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Dayton Yacht Harbor
Sailing Flathead Lake ... the
Great Lake of the Rockies |
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PO Box 30 · Dayton, Montana · 59914 |
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(800)
775-2990 · (406) 849-5423 |
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 Montana's Sailing Center
Located off Highway 93 on the west shore of
Flathead Lake just 29 miles south of Kalispell and 20 miles north of Polson,
Dayton Yacht Harbor offers excursions, sailing lessons, sailboat rentals,
new and used sailboats for sale, summer slips and winter dry storage and
West Marine Chandelry. Months of operation are May through October
with Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday receiving a regular schedule of
lessons in the mornings with shop hours of 1 to 6 p.m., afternoons.
Sailing on Flathead Lake is a fantastic
experience. Dredged out by glaciers some 12,000 years ago, Flathead is
the largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi River. With a
surface area of 184 square miles and 124 miles of shore line, the
possibilities for the sail borne explorer are endless.
Flathead lake lays nestled
amongst majestic mountain peaks and sits at an elevation of 2,893 feet above
sea level. It is fed by two major waterways, the Swan and Flathead
rivers, which make Flathead Lake one of the world's largest clean water
systems. Adding character to the incredible scenery and pristine
conditions are several islands, the largest of which -- Wild Horse Island,
hosts a 2,200 acre state park which is home to bald eagles, bighorn sheep,
deer and as the name implies) wild horses. It is possible for the
adventurous to weigh anchor in one of the many sheltered coves along the
island, swim to shore and explore this regional treasure.
Dayton Bay, which lies
between the mainland, Wild Horse and Cromwell Islands, offers prime
sailing conditions. Easterly thermal winds begin around 9 a.m. and
blow until early evening. Soon after they die down a westerly wind
picks up and continues throughout the night. Occasional westerly
fronts produce winds of 15to 20 knots in the late afternoons, and a rare
southerly will blow the length of the lake. The combination of
consistent winds and fair shelter make Dayton Bay ideal for day sailing.
The wind conditions are so
reliable, that Dayton Yacht Harbour offers a wind guarantee on sailboat
rentals. For the extended sailor, the west shoreline and islands
provide the best anchorages. Dayton Yacht Harbor is well located to
provide services and amenities necessary to make the Flathead sailing
experience truly memorable.
Excursions
For individuals and groups that
want to experience Flathead Lake from Dayton, Dayton Yacht Harbour can
arrange excursions tailored to your needs on an environmentally friendly
boat.
Responsible crew handle the
technical aspects, allowing anyone to enjoy the excitement of sailing in a
safe and comfortable environment.
Wild Horse Island is one of the
more popular destinations for these trips, with groups enjoying an afternoon
picnic at anchor during a day of sailing.
Please call for reservations.
Lessons and
Instruction
The consistent winds make
Dayton Bay one of the finest places to learn to sail.
Dayton Yacht Harbour offers a
casual one day introduction to sailing, private lessons to individuals and
groups, and US Sailing, ASA & CYA Certification courses.
The introductory course is
typically held on the weekends, though special arrangements can be made for
groups. It consists of both lecture and on the water instruction.
It is an excellent start for the aspiring sailor.
All of our instructors are
qualified, knowledgeable and experienced. Occasionally, Yachting
Associations, Universities or other groups coordinate their programs through
the facilities at Dayton as well.
Mooring, Storage and
Services
Dayton Yacht Harbour is a 100
slip facility with 36 to 40 ft. slips, launching ramp, marine travel lift to
most 11'6" wide by 17,000 lb. boats, deep water 1,200 lb. capacity mast
hoist, dock side pump out, dock electricity, few if any insects, good wind
guaranteed, hot showers, shaded barbecue, shore side phone, & fax and some
of the best neighbors you could ever go to sea with. Laundry with
groceries and a bar with food and beverages are close by.
For the extended visit, there
are furnished apartments for the weekend, 5 day week or longer.
Pre-owned Sailboats
Flathead lake boats are hauled
every fall and are cleaner, better maintained and have much less exposure to
the elements than in most sailing areas. Dayton Yacht Harbour also is
involved in a brokerage network ranging from Texas to Calgary and the West
Coast to the Great Lakes.
Rentals
Rental sailboats are available
by the day or the half day at competitive rates.
The rental fleet consists of
fixed keel, sloop rigged boats for 1 to 8 people. All the boats are
well equipped for the area, including safety equipment and an outboard.
Both the beginning sailor and the hardened sea dog should find their
temporary needs readily satisfied.
Please call for reservations.
Vacation Package
Includes a boat, an apartment
and a vehicle to experience Flathead Sailing and Glacier National Park for
one great week
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