 |  | Ahoy GMSC Members,
As we transition fully into keelboat season, it’s encouraging to see the lake levels on the rise after our recent stretch of rain. With the valve closed and more rain in the forecast, conditions are shaping up nicely for the months ahead.
We opened the season with an impressive sixteen boats on the line! A strong start that reflects the excitement and commitment among our fleets. Let’s continue building on this momentum as we move through the season with the competitive spirit our club is known for. We recently held a fantastic Fall Ball to celebrate our competitors. A work party to help grease to gears and keep things running smoothly. And our next major event is the Fall Regatta.
A bit later than usual due to scheduling considerations, this December regatta gives us an opportunity to have a holiday theme, a Christmas Vacation! We invite everyone to join us for the dinner party Saturday, December 6th. Everyone is encouraged to bring something to donate to the Roland Crisis Center. Even if you’re not participating in the regatta, please attend the holiday party, just be sure to purchase a meal ticket and bring a donation item as your ticket for admission to the party!
Throughout keelboat season, we will continue hosting sailor socials at the clubhouse after each race day. To help organize these gatherings, we’ve launched a new volunteer signup feature on our website. When logged in, simply look for the blue Volunteer button on each race day’s event listing. Thank you to those who have already stepped up to host, and to everyone who’s expressed interest. Feel free to choose a date that works for you or reach out to me directly and I’ll be happy to add your name.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm, participation, and support. Here’s to a fun, competitive, and community‑focused season ahead.
Yates Phillips
GMSC Commodore
| Don’t miss the most fun—and festive—regatta of the year!
Ahoy everyone! The Fall Regatta is December 6-7.
This year the theme of the regatta is a “Christmas Vacation Regatta”! Think cousin Eddie meets Clark Griswold on the racecourse! Deck your hulls with boughs of holly, blinking lights, inflatable Santas and wear your holiday foul weather gear —whatever it takes to snag bragging rights for holiday spirit! Ho-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!
After races on Saturday, we will have a GMSC Holiday party up at the club house (circa 5:30 or whenever the sailors manage to untangle the Christmas lights from their rigging). We are serving up a delicious dinner, having a Christmas cookie smackdown (winner takes a GMSC blanket home - interested contestants pls let Mary know), having a club gear raffle, and of course, there will be plenty of racecourse stories to go around.
This year, we're spreading cheer off the water, too. We're supporting the Roland Crisis Center, which has been serving Roland and areas surrounding our lake since 1994. Please bring socks, gloves, coats, or blankets (gently used are great!), nonperishable foods, or toiletries—money is always good too! Every dollar raised from the raffle will also go to the Crisis Center, so you can feel good about your holiday shenanigans. You can find more information here: Roland Crisis Center.
Whether you’re skippering, crewing, or just here for the party, we hope you will join the fun. If you are not sailing but want a party/dinner ticket, please contact Mary Michaels at marymichaels@me.com by Thursday, December 4th.
Please register OR volunteer for race committee using the below link.
Entry fees are $50 per boat, which includes dinner for up to 4 crew members, with an additional $10 per guest. Registration is available online or in person on race day, but early sign-up helps us plan for meals and logistics.
For the Notice of Race, detailed schedule, and registration links, visit 2025 Fall Keelboat Regatta - Events - Grande Maumelle Sailing Club
The schedule is as follows:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
11:30–12:00 Registration at Pavilion
12:00 Competitors Meeting at Pavilion
12:30 Harbor Gun
1:00 PM Start of 1st race, subsequent races to follow.
After Racing (circa 6 PM): Race results & dinner / party at the clubhouse.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
12:30 Harbor Gun
1:00 PM Start of second day’s 1st race, subsequent races to follow.
After Racing: Awards ceremony & snacks at the clubhouse. |  | FALL BALL
This year's Fall Ball and GMSC Awards Ceremony, at the Country Club of Little Rock, hosted about 100 members. We enjoyed great weather, music, drinks, and appetizers on the balcony, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony.
A big thank you to Max and Kaki Mehlburger for making it possible to have our event at such a beautiful venue! Also, a big shout out to Kaki and Cate Michaels for putting together fantastic centerpieces and to Neil Jones for the fun slide show with his amazing photographs.
