lake geneva yacht club sailing school

Lake Geneva Sailing School

It seemed to me that if the boat tipped over, I’d be trapped inside the cabin, or worse, under the sail as that sail swung from the sky to the surface and finally, to the depths. I didn’t want to die that way, not then anyway, not at such a young age. And this is the reason that I didn’t like sailing as a child. I figured it was certain death, and death by drowning under a sail had to be one of the worst. This fear of the fixed-keel sailboat stayed with me for a while, but by junior high or high school I imagine it had faded away. By high school I was interested in Laser sailing, and with it feeling that capsizing was no longer a sure death to be avoided but instead, a quick way to cool off in the drink. My sailing was never skilled, my racing direction never certain.

My daughter, May, had a similar circle of sailing success. Originally, she found the Laser sailing fun, to sit in the cockpit next to me while I coerced that poor hull into holding my weight and hers. She enjoyed at least one month of sailing before a reversal, before a fear of sailing set in. There was no momentous event that changed her outlook, no dangerous sail or knock on the head with a swinging boom. There was only a decision that sailing was not for her. This occurred while aboard the Kestrel, the fixed keel boat that should, in fact, feel safer than a Laser. One moment we were sailing along, the whole family content, the next she was shrieking and inconsolable. Huddling in the cabin would offer no retreat, because she, like me at the same age, knew that during a capsizing event the cabin was no place to be.

That was early in the summer of 2013 that this fear developed, and it clung to her for most of the boating season. Towards fall she was less afraid, and even after one particularly harrowing, well documented Laser event that involved two turtled boats and a hurricane force wind, she still wasn’t deterred. By September she was comfortable aboard the fixed keel boat once again, and by early this spring she had made the decision that it was time to join her brother at sailing school. Some people take a lifetime to overcome their fears, and my daughter did so within the confines of one calendar year.

The Geneva Lake Sailing School is run out of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. It consists of a humble shack, some sailboats, and several tanned instructors. Kids as young as five or six can start their sailing careers here, and I see no better way to ease a child into a lifetime of sailing proficiency than by enrolling him, or her, in one of these summer classes. As with all things summer, this is a fleeting opportunity, one best captured quickly before all is, as Robert Redford proved, lost.

Here’s how this will work. You’ll call or email the Geneva Lake Sailing School. You’ll figure out which week your kid can take an introductory sailing class. Once you receive your options, you’ll then have to make a very, very difficult decision. See, in order to enroll your kid in a week-long sailing class, you’ll have to make the impossible decision to actually spend a full week at your vacation home. I know, I know, it’s crazy talk, but bear with me. Imagine a week that you don’t pack up on Sunday and drive home, back to the city or the suburbs. Imagine how that might feel to break with the pattern of Sunday dismissal. You have absolutely nothing to do during the week in the city anyway, but how difficult and horrifying it seems to spend weekdays at the lake. The terror of it all!

I’m assuming that if both spouses work, then one will have to take off to spend at the lake. If both wish to take off, that’s fine, too. This tenure when no one works and instead the family plays is called V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. It’s a hard word to spell out, difficult to pronounce, and nearly impossible for the modern worker to understand, but it’s a time tested way of recharging ones batteries. We think nothing of taking a week off in March to travel to some sand infested peninsula or island, and yet, in the height of a Midwestern summer we try to make our leisure bloom during only a Saturday and a Sunday? Shame on everyone.

So, we sign up for sailing school, because what are our other options? Do we sign our kids up for dance lessons, as my brother would have you do? You know what happens when kids become adults and they find themselves needing to entertain their friends? The kids who know how to sail take them sailing, and the kids who learned to dance? Well, they dance, possibly on a dimly lit stage. I don’t want that to happen to your kids, so let’s spend a week at the lake, having a good old fashioned summer vacation, and we’ll learn to sail while we’re at it.

About the Author

I'm David Curry. I write this blog to educate and entertain those who subscribe to the theory that Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is indeed the center of the real estate universe. When I started selling real estate 27 years ago I did so of a desire to one day dominate the activity in the Lake Geneva vacation home market. With over $800,000,000 in sales since January of 2010, that goal is within reach. If I can help you with your Lake Geneva real estate needs, please consider me at your service. Thanks for reading.

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Published on July 10th, 2015 | by Editor

Buddy Melges Sailing Center Officially Opened

Published on July 10th, 2015 by Editor -->

Officers, directors, and members from Lake Geneva Yacht Club and the Geneva Lake Sailing School celebrated the official opening of their new facility – Buddy Melges Sailing Center – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 3.

The building is located on South Lake Shore Drive in Fontana (WI) on property that the yacht club has occupied since 1926 and where the school began in 1938. The new facility, which contains approximately 12,000 square feet of interior space, houses the sailing school on its first floor and the yacht club on the upper floor.

The entire property, which consists of approximately eight acres of land and includes a number of outbuildings, has been named the Buddy Melges Sailing Center in honor of the club’s most accomplished sailor, whose accolades include Olympic Gold and Bronze Medals, an America’s Cup win, and numerous other sailing championship awards. He was a student at the sailing school in the 1940s and later an instructor.

Briohn Construction Corporation of Brookfield, WI, was the general contractor and builder. The company began work on the property last fall.

