The History of Montana Yacht Clubs
Though it is a landlocked state, Montana’s residents and visitors have always enjoyed sailing its beautiful lakes. As a result, they have formed close communities of sailors and established several Montana yacht clubs.
North Flathead Yacht Club
As Montana’s premier yacht club, the North Flathead Yacht Club was formally established in 1975. However, it had existed informally for a handful of years prior, when a group of sailing enthusiasts started sailing together in front of the home of one of their members, Gene Jellison. The Jellison Cup race was named after him and his brothers and continues to be hosted by the club today.
Eventually, the sailors bought a plot of land in a quiet cove in Sommers and named their group The North Flathead Yacht Club. The original 49 charter members, along with their families, built the clubhouse, stringers, and slips themselves with donations from local businesses. Now, it is the largest and most active of the Montana yacht clubs.
South Flathead Yacht Club
The South Flathead Yacht Club is the smaller and newer club on Flathead Lake. Incorporated as a Montana non-profit in 2013, the club has reciprocal privileges with the North Flathead Yacht Club. It proudly hosts some of the best Montana sailing events on Flathead Lake. For example, their popular “Keep it Simple Saturday” (KISS) racing series began in the year 2000 and encourages both new and experienced racers every season.
Canyon Ferry Yacht Club
Located in the state’s capital, Helena, the Canyon Ferry Yacht Club is credited with the establishment of The Montana Cup Regatta & State Sailing Championships in 1977. It aimed to promote and recognize team racing in Montana. The club continues to be an important community for Montana sailing, offering a range of activities and events for its members.
Hebgen Lake Yacht Club
The Hebgen Lake Yacht Club is perhaps the newest Montana yacht club. Although it has a short history, the club has been making waves in southwestern Montana since it began in 2012. One of the core principles upon which the club was founded is the Corinthian Spirit, which prioritizes the inclusivity of amateurs, enjoyment, and sportsmanship, rather than aggressive competition and distinction. Hebgen Lake Yacht Club is a growing private, non-profit organization, with memberships available.
Join with Confidence
Joining Montana yacht clubs is an excellent way to connect with others who share your passion for sailing and build a network of like-minded individuals. Yacht clubs not only offer the potential for new friendships, but they also provide a robust learning opportunity to help you grow as a sailor.
However, if you feel intimidated by the idea of joining Montana yacht clubs because you do not feel as experienced as you would like, you can boost your confidence with sailing courses. Go Sail Montana is the only sailing school in Montana that offers courses through the American Sailing Association. Check out our newest course, ASA 102 Advanced Keelboat Sailing with a focus on racing so you can earn your certification and be regatta-ready this season!