Dear OSYC Members,
According to Georgia Power, the drawdown of Sinclair will begin about October 18 and last until about November 27.  They will not commit to exactly how the drawdown will affect the lake level except to say it will be substantially lower than normal.

Based on past drawdowns, the exact date of the start of the drawdown can begin a few days earlier and end a few days later that announced.  Also, the on top of the general lowering of the lake level there will be daily fluctuations of more than two feet.  Because of the unpredictability of the fluctuation and the potential damage to boats and docks due to tight or loose dock lines, the board is requiring that all boats be removed from their slips during the drawdown.

Slip holders are requested to have their boats out of the slips at least a few days before October 18.  Some are planning to anchor their boats in deeper water, some are trailering their boat off site, and most are planning to park on the club grounds on trailers.  Because of the large number of boats on trailers, it will be necessary for some boats to be blocked in by others.  This is an inconvenience we just have to live with. I’d also like to urge anyone who can move their trailer offsite until December, with or without its vessel, to do so.  Any relief we can get from crowding the trailers together at OSYC will be greatly appreciated.

When parking your boat please do not block the hoist or the ramp as some are planning to do bottom work during the drawdown, and we may be doing repair work on the ramp.

Cautions and suggestions:

1.        Be aware of low tree limbs when parking your boat.

2.        If you anchor out, be sure you have adequate anchors, depth, and proper lighting.  Bob Horan is one of our most experienced cruisers, so he is a good resource.

3.       It is OK to use the floating docks during the drawdown but not for overnight unless you are staying on the boat.

Commodore Bill Morris