Sailing calendar

By Jane Harrison

Those wanting to camp at Lake Lanier as the weather warms may want to get their campground reservations in early, especially for weekends and holidays. Higher than usual visitation at campgrounds on Lanier is expected to continue this season as people seek outdoor spaces to avoid exposure to coronavirus.

“We expect similar or slightly more (reservations) than last year,” said Parks Ranger Dan Barnes, who oversees campgrounds at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks. He mentioned that after a brief delay in opening last year, Corps parks experienced a surge in reservations.

Six Corps campgrounds operated seasonally by the Corps are scheduled to open March 25. Campers with reservations can set up a lakeside tent or pull up an RV to sites at Bald Ridge, Sawnee, Duckett Mill, Bolding Mill, Van Pugh South, and Toto Creek. As of mid-February, reservations were plentiful at all six. Old Federal Park will not open this year due to damage inflicted by multiple weather events last year. Major repairs are on-going after hundreds of trees went down in the park.

Barnes said Bald Ridge is the most popular for camping due to its relatively flat terrain. He added it is a favorite of families with kids who like to ride bikes through the campground.

Several other Lanier campgrounds, including those at River Forks and Don Carter State Park, both in Hall County, offer yearround camping. Barnes pointed out those parks are leased from the Corps by other entities that manage their campgrounds.

Those desiring to stay at campgrounds solely managed by the Corps can make reservations by visiting www.sam.usace.army. mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recre-

FILE PHOTO

Camping at a Corps campground.

ation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Schedules/. The website features a campsite map, photos of and details about specific sites, information about park amenities, and allowable equipment (tents or RVs). Nightly cost ranges from $16 at Toto Creek to an upper range of $26 at other parks. The seasonal parks close for camping in September or October.

The website urges visitors not to enter parks that are full and to park only in designated spaces. It also reminds parks users to “continue following CDC guidelines on social distancing, hand sanitizing, and appropriate use of health protection measures such as face masks and gloves.” Club Event Date

MARCH 2021 LLSC Laser Southerns 3/6/2021 LLSC Atlanta Cup- One Design Regatta 3/13/2021 LLSC Ga Tech Collegiate Regatta 3/13/2021 SSC Lormand Cup 3/13/2021 UYC UYC Winter #5/Com. Cup 3/13/2021 BFSC BFSC Spring #1 3/14/2021 LLSC Gov Cup/LLSC commissioning 3/20/2021 LLSC Dogwood Regatta 3/26/2021 LLSC Ga Tech Open Regatta 3/27/2021 APRIL 2021 BFSC BFSC Spring #2 4/3/2021 LLSC Thursday Porsmouth #1 4/8/2021 BFSC BFSC Spring #3 4/10/2021 UYC UYC Winter #6 4/11/2021 LLSC Wednesday Night series 1 - #1 4/14/2021 LLSC PHRF Championship Race #1 4/17/2021 UYC UYC Winter 7 4/18/2021 LLSC Wednesday 1 - #2 4/21/2021 LLSC Thursday Porsmouth #2 4/22/2021 BFSC Around Alone 4/24/2021 LLSC MC Rebel Rouser Regatta 4/24/2021 SSC Masters (Skippers over 50) 4/25/2021 LLSC Wednesday 1 - #3 4/28/2021

For more information, visit www.SailLanier.com and click on the club that's hosting the race. LARC - Lanier Auxiliary Racing Committee • BFSC - Barefoot Sailing Club • LLSC - Lake Lanier Sailing Club • UYC - University Yacht Club For entire 2021 Sailing calendar, visit www.lakesidenews.com/sailing-calendar

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