“The new Buddy Melges Sailing Center, home of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and the Geneva Lake Sailing School, is the culmination of many years of planning and represents a significant milestone in the history of these two great organizations,” said the yacht club’s Commodore F. Terrence Blanchard. “We believe the facility will be one of the finest sailing centers in the country and will provide current and future members and students a very special home where we can continue to promote and enjoy the sport of sailing on Geneva Lake.”

This year’s programs at the sailing school started on June 9 and will continue until mid-August. During 2014 more than 400 children and adults from the local community received their certificates. Instructors teach students in six indoor and outdoor classrooms as well as on the water. Fleet racing at the yacht club started later in June.

“The Buddy Melges Sailing Center provides a state-of-the-art facility for the Geneva Lake Sailing School to teach and grow the sport in a safe and enjoyable environment,” said the Geneva Lake Sailing School’s President Thomas Freytag, a top sailor and a graduate of the school. “We are very excited about the future of sailing on Geneva Lake.” Tom Freytag also serves as co-chair, with Past Commodore John D. Simms Jr., of the Buddy Melges Sailing Center Funding Committee and the Building Committee.

Lake Geneva Yacht Club traces its roots to 1874 and the first Sheridan Race, an event established to honor General Philip H. Sheridan during his visit to the area and a highlight on the club’s racing calendar ever since. The first clubhouse was built in 1906 at Cedar Point in Williams Bay. Members of the yacht club founded the Sailing School, which became an independent entity after being incorporated in 1953.

The Lake Geneva Yacht Club is proud to be hosting the Inland Lake Yachting Association Annual Championship Regatta, August 19 to 23. This event, which is expected to attract more than 200 boats, will also be held at Lake Geneva Yacht Club in 2016 and 2017.

Report from ILYA.

Photo caption: (left to right with scissors): Geneva Lake Sailing School President Tom Freytag, Past Commodore John D. Simms Jr., Buddy Melges, Past Commodore Gloria Melges, Commodore F. Terrence Blanchard, and other officers and directors at the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the new facility for the Geneva Lake Sailing School and the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. Credit: Michael Moore photo

Tags: Buddy Melges , Buddy Melges Sailing Center , growing the sport , Lake Geneva Yacht Club

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Geneva Lakes Sailing School

One week sailing camps for kids between the ages of 4-18. All levels welcome. Click here   to check their website for schedules and prices. Early bird registrations available.

2023 ILYA X Boat Championship

Notice board

Hosted by ILYA

Lake Geneva YC, Fontana WI

Notice Board

Junior Fleet Race 6 Last Boat Finish Time 12:34:37

Senior fleet race 6 last boat finish time 12:45:14, junior & senior fleet race 4 warning 0900 wednesday, august 2., junior fleet race 3 last boat finish time 17:37:06, senior fleet race 3 last boat finish time 5:09, https://bit.ly/sailhearing, junior fleet race 3 warning 4:15, senior fleet race 3 warning 3:25, junior fleet race 2 last boat time 14:13:22, senior fleet race 2 last boat time 13:37:25, https://bit.ly/sailhearing., racing done for the day monday july 31.  tuesday morning august 1st:, senior fleet race 1 warning 0900, junior fleet race 1 warning 0945.

Inland Lake Yachting Association X Boat Championship  Sunday, July 30, 2023 to Wednesday, August 2, 2023  Lake Geneva Yacht Club 1250 Lakeshore Drive Fontana, WI 53125

Over 200 Junior Sailors throughout the Midwest will compete in the 83rd Annual 2023 Inland Lakes Yachting Association Class X Championship Regatta July 30th - August 2nd, 2023 at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.

Welcome to all the sailors and their families!

Registration via the ILYA - is online - please register before arrival. See the NOR for entry fees.

There will be no practice race.

Arrival and Boat check in

On site check in 10:00am to 4:00pm will be on Sunday July 30th at LGYC. You will be greeted by a parking attendant who will direct you to your boat parking spot. Please drop your x boat in designated parking spot and move your vehicle to designated parking. Please make sure to bring Parking Chocks.

Measurement and Weight

An inspection of lead and silver weight sticker will be required prior to check in.

Proceed upstairs to complete the check in process and return any perpetual trophies.

• Complete regatta registration with the ILYA and LGYC
• Pick up goodie bags, information packet and pre ordered merchandise
• Purchase additional merchandise and meal/social packages (quantities limited)

Power/Spectator Boat Trailer Parking

No trailer parking on site. Parking available at Jerry’s Marine  N1599 Maple Ridge Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Termporary Mooring Field

The Geneva Lake Sailing School has secured a permit for temporary mooring field in front of the Yacht Club for the duration of the X Boat Inland Championship. Each club can have 2 moorings to be used for overnight coach boat storage (inflatable less than 20 ft.) and for staging of their X boats during launch, lunch break and retrieval process. This will allow for a faster and more seamless flow at the cranes.

Each club is responsible for bringing the anchor, chain, extra weight, and line appropriate for 15ft to 20ft of water. Also, the DNR requires the use of an official mooring buoy, i.e., a white ball with a reflective blue stripe.

Lunch Time Anchoring for X boats and coaches

There will be designated moorings for each team attending. Teams should plan to anchor coach and x boats during lunch breaks on Monday and Tuesday. Boats cannot anchor overnight.

Lunch time Mooring for Spectator boats

Boats that bring their own moorings can anchor during lunch hours. Spectator boats CAN NOT use moorings provided by LGYC. These are for X boats and coaches ONLY.  Note, spectator boats should not be left unattended.

