Welcome to the Michigan Sailing Club!
We’re glad you found us! We’re a fun-loving group of people who like to sail, windsurf, paddle, swim, fish, enjoy the lake and each other’s company. Below is an introduction to how the club works and the many activities we offer. Please ask questions and offer suggestions. We’re happy to have you as a new member!
Fair Winds,
Meg Gower, Commodore
Introduction to our Club
Any member may access the Club grounds and facilities on their own whenever they wish. We have a combination lock on the gate – ask an Officer and we’ll tell you the combo. Rated Club member’s may only sail a Club boat when the Club is “Open for Sailing.”
Open Sailing or Open for Sailing:
It means just that – any member who has a rating may rig up and sail a Club boat. We are open for “Open Sailing” any time a Key rated member volunteers to open the club. Normally, this is weekend days and weekday evenings, but sometimes we are open in the evening on weekends or during the day on weekdays.
Rating System:
In order to use our sailboats and windsurfers, we ask our members to pass a series of tests to demonstrate their sailing ability and knowledge – this is the Basic Rating.
- Once you earn a Basic Rating you may take out a club sailboat or windsurfer any time the club is “Open for Sailing.” We encourage all of our members to earn a Basic Rating. If you already know how to sail, you should be able to earn a Basic rating very quickly.
- The next step is a Key Rating. Key members can hold the club Open Sailing in winds up to 15 knots. To earn keys to the club you’ll need to demonstrate an intermediate level of sailing ability and knowledge.
- The highest rating is Skipper. Skippers may sail anytime they want.
Sailboats and Windsurfers:
The club has a variety of sailboats and windsurfers. All are available for use by rated club members. Different people like different boats, and some of us like to sail different boats depending on our mood. Feel free to try them all to see what you like. It’s a good idea to have someone help you the first time you try to rig a new boat.We ask that whenever you take out a boat that you sign it out on the sign-out sheet, and check the box on the form when you return.
Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards:
Members are welcome to use the paddlecraft anytime – there’s no need for someone to be here or for the Club to be “Open for Sailing.” Come anytime and take out the paddlecraft or just hang out and enjoy the lawn and lake. Just like the sailboats, we ask that you sign the paddlecraft in and out, and if you are going to paddle to another lake on the chain we ask that you say where you are going and when you expect to be back.
General info about equipment use:
The basic idea is that we all share the club together. If you use something, put it away. Clean up after yourself in the kitchen and boathouse. If you notice something is broken, either repair it or call attention to it. If we are running low on some supply, let others know.
Life vests (PFDs):
State law requires at least one PFD of the proper size for each person aboard. Children under 6 years of age must wear a PFD while underway in any boat. It is recommended that everyone wear a PFD while out on the water. We require that anyone using any club boat must wear a PFD unless they have passed the swim test of the Basic Rating.
Swimming:
Members are welcome to swim in the area near the dock. Note: we do not have a lifeguard or a designated swim area. Swimming out into the lake past the dock and swim raft is not recommended – there are lots of motorboats around and it’s hard to see a swimmer in the water. We have swimming buoys located in the locker at the end of the dock. You are more than welcome to connect them from the dock to the swimming raft as an added safety measure to alert boaters in the area of swimmers. Please return the buoy line to the locker when you are finished.
Email and social media:
The club has several email distribution lists:
- The first is a low-traffic, moderated announcements list. Join this list to find out about the club’s schedule, special events, business meetings, and more.
- The second is a moderated discussion list for our members to talk about anything and everything to do with sailing and the club.
- The third is a moderated list for the racing program – anything and everything to do with racing at the club. e.g. arrange crew/skipper pairings, rides to the club, figure out who’s setting the course, discuss rules, racing tips, etc.
- We also have a windsurfing list.
To sign up for any of our list please go here: SUBSCRIBE
We’re on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganSailingClub and twitter @MichiganSailing
Racing:
There is no better way to sharpen your sailing skills than by racing. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot of fun! You don’t need any experience or special knowledge to get involved with the racing, just a willingness to try. Simply show up and ask to crew for someone. We race informally every Sunday (10am). We do several formal regattas throughout the season. Check the club racing calendar for details.
The Board:
The sailing club is managed by the Executive Board which is elected for a one-year term each October. The positions are: Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer, Secretary, Dockmaster, Fleet Captain, and Racing Chair.
Guests:
We encourage our members to bring their friends and family out to the club. However, in order to keep dues as low as they are we ask that guests who come on a regular basis become members. Official policy (in the club constitution) is that no one may participate in sailing more than twice a year as a guest. Please make sure any guests bring and wear their PFD‘s.
Wireless Internet:
We have wireless internet. The password is in the three ring binder on the table in the kitchen or ask a member.
