Sailing in Tirol

The largest lake in Tirol, Lake Achensee offers without a doubt the region's best wind conditions for sailing. During periods of high pressure there is generally a gentle southerly wind in the mornings, while in the afternoon a stronger wind from the north (known as the "Boarische" because of its origin over the German border in Bayern) can reach speeds of 3-5 Beaufort. The lake is exceptionally long for an alpine body of water at 9.4 kilometres. A number of sailing and surf schools dotted along the shores of the lake offer courses and hire out sailing boats to guests with the necessary qualifications. The Yachtclub Achenkirch and the Segelclub TWV Achensee organise regattas at regular intervals, including national championships and class championships.

Together with the adjacent Heiterwanger See, the Plansee lake in the westerly Außerfern region is the second-largest lake in Tirol. The two bodies of water are connected by a 300-metre-long canal. Of the two, it is the Plansee which has more to offer sailors. On good days this lake can develop strong thermals. These winds may be somewhat inconsistent, but with the right conditions they can help sailors reach top speeds on the lake. The local sailing club, SC Plansee, organises regattas every now and then and also has a number of private sunbathing areas on the shores of the lake where guests are welcome. It is not possible to hire sailing boats.

Perched on top of the Reschenpass, a mountain pass connecting Austria to Italy, lies the Reschensee lake at 1,500 metres above sea level – one of the most eye-catching watersports locations in the Alps. The lake is one of the highest in the alpine region and has become famous around the world for its iconic submerged church, whose spire can still be seen protruding from the water today. The church was originally built on dry land but flooded during the building of the nearby reservoir. Today, Soling, Topcat and Finn boats take part in the annual regatta on the lake organisd by the local sailing club, the Segelverein Reschensee. Thanks to its location on the main alpine ridge, the Reschensee lake often has strong winds – mostly from a southerly direction.