People have been sailing the waters of Cuba Lake almost since the lake was built, in 1858.  Photos exist from the nineteenth century of canoes and rowboats rigged with sails making their way around the lake.

     The first true sailboats, built to be powered by sails, appeared on the lake in the 1920’s, and their numbers grew slowly during the 1930’s.  After the end of World War II, interest in sailing at the lake exploded, leading to the founding of the Cuba Lake Yacht Club and the conducting of organized races in 1950.  In 1954, thanks to the efforts of two great sailing enthusiasts, C. Paul Clark and Karl Fahrner, the Club acquired the grounds on which its pavilion now stands.  Over the years, the club has dredged a harbor, built a swimming beach, and installed a playground.  It has two electric hoists and a concrete ramp to get boats in and out of the water.  The large, open-air pavilion with fireplace, kitchen and rest-room facilities (and a large, covered barbecue area) have been the scene of countless gatherings and parties throughout the summers, where adults can socialize while the kids burn off energy playing games on the lawns.  

     Sailing and sailboat racing are great sports.  They are completely “green”; no hydrocarbons allowed, especially here at Cuba Lake, where you are always less than two miles from home.  It is one of the few sports where a family can participate and compete as a unit, learning the skills required to maximize a boat’s speed, and minimizing the time required to complete a race.  The club offers everyone opportunities to learn, to be outside, to enjoy the water, and to get together with people with similar interests and values.  The first junior sailing program was organized in 1955. Our current youth program, “Pirates of the Cubarrean,” is a big hit with modern-day younger sailors.

    Sailing is fun.  (The worst thing that can happen is that you capsize and go for a swim!)  Racing is fun, and provides endless opportunities for sailors to learn sailing skills and work together toward a common, enjoyable goal.

    Cuba Lake itself is a great place to learn and to sail.  You are never far from shore, aways close to help if you need it.  The winds can be shifty and challenging, providing an ideal atmosphere in which to learn all the skills a sailor needs, from avoiding windless “holes” to handling a boat when the waves are “white-capping.”

    We have a terrific facility where you and your family can have lots of summer fun.  After a day on the water, we have regular social events where you can relax and enjoy the company of others who know what the sailor meant when he said “Tis the sailor’s life for me!”  What more can you ask for?