Coach Boats

Coaches will be asked to provide transport of sailors to and from the mooring field. Overnight dockage on LGYC is for coach boats only. No spectator boats allowed overnight.

Power Boats/Spectator Boats Launching

You can launch at LGYC up to 2 hours prior to the earliest warning signal. No spectator boats can park at LGYC pier.

Other places to launch on the lake include: Williams Bay municipal pier, Fontana municipal pier, Linn township municipal pier.

Limited parking will be available at LGYC. Overflow parking will be at Jerry’s Marine N1599 Maple Ridge Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Shuttles will be provided for transport to and from Jerry’s.

You will be assigned a green or red sticker which will direct you to the designated crane. Please refer to map and launch from that crane each day.

Volleyball Tournament

First game will be played after the opening ceremonies. Games will conclude on Tuesday night during the party.

Race Winner Trophies

Race winners for Monday and Tuesday will be awarded at Tuesday night's party. Race winners for Wednesday’s races will be awarded during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the regatta.

Regatta Notice Board

Located lower level hallway

Protest Forms

Protest forms will be available in the small classroom on the lower level

Social Media

Instagram: @ilya_x_boat, @sailtheinland, Facebook @sailtheinland

Regatta Schedule

Sunday July 30

7:30am - 8:30am Complimentary Breakfast

10:00am - 4:00pm check in and rig boats

4:30pm MANDATORY coaches meeting

5:30pm Opening Ceremonies

Immediately following opening ceremonies Jr. and Sr. Competitors briefing

6:30pm Dinner served at LGYC

Volleyball Tournament to begin

DJ outside and live music in bar area

Monday July 31

9:30am Warning for Senior fleet

10:30am Warning for Junior fleet

All lunches will be served at LGYC - coaches please get your sailors from the designated mooring field for lunch

Tuesday August 1

Junior and Senior racing as determined by the RC

Lunch at LGYC - coaches please get your sailors from the designated mooring field for lunch

Dinner at Club

Continue Volleyball

Photo booth, dunk tank, wipe out

Wednesday August 2

Lunch served during haul out

Followed by awards

Click here to purchase 2023 ILYA X Boat Championship merchandise .

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Junior Fleet

Senior Fleet

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Welcome to the MC Sailing Association

Upcoming Events

2024 regatta results.

“HISTORY OF THE SCOW”  Film Proposal Woody Woodruff has been sailing scows a long time and is using his talents as a film producer to make a documentary film on scows:  The Project    Donate Here

Notice of Election & Annual Membership Meeting

As part of its annual rotation, the Board seeks nominations of candidates to fill the positions of retiring members of the Board of Governors. Nominees must be current MCSA members and available to actively serve a three year term of office beginning January 1, 2025.  The elected individuals will fill the expiring term of Scott Slocum, Scott Harestad, & Natalie Sinn. When contemplating prospective nominees, consider the value of maintaining a Board balance in sailing, administrative, and leadership skill sets as well as a geographical representation of MCSA members.

The following member has accepted a nomination to fill one of the three open positions of the retiring Board members and will be placed on the ballot for a verbal vote:   The following is a list of the current Board members whose terms expire on December 31st of the year indicated:

Natalie Sinn      - Minnetonka YC, MN (2025) Dana Nelson    - Club de Voile Deux-Montagnes, CN (2025)

Kevin Neal       -  Florida (2025) Christy Will      -  Beulah YC, WI (2026) Matt Fisher       - Hoover SC, OH (2026) Sean Bradley   -  Barnegat Bay YR Assoc, NJ, (2026)- Commodore Chris Kubicek   -  Lake Beulah YC, WI (2028) - Vice Commodore Scott Harestad - Spring Lake YC, MI (2024) - Rear Commodore

The election will be held during the Annual Membership Meeting to be held at the MCSA National Championship August 21-24, Lake Geneva YC, WI.   Inquiries should be submitted to Chris Kubicek at [email protected]

© MC Sailing Association, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Southern Idaho Sailing Association

Your Home for Sailing in Idaho Since 1969

Hello to all our members and friends!

Please visit our schedule page for the current calendar of events we have many fun opportunities lined up to get on the water and enjoy each other’s company. , thanks for all your support, and we look forward to seeing you on the water, the southern idaho sailing association, for over 50 years we have been bringing sailors together by hosting regattas, cruising events, and great social gatherings.  regardless of your sailing experience, whether you own a boat or not, or just want to hone your crewing skills, we are here as a resource to help expand your recreational and sport opportunities on the beautiful lakes of southern idaho.  all are welcome.  check out our schedule and plan to join us this year.  thank you for visiting our site.  we look forward to seeing you  our mission:, promote safe sailing on idaho waters, encourage junior sailing and racing programs, sponsor and conduct sailing regattas, encourage recreational sailing, stay up to date.

Subscribe to our Mailing List In addition to email, SISA is now using the GroupMe app to communicate and enhance our sailing community! Interested in joining the conversation? Reach out to [email protected]  to be added to the group. Please click  here  to review our  GroupMe Use Guidelines .

Dinghyfes t July 8 - 12, 2024 

The Dinghyfest will kick off with the X Boat fleet on Monday and Tuesday. By combining Junior and Senior fleets the races will offer a spectacular competition for all, just in time for a tune-up before the Inland Championship.  

