By Joel Phelps | The Arkadelphian

Future skippers: Don’t “skip” over any details contained in the following words.

If sailing into the sunset at DeGray Lake sounds like an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, the Iron Mountain Yacht Club invites you to climb aboard an upcoming informational meeting to learn all the basics of this recreational sport.

An open house has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, beginning at 10 a.m. at the club’s pavilion at Iron Mountain Marina. The general public is invited to the Discover Sailing! event registeration is required if interested as space is limited.

The three-hour event will cover the basics of sailing, from how to traverse the vessel, the different types of sailboats and the pros and cons of each, the costs associated with the hobby, and safety concerns specific to sailing. Lunch will be provided at this free event.

Founded in the early ’80s, the IMYC has a membership of 25 sailers and meets at least four times each year. A crawfish boil welcomes each spring, followed by get-togethers each major summer holiday. Each autumn, the sailers warm their bones with a chili cook-off. The group aims to host racing regattas each fall and spring.

While the most ideal spots to sail are off the Gulf Coast of Florida or the Great Lakes, with their wide-open spaces and steady winds, “Sailing on DeGray is always enjoyable,” said IMYC member Ron Nash. “You can’t beat the scenery.”