Sailing

If you are curious what class your sailor should be in, or would like more info on our 2026 Sail School Offerings, please email our Sailing Director, Kira Munger: sccsailing@skaneatelescc.com

A Brief History of Sailing on Skaneateles Lake

In 1854, the first sailing club took to the waters of Skaneateles Lake—the Skaneateles Model Yacht Club, hailed as "a model of excellence." Its existence was brief, holding its last race in 1857. Decades later, the Skaneateles Yacht Club was formed, and by 1905, the club was hosting races followed by shore dinners, which quickly gained popularity.

In 1931, organized sailing made a resurgence with the formation of the Skaneateles Sailing Club. E.N. Trump, who was also a founder and the first president of the Skaneateles Country Club, served as its Commodore. The new club held its inaugural regatta on Labor Day, and by 1933, sailors from the club joined forces with the golfers. In 1935 the Skaneateles Country Club hosted its first regatta, further solidifying the club’s connection to the sport.

SCC Sailing Today

Today, the Skaneateles Country Club continues to foster a vibrant sailing community. We offer a fully staffed Junior Sail School for children ages 7-18, for approximately six weeks each summer. We also offer Spring and Fall junior sailing programs, clinics, and several regattas each year. Our program provides hands-on experience with club-owned sailboats (Optimists, 420s and Lasers) and includes a variety of activities such as on-the-water drills, boating safety, boat rigging and care, knot-tying, capsizing and rescue techniques, and our competitive junior racing team.

Sailboat racing enthusiasts can participate in the yearly All-Lake and Lightening regattas, hosted by the Club. For those looking for more personalized instruction, private lessons are also available.

Whether just starting out, or looking to refine your skills, our SCC Sailing Programs offer something for every level of sailor.