On Wednesday and Thursday we will host the Optimists in  both the Green fleet and RWB division. The RC will run the IOD trapezoid for the more advanced sailors while the green fleet will race around a traditional triangle on a separate course. This year we will also include the Melges 14  as a part of the mid week event.   

The last day of the event will belong to the Melges 15. GLSS has limited number of charters available, you can book one during registration. 

The LGYC will provide lunches every day and a dinner party for X Boats on Monday and Optimists on Wednesday. You can purchase individual  meals or event packages at registration. 

Past Winners

2023 results, 2022   results, 2021  results, 2020  results, 2019  results, 2018-2015   results.

Sailing in Idaho: Exploring the Best Destinations for Sailors, Sailing Schools and Boat Rentals

Idaho is a beautiful state that offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, including sailing. With its scenic lakes and rivers, picturesque mountains, and pristine forests, Idaho is a true paradise for sailors. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, this state has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sailing destinations in Idaho, and what makes them special.

Table of Contents

Idaho Weather Forecast

Best sailing destinations in idaho, lake coeur d’alene.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the most popular sailing destinations in Idaho, and for good reason. This stunning lake is over 25 miles long and offers clear, calm waters, making it ideal for sailing. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, mountains, and scenic communities, making it a perfect place to enjoy a day on the water.

One of the best things about sailing on Lake Coeur d’Alene is that there are many marinas and public access points, so you can easily launch your boat and start exploring. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing along the lake’s shoreline. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can sail to one of the lake’s many islands, where you can hike, picnic, or simply relax and take in the stunning views.

Payette Lake

Another great sailing destination in Idaho is Payette Lake, which is located near the town of McCall. This beautiful mountain lake is surrounded by towering pines and offers crystal-clear waters that are perfect for sailing. The lake is also home to several marinas and public access points, so you can easily launch your boat and start exploring.

One of the best things about sailing on Payette Lake is that there are many hidden coves and inlets to discover, as well as secluded beaches and islands. Whether you want to sail solo or with a group, this lake is a great place to spend a day on the water.

The Snake River

The Snake River is a major waterway in Idaho that winds through the state, offering plenty of opportunities for sailing and other water-based activities. This river is known for its scenic beauty, and there are many parks and recreation areas along its banks where you can launch your boat and start exploring.

One of the best things about sailing on the Snake River is that there are many rapids and other natural features to discover. This river is a great place for more experienced sailors, as well as for those who want to try their hand at whitewater rafting or kayaking.

Best Time to Sail in Idaho

The best time to sail on the lakes in Idaho is generally from May to September, with the peak sailing season being from June to August. During these months, the water temperature is warm enough for swimming, the winds are light, and the weather is mild, making it ideal for leisurely sailing.

The best time to sail on the rivers in Idaho is also from May to September, when the water levels are high and the weather is warm. During these months, the river conditions are generally calm, making it a great time to explore the scenic beauty of the Snake River or other rivers in the state.

It’s important to note that the weather in Idaho can be unpredictable, and sailors should always be prepared for changing conditions. Before heading out on the water, it’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate clothing and safety gear.

In conclusion, the months of May to September are generally considered the best time to sail in Idaho , but it’s always important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to take the necessary safety precautions.

Pros and Cons of Sailing in Idaho

Pros of Sailing in Idaho:

• Scenic Beauty: Idaho is known for its stunning natural beauty, and sailing provides a unique perspective on this beauty. From the clear waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the scenic banks of the Snake River, sailing in Idaho offers breathtaking views of the state’s mountains, forests, and wildlife.
• Variety of Destinations: Idaho offers a variety of sailing destinations, from lakes to rivers, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your sailing experience. Whether you prefer a serene day on the water or an adventure on the rapids, Idaho has something for everyone.
• Accessibility: Many of the sailing destinations in Idaho are easily accessible, with marinas and public access points located near popular destinations. This makes it convenient to launch your boat and start exploring.
• Relaxation and Exercise: Sailing is a great way to relax and get some exercise at the same time. Whether you’re out on the water for a few hours or a full day, sailing provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Cons of Sailing in Idaho:

• Weather: The weather in Idaho can be unpredictable, and sailors should always be prepared for changing conditions. This can sometimes make sailing more challenging, especially in the winter months when temperatures can be quite low.
• Cost: Sailing can be an expensive hobby, and the cost of owning and maintaining a boat can add up quickly. Additionally, there may be fees for launching your boat and using public access points.
• Safety: Sailing can be a dangerous activity, especially for those who are not experienced sailors. It’s important to always take the necessary safety precautions, including wearing a life jacket and being aware of changing weather conditions.
• Crowds: During the peak sailing season, popular destinations such as Lake Coeur d’Alene and Payette Lake can get crowded, which can make finding a quiet place to sail more challenging.

In conclusion, sailing in Idaho offers a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of both the pros and cons before heading out on the water. By taking the necessary safety precautions and being prepared for changing weather conditions, sailors can fully enjoy the beauty and excitement of sailing in Idaho.

Idaho Sailing Schools

North idaho college.

Sail Sand Point

Southern idaho sailing outreach (siso), the panhandle yacht club (pyc), the mill harbor yacht club, mhyc, the sandpoint sailing association, fun to sail, idaho boat rentals/charters, cheap thrills rentals, bear lake fun, sandpoint idaho watersports, kj watersports boat rentals, coeur d’alene boat rentals.

Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals is a popular boat rental company located in Coeur d’Alene, ID. They offer high-quality pontoon boats, Funships, and jet skis for a fun day on the lake. They are considered to be one of the best boat rental companies in the country, according to InflatableBoater.com. Their boats are ready for pickup on the reservation day, and their online reservation process is fast and secure. Customers can expect excellent service and a memorable day on the water with Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals. They are located at 1001 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene ID 83814. To do a reservation for boat rental at Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals, click here.

Harrison Idaho Water Adventures Inc.

Intermountain power sport rentals llc, answers to frequently asked questions about sailing in idaho, can you sail in idaho.

Yes, you can sail in Idaho. Idaho is home to a variety of sailing destinations, from lakes to rivers, making it a great place for sailing enthusiasts. Some of the most popular sailing destinations in the state include Lake Coeur d’Alene, Payette Lake, and the Snake River. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, Idaho offers a wide range of opportunities for enjoying this exciting and relaxing activity. Before heading out on the water, it’s important to be aware of the weather conditions and to take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing a life jacket and being aware of changing weather conditions.

Can I use my boat in Idaho?

Yes, you can use your boat in Idaho. There are many opportunities for boating in the state, including sailing on lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Before using your boat in Idaho, it’s important to make sure that it is registered and meets the state’s safety requirements.

In Idaho, all boats must be registered with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department and display a current decal. Additionally, boats must have the necessary safety equipment on board, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights.

It’s also important to be aware of the rules and regulations for boating in Idaho, which vary depending on the type of waterbody and the specific location. Some popular boating destinations may have specific rules regarding speed, operation hours, and other restrictions.

In conclusion, you can use your boat in Idaho, but it’s important to make sure that it is registered and meets the state’s safety requirements, and to be aware of the rules and regulations for boating in the state.

Is there boating in Idaho?

Yes, there is boating in Idaho. Idaho is home to a variety of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, making it a great place for boating enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in sailing, power boating, or kayaking, Idaho has something for everyone.

Some of the most popular boating destinations in the state include Lake Coeur d’Alene, Payette Lake, and the Snake River. Many of these destinations have public access points and marinas, making it easy to launch your boat and start exploring.

In addition to recreational boating, Idaho also has a rich history of commercial boating, with many companies offering guided tours and other boating-related services.

It’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations for boating in Idaho, which vary depending on the type of waterbody and the specific location. Before heading out on the water, it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions and take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing a life jacket and being aware of changing weather conditions.

In conclusion, boating is a popular activity in Idaho, with a variety of destinations and opportunities for enjoying this exciting and relaxing pastime.

Do you need a boat license in Idaho?

In Idaho, most boaters do not need a license to operate a boat. However, there are some exceptions.

Idaho law requires that all boaters born on or after January 1, 1983, take an approved boater education course if they will be operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. The course must be completed before operating the vessel.

Additionally, some watercraft rental companies may require their customers to have a boating license or take a boater safety course before renting a boat.

In conclusion, while a boating license is not required for most boaters in Idaho, it may be necessary for some boaters to take an approved boater education course or complete a boater safety course, depending on their specific circumstances.

Can a non-resident register a boat in Idaho?

Yes, a non-resident can register a boat in Idaho. The process for registering a boat in Idaho is the same for residents and non-residents.

To register a boat in Idaho, you will need to submit an application to the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department and provide the following information:

• The boat’s make, model, year, and hull identification number (HIN)
• The owner’s name and address
• A description of the boat, including length, width, and weight

In addition to registering the boat, non-residents will also need to pay a fee and display a current decal on their boat while it is being used in Idaho waters.

It’s important to note that while a non-resident can register a boat in Idaho, they will still be subject to the same rules and regulations as residents, including safety requirements and boating restrictions.

In conclusion, non-residents can register a boat in Idaho and enjoy the state’s many boating destinations. The process for registering a boat is the same for residents and non-residents, and all boaters are subject to the same rules and regulations.

Idaho is a great place for sailing, offering many beautiful destinations that are perfect for sailors of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a serene day on the water or an adventure on the rapids, Idaho has something for everyone. So why not plan a sailing trip today, and discover all that this beautiful state has to offer?

Mark Alexander Thompson

Mark Alexander Thompson is a seasoned sailor with over five years of experience in the boating and yachting industry. He is passionate about sailing and shares his knowledge and expertise through his articles on the sailing blog sailingbetter.com. In his free time, Mark enjoys exploring new waters and testing the limits of his sailing skills. With his in-depth understanding of the sport and commitment to improving the sailing experience for others, Mark is a valuable contributor to the sailing community.

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HISTORY of the LAKE GENEVA YACHT CLUB

The Yacht Club Begins

In August 1874, residents of the Wisconsin town of Geneva (as it was then known) and elsewhere on Geneva Lake welcomed Lieutenant General Philip H. Sheridan, the famous Civil War army officer, who since 1869 had been stationed in Chicago as commander of the Department of the Missouri and who in 1871 had coordinated military relief efforts during the Great Chicago Fire.

To celebrate his stay, General Sheridan’s hosts selected August 31 for a yacht race named in his honor, and they raised $200 by popular subscription for an appropriate trophy. The actual Sheridan Prize, designed and built by the Chicago firm of Giles Bro. & Co., would not be completed for more than a year, but the promise of an annual competition with its elegant award was enough to generate great interest and lay the groundwork for establishing a yacht club.

