2011 Registration Begins, with Big Rule Changes!

Its February, and we all know what that means! Winter is more than 1/2 over, and even more importantly, Minneapolis Lakes Buoy Registration has begun. The program is very similar to past years in regard to how buoys are assigned (see HERE for details), but there are some very notable changes.Here we go, from small to big:


1) There is a new electronic registration system. 
You have to enroll to use it. It is all rather easy, and the one change that came out of that is you can now wait to midnight of the day of the drawing to complete your registration. The old deadline was several days before.


2) Price increase and taxi service
The buoy rates have gone up this year by $50. Part of this increase will go to pay for better tender maintenance program, and the big news is a water TAXI service from the docks to Harriet and Calhoun boats during peak hours. Details and hours of operation are being worked out, but the plan is to use a small launch with a powerful electric motor to ferry sailors to and from their boats. Regular tenders will be available at all times, like before, under the key system. This seems to be a great idea, and I hope it works out.

3) BOAT LENGTH LIMIT

EDIT: As of March 1st, The MPRB has now changed the web site language to call the 22 foot limit a RECOMMENDATION. All of the reasons for boat length limits are still true, but it remains (as before) a personal preference.

As you can see on the new registration form, the MPRB is enforcing a length limit on boats this year. The 22 foot length was chosen to protect boats, buoys and people from harm. According to the MPRB, this rule has been in place for some time but not enforced. Part of the problem with enforcement has always been that it is hard to know exactly how to measure a sailboat, and depending on your boat, differing measurement methods can create a foot swing in reported length.

According to the MPRB, the issue is not just with length, but also size, windage, and displacement. Length is just easier to measure for compliance. In general, when boats get too big for the Minneapolis lakes, you have the following issues:

1) Inability to maneuver with an electric motor

2) Damage to buoy anchors due to weight and size

3) Limited ability to turn and maneuver in the buoy field

4) Danger during launching due to size and draft.
5) Boat damage due to potential overlap on swing.


What do you do if your boat is longer? You have two options. One is to enter the length into the form, and see if the Park Board contacts you regarding your boat length. If you have a lightweight Whatsit 22.2, I'm guessing you are going to be OK. The second option is to contact Annie Olsen at the MPRB, you can email her HERE