With clear skies and a break from the sweltering heat, Saturday morning became a perfect time for a sail-a-bration.
As part of the celebration of Missouri's bicentennial, groups across the state organized "BiSAILtennial" events for Saturday, and the Capital City Sailing Association hit Binder Lake to take part.
Janet Weckenborg said the club usually sails on Binder Lake at least twice a month, where they have organized races in the morning, before many club members have to take off for family events and other outings. For the bicentennial event, she said, they decided to add a parade after the normal races.
"The idea was to try to join our comrades across the state," Weckenborg said. "Happy 200!"
Some of the members wore bicentennial gear as part of the celebration.
Saturday morning saw some windy conditions at Binder, and Weckenborg noted the lake itself is essentially in a bowl, allowing wind to come in from all directions and shift without warning. That can make it difficult in some circumstances, such as trying to line up for a parade, she said.
About 10 boats took part in the parade, with four joining at the last minute, some at the encouragement of club members.
Randy Satterlee said he came up from the Lake of the Ozarks with friends and their homemade puddle duck boats to take part in the celebration. While Satterlee was already planning to take part in the parade, his friend had some encouragement to get his homemade boat, "Baby Steps," out on its maiden voyage, but it ultimately led the parade.
Weckenborg said the regular races help members continue to practice and allow them to get out and play, noting some who took part Saturday were new to sailing. For those who were, the more experienced members were quick to lend a hand or give advice when needed.
For more information on the Capital City Sailing Association, visit jcsailing.org.