Our Mission & Story

Vision: To increase awareness of and participation in sailing.

Mission:  To foster and develop sailing through sporting and social gatherings.

Sailing – noun – ˈsā-liŋ:

  • the technical skill of managing a ship or sailboat
  • the method of determining the course to be followed to reach a given point
  • the sport of handling or riding in a sailboat
  • a departure from a port

From its humble beginnings as a group of cottage owners with a passion for sailing, the Wabamun Sailing Club has grown to become nationally recognized for its sailors and yachting events. Through all this time, the sailing family has been and continues to be the heart and soul of the organization.

On March 18, 1960, the Wabamun Sailing Club was officially founded as a non-profit Society under the Societies’ Act of Alberta. Originally sailboat racing was organized off cottage beaches but in 1966, the Club purchased lakefront property at Rich’s Point and by 1970 the clubhouse was designed and built, in large part by member volunteer labour. Over the years, many upgrades have been made to the clubhouse, boathouse and grounds and today the Club is a modern facility with exceptional amenities.

Sailboat racing has always been the heartbeat of the Club and a variety of dinghies and catamarans, skippered by sailors with all skill levels, compete to win that day’s races as well as monthly and annual awards. Weekend club racing and events, such as the Founders’ and Sailweek Regattas, round out the sailing season. One major regional, provincial or national regatta per season, such as the Provincials, Sail West and Laser Masters, is hosted at the Club most seasons and supported by a talented race management team and a fantastic group of volunteers.

Social activities encourage members to connect and get to know each other on shore. You can enjoy a view of the lake from the 2nd floor clubhouse deck, visit with a new friend under a shade tree, bring your inner chef’s best creation to a monthly potluck dinner, savour the deliciousness of Thanksgiving Dinner, or participate in one of the many family-oriented activities during Sailweek.

Currently, WSC has about 60 active member families engaged in sailing, racing, race management, socializing, volunteering and enjoying summer at the lake.

In 2010, the Club celebrated its 50th anniversary and a special commemorative book, Wabamun Sailing Club 1960 to 2010, 50 Years in the Making and Still Going Strong was published. You can enjoy each chapter below and learn more about the history of the Wabamun Sailing Club.

Wabamun Sailing Club 1960 – 2010
Pre 1960s The Natal Years
1960 – 1971 The Formative Years
1972 – 1986 The Development Years
1987 – 1988 The Pinnacle Year
The 1990s The Champion Years
The 2000s The Next Generation
Conclusion

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