According to the Lake Geneva Herald, the excitement surrounding the inaugural race “was of the keenest kind.” The fleet consisted of seven boats of various lengths known as sandbaggers, and the newspaper described the course as “a double triangular race, being 3 miles South from Whiting House pier, then 2 miles East into Button’s Bay, then North to the place of starting, then repeat, being nearly 16 miles, besides tacking.” General Sheridan observed the race from the judges’ boat. The winner on corrected time was the 21-foot topsail sloop Nettie, sailed by Billy Woods, master of a local passenger and freight schooner. Nettie’s owner was Julian Sidney Rumsey, a pioneer Chicagoan, successful grain merchant, past mayor of the city, and a founding member and former president of the Chicago Board of Trade. Newspapers reported that Nettie’s victory was greeted with “great cheering by friends and screeching of steam whistles.”

On April 29, 1876, the year of the nation’s centennial, a small group of boat owners and enthusiasts gathered at the Whiting House, the popular hotel at the foot of Broad Street, to establish what they initially called the Geneva Lake Yacht Club. Those present adopted a constitution and bylaws, determined sailing rules and regulations, enrolled 18 yachts, elected more than 40 members, and chose Chicago industrialist Nathaniel Kellogg Fairbank as their first commodore. They also memorialized the year 1874 not only as the date of the first Sheridan Prize Race but as the official founding date of the new club.

 In May, the Geneva Lake Yacht Club elected 16 more members, one of whom was General Sheridan, and in August the club held the Sheridan Race for the first time under its auspices and rules. The winner was Geneva, owned by General A. C. Ducat, and General Sheridan presented the new trophy, a hand- some and detailed 10-inch sterling silver model of the sandbagger Nettie.

 In 1891, the Yacht Club reorganized and was incorporated in 1894 under its new name, the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. In 1902 (some accounts say earlier), it merged with the West End Yacht Club based in Fontana.

Early Boats, Scows, and the Classes Today

Sailing craft on Geneva Lake in the late 1800s varied in length and rig, but most were called sandbaggers – broad-beamed, open, shallow-draft sloops that had evolved from workboats. Sandbaggers carried huge spreads of canvas and 50-pound sandbags for ballast that the crew shifted with each tack. According to one early report, most boats sailed with a “plucky” crew of ten or more, known for their “skill, courage, genius, alertness, and agility.”

 By 1895, the Lake Geneva Yacht Club’s fleet included nine 25-foot sandbaggers, fourteen 21-foot sandbaggers, four 18-footers, twelve 15-footers, several “less strenuous” catboats in the 15- to 25-foot range, 11 steamers, and two launches. By the end of the decade, however, the design scene on Geneva Lake had changed drastically as the sandbagger type was pushed to near extinction by the Inland Lake Yachting Association’s longer, narrower, lighter boats that were easier to handle, required fewer crew, and, as one writer expressed it, were “balanced to a nicety.”

 At a Yacht Club meeting on August 21, 1899, the Sheridan Prize trustees, who govern the event, adopted a new rule for the Sheridan Prize Race stating that all boats in the competition must be classified as Class A within the Inland Lake Yachting Association rules. Five Class A boats (sometimes called 20-footers for their measurement rating) showed up for the 1899 Sheridan, and Benjamin Carpenter and his fellow owners, sailing their gaff-rigged centerboarder Algonquin, were the first to win the Sheridan Prize in a scow. Since then, the Sheridan Prize Race has been held in the 38-foot Class A except from 1975 through 1978, when the A fleet was all but dormant and the trustees invited the 28-foot Class E to race.

 In March 2013, the Sheridan Prize trustees added an amendment to the Trust Agreement of 1969 and stated that the race shall be sailed in One-Design Class A Scows as defined by the National Class A Scow Association. They also clarified eligibility requirements and defined the course: a start at the Yacht Club with the fleet sailing a windward course, if possible, to either Fontana or Lake Geneva, then to a mark at the other end of the lake, then to the Yacht Club to finish.

 In 2016, the Sheridan Prize Trustees honored the request of Charles Colman to race his new replica sandbagger Tattler II, named for the winner of the Sheridan Prize Race in 1892. Colman’s boat and her plucky crew completed the course, crossing the finishing line after the A-boats to great cheering and applause.

 Sailboats on Geneva Lake have undergone numerous refinements since 1902, when bilge boards and double rudders came into widespread use. New classes differed from one another primarily in length and sail plan. Of the two original ILYA classes, A and B, the 32-foot Class B disappeared in about 15 years. By the mid-1920s, the classes racing at the Yacht Club were the 38-foot A, the 28-foot E (new on the scene and “bound to become very popular”), the 20-foot C (sanctioned by the ILYA in August 1905 to race in 1906), and the 24-foot centerboard sloop called Class X, which disappeared from the roster by the end of the decade. During the years that followed the gaff rig lost popularity, hiking straps replaced the need to “ride the boards,” and materials and techniques evolved as builders and sailmakers continued to experiment.

 The Yacht Club’s calendar today includes fleet races for Class A, Class E, Class C, Class MC, Melges 24, Melges 15, Melges 14, Class X (a junior boat, known initially as a Cub), and the Optimist Dinghy. A popular new competition that started in 2018 is the Women on the Water program, a joint effort with the Geneva Lake Sailing School, which supplied its 23-foot Sonars for the series. LGYC racing schedules may also feature national championships, invitational regattas, and the multi-class ILYA Annual Championship. On the last Saturday in August, if conditions permit, the Yacht Club holds the annual Sheridan Prize Race.

