Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by R.W. Bradford

Novice sailors Renee Freedman and Kathy O'Connor set sail on the open reservoir in a Lido 14 sailboat.

Making Waves

College instructor sold his sailing idea to the county

By Suzy Ramirez

Sailing across somewhat open waters is now a dream come true for many who never knew how to sail, thanks to lessons and boat rentals being offered for the first time this summer by the Lexington Sailing and Recreation Program.

Outdoor enthusiasts who love the water now have the opportunity to experience natural beauty in a sailboat or pedal boat as the sun shines down and the wind carries them along Lexington Reservoir.

An avid sailor who has even ventured to Hawai`i from California in a sailboat, Dr. Chuck Dougherty is making waves with everyone from prospective sailors to experienced boaters. Dougherty's aspirations to share his love for water and sailing with others have finally become a reality.

After working as a physical education instructor at De Anza College for almost 20 years, Dougherty applied for a sabbatical leave three years ago. His plan was to find a way to be involved in activities involving the water. Through his own personal interest in boating, the former Eagle Scout was inspired to create the sailing program he holds so dear.

As a child, Dougherty would build rafts and read books such as Huckleberry Finn. "I have always loved anything having to do with the water or anything that floats," he said with a smile.

Dougherty brought his proposal for the recreation program to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department in February of this year. The approval came in April. "They liked what they heard," Dougherty said.

The approval is not much of a surprise. Dougherty is well educated and experienced with water apparatus and teaching. He holds a United States Coast Guard Master's License for vessels, powerboats or sailboats and is an instructor and counselor for the Coast Guard. The sailor is also the director of De Anza's maritime studies and sailing programs.

Lexington Reservoir offers a convenient, safe and quiet alternative to Santa Cruz and San Francisco boating. A half-mile wide and 112 miles long, it has been designated as a quiet, passive reservoir where everything from kyacking to windsurfing to sailing is allowed.

According to Dougherty, the reservoir is an excellent place to learn how to sail because it is not as dangerous or crowded as the nearby ocean areas. Lexington is also free of noise pollution because powerboats are banned from the reservoir.

Henning Manahrens, a Campbell resident, said both the program and the reservoir itself offer a convenient opportunity for anyone interested in sailing.

"I don't really have a reason why I wanted to learn how to sail; it's something I've always wanted to do, and it could be useful someday," Manahrens said. "Chuck seems very capable, and this is a great opportunity."

As you drive down the road leading to the dock on the reservoir, colorful yellow and blue boats come into sight, bouncing in the water, eagerly awaiting the next boater. The boats, bought from Spinnaker Sailing in Mountain View, are attached to a mooring ball about 100 yards offshore so they don't take up dock space.

The blue Lido 14 sailboats used for lessons are stable, safe and easy for beginners to operate. Two adults and two children can fit comfortably on one of these boats. Hobie cats, also blue, are for the more advanced sailor. These boats can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, depending on the wind, as opposed to 7-8 miles per hour on the Lido 14s.

The yellow pedal boats, just recently acquired by the program, seat two in the front who work the pedals, and two riders in the back. All the boats are available for rental.

Parks and Recreation has invested $25,000 in the program and an insurance policy. Dougherty is ready to add more boats as the program gains popularity. Right now, he gives about 15 to 20 lessons a day. Dougherty has also been selling soft drinks and water for $1 as a convenience to those who come out to enjoy the reservoir.

Eventually, Dougherty would like to invest in two or three more pedal boats and two or three more Lido 14s for customer rental and lesson use.

Those taking sailing lessons must sign a waiver stating that they and anyone else, including children, on their boat can swim 200 yards (the distance to the shore from the farthest point sailboats are allowed out) and tread water for 10 minutes while fully clothed. The private sailing lessons each cost $40.

To rent a sailboat, all of the above requirements apply, and one person on the boat must know how to sail.

In line with his agreement with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, Dougherty adamantly refuses to allow anyone to rent or learn how to sail if they cannot swim. "I don't want there to be any accidents while I am running this sailing program," Dougherty said. "I have always felt that swimming lessons and learning how to swim should be a requirement."

Chris May, a physical education teacher at De Anza College, assists Dougherty in giving lessons and making repairs, along with Chris Throme and Susan Plant. All of the instructors are certified lifeguards and have sailing experience.

A typical sailing lesson involves the instructor and the student taking a Lido 14 sailboat out on the reservoir and maneuvering the tiller according to the direction of the wind and the direction they want to head. "I will usually control the tiller in the beginning and then hand it over to them," May said.

A person needs about four lessons before they can sail on their own, Dougherty said.

Sunnyvale resident Renee Freedman is taking sailing lessons with her neighbor Kathy O'Connor in preparation for an upcoming trip to Israel and adventure on the Red Sea. The novice sailor said she liked how the instructors follow the pace of the learner. "The instructor helped build my confidence on the water until I felt more comfortable with sailing," Freedman explained.

According to May, the most rewarding thing about giving sailing lessons is watching people grow from their sailing experience and feel more comfortable with the water.

The No. 1 priority of the program and the instructors is the safety of the sailors and to be there in case of an emergency. Dougherty and his instructors provide general rescue services for the entire reservoir, even for those who aren't taking lessons from them, as part of his contract with the county. Dougherty said they perform at least one or two rescues a day, and he is only allowed to use his powerboat in rescue situations and for transportation out to the mooring where the sailboats and pedal boats are attached.

A recent rescue by Dougherty involved a man who could not swim and did not have a life vest on. His man-made sailboat capsized, and Dougherty helped him get off his sinking boat.

When individuals interested in sailing take the correct precautions and follow the regulations set by Dougherty, sailing can be an exhilarating experience one will never forget.

"Learning how to sail has been the greatest fun, and I know it will be really useful to me someday," Manahrens said. "It's a great summer thing to do."

The Lexington Sailing and Recreation Program offers rentals and lessons on Monday through Thursday by appointment; Friday, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10-6 p.m. and holidays, 10-6 p.m. Rental fees vary depending on the day of the week. For more information call Dougherty at 864-8645.

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