Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/123536
Clubs for sail Alabama Power lakes offer the perfect setting S ailors in Alabama are blessed with many lakes on which to cruise, race or just glide effortlessly along as a breeze fills their boat sails and they leave behind the cares of the day in a watery wake. From spirited racing in established classes of boats to "gunkholing" — journeying to out-of-the-way islands for swimming, fishing or family fun — sailors on Alabama lakes enjoy everything from fast-paced competitive excitement to relaxing moments enjoying a spectacular sunset. and a low country boil that members treasure as much as they do the sailing. Dixie Sailing Club on Lake Martin was launched in 1960 when a handful of sailors came together "because of their known interest in the age-old art of sailing," according to the minutes of the group's first meeting. Lake Martin, one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, seemed the perfect home for the club. The lake was filled in 1926 after Alabama Power completed Martin Dam, the first of four dams built on the Tallapoosa River. Its 750 miles of shoreline offered ample room for racing and recreational sailing. The club became a charter member of the Dixie Inland Yacht Sailing Association. Club members raced two weekends on Lake Jordan and two on Lake Martin. Monthly meetings were held at the Cloverdale Community Center in Montgomery. The club also began publishing "Dixie Doings," its monthly newsletter with announcements of races and other events. Sailing clubs For those who enjoy being part of a group of like-minded individuals, sailing clubs on three of Alabama Power's lakes offer the perfect setting. The Rome Sailing Club in Leesburg has attracted sailors to Weiss Lake for more than half a century. Starting with five members, the club has grown over the years to 75 family memberships. Hosting three racing series each year (spring, summer and fall), the club boasts a hearty social calendar with an annual Commodore's Ball, fish fry, steak cookout Facing: Sailors with the Birmingham Sailing Club on Lake Logan Martin. Above: Birmingham Sailing Club members gather at their clubhouse for a chili cook-off. 9