Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 27, 1978)
Emerald photo Sailing offers a reality separate from everyday existence, and for the hardy, a cool breeze and a light sprinkling of rain provide a peaceful atmosphere. Sailing offers escape By LORRAINE NELSON Of the Emerald For some people, sailing is a separate reality, an escape from the mundane. For others, it is a sport, the thrill of a race, competition. For all, it requires a certain amount of skill. Sailing is a challenge, an in vitation to remain primitive in a civilized world. Navigating by the speed and direction of the wind and the shape of a sail offers, to the successful, the ul timate natural high. To be rocked by a bed of water appeals to the mellow of mind and body and to view nothing but the sky and the tree-laden hills of Oregon ap peals to all. Dexter Lake, about 12 miles southeast of Eugene, is one of the most popular spots in the area for sailing. The lake is home for the University Sailing Club. Of the 66 club members, most are in their early 20s. Many started in the University’s beginning sailing class. Club commodore James Taylor demonstrates his sail ing skill as he executes a ma neuver that leans a 14-foot C-Lark up until the bottom is exposed. “Hiking out” over the edge of the boat, Taylor uses his weight to keep the boat under control He smiles confi dently and then chatters about the club. Since its beginning, the club has lacked any formal organi zation. There are no group ac tivities, and few communica tions between members. The sailing organization raises most of its money by teaching beginning sailing, rac ing and cruising classes at the University. Coming about now, Taylor lets the sails luff. He curses when motorboat waves disturb the smoothness of the voyage. Do all sailors hate motor boats? “Probably not as passion ately as I do,” Taylor says. “I like it (sailing) best when it is cloudy, there is a light drizzle and the wind is blowing about five knots,” Taylor says. “It’s peaceful and quiet.” It is a combination of clouds and rain that keeps many a fair weather boater off the lake dur ing the rainy season. Summer sailing is crowded at the lake with winds blowing steadily 8-10 miles per hour from the north. But during the year, to see anyone else on the lake is rare, Taylor says. Some sailing experience is a prerequisite to join the club and interested persons may enter as a mate or a skipper. Mates must handle a boat adequately, tie knots and avoid crashing into the dock. Superior boat-handling skill is required to enter the club as a skipper. Skippers must know the name of everything on the boat and be able to tie even more knots than mates. Taylor can not say why he is the adamant sailor he is, but he describes sailors as “different people.” “They’re not as hyper (as others), they’re calm,” he says. For more information or to join the club, contact Taylor at 345-2896 or Carl Hosticka at 726-5451. Page 10 Section B FALL WEEKEND RENTAL SPECIAL Whether it’s a weekend in the mountains, at the coast or just around town, a Ford Fiesta or Pinto is the way to go! Only FIRST 100 MILES FREE Pick up your car on Friday afternoon and return it Monday morning. Special packages available on larger cars too! You must be 21 and have a valid driver’s license. Valley River, Eugene 342-2151 Open Weekdays 8-9 Saturdays 9-12 Wednesday, September 27, 1978
