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The new keelboat racing schedule is posted under the Racing menu with 11 race days plus the Fall and Spring Regattas. Since 1959, GMSC has offered year-round sailing on Lake Maumelle, with professional race management and full facilities for racers.
Keelboats from 20–30+ feet race under the PHRF system in two fleets: A Fleet for seasoned competitors and B Fleet, equally competitive but tailored to smaller cruising-style boats. There’s a fleet for every skill level!
📅 See the full schedule on GMSC.org.

Fresh copies of Central Arkansas Water’s Lake Rules & Stewardship Guide are now available at the clubhouse. The brochure highlights how we can all help protect Lake Maumelle—the source of drinking water for more than 500,000 people—and includes a detailed map of the lake, perfect for planning your next adventure. Pick one up, refresh yourself on the rules, and share them with your crew and guests. Supporting CAW’s stewardship keeps our lake clean, safe, and a great place to sail.

Mark your calendar! The GMSC Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at Whole Hog Café on Cantrell Rd. Dinner (provided by the club) starts at 6:00 PM, followed by the meeting at 6:45 PM. Get the latest club updates, connect with fellow members, and vote on officers for 2026. Proxy voting details to follow.

Boats docked, sails down, crews ashore—then the dash begins! Our first-ever pursuit race sends A & B Fleet keelboats on a one-lap chase around Lake Maumelle, with staggered start times by handicap. Register by October 6 to get yours. See the Notice of Race for details.

GMSC’s annual Labor Day Regatta sets sail September 1 & 2, kicking off the fall racing season for members and guests. Racing begins at 1:00 PM each day (harbor gun), with Thistle, Y-Flyer, Flying Scot, Hobie 16, and Hobie 20 fleets taking to the line.
Want to race or crew? Reach out to your fleet captain to get connected. Race committee volunteers are also welcome—no experience needed, just a willingness to help.

After Saturday’s races, join us for the regatta dinner at the clubhouse. Members and guests are invited—please register in advance.

Full details on the GMSC Event Calendar.

GMSC’s Junior Learn to Sail program returned in early July with a full class of enthusiastic youth sailors. Designed for both beginners and returning skippers, this weeklong camp included everything from rigging and capsize drills to group sails and fun races. It’s more than just a class—it’s a foundation for future sailors and a reflection of GMSC’s commitment to growing a vibrant sailing community in Central Arkansas. Special thanks to all the instructors, safety crews, and parent volunteers who made the week a success!


Read more and view photos

With Lake Maumelle near normal levels, the final sections of the D-Dock floating walkway are now in place. This marks the completion of a major volunteer-led improvement project, making access to SOCO Harbor safer and more convenient. See full story and photo.

The lake is rising, the sails are flying, and the season is officially underway at GMSC! With renovations at Kiko’s Corner complete and a whole summer calendar ahead, there’s never been a better time to get back to the lake.

Located just minutes from Little Rock and surrounding areas, GMSC is your local hub for year-round sailing. The Summer Series is now underway with active fleets for Flying Scots, Y-Flyers, Thistles, and Hobies. Everyone is encouraged to get involved—race, crew, volunteer, or show up and enjoy the post-race camaraderie.

However you join us, this is your invitation to be part of Central Arkansas’s most active sailing scene.

The 41st Annual Hawg Wild Regatta is set for May 24–25, 2025, at GMSC—Arkansas’ premier open centerboard event. Racing includes Y-Flyers, Thistles, Flying Scots, Hobie 16s & 20s. Kick off the weekend Friday at 6 PM with the Welcome Aboard Cajun Supper at the Pavilion (registration available on site).

Saturday features races, dockside lunch, and a clubhouse dinner. Sunday wraps up with awards after racing. Regatta shirts are available at check-in.

Register now at GMSC.org!

GMSC’s Junior Learn-to-Sail program returns June 9–13 for members’ children and grandchildren, ages 7–16. Led by certified instructor Gillian “Lou” Shapley, the course builds confidence and skills on Optis and Sunfish. Volunteers welcome!
📅 June 9–13 | 🕘 9 AM–1:30 PM
✉️ Contact Nicole at jlts@gmsc.org to register or volunteer.

