Close your eyes and picture a ride over the Skyway in the sun of a warm summer day. On the lake are several sailboats. No motors required and their sails full, they quietly glide across the sparkling water gauging their position against the other boats as they race towards a mark. The crew sits on the rail as the water below whisks past their feet. In a moment, the skipper will call them to take their positions to tack the boat to starboard. Until then, they enjoy the camaraderie of their teammates and the excitement of beating their competition.

This is a real event taking place all summer on Lake Erie and access to sailing in Buffalo couldn’t be easier. The Forty-year-old Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club provides organized racing to the community on a weekly basis. The club offers membership to boat owners as well as crew members who are an integral part of the racing program. Members can take advantage of educational opportunities such as a Learn to Race program for skippers or an Introduction to Sailing for beginners. There are fleets for women, beginner racers, experienced racers, and small one design boats. Member’s summers are filled with weekend regattas and after race parties to celebrate their winnings as well as foster and enjoy the friendships they have created through the sport of sailing. As if the time spent on the water is not valuable enough, the club provides winter activities as well – monthly educational speakers, women’s race training, a ski club, and occasional social get-togethers.

The not-for-profit Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club is home to a race program is among one of the largest on the Great Lakes of The United States. Their Wednesday night race program fields 65-70 boats on the water. Women’s Tuesday night racing fields 30-35 boats that also offers a mentor program for boats learning the rules of the road. The season culminates with an awards banquet that recognizes fleet champions, presents distinguished services awards, and brings together a community incredibly dedicated to a sport that brings so much to their lives.