It is always such a treat to look out over Erskine Lake and see the colorful sails of the Sailing Club during a Regatta. Celebrating our 40th year in 2002, the Club's roots date back to the late 30's, evolving into an organized Club, Sunfish Fleet #24, in 1962. The Club began with a mixed fleet of "sail-canoes" fiberglass and wooden sailboats, eventually becoming a one-design Sunfish fleet. It was not unusual in the early days to see as many as 32 boats competing on the lake, as Singles, Doubles, Women, Men, and Juniors categories. In the 60's, races were held on both Saturdays and Sundays. Because of the number of Sunfish being purchased, members were able to take advantage of a discount through a distributor in Greenwood Lake. During the early-70's, as the area evolved into a full-time community, competition from other commitments saw a decrease in time to pursue members' sailing interest. Because more people had attended the Sunday races in previous years, there was a switch to all classes competing on Sundays. By the late 70's, there was a resurgence in the Junior racing program, and their races were switched over to Saturdays. The Juniors also participated in a traveling racing program and were involved in many races organized by the SANJL (Sunfish Association of New Jersey Lakes). The Juniors also held relay races. Sailors performed creative laps around the lake (sail standing up, drop someone off, sail backwards, etc.). The first donated boat was given to the Club by the Hirsch Corporation, in August of 1977. "Shaker parties" were a trend through the late 70's, with the Martini Flag being raised at a designated member's home - after the last race, the sailors would sail over to the flag, and dock for post-Regatta partying. The Sailing Club Dance, held at the Hilltop clubhouse every fall, was the highlight of the year. Colorful sails hung from the rafters, with the added bonus of much-improved acoustics in the building.

The Club kept active during the 1980's and 90's, but not with the same level of participation, as seen in previous decades. Even with the offering of free sailing lessons and other attempts to boost membership, the Club saw a lower level of activity during this time period. Those members that did keep the torch burning, even at a low flame, displayed tremendous enthusiasm. A holiday race series was used for several years, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Columbus Day. The Fleet racing was replaced by the Sailing Free For All, open to all classes of sailboats and Sailing Club members. In addition, the "Run Whatcha Brung" (a race involving all manner of human-powered watercraft and open to all ELPOA members) was held in conjunction with ELPOA Day.

The New Millennium has seen renewed interest in the Sailing Club, and the ELPOA community has rallied in support. The addition of other donated Sunfish has enabled members without their own sailboat to participate in the Sailing Club's activities. The Club has gone back to Sunfish fleet racing and has added a mix of racing and non-competitive sailing activities to our agenda (Jack and Jill Regatta, Full-Moon Regatta, Night Racing, lessons through a Discover Sailing program and post-Regatta parties). The Club has also entered into the 21st century through the use of e-mailed newsletters, keeping its members abreast of activities and race results on a weekly basis. We have also established the Tomanek Cup, a perpetual trophy to be displayed in the Clubhouse of the winner of the annual Erskine vs. Cupsaw regatta, which Team Erskine won in the inaugural race held in August, 2002.

Fair Winds, The Erskine Lakes Sailing Club

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