Sailing Hobie® Mirage® Islands at over 8,200 feet of elevation is special. The mountain scenery is incredible. The zephyrs filling the sails are thrilling. The atmosphere… Breathless.
Twenty Islands – a mix of Tandems and Adventures – gathered at Colorado’s beautiful Lake Granby for Islands in the Rockies. The event hosted by The New Anchorage and FRIO (Front Range Island Owners) attracted Hobie Island Club members from as far away as toasty Havasu City, Arizona up to the refreshing high country.
FRIO was one of the first Island Clubs (there are over 120 now). For club captain John McNeely, Islands in the Rockies was a celebration. He proudly led a Mirage Island procession off the shores of Stillwater Campground. Later, he’d enthuse on the good vibe, the camaraderie and fun. “I’m overjoywed,” he said.
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When the wind took a break in the morning, the Island sailors gathered on shore to share sailing and rigging tips. They told stories of favorite Island sailing destinations, and regaled one another with past adventures. John Weigien of Colorado Kayak Fishing presented a fishing seminar. Shannon Bingham offered a class on outfitting an Island for expeditions. “You could easily live out of an Adventure Island or Tandem Island for the whole summer,” he said.
The wind off the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park picked up predictably in the afternoon, leading to some splashy sailing. “Such a good time,” said Kathy Lavender. “The opportunity to learn was great. To get together for dinner, camp together, sail together, it was a good time,” she added.
Even Smokey Bear made an appearance, attracted by the colorful craft and their sailors. He jumped into the group photo.
“Islands in the Rockies was beyond my expectations. Everything was perfect. I’m beyond pleased,” said Eileen Winans, owner of The New Anchorage.
“I’d like to do it again,” added Kathy Lavender, a Hobie Island hat proudly atop her head.
