Crystal Sailing Club/Crystal, MI

08/18/2026

Crystal Ball Regatta Results

08/18/2026

The weather turned out nice for the 31 st running of the Crystal Ball Regatta. The wind was 5-10 out of the ESE with partly sunny to overcast skies, and no rain despite the forecast. The weather welcomed Brian and Suzy Hawkins sailing FS5235 from Portage Yacht Club, Portage Lake and Garrie Hankins and Shelly Newood in their “Pretty Boat” number FS4819 from Crescent Yacht Club on Lake St. Clare. The rest of the fleet was made up of Crystal Sailing Club sailors Kent and Jon Davis, Steve Rajkovich and crew Steve, Joe and Kathy Kopchick, and Phil and Nick Hertzler.
There is a lot of work to put on a regatta. A Notice of Race must be created and published inviting sailors to participate. Draw up race instructions as required by our governing bodies. A menu for three meals and food prepared, volunteers procured, racecourse marks readied, trophies bought. Then you wait and wonder if anyone will visit and participate in the event. Sharon Wilkes and Freyja Davis did all of this and manned the barge to run the races giving up their opportunity to sail themselves.
We all would like to thank Sharon Wilkes, Freyja Davis Chef Martin Rios and all the club members that make Crystal Sailing Club such an inviting Club to visit.

08/10/2026

The Sunfish sailors were back at it again Sunday. Now, the largest fleet of boats racing at CSC.

08/01/2026

Learn to Sail and Enjoy the Summer Breezes at Crystal Sailing Club

When summer temperatures climb, few places are more refreshing than Crystal Lake. A steady breeze across the water makes sailing one of Michigan's most enjoyable outdoor activities—and Crystal Sailing Club has several ways to help newcomers get started.

Crystal Sailing Club has been welcoming sailors to Crystal Lake since 1961, when neighbors Vince Wright and Dr. Tom Baker took an informal census of sailboats around the lake and called a meeting at Crystal Township Hall. Enough interest followed that the club was formally incorporated that November. Members even reshaped the shoreline and upgraded the utilities to build out the facility. More than 60 years later, it remains a relaxed, cooperative-style club where members actively maintain the grounds, volunteer together, and enjoy sailing throughout the summer.

Whether you prefer one-on-one instruction, a structured class, or learning as part of a racing crew, Crystal Sailing Club offers three ways to get started.

Individual lessons are tailored to each student's goals and experience level—whether you just bought a sailboat and aren't sure how to sail it, you're thinking about buying one and want to try it first, or you'd like to crew in a race and want some practice before you do.

Another popular path is crewing alongside experienced members during weekend Flying Scot races. Sailing with seasoned skippers provides practical, real-world experience while introducing newcomers to the club's friendly sailing community.

The club's Sailing School, a hands-on program for ages 12 and older, may also be offered later this season if there is sufficient interest.

Instruction is provided by Freyja and Jon Davis, who bring years of sailing, racing, and coaching experience to the program, along with U.S. Sailing Association and Red Cross certification. Many current Crystal Sailing Club members first learned to sail through Freyja and Jon and now enjoy sailing their own boats or competing in the club's Flying Scot fleet.

Because sailing depends on both weather conditions and participant interest, anyone interested in lessons, the Sailing School, or crewing opportunities is encouraged to check in with the club about current offerings and upcoming opportunities.

The easiest way to reach Crystal Sailing Club is by sending a message through the club's page. Additional information about the club, its history, sailing activities, and membership can be found at CrystalSailingClub.com.

Crystal Sailing Club is located on Crystal Lake in Montcalm County, between Lansing and Alma, making it an easy drive for residents from across central Michigan.

08/01/2026

The currant Gratiot County Herald has a nice news article about Crystal Sailing Club's sailing instruction. It's titled Crystal Sailing Club Invites Beginners Aboad and is available at newspaper stands and online at gcherald.com. Please pick one up or subscribe to support the Herald.

07/30/2026

This picture shows how Freyja and Sharon led the way around the marks. It was the best weather of the summer so far.

07/30/2026

The Sunfish series is complete with 5 races sailed last Sunday. Phil Hertzler won the series with Jon Davis second, and Jill Fedewa third. Congratulations to everyone.

07/14/2026

Learn to Sail at Crystal Sailing Club

With a heat advisory in effect across mid-Michigan this week, Crystal Lake may be exactly where you want to be. A steady breeze on the water makes sailing one of summer's most refreshing outdoor activities — and Crystal Sailing Club has several ways to get you out there.

Crystal Sailing Club has been welcoming sailors to Crystal Lake since 1961, when neighbors Vince Wright and Dr. Tom Baker took an informal census of sailboats around the lake and called a meeting at Crystal Township Hall. Enough interest followed that the club was formally incorporated that November. Members even reshaped the shoreline and upgraded the utilities to build out the facility. More than 60 years later, it remains a relaxed, cooperative-style club where members actively maintain the grounds and sail together through the summer season.

Today the club offers three ways to learn. Individual lessons are tailored to each student's goals and experience level — whether you just bought a sailboat and aren't sure how to sail it, you're thinking about buying one and want to try it first, or you'd like to crew in a race and want some practice before you do. Another popular path is crewing alongside experienced members during weekend Flying Scot races, which offers real-world experience and a natural introduction to the club community. The club's Sailing School, a hands-on program for ages 12 and up, may also be offered later this season if there is sufficient interest.

Instruction is provided by Freyja and Jon Davis, who bring years of sailing, racing, and coaching experience to the program, along with U.S. Sailing Association and Red Cross certification. Many current CSC members first learned to sail through Freyja and Jon and are now sailing their own boats or competing in the club's Flying Scot fleet.

Anyone interested in lessons, the Sailing School, or crewing opportunities is encouraged to reach out through the club's page. Additional information about the club, its history, sailing activities, and membership can be found at CrystalSailingClub.com.

Crystal Sailing Club is located on Crystal Lake in Montcalm County, between Alma and Lansing — an easy drive from across central Michigan.

07/08/2026

We are preparing for our annual Flying Scot Regatta. It will be held on August 15th, 2026. Contact Sharon Wilkes at [email protected] or 517-290-1825 for more information.

2026 Crystal Sailing Club Regatta, Crystal, MIBy dianekampf / 07/08/2026 Event Date: 08/15/2026 - 08/15/2026 Regatta Website: https://crystalsailingclub.com/ Crystal Sailing Club will hold its annual regatta on Saturday, 8/15/2026 at the club. Questions? Contact [email protected] or by phone 517-29...

07/06/2026

Freyja Davis with her friends Kay and Ron Arens, and Martin Rios did their barge duty and created a course for the first two races of the 2026 Summer Series.
Jon Davis won both races with his father Kent. Steve Rajkovich sailed to a second-place finish with crew Tami Jean and Alice Norris. Phil Hertzler captured third place finishes with son Nick.
It was a cloudy and overcast day with winds out of the northeast of 6 mph with gusts to 10. The cool 80 degrees was a refreshing break to the heat we have been having.