The Inland Lake Yachting Association

In January 1898, delegates from 17 clubs in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin met in Milwaukee and established the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA). Its purpose was to “encourage and promote yachting and interlake racing on the inland lakes of the West under uniform rules of measurement, classification, racing, and sailing.” The new organization formulated a set of rules for two classes to race without handicap, which fostered the rapid development of scows. The Lake Geneva Yacht Club is an ILYA founding member (i.e., a participant at the organizational meeting at the White Bear Yacht Club in Minnesota in 1897) and a charter member (a participant at the Milwaukee meeting in 1898).

In the early years of the ILYA, only one boat from a class in each of the member clubs could compete in the Annual Championship Regatta, which after 1902 was to be held only at Oshkosh. In 1905, so that more boats could compete on a variety of lakes, eight yacht clubs in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois formed the Northwestern Regatta Association (NRA), which adopted the specifications of the ILYA scows but allowed unlimited entries for its own annual regatta. The first three Northwestern regattas were sailed on Geneva Lake. In 1913, the president of the ILYA and the commodore of the Northwestern Regatta Association was Dr. Otto L. Schmidt, a trustee of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and its past commodore. He and others sought to consolidate the ILYA and the NRA, and after the joint regattas of 1915 in Oshkosh and discussions “to consider the advisability of such a union” the two organizations merged in 1916.

 In the mid-1930s, the ILYA oversaw the development of a boat for young sailors, which became the popular 16-foot Cub. In 1940, the Lake Geneva Yacht Club was host to the ILYA’s first Cub championship regatta. At its 1947 meeting, the ILYA changed the boat’s name from Cub to Class X.

 For more than 100 years, the Inland Lake Yachting Association and its Annual Championship Regatta have been central to the enjoyment of the sport for LGYC sailors. The ILYA fostered the design of local scow classes, established these classes as the area’s primary racing boats, oversaw development of non-scow types, and today continues to govern and promote competition and encourage excellence in training and race management throughout its member clubs. Since 1900, the Lake Geneva Yacht Club has hosted the ILYA Annual Championship 18 times. (To access ILYA racing records, visit the Inland’s website, www.ilya.org)

Geneva Lake Sailing School

In the late 1930s LGYC officers decided that the Yacht Club should offer young people regular well-designed educational programs on sailing technique, seaman- ship, and safety. In 1938, with the encouragement of Commodore A. F. Gartz Jr. and Secretary-Treasurer and Past Commodore Ernst C. Schmidt, the Yacht Club hired Jerome Kipley as the first instructor of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club Sailing School, and in 1939 the club hired George Herbert Taylor for the post. Taylor, who had been a member of the US water polo and breaststroke teams at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, used his own A scow and a rejuvenated Marconi-rigged 24-foot Class X centerboarder for instruction. By the end of the season, Taylor had 40 students, and the Yacht Club bought additional boats for the program and received others as gifts.

 Many members were active participants in the ongoing progress of the Sailing School, and Ernst Schmidt continued to play a critical role in its positive development with his counsel, help, and financial support. In 1953, with the guidance of attorney William H. Freytag Sr., the School reorganized and was incorporated as the Geneva Lake Sailing School, Inc., and the Yacht Club and the Sailing School became separate but supportive entities. In 1991, the Sailing School’s office and classrooms moved to a small building just west of the Yacht Club. In the summer of 2015, the Sailing School and the Yacht Club moved into new premises, with the first floor of the shared facility devoted to Sailing School activities in space designed to enable its programs to flourish.

Thanks to the teaching skills of many instructors and directors and the efforts of dedicated boards of directors, today’s Geneva Lake Sailing School is a respected community resource that provides quality sailing education and diversified pro- grams for children, high-school students, and adults. The staff includes full-time executive director Marek Valasek, who represented Slovakia in the Finn Class at the 1996 Olympics, and coaches and certified instructors who oversee beginning and intermediate sailing camps. In 2016, GLSS launched the Buddy Melges Racing Team program to promote youth sailing at local, regional, national, and inter- national levels in the Optimist Dinghy and other classes. The GLSS fleet includes prams, Optimist Dinghies, Club 420s, Class X, O’pen Bics, Windsurfers, Melges 14s, Melges 15s, Sonars, MCs, Lasers, and powerboats for the coaches.

Race Committee boats have been essential in conducting the Yacht Club’s busy racing schedule, and most of the early boats used for this purpose were owned by members. The club bought its two most recent boats specifically for Race Com- mittee duty. The first of these, delivered in 1941 and named Flagship, was 24 feet overall and built by the Lyman Boat Works in Sandusky, Ohio. The current Race Committee boat, launched in 1978, is Flagship II, a fiberglass Wasque 26 lobster- boat design built by Vineyard Yachts Inc., in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.

Excellence in Sailing and Service

In the years since 1874, the membership of Lake Geneva Yacht Club has progressed from a small group of boat owners, many of whom used professional crews aboard their sandbaggers, to a membership with an impressive record of successful com- petition at local, regional, interscholastic, intercollegiate, national, and international levels, including the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games, and the America’s Cup. Each year, the Awards and Trophies section of the yearbook records the achievements of those who have excelled during the previous year. The club’s history is rich with the names of the men and women who continue to inspire us with their sailing ability and for their volunteer service to the sport at every level. A re- cord of those members’ names and their awards is planned for the LGYC website.

