GREEN BAY SAILING CLUB READIES FOR BIG 5OTH!

Green Bay Sailing Club
Lightning Fleet 112
Established in 1947

Nick Wood

Excitement is in the air for the Green Bay Sailing Club and Lightning Fleet #112. Why? This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the club's founding, and we're planning a party.

Originally in 1947 a group of Lightning Class sailors at the Green Bay Yacht Club formed a group to establish a one-design fleet for the purpose of conducting one-design racing. This fleet was chartered with the ILCA to be known as Green Bay Fleet #112. The founding members were: R.G. Evans, William Nelson, Francis LeClercq, Ann Barridge, Dr. W.J. Troup, George Bielefelt, Arnold Bur, and George Reeke.

Originally, all activities of Fleet #112 were held at the Green Bay Yacht Club and the sailing was done on Green Bay. Because of the high water level in 1952, the group moved to the east bank of the Fox River and held their racing activities on the river.

It was in 1955 that the group organized as the Green Bay Sailing Club. The membership included mostly Lightnings from Fleet #112 and some Thistles, Sea Gulls, and various other sailing craft.

In 1971, the Richard Evans Memorial Trophy was established in memory of one of the founding members.

In 1975 the Green Bay Sailing Club began operations at the Bay Shore Outing Center on the UW-GB campus. It is here, at the Outing Center, the Club has operated ever since.

Former Club President Bill Dean said the Bay Shore Outing Center is the perfect home for Fleet #112. And more and more people in Green Bay are beginning to understand that. Both the number of boats and club membership have grown steadily in recent years. The Fleet includes 13 boats and 52 active members.

Just because the club is 50 years old doesn't mean it is slowing down. In fact, Fleet #112 is one of the most active Fleets in the District. Races are held twice a week, from May through September, and most boats are out both nights. "The number of boats racing is the best sign of growth in our club," said Race Committee Chairman Brian Grahovac. "Five years ago, we were lucky to get five boats on the line on a Monday or Thursday night, but last year we had eight to twelve boats out every race."

To keep the Club growing, the Green Bay Sailing Club is organizing a $100,000 fund raising project this year. The club plans to repair and widen the launching pier, and repair the facilities at the Outing Center.

But for right now, the focus is on celebrating the 50th anniversary.

GBSC President Terry Phelan said the club is going to celebrate its 50th anniversary during the annual Evans Regatta on June 14th and 15th, 1997. "We're treating this year's Evans Regatta as something special, and visitors can expect even more fun than usual. There will be a great party, and fun awards given out to sailors who compete, not only win. We want to double the number of boats we had last year. Hope you can join us at the Evans." For information or housing on the Evans Regatta, call Steve Adamski at 414-435-5224.