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Date: 7/2/2026
Subject: June / July Mainsheet
From: Grande Maumelle Sailing Club



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July 2026

Commodore's Corner

 

Summer has arrived, and with it comes some of the hottest days of the sailing season. From Fourth of July celebrations to long evenings on the lake and busy weekends over the course of our ongoing racing series. If you're able to manage the heat, this time of year can showcase our club at its best.

As we enjoy the season, I'm reminded that GMSC is more than boats and races. It's the people who make this club run at its best. Whether you've been a member for decades or joined us this year, every volunteer, every race committee member, every instructor, and every member who lends a hand helps make this community what it is.
This summer has also reminded us that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves. We stand on the shoulders of those who built this club, cared for it, and helped shape the traditions we enjoy today. We honor their contributions by continuing to welcome new members, support one another, and ensure GMSC remains a place where lifelong friendships are made and memories are created.
  Please remember to hydrate. Not just while in the sun, but also before any activity. We have a small work party coming up next Saturday, July 11th at Kiko's Corner circa 9am. Please bring work gloves, shovels, and picks if possible. A wheelbarrow or two would also be useful. We will be staking a silt fence to prepare for an extension of the seawall to form a catch basin with particulate filter. This should only take a couple hours. Many of you may remember this type of work from last year! If possible, we have some additional tasks if the time and temperature are agreeable. We will have refreshments on hand. 
  CAW has informed us, work to pave the main entrance and marina will commence July 20th. We will have access to the club throughout this process. During this time, please exercise caution when passing heavy equipment. At times, access will be narrowed down to one lane.
  In other news from CAW, the water level continues to drop. Unless we receive significant rain, our low level is an unfortunate reality. We may go down one foot lower than we are currently. We are taking steps to mitigate the issues which arise from this situation. Improving dock transitions, starting repairs, adding a handrail to the T dock walkway, and tightening up all around.
Please use good care when operating the crane as we must maintain its good condition so we can continue racing. Let us know if you need crane training!

Thank you to everyone who continues to invest your time, talents, and enthusiasm in our club. Your efforts keep GMSC thriving, and the future is bright because of you.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy Fourth of July and a wonderful rest of the summer. I look forward to seeing you on shore, on the racecourse, and enjoying everything our club has to offer.

-Commodore, Yates Phillips

~ In Memory ~
It is with deep sadness, we share news of the passing of longtime club member Jon Claas. Since joining in 1965, Jon helped to shape the spirit of our club and has remained an influential presence ever since. A gifted sailor, Jon captured the 1974 Flying Dutchman National Championship and earned numerous GMSC titles throughout his decades on the water. More importantly, he was a generous mentor and teacher, and a true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday, August 1 at 1700 hours. We will share full details, along with a complete obituary, as soon as they are available. In the meantime, the article below offers a brief reflection on Jon’s remarkable life and legacy.
 

We welcome the following new associate members:
Greg & Paige Edgin with 2 year old twins
Jim & Deanna McGill and sons Grant and Miles
Erin & Dennis McKelvey with children Belle & Jones 
Allyson Porter
Tony Smith and daughters Nina & Mia.

Stuart Stough has rejoined as an associate member.  
David and Donna Hoover rejoining as regular members.  They have purchased Dudley Meadows slip, A10.

We say goodbye to the following members: Keith Davis, Chuck Toland, Warren & Gena Jennings, Sara Wallis Jennings, and Terry Fletcher.

Member Randy Coleman would like to donate his Seidelmann 25 to anyone that wants it.  It is on a trailer in the boat lot.  It is on a good tandem axle trailer and has a good Honda motor.  
Adult Intro to Sailing Update

We had a wonderful time at our class May 15th & 16th.   Low water had us modify our schedule a bit.   We used the crane to put in 3 Scots.  The work was worth it because over half the class requested to be in smaller Scots vs a keel boat.  We had 18 persons for the sailing on Saturday.  The wind was perfect.  A little bit of everything and not much heat.  I want to thank our volunteer instructors Greg Hamilton, Jack Mulhollan, Neal Zeman, Jeff Olm, Paul & Elizabeth Smyers, and Fred Church.  Thank you to Greg, the Smyers, Fred, Chet Hight, and Drew Daugherty for the use of their boats.
Sorry no sailing pictures to show, we were busy!  The next class will be held in September.
Upcoming Events
  • July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Tiller Time every Wednesday!
  • July 4th - Fireworks!
  • July 6th - Board Meeting at Fletcher Library
  • July 11th - Work party at Kiko's Corner
  • July 12th - Final Race of First Centerboard Series
  • July 26th - First Race of the Second Series
  • August 1st - Jon Claas Celebration of Life
Join the GroupMe!
Want real-time updates, race chatter, and quick reminders between events? Join the GMSC GroupMe to stay connected with members and keep up with what's happening at the club. Ask questions, share photos, and chat with friends. Plus, it's free! Click HERE to join!

Grande Maumelle Sailing Club is a non-profit organization formed to promote sailboat racing through educational, social, and competitive racing activities.

Please visit our website to find out more about our events and volunteer opportunities.

Mailing Address: PO Box 55237, Little Rock, AR 72215 USA

Physical Address: 12000 Maumelle Harbour Road, Roland, AR 72135 USA