Our Club

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 attracts a large number of the areas avid racing skippers. LSSC holds its weekly after-race results and hot dog roast by the lake at Jefferson Beach Marina and an awards party for both the Spring and Summer 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 forty 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 our club, 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.