| Webster Lake is not far from Marlborough. It's a good sized lake with two
ramps. One state ramp with limitted parking, and access which used to be
free. There is also a ramp which is accessed from the approach to the town
beach. There is a charge to use the town ramp, but the parking is much
better there. There are also power lines to watch for at the town
ramp. I used to have to back closer to the water than the power lines
before stepping my mast.
My information is about ten years old, dating back to when I had my
Compac 16. Your best bet if you care about trying Webster Lake would
be to spend a half day exploring from the shore.
Alos used to be a sailing association on the lake which had a chart of
the lake on the wall.
I used to see sailboats up to at least 22 feet on the lake. How big of
a boat are you going to be using?
Quinsigamond in SHrewsbury is not far, but I didn't like sailing there.
More like a river, but worse than the width was the power boat wake.
The wake near the ramp made launching a retreiving a real pain.
djc
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I belong to Webster Sailing Association at the lake
with the 14 syllable Indian name otherwise known as Webster lake.
I think it is the largest lake that meets your criteria. From Marlboro,
you take Rt 290 to Auburn where 290 becomes 395 and stay on
till you reach Webster. There is a ramp at the town beach for which
they charge an exorbitant fee ($15 to $25 depending on motor size).
There is also a free state ramp that is used mostly by fisherman.
Unfortunately, it has a power line at the beginning of the ramp so there
is a potential problem with other users if it takes you a long time to
step your mast etc. (You would have to do it on the ramp.)
If you like the lake, you might consider joining our club.
It is a member run club and costs about $110 per year. It has a club
house with rest rooms and a full kitchen. Outside there are about six
or 8 picnic tables and a large gas grill. We have two docks and
a paved ramp. The club limits boats to 20'ft or less in length.
Best of all, drysailing (def: leaving your boat fully rigged parked
on it's trailer) is included in the cost. You can bring your boat there
in the spring and leave it there until December 1st. The only requirement
is that you use your boat and not just use the place to unclutter your
back yard. There are moorings also but I believe there is a waiting list.
We have friendly sailboat races every Sunday and beginners are
encouraged to participate. It's a good way to learn how to sail
better. The club has about 75 sailboats on the property. We
had between 6 to 8 catamarans last year. The rest are monohulls.
During the season, I keep my Hobie 18 at the club. I also
have a Hobie 20 at home. I trailer that to divisional races around
New England.
Anyone wanting more info on the club or lake etc. can write to me
at SCOMAN::BASTIEN I'll send my home phone # if you want to talk.
Phil
I work nights, so expect a one day lag before getting a response.
Phil
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