Greetings, PPYC
Low Lake Level
The Tennessee Valley watershed continues to experience widespread drought with a significant portion of the counties in severe and extreme drought. 6.3 million Tennessee residents are in areas of drought. We experienced the 4th driest quarter (January-March 2026) since 1895 and are 5.6 inches of precipitation below normal. This spring, the rain simply hasn’t fallen. Dry ground and vegetation are likely to absorb any rain that does fall.
Percy Priest lake remains below the 386 level and five feet lower than normal. The Army Corps has posted dangerous boating warnings for the lake and urges boaters to slow down, stick to the navigation channels, and wear life jackets.
Considering the risk of grounding, many club members have purchased tow insurance through providers such as BoatUS. It is a good time to review and renew your membership and log-in options before you may need it. Stick to the middle of the lake, stay away from the shoreline and low water hazards, remember to charge your radio, make sure your motor is in good operating condition, and that you have plenty of fuel on board.
Race Academy
With WNR cancellations due to the low lake level, our community of sailors has come together to hold Race Academy Windward/Leeward events on Wednesdays over the entire month of April. Our race academy team of Bill, Jackson and Brad have been amazing with helping to organize these events and run the Windward/Leeward race practices. Crews have rotated each week to volunteer on the RC boats, set the courses and run the practices. This has been an excellent demonstration of dedication and commitment toward our PPYC club mission to continue to provide regular sailing opportunities for all our club members on Percy Priest lake. A big round of applause to all who have helped make this happen.
Fireworks & Drone Light Shows on the Lake
Nashville Shores plans to host fireworks shows on May 24 for Memorial Day weekend, July 3 and July 5 for Independence Day Celebrations, and September 6 for Labor Day weekend. Drone Light Displays will also be held this season on June 15, June 19 and June 26.
While not an official club event, we have facilitated member outings to raft up and enjoy the fireworks together on the lake. Check the club website for more details about these fun opportunities.
Learning at the Helm (LATH)
LATH continues to serve as one of our most important sailing programs to the strength and development of our club membership. The public response continues with high demand! So, we’re adding a few new LATH Skippers to the roster. If you are interested in participating as a LATH Skipper or regular Club LATH Sailor, don’t hesitate to contact our LATH leadership team of George, Ron & Reggie.
UPCOMING REGATTAS
POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE -The Exodus Regatta is a one-design Vanguard 15 dingy race that kicks off our Summer Sunday Small Boat Race Series for the V15 fleet and other dingy classes. Please refer to the website for the new date once it is finalized.
Sunday Small Boat Series
And, if you are interested in experiencing the thrills of dingy sailing this summer as the water warms up, be sure to check out the PPYC webpage, where you can complete your required crew waiver and registration for the Sunday Small Boat Series. Our Small Boat program coordinator Brad Barth is available to answer your questions and get you connected with this dingy sailing program.
Galen Freeman J22 Regatta - May 15-1
The Club will be hosting our premier one-design Spring Regatta for the J22 fleet on May 15-17. It is our big Spring multi-day racing event with J22 boats from across the region. There will be a pre-race training event on Friday, May 15 and racing planned for Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17. Breakfast will be served each morning. The will be a Saturday evening social event to celebrate the J22 fleet. Awards will occur on Sunday after the races. Register early.
Volunteers Needed
As our major one-design spring race, volunteers are needed over the GF-J22 multi-day event. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the many intricacies of a One-Design Regatta out on the water. Those PPYC beginners with an interest toward racing are highly encouraged to volunteer. You definitely will learn what it is about. See Galen Freeman Regatta Volunteers and please email Regatta Chair, George Heintz at ghheintz@aol.com for coordination.
Welcome to our Newest Members!
Please give them a warm welcome when you meet them at the club or on the lake!
- Jacob Balfe
- Sean Clare
- Kerry Degman
- Amos J. Gaston
- Rick Alexander
- Lance & Tricia Smotherman
- Sam Giarratana
- Gray Chase
- Ken Mouton
- Cheyenne Alley
- Bradley Schaubert
- Jeff Bryant
- George & Becca Darling
Happy Sailing!
Brian Dougherty
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