SHORELINES

Nik Layman More than a half-century later, the Dixie Sailing Club has evolved into a private club that promotes all aspects of sailing. Originally located on Rattle Snake Ridge, the club is moving its location to the north side of the lake near New Hope Baptist Church in Tallapoosa County. The club plans to re-open this spring, while continuing to host events and races. Membership runs from 60 to 80 sailors and consists of families who share a common interest in cruising and racing sailboats. "We have members who have been in this club for years. It's a strong community and it's always good to see folks coming "We have a beautiful facility back year after year," says on this beautiful lake and Mark Cline, commodore of wonderful people with whom the Dixie Sailing Club. The club normally sponsors races to share this sport." every Saturday from March until November in three one-design fleets that include: Catalina 22 Fleet 96, with 22 boats; Flying Scot Fleet 85, with 10 boats; and MC Scow Fleet 39, with 10 boats. Dixie Sailing Club maintains a yearly schedule of club races and special competitions, such as long-distance races, regattas, cruising activities and special events. The racing program provides a way for sailors to sharpen their skills, enjoy competition while sailing and build camaraderie. There is normally some type of water-related activity scheduled throughout the year and non-members of the lake community are welcomed at "open" events. At about the same time the Dixie Sailing Club came into being, a similar genesis was taking place on Logan Martin Lake. Before 1960, most lake sailors living in the Birmingham area journeyed to the mountain lakes of north Alabama or south to Montgomery to practice their sport. The construction of Logan Martin Dam in 1964, the second dam built by Left: Sailors with the Rome Sailing Club on Weiss Lake. 10

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