October 2025
Monthly Newsletter October 2025
It’s Kind of Lonely and Deserted
What a weird fall. It still feels like summer most days, but the days are getting shorter and the angle of the sun is lower. The docks are quieter, and the energy of summer has shifted toward reflection and preparation. Equipment is being put away, organized, inventoried, and maintenance tasks are being performed as we close another great season.
Remote Control Sailing Fleet Forming
1st Meeting is October 16 at 7 pm in the Trophy Room
If you are interested in sailing but prefer to stay dry, plan to join us for an introduction to IBYC’s new Remote Control Model Fleet — a fun, competitive, and low-cost way to get into sailing.
• A great way to get into sailing without ever stepping on a boat
• Very competitive one-design racing
• Minimal cost of entry – under $800
• Considering the Soling 1-Meter or Dragon Flite 95 class
• Boats are available as kits or ready-to-race models
• Build this winter and race in early spring!
For more info contact John at (217)341-0848 or email John.s@Ibyconline.com.
Junior Awards Banquet to coincide with IBYC Awards Banquet
The Junior Awards Banquet will coincide with the IBYC Awards Banquet on November 15. Enjoy a great buffet dinner including hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Adults: $25
Children (under 12): $9.95
Call the club to reserve your spot. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
All junior sailors who attended camp this summer or participated in the race team are encouraged to attend. Awards presented include Sailor of the Year, Most Improved, and others.
A special presentation will be given by Eric Bussel, Commodore of Decatur Yacht Club and Clinton Lake Sailing Association, discussing their successful formula for rapid fleet growth over the past few years.
Looking Ahead
Registration for the 2026 Junior Sailing Camp will open on November 1st on IBYCsailing.com. The program is going to grow a lot in 2026, so be sure to secure your spot early.
I’ll see you at the awards banquet — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John
September 2025
Save the Date: Junior Banquet and IBYC Awards Banquet November 15
The Junior Banquet will be held alongside the IBYC Awards Banquet on November 15. Several Junior Sailing awards will be presented that evening, culminating with the prestigious IBYC Junior Sailor of the Year Award. This promises to be a great event for sailors and families—please plan to attend.
Eric Bussell from Clinton Lake Sailing Association will give a presentation at the banquet about how they are reviving sailing enthusiasm and membership at CLSA. This will be an inspiring tale of success that will provide ideas for growth at IBYC. We hope to see all sailors at the banquet.
Winding the Season Down
The 2025 program is winding down, and attention has shifted to inventories, storage, ongoing maintenance, and improvements for the future. All boats are now secured on the racks, with some undergoing repairs before colder weather sets in. The Laser fleet is receiving priority attention.
Laser Fleet Updates
This summer highlighted that every Laser in our fleet is rigged slightly differently, especially in outhaul systems and tillers. To solve this, we are working toward a standardized outhaul system for all boats. This consistency will streamline rigging and maximize sailors’ time on the water.
In the early 2000s, Laser offered the pictured stainless sleeve with an integrated micro-block and clew hook. Unfortunately, this system is no longer in production. I have reached out to the original manufacturer, Harken, and am also exploring local fabrication options here in Springfield to produce about ten of these systems.
If you know a shop or individual who can help, please email me at john.s@ibyconline.com.
We are also standardizing tiller and extension setups. Beginning sailors have had difficulty managing extensions longer than 40 inches. To address this, we are fitting new tiller tubes to wedges and modifying older extensions to create manageable, consistent tillers suitable for both instruction and racing.
Why-Knot Sessions
A fun suggestion is being considered—10-minute knot-tying lessons combined with current social events at the club. I hear Rebecca’s wine tastings are extremely popular. Teaching bowlines after a few glasses of wine might turn out to be one of the most entertaining challenges yet!
Off-Season Planning and Travel
The off-season provides time to plan and collaborate with other regional sailing teams. In addition to Chicago, we are building partnerships with Indianapolis Sailing Club, Lake Lemon Sailing Club in Bloomington, Indiana, and Carlyle Sailing Association near St. Louis. The goal is for each location, including IBYC, to host an invitational regatta, with the other clubs traveling to compete. More details will follow.
Looking Ahead
There is still excellent sailing ahead before the season ends. We plan to hold one more Junior Sailing Team practice on a Sunday afternoon. It would be wonderful to bring the whole team together on the water one last time this year!
See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John
Be sure to look for and follow our Facebook page IBYC Sailing for pics and video.
