Marina point of interest

A combination of wide open water, low surrounding terrain and strong winds provides the conditions which make Carlyle Lake one of the Midwest’s most popular sailing lakes. Regional and national regattas are held here, and in 1994 the U.S. Olympic Festival games sailing competition was hosted by Eldon Hazlet SRA and the Carlyle Sailing Association.

A 40-acre sailboat harbor, protected in a deep inlet, is at the south end of the park and is operated as a land-based marina, meaning all boats are stored on land. The sailboat harbor is leased from the park by the Carlyle Sailing Association, which operates it as a concession for members. Non-members may launch boats for fee.

In addition to boat launching privileges, payment of the fee entitles the non-member to use the harbor’s other facilities - showers, picnic tables, play equipment, day-use docks, and a large shelter with electricity and a barbecue pit. When slots are available, parking privileges in the harbor’s members-only overnight boat parking area may be extended to non-members staying several days at the park and paying the launching fee.

The harbor complex has a conventional boat launching ramp and three electric hoists which can place sailboats up to 2,000 pounds (in the 16- to 18-foot range) in the water from the harbor wall. For additional information, contact the harbor master at 618-594-3622 or visit www.csa-sailing.org