Clubhouses and the Buddy Melges Sailing Center

With the consolidation of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and the West End Yacht Club and a combined membership of more than 100, the time was right to construct a clubhouse. In 1906, Kellogg Fairbank, the son of the first commodore, N. Fairbank, and commodore himself in 1890, agreed to lease property he owned at Cedar Point to the Yacht Club for $500 a year. To support the project, members subscribed to a building fund. “The season of 1906 holds promise of being the most successful and enthusiastic in the history of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club,” stated text in the yearbook. “The year marks the first in the history of our own clubhouse, a home which is the culmination of great labor and many disappointments in the past, and now the strong factor in the future of the club. Its ideal location on Cedar Point, assures us the support of every resident on the lake, a spot which could not have been better chosen in its neutrality to everyone’s interests.” The new two-story building, set on the lakefront in wooded surroundings, featured generous verandas and some sleeping accommodations. Toward the end of the lease, Yacht Club officers requested changes to the financial arrangement, but their negotiations were unsuccessful. In 1916, Kellogg Fairbank chose not to renew the Yacht Club’s lease on the property. The members moved out of the building, fleets held races from members’ piers, and the club was homeless for the next decade.

 In 1926, members identified property in Linn Township, directly across the lake from the mouth of Williams Bay, and formed a holding company, the Yacht Club Corporation of Lake Geneva, to raise sufficient capital for the purchase and improvements. The corporation renovated the two-story “modest residence” that had been built in 1878, leased it to the Yacht Club for $800 a year, installed piers, slips, and other facilities, and in 1927 on the west side of the property built the Geneva Lake Boat Repair and Storage Company (renamed the Geneva Lake Boat Company in 1931). In 1941, for financial reasons, the stockholders of the Yacht Club Corporation of Lake Geneva voted to conclude its affairs, and the mortgage holder, Ernst C. Schmidt, secretary and treasurer of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, assumed ownership. The Yacht Club continued to lease the property. In the 1960s, the Geneva Lake Boat Company bought the property it had been leasing from Ernst Schmidt, a purchase that included the Yacht Club. In 1967, at the end of their lease with the Boat Company, the Yacht Club and Sailing School constructed a two-story building on land donated to the Sailing School by Honorary Commodore Schmidt. The building, just east of the Boat Company, had a total enclosed area of 4,310 square feet plus a partial basement and crawl space. The property had approximately 112 feet of lake frontage and extended from the lake to South Lake Shore Drive. The new combined clubhouse and school was ready in time for the 1969 season. The Yacht Club leased its facilities from the Sailing School.

 In 1974, the Lake Geneva Yacht Club celebrated its centennial and published a commemorative book on its history, edited by Harold S. Hamlin Jr. The club also hosted the ILYA Annual Championship Regatta; its racing sailors and Mike Kurzawa donated six centennial crew trophies to the ILYA; and it held the 100th Sheridan Prize Race on August 31, “the great race of our Club,” as it had been described decades before.

 In 1988, to protect their limited lakefront and create a family-oriented sailing center as a legacy for the 21st century, Sailing School and Yacht Club members took “a bold step into the future” and voted to buy the buildings and property of the Geneva Lake Boat Company, which included approximately 148 feet of lake frontage. In the fall of 1989, Past Commodore Thomas A. Lothian and Sailing School President Michael H. Sherin, both members of the LGYC board of directors, organized fellow volunteers and devoted thousands of hours to improvements on the property. (So industrious were Tom Lothian and Mike Sherin that members affectionately called them the T & M Construction Company.) The work included a new seawall, two new hoists, a launching ramp, landscaping, and the removal of the exterior of the boat company’s large blue metal building. Its interior office partitions, plus a new roof, siding, and fittings, became the Sailing School office and classrooms in 1991. In 1996, the Geneva Lake Sailing School and the Lake Geneva Yacht Club agreed to transfer the ownership of the property from the Sailing School to the Yacht Club, contingent upon a new lease, which was signed by both parties in 2002.

 In 2013, the members and Boards of Directors of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club and the Geneva Lake Sailing School approved plans for the construction of a new shared facility. The agreement between the two organizations regarding the use, operation, and financial viability of the proposed and existing facilities on the property was signed in January 2013 by Thomas Freytag, as President of the Geneva Lake Sailing School, and John D. Simms Jr., as Commodore of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. The agreement called for the Yacht Club to retain ownership and management of the property and for the Sailing School to construct and own the building, leasing part of it to the club. Construction began in October 2014 soon after the September demolition of the main Yacht Club and Sailing School buildings.

 The new facility contains approximately 12,000 square feet of space: the Sailing School and its six indoor and outdoor classrooms occupy the first floor and the Yacht Club and its social areas, office, dining room, and trophy and photographic displays are on the second floor. An upstairs deck provides more than 3,000 additional square feet of space.

 The entire property, which consists of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, the Geneva Lake Sailing School, and approximately eight acres of land and structures from South Lake Shore Drive to the lakefront and between the east and west boundaries, has been designated the Buddy Melges Sailing Center in honor of Yacht Club member and former Sailing School student, instructor, and president, Harry C. “Buddy” Melges Jr., one of the world’s most accomplished and respected sailors.