August 2025
Winding Up Summer
Junior Sailing Camp Session 3 wrapped up the season with some of the best sailing of the summer. Our experienced sailors were able to begin racing and, when the wind turned light, Patrick launched the first ever Junior Sailing Camp Olympics. Competitions included Tetherball, Kickball, Sprit Pole races, four-man Opti paddling races, Jenga, and Watermelon Football. Congratulations to Team Sweat Hogs for their victory, with spirited competition from the Oompa Loompas. Awards were presented during the Night Under the Stars.
Racing Camp brought together eight excellent sailors who learned and practiced starting techniques, Right of Way rules, strategy, and sail controls. On Thursday and Friday, they advanced into the 420 fleet for more challenging practice. It was an incredible opportunity to grow racing skills and teamwork.
Night Under the Stars was a awesome night for sailors from Sessions 1, 2, and 3. The evening included a pizza dinner, Minute-to-Win-It games, a scavenger hunt, a private pool party, and a genuine campfire with s’mores and singing. Some people even got some sleep! One of the most memorable moments was Otto’s surprise return at 5:30 AM, which campers and staff are still talking about.
This season’s Sail Camp was amazing—filled with great kids, unique personalities, and plenty of fun. IBYC continues its tradition of running a camp that allows children to play in boats while building both skills and memories that last a lifetime. Registration for next summer’s camp will be open this fall. Make this the first camp that your kids sign up for.
Racing Team
The IBYC Racing Team was officially established at Race Camp and is open to any student who has earned the Orange Band (Sail Setter Rank) or higher. The first practice was held this past Saturday and focused on the unique skill of sailing backwards on purpose. Every sailor who attended earned their White Band (Sea Scholar Rank). Practices will continue once a week through September.
“It's amazing to see our sailors switching back and forth to different classes of boats so easily. The hopped into the 420’s and sailed them like they were sailing them all week.” – Sailing Staff
Adult Learn to Sail Program
Looking ahead, the Adult Learn to Sail Program (AL2S) will take place this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 22-24. This is a tremendous opportunity for our members and new sailors to join our community and experience the spirit of sailing at IBYC. Special thanks to the current sailing members that have volunteered to help teach from their boats. This is the first step of a plan to revitalize the sailing program for generations to come.
As we head toward the fall, there will be great times and great sailing. The waterfront isn’t cooling down.
See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John
Bottom of Form
Be sure to look for and follow our Facebook page IBYC Sailing for pics and video.
July 2025
Sailing Camp Update
Session 2 is in the books!
We had an amazing group of Junior Sailors who demonstrated strong sailing skills and team spirit throughout the week.
If you’re looking for a crew in club races, contact me—our sailors are ready to compete.
Session 3 runs July 15–25.
Junior Camp Night Under the Stars – August 25
This exclusive overnight event is open to any sailor who has attended camp this year or is registered for Racing Camp.
Evening starts at 5:5:15 and Includes:
Boat rides on E Scows and Cabin Boats
• Private Pool Party for Campers
• “Minute-to-Win-It” Games
• Campfire with s’mores & music
• Tent Camping at IBYC
• Morning Breakfast at IBYC
We need your help: We are looking for Parent Chaperones and Meal Volunteers to feed the hungry throng.
Sign up for Night Under the Stars now at IBYCSailing.com
Cost is $25.
Please Email john.s@ibyconline.com if you would like to help.
Junior Racing Camp – August 3–8
A fast-paced, full-day program for intermediate and advanced Junior Sailors ready to level up and hit the racecourse.
Skills Covered:
• Fast starts
• Mark roundings
• Boat speed & control
• Basic racing tactics
• Intro to the Racing Rules of Sailing
Junior Racers will need rides for Friday, August 8 club races—please consider taking one aboard.
Sign up for Racing Camp now at IBYCSailing.com
Cost is $140
US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course – August 1–3
This nationally recognized certification prepares sailors to assist in teaching Junior or Adult Learn to Sail programs.
Open to all sailors age 15 and up—members and non-members welcome.
Register now at IBYCSailing.com
Adult Learn to Sail (AL2S) – August 22–24
No boat? No problem. This 3-day seminar is perfect for beginners and social members alike.
Topics Include:
· Safety
· Docking
· Steering
· Sail Trim
· Upwind Sailing
· Capsizing
· Weather
· Preparedness
· IBYC Fleets Overview
· Sailing Activities at IBYC
The course is approximately 40% classroom and 60% on-the-water instruction.
