Sailing Club – The Smoke Rise Sailing Club began informally in 1953 when Sailfish were launched in Smoke Rise. A year later Sunday afternoon racing was initiated, and in 1957 the sailing Club was given official status when by-laws were enacted and the first Commodore was elected.

In 1969, the U.S. National Sailfish Championship was held in Smoke Rise, and two Sailing Club members became national champions. The Sailfish was the mainstay of the Club for a long time, but has been replaced but the slightly heavier Sunfish.

Competitive racing for members of the Club starts on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day and concludes during the Labor Day weekend. Senior and Junior Class races are held each week at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. respectively. Skippers must sail in at least seven races to qualify for trophies.

In addition to the regular Sunday competitions, open races are held on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Popular with many members is the regularly scheduled inter-lake competition with sailing clubs from surrounding areas. Sailing Club members enjoy a proud record in various regattas in which they participate.

One of the Club’s major efforts each year is the sponsorship of a junior sailing program. Sailing lessons by highly qualified instructors are available to all people in Smoke Rise during July and August. The success of this program is reflected in the number of fine sailors it has produced. Sailing instructors are on hand throughout the week to assist in the movement and the setting up of the boats.

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