Menu Close

NSC Sail Challenge

Don has designed a sail challenge open for all sailboat classes and yes, kayaks are also included. The challenge is meant to challenge yourself and to give you some new options to visit. It is meant to be fun, and not a race. There are no prizes for the person/crew who finishes the challenge first, but there will be a commemorative something later this year (we are looking into options as we speak!)

The point is to get to know our stomping grounds better and to visit 10 destinations of the lake. All locations are doable in a day, so if you have a moment, pick one from the list and go for it. 

This page will tell you everything you need to know! If we forgot about anything, just send us an email and we’ll get back to you asap! 

The Rules

  • Open to all boat classes (kayaks included). If you start with one type of boat you must sail the whole challenge with the same boat type, eg. McGregor 26. For parts of some routes, sailboat cruisers or larger sailboats with auxiliary engines, may motor with boards up, part of the way on some or all of the routes, for example entrance way through to marina, top of Greenwald Inlet, or through the passage way separating Bantry Bay and Greenwald Inlet. 
  • Participants are encouraged to use a log book, or GPS tracks to record their progress. Details entered should include the location traveled to and back, date, start time, wind direction and strength and any other pertinent comments.
  • It will be up to the individual to determine if it is safe enough to attempt any of the course challenges. If lake level is more than a few feet below full, shallow areas may become hazards.
  • Destinations are from the sailing club, Kinbrook boat ramp or boat launch area beach to one of the destinations below and back. Difficulty rating is Easy, Moderate, Hard. Get started early in the day. Carry all necessary safety gear, rope, water, paddle, etc. Check weather forecast
  • Check the Google Earth File for waypoint locations and data for waypoint entries.

Tips and Strategies

  • Get started early in the day. Carry all necessary safety gear, rope, water, paddle, etc. Don’t forget water and lunch if required.
  • You know the weather can change really fast at the lake, so before you go, check the weather forecast.
  • Check the Google Earth File for waypoint locations and data for waypoint entries.
  • It will be up to the individual to determine if is safe enough to attempt any of the course challenges. When in doubt, don’t set off.
  • Difficulty rating for each destination is Easy, Moderate, Hard. Take that into account when you pick where to go.
  • Go together, find a friend or friends and make it a day or a race or anything else you think is fun 😊

The Destinations

Below are the then destinations you need to visit to complete the challenge. Click on the picture below or this link to open Google Earth with all destinations on the map.

  1. Sail to just North of the last houses on the North side along Greenwold inlet and back. A couple of shallow areas near the houses to avoid. Moderate
  2. Sail into the Lake Newell Resort marina through the entrance channel, tie up or sail within 10’ of the dock south of the launch ramp and back. Identify the entrance channel location before entering the marina bay. The channel is marked with buoys.! Moderate
  3. Sail to the top of Redelback Bay and back. Easy.
    May have shallow areas and weedy if lake level is low. Turn back if shallows and weeds make progress difficult.
  4. Sail to Bantry Bay then through a channel separating the two bays into Greenwold inlet and back. Moderate to hard depending on wind direction.
    There are at least two channels through the reeds. Do not go through the Southern most channel as it is too shallow. Boats, with draft greater than 18” or when Lake Newell water levels have dropped, should not attempt this passage but sail to the waypoint in Bantry Bay then travel south around Shallow Point (stay 300 meters south of this point) and then up to the Greenwald Inlet waypoint as an acceptable alternative route.
  5. Sail around the island directly north of the sailing club and back. Easy.
    Stay well away from the west end due to submerged rocks. There are also a few shallow spots if you sail close to the island.
  6. Sail around Pelican Island and back. Moderate to hard.
    A fair distance away. Stay well away from the island as it is a bird sanctuary.
  7. Sail to South Sand Beach and back. Hard in the sense that it is far away.
    Stay to the centre or west side of the lake the further south you go as there are shallow areas on the east side of the lake in one or two spots.
  8. Sail into JackFish Bay. Moderate.
    Watch for shallow water and dense weed growth.
  9. Sail to Midwest inlet on the west side of the lake. Moderate.
    Can be hard to find. May be weedy and shallow areas to avoid.
  10. Sail to Pumphouse Bay on the NW side, to a line directly south of the pump house and return. Easy to moderate depending on the day.

And lastly…

A T-Shirt or hat by order and at your own cost will be available once you have completed all of the Lake Newell Sail Challenge. There is a time limit; you are not to exceed two sailing seasons to accomplish this challenge. There may be a season end celebration social for those who beat this challenge (bring your own food and beverages of course).

Happy sailing everyone, hope to see you all over the lake! For fun and to motivate others, please send in your pictures of your trips.