Tiller Time is back—your weekly chance to practice sailing in a relaxed, come-and-go format. Every Wednesday evening through September, GMSC members gather from 5:00 PM until twilight to sail, learn, and connect.

Whether you're new to sailing or want more time on the water, Tiller Time offers hands-on experience with no pressure. Use a club boat—Sunfish, Pico, or Flying Scot—or bring your own. Volunteers can help with rigging and offer tips to build your confidence.

When the wind’s right, informal short-course races often pop up, allowing you to sharpen your skills in a fun, low-key setting.

After sailing, enjoy snacks and conversation at the lakeside pavilion. There’s no cost or registration—just sign in when you arrive.

Tiller Time is open to all GMSC members. You're always welcome, whether learning or just looking for midweek sailing.

Break out your boldest derby hat and join us Saturday, May 3 at 6 PM for the 2025 GMSC Spring Fling! Sip a mint julep, mingle with fellow members and guests, and bring your best appetizer or dessert for a friendly competition. It’s the perfect way to kick off May in style.
Do you have any questions or would you like to lend a hand? Contact our fabulous hosts, Drew and Heidi Daugherty.

Let the Spring Fling fun begin!
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Join us May 9–10 for an Adult Introduction to Sailing course at Grande Maumelle Sailing Club. Start Friday at 6:30 PM with a social hour and chalk talk to meet instructors and outline your goals. On Saturday at 9:00 AM, you’ll learn rigging, steering, and sail trim aboard 19‑ft Flying Scots. Registration is now open to members; public registration begins April 19, 2025.
Read more…

The 2025 Spring Keelboat Regatta is set for April 12-13 at GMSC! This open regatta welcomes both club and visiting keelboats, with several out-of-town teams already registered. Due to low water levels, special launching provisions have been arranged with Westrock Marina.

All club members are encouraged to participate—either by racing or volunteering for the Race Committee. Saturday night’s Regatta Dinner is open to all participants and club members. Dinner registration is requested.

Check out the full Notice of Race (NOR) and event details on the GMSC Event Calendar. Read more for additional information and photos.

Help keep our waters clean! Join us on March 8, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at WestRock Landing for the annual Lake Cleanup, sponsored by Central Arkansas Water. No boat? No problem! We’ll have boats available, and there are plenty of shore areas to tackle. Cleanup runs until noon, followed by lunch and raffle prizes for volunteers. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes, and weather-ready gear. If you use your boat, we’ll cover your launch fee.

Let’s make an impact—see you there! Read more for details.

The 2025 season features 16 race days, including Hawg Wild Regatta (May 24-25) and Labor Day Regatta (Aug 30-31). Open to Y-Flyers, Thistles, Flying Scots, and Hobie Cats.

📅 Find the full schedule in the Racing section of the GMSC website.
🛒 Order personalized boat gear in the GMSC Marketplace!
⚠️ Low-water conditions may affect schedules—monitor this space for updates.

Get ready to bring the heat! On Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 4:30–8:00 p.m., GMSC’s finest cooks will compete for the coveted Golden Ladle trophy. Attendees can sample and vote for their favorite chili, enjoy desserts, and socialize in the cozy clubhouse setting.

Participation is free—register now on the GMSC website calendar to let us know if you’re entering a chili, bringing a dessert, or just coming to join the fun. Don’t miss out on the tastiest event of the season!

The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club (GMSC) proudly announces the "Your Sailing Adventure Starts Here" campaign, connecting aspiring sailors with opportunities to dive into the sport. Aligned with GMSC’s mission to grow the sailing community, this initiative is packed with tips and links to help you get started.

GMSC is here to make sailing accessible and fun for everyone.

Ready to begin? Learn more here.

When freezing temperatures canceled GMSC's January 19 races, the clubhouse became a warm retreat. Members and racing crew gathered around the fireplace for a hearty lunch of pulled pork, slaw, and desserts. Drew Daugherty followed up with a quick 15-minute seminar on racing rules, offering great tips for both keelboat and centerboard sailors.

New faces are always welcome at GMSC events! Reach out to our Social Chairperson or check the club calendar to join the fun.

Read more and see photos!