Please see this link for Fall Ball pictures taken by Caroline Michaels: https://adobe.ly/3JYz9o8
Congratulations to the winners of the Keelboat and Centerboard seasons and to the winners of GMSC’s annual awards!
Keelboat Overall Winners:
- A-Fleet: Drew Daughtery, Alberic de Chezelles, Marshall Meggers, Blake Byrd, Roger O’Quin, John Haley, Clement de Chezelles
- B-Fleet: James Corriveau, Neal Zeman and Mason Hadley
Centerboard 2025 Overall Winners:
- Y-Flyers: Drew Daughtery and Paul Smyers
- Flying Scots: Chet Hight and Joe Falasco
- Hobie 20: James Lovings and Patsy Kane
- Hobie 16: Jeff Olm
- Overall Centerboard Champion: Drew Daugherty and Paul Smyers
GMSC Special Awards
- Best Centerboard Crew: Sylvie Moore
- Best Keelboat Crew: Alberic de Chezelles
- Most Improved Skipper: Tom Davis
- Rookie of the Year: Marshall Meggers
- Linda Sexton Memorial Service Award: Greg Hamilton
|  |  | | Did you Know…
At GMSC, we’re lucky enough to have something many clubs only whisper about in envy: our very own crane. Yes, the mighty metal hero that lifts keelboats with grace, hoists heavy gear without complaint, and quietly handles the jobs that would otherwise take twelve sailors, two dollies, and at least one questionable rope knot.
Why the Crane Is a Big Deal
The GMSC crane helps us do all kinds of things, including:
- Launching and retrieving keelboats and centerboard boats—no sweat, no drama, no pushing.
- Moving heavy equipment—motors, docks, mysterious objects that “have been sitting there for years.”
- Supporting regattas and club projects—the crane shows up every time, never asks for snacks.
It saves us time, money, effort, and at least a few chiropractor visits.
Our Shared Responsibility
Because this crane is so valuable, we all have a role in taking care of it. Think of it like the club’s pet elephant: incredibly helpful, very strong, and absolutely not something you let just anyone drive.
Training Required: No Exceptions
To keep us all safe—and to ensure the crane remains in good working order — training on safe operating procedures is required for anyone operating it.
The training covers:
- What all the buttons, levers, and “do not touch” labels mean
- How to actually lift things without creating dramatic stories
- Safe handling procedures your insurance company would applaud
Best of all, you get about one hour of hands-on instruction, during which you will lift something on purpose under the supervision of someone who definitely knows what they’re doing.
Wait, What do I Need to do if I Want to Operate the Crane??
Remember, to operate the crane, you must become an approved GMSC Crane Operator… If you are interested in receiving the training, please reach out to David Nigus at cabotradio@yahoo.com or call 501-283-4347.
Let’s Keep Our Crane Happy
Our crane works hard for us. With proper care, training, and respect, it will continue to serve the club for years to come—lifting boats, saving backs, and preventing us from attempting feats of strength that should never be attempted.
Here’s to many more efficient, smooth, and incident-free lifts at GMSC! |  | New After-Race Socials Bring Sailors Together — Volunteers Needed to Host
This season, Grande Maumelle Sailing Club is bringing a longtime tradition back to life with a fresh spin: After-Race Socials at the clubhouse following each keelboat race. Beginning January 19, members, guests, and newcomers are invited to gather fireside for snacks, stories, and good company as the sun sets over Lake Maumelle.
These informal socials begin shortly after the race concludes—once the fleet is safely docked and the sails are put away. Start times vary with weather and wind, but the format stays the same: casual, welcoming, and filled with shared enthusiasm for the day’s racing.
“We wanted to create a space where sailors can connect beyond the water,” said Commodore Yates Phillips. “These gatherings are a great way to build community and welcome new faces.”
Held inside the GMSC clubhouse, the socials feature free refreshments—appetizers, snacks, and sweet treats—provided by a rotating team of volunteer hosts. The fire will be lit, the doors open, and everyone is encouraged to bring a favorite beverage and settle in.
These events are open to racers, crew, members, and guests—no registration required.
