Last Updated on August 14, 2019
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 1993, former resident Jim Crosby started sailing his boat on lake Charles. Thinking that other residents might enjoy the same experience, he presented his idea to the Charlestown community. That was the beginning of the sailing club which first met in September 1993. Three months later the club was named the BLACK SWAN YACHT CLUB in honor of a black swan that took up residence at our lake. Local newspapers became interested in the black swan and, because of the publicity, the true owner from Virginia claimed it and returned it to its residence. Even thought Charlestown lost the bird, the name of the sailing club was retained.
BOATS
The sailboats that the BSYC used in the 1990’s belonged to the Hudson Class. Peanut was owned by Harold and Lorraine Harrington and won racing awards in 1997.
In the early 2000’s, the BSYC made the Victoria Class sailboat, whose dimensions are 31” long, 43” high and 4 ½ pounds in weight, the standard racing boat. The Victoria boats, made in China, are no longer being manufactured. Consequently, all new BSYC boats purchased, will be the Dragon Force 65 Class, which has dimensions similar to the Victoria. All sailboats are radio-controlled. The radio-controlled unit has two channels, one channel controls the operation of the rudder and the second channel controls the function of the sails.
Some club members own their own boats and the club owns several boats which can be shared by residents not owning their own boat. In addition to our Victoria’s, the club has several other sailboats which can be used for casual sailing such as two Fairwinds which are slightly larger. Anyone interested in sailing who may not wish to race can sail one of these boats.
MEMBERSHIP
While members may sail anytime weather permitting, the club races every Monday in May and June and again in September and October, weather permitting. The course we race is triangular, identified by markers in the lake.
The BSYC provides fun, challenge, camaraderie, and the enjoyment of our lovely lake. No sailing experience is necessary; having an interest in sailing and the opportunity for an outdoor activity is motivation enough.
For more information, contact John Ogaitis, whose phone and email address can be found in the Resident Directory in MyErickson.