Big Boat Day marks end of sailing season in Milwaukee; 'A good year'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's the beginning of the end for this year's shortened sailing season on Lake Michigan. 

Friday, Oct. 23 was "Big Boat Day" at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, and it involved pulling the larger boats out of the water with a giant, 20-ton crane. 

The weather can turn quickly in late fall and this ensures the boats are safely out of the water before winter sets in at the marina. 

We know it's getting to be THAT time (end of the sailing season) when the forklift comes out and the yard gets set up for Big Boat Day and Ensign haul-outs... pic.twitter.com/zrMK73GZec

— MKE Sailing Center (@MCSCSailing) October 21, 2020

Those at the event described it as a bittersweet moment. 

"This was actually a very good year," said Holly Church, Director of Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. "It's sad to see it end but at the same time everyone wants their boats put away for winter, so this is a good time to get that done before it really starts to snow." 

The sailing center has more than 500 members and has programs for children as young as 8, an extensive all-day summer youth program and more than 20 different classes for adults. Year-round membership includes a variety of enrichment classes, guest speakers, a book club and social opportunities. 

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