Grande Maumelle Sailing Club (GMSC) has launched a new Crew List to connect skippers and crew. Go to GMSC.org, click on the Racing tab in the main menu, and select the Crew List to sign up or submit a Crew Wanted Request. Skippers log in to submit requests, while prospective crew sign up using a public form. As one member shared, “I’m new to sailing and want to crew. How do I connect with skippers?” The Crew List bridges the gap, turning curiosity into action. Visit the site today to get started!

Grande Maumelle Sailing Club introduces a fresh, engaging way to explore sailing rules with Drew Daughtery’s 15-minute seminars. Held during the Racing to Relaxing Socials, these sessions focus on a single rule observed during the races, providing practical insights in an interactive setting.

Drew, a respected sailor with four Y-Flyer National Championships and 16 GMSC Centerboard titles, brings a unique mix of expertise and humor to these seminars. “By concentrating on just one rule, we create a space for deeper understanding and better application on the course,” Drew explained.

Whether you’re racing or simply curious, these sessions are a perfect opportunity to learn and connect with the GMSC community.

For information and photos, read more.

On December 14, over 20 Grande Maumelle Sailing Club members gathered in rainy weather to install a silt fence at Kiko’s Corner, marking the start of its restoration. Armed with shovels and teamwork, the group completed this essential step to prevent soil erosion and protect the environment.

“This work party was a key milestone,” said Club Commodore Mary Michaels. “Our members’ dedication is inspiring.”

The silt fence is now securely in place, paving the way for the project’s next phase. Read more for additional details and photos!

At this year’s Fall Ball, Drew Daughtery was honored with the Northern Star Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of exceptional service and dedication to GMSC. Drew’s contributions include leadership roles, mentoring racers, and winning numerous championships. His efforts have elevated GMSC and competitive sailing nationally, inspiring generations of sailors. Congratulations, Drew!

The 2024 Fall Ball and Annual Awards Ceremony was a spectacular evening celebrating our club’s legacy and members’ achievements. “This event is a reflection of the incredible spirit of GMSC,” said Commodore Mary Michaels. Special thanks to Cait Tribett, Kim Tribett, and Garrett McLaurin for organizing a night filled with laughter and camaraderie. Congratulations to our fleet and award winners! Check out the full article for more information and photos capturing all the highlights.

The first phase of the floating walkway at D-Dock and SOCO Harbor is now open! Designed and built by GMSC volunteers, this sturdy, wide platform provides a safer, more comfortable way to access the docks—perfect for hauling gear or simply enjoying a lakeside stroll.

The remaining phases will be installed as spring rains raise the lake’s water level. Until then, visit the walkway on your next trip to Lake Maumelle and experience this fantastic new addition to our harbor!

Check out the full article for more details, photos, and a list of the hardworking members who made it happen.

The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club is gearing up for a critical project at Kiko’s Corner. Construction on the seawall is scheduled to start on January 2, 2025. Before work begins, the club is hosting a work party on Saturday, December 14, to prepare the area. Join us for an afternoon of teamwork to ensure this project starts on solid footing! Check the GMSC event calendar and this space for future updates. More...

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club's exclusive apparel collection has you covered! CRS Apparel offers personalized club gear featuring our iconic logos, from cozy jackets to stylish hats, shirts, and vests.
Need a suggestion? Check out the classic "Adams Dad Hat"—my go-to favorite! Available in various colors with three logo options, it's a timeless staple for any sailor.
Order by midnight on December 11th  to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Enjoy $10 flat-rate shipping, or score free shipping on orders over $100.
Shop now and make this holiday season one to remember: Follow this link: https://stores.crsapparel.com/GMSC/shop/home

The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club is set to begin an important seawall project at Kiko’s Corner, with construction anticipated to start in mid-December once water levels allow access to the site. This long-awaited project is a significant undertaking, made possible by the dedication and expertise of club members and partners. More...

On a Saturday morning, the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club (GMSC) was buzzing with excitement as members gathered for a work party to ready the club for the upcoming US Sailing's Championship of Champions. This prestigious event, held from October 2-6, 2024, will bring together top sailors from across the country, with competitors who have earned titles at national, North American, or World championships in their respective classes. Read More...

We are excited to announce the MARKETPLACE on our website! Buy, sell, or trade sailing items with ease. Visit the Marketplace tab on the GMSC website and join our growing community of sailing enthusiasts.