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Welcome to Lake Shore Sail Club!
It was in the fall of 1968, when, those who were to become the thirteen
charter members first met. Without even realizing it, they were
participating in what was to become the first event of the club.
There at the Shores Inn, over a pint or two of bitters, they agreed
on a name and developed a constitution and philosophy, which has
driven the club to be what it is today: A club to provide a friendly
family sailing experience with little emphasis on frills, but with
extensive opportunities for racing and cruising. The result of which
came to be known as the Lake Shore Sail Club.
Lake Shore Sail Club (LSSC) was founded in the spring of 1969
after the successful efforts of our founding Commodore, John O.
McGuire to organize informal races with other cruising boat sailors
in the area. At that first meeting in 1968, the thirteen
charter members developed the name of our club, its
constitution, and most importantly, its philosophy, which is to
provide a sail club with opportunities for both racing and cruising.
True to that philosophy today, Lake Shore Sail Club remains a
family-oriented club dedicated to providing the opportunity for a
sailor to race, cruise, and enjoy the fellowship of other sailors.
The THRILL of Racing
At LSSC, we understand the thrill racing holds for many sailors.
LSSC maintains a Coast Guard approved race course located off Gaukler
Point in Lake St. Clair. Our members have constructed and maintain
our own racing marks and racing results program.
The Lake Shore Sail Club's members only race program includes
Sunday, Championship, and Special Club races. Typically, there are
four regular Sunday races and six special races, including the Thomas
and Commodore's Cup long distance races, the Petticoat, Juniors, Jack
& Jill, and Single-handed races. A very important part of our race
program is the
after-race awards parties which are open to all members. Race awards
are presented at the Jefferson Beach Marina Park and include a hot
dog roast for racers and spectators.
In addition to these club races, Lake Shore Sail Club sponsors the
very popular Spring and Summer Sunset Series Races, which are open to
all area sailors. These two, six-race series usually attract about
100 of the areas avid racing skippers. LSSC holds the weekly
after-race results at Jack's
Waterfront Restaurant and awards parties after the last race of
each series at the Harper Woods Community Center.
Members of Lake Shore Sail Club are eligible for reduced rates for
the Spring and Summer Sunset racing series. The Sunday races are open
only to LSSC members. Lake Shore Sail Club also sponsors the annual Inter-Club
Team Championship Race open to all DRYA
Clubs. Each club is invited to enter four boats representing their
club to compete as a team for this prestigious trophy. The Team Race,
as it is known, is sailed in the fall and often in heavy air,
resulting in a true test of the sailors abilities.
The RELAXATION of Cruising
In addition to a respectable racing program, Lake Shore Sail Club
also focuses on the relaxing nature of cruising your sailing vessel.
Our cruise program has
typically consisted of at least three major cruises to area ports
over the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day holiday
weekends. These cruises usually include group activities such as
breakfasts, cocktail parties and steak roasts, and, when the
participants are willing, the occasional volley ball game, make your
own sailboat race, dingy race, or karaoke party. All ports of call
can easily be reached by sailboat or by automobile, enabling all
members to join in the fun.
The FELLOWSHIP of Others
Even though Lake Shore Sail Club does not have clubhouse or marina
facilities, our extensive race and cruise programs provide the
opportunity for many social activities between members. In fact, many
of our members are also members of other local boat, sail, and yacht
clubs who have joined the LSSC for our club's camaraderie.
We sponsor year-round non-sailing activities such as a steak roast
in the fall sponsored by the past Commodores, the occasional winter
cruise to area restaurants or clubs for champagne brunch or dinner,
and the formal event of the year, the Commodore's Ball on the last
Saturday in February.
Become a Member of the Lake Shore Sail Club
During the past thirty plus years, our membership has grown from
thirty members in 1969 to a roster totaling over 125. Today, our
membership totals fluctuate between 80 and 100 member families. We
have two membership distinctions: associate for the non-boat owner
and senior for the boat owner. Our constitution limits senior
membership to 150 qualified boats.
Lake Shore Sail Club is governed through an elected eight member
board of directors, consisting of the Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear
Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Board Members at large.
All applications for membership must be approved by the Board after
publication and acceptance by the general membership. Members are
encouraged to attend the four general membership meetings to keep
informed of upcoming club events and decisions.
Lake Shore Sail Club is a member of the Detroit
Regional Yacht-racing Association (DRYA). As a result, our
members enjoy the benefits of that affiliation, including eligibility
for participation in all DRYA area regattas and other major racing
events such as the Mackinac, Lake Huron International
(Sarnia-Alpena), Down-river and I-LYA Put-in-Bay Bay Race Week series
races. In addition to the benefits of racing, our members also enjoy
the hospitality of many DRYA affiliated clubs while cruising.
Thank you for taking the time to review this information. We hope
it has given you a better idea of what Lake Shore Sail Club is all
about. To join us, please download our membership
application and return the application and your dues to our
Membership Chairperson.
For additional information you may send an inquiry to Lake Shore
Sail Club from the Contact
Us page.
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