Learn While You Mingle: “One Rule at a Time” Returns
Back by popular demand, One Rule at a Time returns this season as part of the Racing to Relaxing Socials. Join Drew Daugherty for a quick, engaging 15-minute seminar focused on a single racing rule observed during that day’s competition.
These informal sessions are a great way for sailors of all levels to build confidence, ask questions, and sharpen race-course awareness—all in a relaxed, supportive environment. It’s learning, socializing, and a little bit of strategy—all rolled into one.
Volunteer Hosts Needed
To keep these gatherings going, GMSC is looking for volunteer Social Hosts to help set up and serve light refreshments. A club budget is available for each event, and the duties are simple: open the clubhouse, lay out the snacks, make the space inviting, and enjoy the evening alongside the fleet.
“We’re not asking anyone to run a formal event,” Phillips said. “This is more like being the person who puts out the chips and turns on the lights. And you’ll have plenty of help—most members are happy to pitch in.”
Hosting is a fun, low-pressure way to meet fellow sailors, get involved with the club, and contribute to one of its most welcoming traditions.
Volunteer Hosts can sign up now in the Volunteering section of the website.
Join Us After the Race
Whether you’re racing or just curious about the club, mark your calendar and swing by the clubhouse after the next keelboat race. Check the Event Calendar for upcoming dates, and join us for an evening of conversation, learning, and lakeside tradition. |  |  |  | Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping with GMSC Gear — 2025 Edition
Give the gift of sailing spirit this holiday season! The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club’s apparel store is open for holiday shopping, featuring personalized gear from CRS Apparel with our official club logos. From cozy fleece jackets and quarter-zips to stylish caps, shirts, and vests, there’s something for every sailor on your list.
Need a new hat? No problem—there’s a choice of six styles, three logo options, and many colors to mix and match. Get creative with combinations for skippers, crew, or anyone who loves life on the lake.
This year’s favorite? The classic Adams “Dad Hat”—comfortable, timeless, and always a hit around the dock.
Shop early, show your club pride, and make this season one to remember!
Visit the online store here: https://stores.crsapparel.com/GMSC/shop/home or follow the links on gmsc.org marketplace. |  | | Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our new members!
New Regular Members:
- Grant & Anna Morshedi and children Miles & Molly. They own a HobieCat T2.
New Associate Members:
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David & Stacy O'Brien and daughter Clare
-
Steve Perry
-
James Hill
-
Josh & Lea Little. They own a Prindle 18.
-
Jason & Bridget Craven and daughter Eva.
-
Matthew Bridges
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Eric & Megan Butler and sons Whitton &Payson.
-
Leo Zambrana
We say farewell to the following members: Andrew Wilson & Dieu Doan.
We also express our condolences to the family of member Brian Smith who passed away in September and the family of longtime member Cedric Williams who passed away in April in Virginia. | There are lots of FUN events happening at GMSC.
Check out upcoming events on our website!
| Adult Intro to Sailing Update
We had a great class October 3rd & 4th. There were 18 participants. Low water presented its challenges, but the wind was awesome. Many thanks to our instructors Jeff Olm, Tom Davis, Jack Mulhollan, Neal Zeman, Paul & Elizabeth Smyers, and Kirt Simmons. We instructed on both Flying Scots and keelboats. Special thanks to Paul Smyers, Drew Daugherty, Kirt Simmons, and Tom Davis for the use of their keelboats. Nine of our participants are now club members and looking to get more crew experience. If you need a crew, contact Tracy Sykes and she will connect you. Our next class will be in May 2026.
Thank you to Tom Davis for capturing some of our sailing adventures. |
Volunteers Opportunities at GMSC
Join the crew!!! Whether you're eager to share your expertise, lend a helping hand behind the scenes, or teach the next generation of sailors, GMSC offers a variety of volunteer openings for members of all skill levels. Stepping into these roles not only strengthens our club but also creates meaningful connections and memories.
Contact Yates or any board committee chair to get involved!
| Please visit our website, GMSC.org for more info.
Mailing Address: PO Box 55237, Little Rock, AR 72215 USA
Physical Address: 12000 Maumelle Harbor Road, Roland, AR 72135 | |