Led by experienced IBYC sailors and US Sailing Certified instructors.
Cost: $200
Each evening concludes with social time and dinner on the patio.
Current Sailors who would like to volunteer, please contact John at john.s@ibyconline.com You will teach 1-3 people on your boat. This is a great way to find new fleet members and crew.Top of Form
Lots of things are happening on the Waterfront and you’re always encouraged to join in!
See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John
Be sure to look for and follow our Facebook page IBYC Sailing for pics and video.
June 2025
Summer is in full swing, and Junior Sailing Camp is back! Our campers are having a blast on the water, and the sailing staff is doing a fantastic job fostering fun while upholding high expectations. It never ceases to amaze me—some kids might struggle to steer a straight course between two marks, yet somehow they can zero in on a floating balloon with candy inside like a heat-seeking missile. Fun is the key ingredient to a great camp that grows natural lifelong sailors. Be sure to look for and follow our Facebook page IBYC Sailing for pics and video.
Sessions 2 and 3 still have a few openings, and we’d love to help your child become a confident skipper on Island Bay Yacht Club’s greatest asset—our beautiful lake. Register today.
Racing Camp Registration Coming Soon
Registration will soon open to all intermediate and advanced level students for Racing Camp. Sailors must have earned the Orange Sail Setter Wrist Band in our Sailor Stripe Program to register for the full-day week of camp. Visit IBYCsailing.com for a full calendar and registration details.
Looking ahead, registration will open in September for the 2026 Sailing Camp.
Mark Your Calendar: Junior Sailing On-the-Water Festival – July 12!
We're excited to host our first-ever Junior Sailing On-the-Water Festival on Saturday, July 12. Open to all sailors ages 8–16, this special event will be packed with fun and friendly competition. Participants will take on ten exciting sailing “Challenges”, showcasing their skills while friends and family cheer them on from the docks and patio — and take part in a few challenges of their own! It’s going to be a laid-back, action-packed day on the lake. Stay tuned — more details coming soon!
Level 1 Instructor Course – August 1–3
IBYC will host a US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Training Course August 1–3. This “learn to teach sailing” class is for anyone interested in instructing youth or adult sailing. The intensive 3-day course ends with official US Sailing Certification. Full details will be posted on the IBYC Sailing Website.
Adult Learn to Sail (AL2S) – Begins August 22
Our Adult Learn to Sail program kicks off with a 3-day seminar from August 22–24. Whether you're a club member or someone new to sailing, you'll learn the basics from experienced sailors in a supportive, fun setting. More information is available at IBYCSailing.com.
See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share ~ John
May 2025
It all begins with an idea.
Welcome to The Water Front your monthly look at the winds, waters, and life around the Island Bay docks.
The summer season is nearly upon us, and exciting things are coming together on the waterfront. Staff hiring and training are underway as we prepare for the highly anticipated return of IBYC Junior Sail Camp.
Our new website, IBYCSailing.com, has officially launched! It will serve as the central hub for all things on-the-water — from camp details to event registration and scheduling.
Starting today, Junior Camp registration is open!
We invite you to spread the word to your family, friends, and neighbors — kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and anyone ready for an unforgettable summer experience. Let’s fill the program and give as many young sailors as possible the summer of a lifetime.
Share this QR code to send folks directly to the site:
If you check the calendar on the site, you’ll see:
Three two-week Junior Camp sessions running through June and July
An Adult Learn to Sail camp kicking off August
A Junior Racing Camp just before school resumes
And a special milestone: IBYC will host its first US Sailing Level 1 Instructor Course at the end of August
On a personal note, I’ve already logged two spring regattas — MC Scows in Indianapolis and Flying Scots at Decatur. It’s been great to see CDYC (Commodore Decatur Yacht Club) gaining momentum with a new Flying Scot fleet. Here’s hoping we’ll see some of those boats at Island Bay soon!
I’ve also been invited to instruct at Carlyle Sailing Association’s Adult Sailing Seminar next week as we continue building energy and momentum for IBYC’s own Adult Learn to Sail (AL2S) program this fall. (And yes, I still think “AL2S” beats Carlyle’s acronym hands-down! 😄) I’ll wait while you figure that out…
This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for updates, photos, and stories throughout the season. Whatever your plans this summer — remember: boats and water make it better.
See you on the water — or at the dock with a story to share.