Wisconsin's winter lovers are suffering this year. But when opportunity sets sail on the open water, it can be easier to move forward.
In Neenah, sailors are already out on the Fox River in ways you might not expect.
When a sport depends entirely on the elements, you have to take what you can.
"Well, I was snowmobiling Thursday and Friday," says Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club member Bob Vogt, standing along the docks along Riverside Park, "but that's done. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing isn't making any sense."
If a window closes earlier than expected, Vogt says there's no use in fretting.
"We were racing these in a pool in the winter," says Vogt, remote control in hand, as roughly a half-dozen tiny sailboats dot the open water in front of him. "That was our winter time activity. But lately, we've been having trouble getting swimming pools."
With open water on the Neenah Channel, Vogt, and roughly a dozen or so other members of the Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club, are already hoisting their jibs, so to speak.
"And it does give you the excitement of racing, you know," says Vogt. "It gets you going."
Their vessel of choice: radio controlled sailboats, and no, there's no motor.
It's hard to imagine a life-size sailboat having anything in common with something as small as these, but Vogt says the two are more similar than you think.
"We've got rudder control, and then the other control is for the sails," says Vogt, "and when you let them all the way out, you can go with the wind. And when you go into the wind, you pull them all the way back in. And when you go across the wind, you let them out half-way--just like normal sailing."
Vogt says it also has its advantages over the real thing.
"If it rains, you go home without having to take the sails," laughs Vogt, "and put them down in the basement."
It's not all smooth sailing.
"I've got to go chase that one," says Vogt, handing over the microphone before hopping in a wooden oar boat tied to the dock, "I'm snagged on something."
With an oar boat at the ready along shore, sailors can respond to the occasional distress call, or wandering iceberg.
These sailors are also used to sharing the open water with the occasional speed boat..
"Well, I saw that the water was open down here, and I got this for a Christmas present," says Neenah native Isaac Heinen, as he holds onto a sleek looking RC speed boat that moments ago was tearing through the waves, "so I wanted to come down here and try it out."
Heinen and his family are no strangers to RC cars, but an RC boat is new territory.
"I just wanted to try out boats," says Heinen.
Even though some feel the need for speed, Vogt says Heinen, and anyone else, for that matter, are always welcome to raise a sail.
"And, we're always looking for more people to join, too," says Vogt.
It's opportunity that are waiting on the wind the next time you head outdoors.
The next Dragonforce RC fleet race is set for this Sunday in Neenah.
