Lake of the Woods Sailing Club

“You haven't lived until you've sailed.”
‍-David Sedaris

ABOUT US

Lake of the Woods Sailing Club, Locust Grove, Virginia

ABOUT US

Founded in 1979 the Lake of the Woods Sailing Club promotes all classes of sailing through sponsored races, the Junior Sailing Camp, educational clinics and the camaraderie that comes from wind and water.

Flying Scot Fleet #160 is an organized fleet recognized by the Flying Scot Association. While not organized, there is a large Sunfish Fleet on the lake which participates in all club sponsored events. Other boat classes too numerous to list are also represented in our club.

Not all of our members have a boat but are interested in the sport and often crew

in the club sponsored races.

We meet informally the third Wednesday of the month in the Lake Clubhouse for drinks and sea stories. Spouses and non members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Every December there is a seasonal luncheon and our Annual Meeting is held in the Spring,

Officers for 2026 are:

Commodore Dan Kilgore

Vice Commodore Dan McFarland

Treasurer Carol Donoho

Secretary Ginger Hilleary

Handicapper Richard Chitty

Junior Sailing Chair Dan Mcfarland

Gary Close Immediate Past Commodore

Race Schedule

2026 RACE SCHEDULE

SPRING RACES Start April 18

Schedule

April 18-1,2,3

May 2-4,5,6

May 9-7,8,9

May 16-10,11,12

May 23-13,14,15

May 30-Make Up Race Day (if needed)

FALL RACES Start September 5

Schedule

Sept. 5-1,2,3

Sept. 12-4,5,6

Sept. 19-7,8,9

Sept. 26-10,11,12

Oct. 3-13,14,15

Oct. 10-Make Up Race Day (if needed)

REGATTA

Saturday, April 25

The Annual Lake of the Woods Sailing Club Invitational

This Invitational is open to Flying Scots and Sunfish. Breakfast is provided by the club with a Pizza Lunch after. Many use this race as a tuneup for the upcoming season.

'ROUND TURTLE ISLAND

CHALLENGE RACE

August 22, 2026

This race, unique to Lake of the Woods, challenges any sailor to go the length of the course rounding Turtle Island at the South end of the lake. Shallow water and close quarters add to the excitement!

Survivors end the day with a cookout at a member's home.

LOW REGATTA 2026 WINNERS

5813 Dave/Karen Meehan 1 1 1

4869 Carol Donoho/ Dave Koepper 2 2 2

2635 Gary Close/ Mary Anne Schofield 3 3 3

5892 Dan Kilgore/ Phil Smart 4 4 4

4062 Martin Sweet/ Biff Glidden 5 5 5

SUMMER SAILING CAMPS
Note: registration for the 2027 Camp will open Spring, 2027

LOW Sailing Club takes great pride in our junior sailing camps.

Young sailors learn sailing basics and gain hands-on experience with boats provided by the Club.

TO REGISTER: Contact Dan Mcfarland at danmcfarland1@comcast.net

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE HOLCOMB BUILDING

FEE: $320/SESSION (max. 12 sailors/session)

We are also in need of CIT's-Contact Dan Mcfarland if interested

Sail_Camp_2017-10(1)

Sail Camp 2017 (3)

Session 1 day 3 (6)

Setting up boats

Thanks for a great experience!

Our two grandsons, ages 8 and 10, had the opportunity to attend the LOWA Sailing Camp put on by Dan McFarland and his cadre of volunteers a few weeks ago. What a remarkable experience for them! We wondered if the preliminaries necessary to learn sailing before getting to the exciting part would be hard to keep their interest initially. But from the very first day they were anxious to go back! Their confidence and pride as they graduated to sailing their own small sailboat on the last days was so exciting to see. Watching the group of boys working together to carefully put away the sailboats at the end of each day was another joy. Were these the boys who didn't seem to put anything away at home? Our grandsons learned the basics of sailing that week, but they also learned many valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, attention to detail and consideration for others. Thank you, Dan, and all those who help him to make the sailing camp such a worthwhile and safe experience! Diohn and Craig Benedict

Interested in participating in Sail Camp 2027?-look for sign-ups Spring, 2027.

Due to the generosity of our members and supporters, LOW Sail Club will offer a scholarship to one deserving boy or girl who otherwise may not be able to learn the joy of sailing. Check back for details.