Hobie Cat Fleet Sails Fogland, Helps Clean Beach

The catamarans of Rhode Island Hobie Cat Fleet 448 were slicing through the waters off on an overcast Sunday this past weekend.

Member Jim Paon said winds were out of the northwest at about 15 to 20 knots, and their Hobie H16's were moving pretty quick until the wind started die around mid-afternoon. The day never really got sunny, but Paon said they hope to be back to Tiverton.

He said they continue to bring their recreational type of sailing around the state and, as a service project, help clean the beaches they frequent. They also like to cook hearty meals on site.

"It was probably the calmest I've ever seen," he said about Sunday's conditions.

The sailing group, started in 1981, provides an emphasis for fun for catamaran enthusiasts. Their events around New England range from regattas, beach parties, a "learn to sail" day or any ad hoc affair thrown together by a few sailors. Paon said they go to other spots around Rhode Island, including Gooseberry Beach in Newport and Conimicut Point and Goddard Park in Warwick.

Paon added that the fleet remains conscious of the beaches they have access to.

"We're a responsible club with the fragile environment we play on," he said, citing examples of why certain beaches get limited access due to people who do not take care of them. Paon also talked about the previously-endangered piping plover from a few years ago. "State beaches would never allow us to do this."

Paon said they are looking to get more people involved with the fleet, and are open for anyone who interested in sailing and likes to meet new people.

"To find a beach like this is few and far between," he added about Fogland.

Dave Heroux is the fleet's commodore and Tom Bush is the vice commodore. For more information, visit their website.