Sailing on the lake east of Durham (Chapel Hill: rentals, chapel)

[emilybh]

I know there is a Meet-up group that sails there. Does Duke and/or Chapel Hill sailing teams also practice there? What is it like? Are there low cost or free places where you could keep a small boat at a mooring or pull it up on the shore there? How deep is the water? Does anyone know? Is it loaded with alligators? Thanks in advance.

[lovebrentwood]

No, it's not loaded with alligators.

Are you talking about Falls Lake? http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fala/main.php

It's a park, so there aren't a lot of commercial businesses around. People do bring their own boats in. There are lots of high-end homes nearby.

[toot68]

There used to be sunfish rentals at Lake Crabtree (and I assume they still have them). Is this what you are talking about? I've never seen a sailboat on Falls.

Don't know about launching your own sailboat...you can certainly launch your own kayak and canoe, but I don't know if there is a public boat ramp. The lake itself is great for sunfish or a small cat, but I'd guess it is probably to small for anything bigger than that.

[jeffs555]

There is only one space on Falls lake that is open enough to sail on and not much sailing activity. Most of the lake is narrow with several bridges too low for most sail boats. There is one marina but only a few sailboats moored there. Most boats on the lake are trailered.

Most of the sailing activity would be on Kerr Lake which is about 45 minutes North East of Durham. It is a much larger lake with a lot of sailing activity. There are several marinas, but don't know of any cheap place to moor a boat. There are a lot of sailboats moored at Steele Creek marina but those are mostly large boats. Most of the small boats are trailered, and there are several free boat ramps around.