Ahoy Sailors All, We have received another update on the exceptionally low water level at Wildwood Reservoir. The anticipated continuing low water could impact larger sailboats and all boats with fixed keels and deeper draughts. The Wildwood Conservation Area advisory citing possible impacts on boating can be viewed at www.wildwoodconservationarea.ca. I have been in touch with Conservation Area Superintendent Paul Switzer querying whether CA contingency measures might affect Wildwood Sailing Club. His June 18 --response follows. "I'm not anticipating a complete boating ban, however the reservoir levels in late summer will most likely require members to remove their boats from the water much earlier than normal. I would anticipate the use of the launch ramp and docks at the club by late summer to be an issue. Current projections show that by September water levels will be slightly above winter levels. I would encourage members to closely monitor water levels. Flows for downstream augmentation are being increased. The low levels will start to become more visible in the near future, although the rain we've received does appear to be buying us some time." That said, I encourage sailors who haven't yet launched their boat to make the best of the season and launch now. Thanks to the recent dock assembly work led by Hans Rosch, Les Leonhardt, Peter Cochrane and Don Van Galen -- and of course to all who assisted in the job -- close to a dozen boats are already docked and there's docking space for about 20 more. Additional docks can be added as needed. It should be noted as well that if launching your boat becomes ill-advised as Wildwood's expected early "low tide" actually occurs, club members who do not launch have the option of obtaining refunds for UTRCA fees. Application, however, must be made to club Treasurer Les Leonhardt before the end of July. Let's stay optimistic. More rainfall like we've had just recently could change everything. Happy Sailing, Donal O'Connor WSC Commodore |
Archives
April 2024
|