The Indiana Department of Natural Resources opened its facilities on Patoka Lake in southern Indiana near Jasper to the public on August 20, 1980.  On November 19, 1980, the Patoka Lake Sailing Club was incorporated by five directors as a not-for-profit organization to promote sailing, seamanship, navigation, water safety, and to sponsor racing and social events.  There were approximately 30 charter members, most from the Jasper area.  Now our membership covers all of southern Indiana and the Kentuckian area.  Only one of the original members is still in the Club, Bob Reuber who served as Treasurer 1980-1991.  Membership has varied over the years as some members moved away or retired from sailing, but we have been fortunate to have new members who are dedicated to keeping the Club going.  Racing has always been a major activity, but raft-up picnics, moonlight sail/raft-ups, dinners, dances, and other activities have been held over the years.

 

A newsletter is published, although sometimes erratically, to keep the membership informed. This is “The Puffer Press”, published monthly with “All the news that’s fit to print about the rag baggers of Patoka Lake”. The membership fee ($10/single) covers the cost, and some who have moved away continue their membership just to receive the newsletter.

 

Since its beginning, the Club has had only one annual fund-raiser, but it allows us to keep our dues minimal. This is a booth at Jasper’s Strassenfest which sells large chocolate chip cookies, freshly baked in an 8-shelf oven on site. This is one of the most popular stops at the festival. Members work shifts dipping, baking and selling cookies Thursday and Friday evening, all day Saturday, and however long the dough lasts on Sunday. This weekend takes a lot of coordination and work, but it is also enjoyable.

 

There are gaps in the available records, but racing has always thrived. The Bassetts trailered their boat from Louisville to participate in 1986 with nine other boats before they moved their boat to Patoka and joined the Club in 1987. In 1995, 10 races were held with 11 boats participating over the season. Only 6 races were held in 1997. In 1998 each race was chaired by a different sailor instead of one Chairman for the whole season, and this practice had continued to the present. In 2001 the Larry Lehman Memorial Long Distance Race was added (described elsewhere on the website); also, Patoka Lake Marina sponsored a race that was held at their marina. Currently, three trophies are awarded for each race and also for boats of the year.

 

Another institution is the Annual Awards Dinner at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper. Some time ago this was held in December, but now happens in November. Awards and trophies are presented, officers are elected for the following year, and the annual financial report is given. This dinner is paid by the Club for all members.

 

Our annual picnic is held in July, with the Club furnishing the steaks, at the shelter house near the Newton-Stewart ramp. Earlier picnics were held at the Dam shelter house or at raft-ups with a pontoon boat to hold the grill for the steaks. These are pitch-in dinners which can last all afternoon if there’s no wind. With good wind, the chefs cook those steaks quickly!

 

Winter dinner meetings are held at various locations during January, February, and March. These are sailing books available to borrow, thanks to donations from members and former members, and sometimes presentations. The schedule for the races and other events of the year is set at the January meeting, and dates are juggled so those who want to participate are able to do so. Since 1977, brochures containing the schedule of activities, contact persons for these, and new member information, have been provided to members and locations around the lake.

 

The Polar Bear Sailing Club was established within PLSC in 1990 when some members left their boats in the water all winter. To qualify for membership, you must sail for 12 consecutive months on Patoka Lake. This can be on your own boat or with someone else. Just notify the Commodore, and you’ll be presented with a lifetime membership certificate. Then you are required to provide other Polar Bear members with a certain beverage if they find you on your boat in the winter months.

 

Another record is kept as a matter of interest, of time-distance sailing from marina to marina. So if the wind is right and you are making a run to the other end of the lake, record your time from gas dock to gas dock. Send wind speed and direction, date, boat model and name, sails used, direction sailed, and time to the Commodore. This gives you bragging rights and a mention in the newsletter. Current fastest time is 1 hour and 23 minutes with a Laguna 26 in 1995 by Ron and Mary Jane Flick.

 

On two occasions (July 1994 & 1998) PLSC has participated in Indiana’s DNR’s “Wild Water Weekend”. The sailing schedule was handled by DNR personnel. It was the first sailing experience for most people who went out with us.

 

A day on Millionaire’s Row at Churchill Downs debuted in 1997. This is held the third Saturday in May. It’s definitely the way to attend the horse races. Also in 1997, the Meyer family invited those who were spending the weekend at the lake to stop by their property near the Dam to share a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. This turned into an annual affair with some families camping with the host family. In 2005 this event was moved to Harrison County when the closer property became available.

 

In 2003 a Christmas Party was held in early December at the Commodore’s house, and has since been held at various members homes.

 

The first “Thunder Over Patoka” was held the Saturday before the Fourth of July, 2007, sponsored by Hoosier Hills Marina. Four member boats rafted up to watch the fireworks with 12 members aboard. They hope to make this an annual event, with awards to the best decorated boats. One of our members took second place and more are planning to light up next year.

 

As in the past, events will be added or dropped according to members’ interests. However, hopefully, Patoka Lake Sailing Club will be here to provide fun and fellowship to sailors for a very, very long time.

      

Compiled by

Geanie Cross

January, 2008