This is probably the most dangerous time of year for new sailors- at least in the north east. It seems that a lot of people forget that the water temperature is still in the 40's and 50's even though the air may be reaching the upper 70's or 80's. Or, they just don't consider the possibility of going for a swim.

One or two springs ago, I was windsurfing on my local lake. It was a typical sunny spring day with a moderate and gusty west wind. Warm air, but still full 5mil wetsuit weather. A guy and his kids showed up with a sunfish and a sailing canoe- no wetsuits, T-shirts and shorts. Needless to say, the father, sailing the canoe solo, flipped it over and was trying to swim to a nearby shore (dragging the boat behind him). I sailed over to try and help, but on a 150Liter board, there wasn't a whole lot I could do. So, once it was clear that he was going to make it to the shore, I sailed across the lake, found a powerboater and we went over and picked the guy up. He was cold, but warmed up pretty quick on the beach. His more than ample layer of natural insulation helped.

Anyway, this weekend is forecast sunny weather with temps in the mid to upper 70's and I can almost guarantee that the lake will have a few underdressed sailors.

sm