Dayton Yacht Harbor Sailing Flathead Lake ... the Great Lake of the Rockies

PO Box 30 · Dayton, Montana · 59914

(800) 775-2990 · (406) 849-5423

Sailing Workshop

Welcome to Dayton Yacht Harbor and a sailing workshop which allows you to enjoy the thrill of sailing in one day. Dayton bay on Flathead lake has no tides, currents or ship traffic, it has a 93% success rate of a breeze between four and twelve miles per hour. It is a perfect place to enjoy the combination of nature’s elements of wind and water.

Our first goal is to learn the difference between true wind and apparent wind or what the sails feel. We need the sails to get effort or push. We need a keel or resistance to keep the boat from sliding sideways and the rudder to steer or control the direction of the boats movement through the water. The hull of the boat holds all the parts together and provides a comfortable place for the crew while sailing.

After a brief seminar we will go right to the boat and start to enjoy the art of sailing. Most parts of the boat are labeled and we will spend little time on vocabulary as you can can get that from videos or books anytime. We want to spend as much time as we can on the water in a practical application.

Before leaving the dock our first consideration should be the wind and how it will affect the boat as we depart (the same when returning). Our preparation should be an inspection of the boat and the working parts i.e. sails, engine, and anchor.

As we get underway we will use the mainsail only to just get aquatined with steering and the feel of the boat. As we head up into the wind we can deploy the jib for additional effort and control. Learning to tack up the bay and jibe downwind allows us to go wherever we want and the ability to do this makes us sailors.

Our objective is to share the excitement and tranquility of sailing in as short a session as is safely possible. After spending two or three hours practicing with you it will be time for lunch, potty-call, and graduation. Graduation starts with weather check and consideration of the combined talent pool of the crew for your afternoon sailing. After you have spent the afternoon sailing together you will understand that yes, you can sail. And sail you may here at Dayton, or go on to a more complete sailing course. Our certified courses are a ‘rent and lear’ option with exam and practical end of the sailing season.

Rates for 2006-07

• $125 per person with a minimum of 4 people offered on Sunday

• $195 per couple with a minimum of 4 people offered on Sunday

• $395 private sessions offered on Mondays and Fridays

Thanks for spending the day with us at Dayton Yacht Harbor, a perfect place to sail.

Dayton Yacht Harbor
Post Office Box 30,
Dayton, Montana, 59914
Email: dyh@mtsailing.com