Geneva Lake, located in southeastern Wisconsin, has a long tradition of sailing. The Lake Geneva Yacht Club traces its roots to 1874 and has promoted competition and service to the sport since its earliest days. In the late 1800s and after the turn of the century, members held informal lessons for their children. It was not until 1938, however, that they hired an instructor to start what was initi
ally known as the Lake Geneva Yacht Club Sailing School to offer students instruction in sailing technique, seamanship, and safety. By the following year, the School had two boats and 40 students. In 1953, it reorganized and was incorporated as the Geneva Lake Sailing School, a 501(c)(3) organization. In 1991, after more than 50 years of sharing space with the Yacht Club, the Sailing School moved its classrooms and office into its current 1,000 square-foot building. Interest in the programs continued to grow, and today, thanks to the teaching skills of instructors, the guidance of dedicated boards of directors, and the commitment of supporters, the Geneva Lake Sailing School is a respected resource with programs emphasizing self-reliance, confidence, and teamwork. Each year, it attracts hundreds of community children and adults. As its founders intended, the Sailing School is perpetuating the sport of sailing on Geneva Lake, and its friends take great pride in the promise of its current students and the achievements of its former students and instructors, who have excelled in local and collegiate sailing, Inland Lake Yachting Association regattas, and national, and international competition.
“…don’t ever be afraid to share what you know with your fellow sailors. …unless there is a fleet of boats out there sailing…there can be no race to win.” —Buddy Melges, Sailing Smart
GLSS continues today under the guidance of its Board of Directors and a full time Executive Director. The school focuses on entry level through advanced racing classes, mainly for youth but also for adult students looking to learn the basics or improve their racing skills. In peak season GLSS holds up to eight classes with as many as 130 students a day. A cadre of 15 expertly trained instructors and coaches work diligently throughout the summers to keep classes safe, fun and educational. During the spring and fall, high school sailing teams practice and are joined by George Williams College students who are just starting their sailing club. Graduates of every program carry with them a lifelong understanding of sailing.
