You may be wondering where someone in the southwest corner of Virginia, hours from open water, sails a boat. Well, fortunately for me (and perhaps unfortunately for my grades) there are several lakes nearby that are very nice for small and medium boat sailing.
Claytor Lake is the closest and is very nice for day sailing. There is a free public launch as well as a launch and camping at the state park. It's about 45 min. from Blacksburg to the free ramp (pulling a boat trailer). It's easy to find; Exit 101 off of Interstate 81 and follow the signs.
Smith Mountain Lake is a bit father away, but it's much larger. There is also a state park on the lake that has camping.
This site is published by an area realtor. Personally, I doubt the claim that the water temperature ever gets into the 70's, but maybe that's just me. 
Last modified September 29, 1999