be shy, mostly all of the sellers are ready and willing to answer any of your questions, some may even want to take you on a tour. Maybe if 100% ownership isn’t in the cards for you right now, maybe you’ll find a partner to sail with or a time sharing agreement. As our elders are looking at selling their boats, the consistent reason is workload. It’s not easy doing all the pre season and post season work, so maybe you’re looking at helping out?
Some have turned their wallets south and are looking at importing a cheap used boat. This process isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need a trailer for that sweet deal, and likely a lot of work getting the salt out. If you’re the handyman type, this could be for you!
I little while back I found this tribute video on YouTube. The creator has a great talent for creating video’s and pairing the perfect soundtracks for his story’s. Likely the best sailing video showcasing one person’s love of sailing and all the people drawn to his passion. Often I see people at the harbor taking guests our for a cruise, yet very few have had the for forethought to capture the time on video.
See more of these video’s on teamtruenorth2006′s youtube channel.
See http://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/ for more info.
