Did you know…

Did you know GMSC’s committee boat, “Spirit,” is a special vessel? She’s an Ellis 28 lobster boat, built in the renowned Ellis Boat Company yards of Manset, Maine, in 1995.  She may have roots in the world of lobster, but these days, she’s all about chasing wind and glory on our GMSC racecourse!

For 30 years, “Spirit” has kept our races going—outlasting even beer can tabs (possibly), the breakwater, and more questionable sailing fads than most of us would care to admit.

She is the ultimate race committee member—never late, never complaining, and always ready to fire off a horn blast at precisely the moment you least expect it (or need it most). From dramatic photo finishes to epic miscalculations at the starting line, “Spirit” has witnessed it all and still looks sharp as ever! If only she could talk, she’d have more stories than Drew Daugherty around the Y-Flyer circle.

So next time you spot her docked and ready, give her a tip of your captain’s hat and bask in the legend she brings to every race day. Got a great “Spirit” story? Share it loud and proud (or email Mary Michaels). Maybe your tale will end up in the next Mainsheet and become the next club classic!

 Couch Cushions and Club Spirit: How we Floated “Spirit” Home

You might think “Spirit” just magically washed ashore tied to a treasure chest, but her arrival was the result of a hard work, spirited conversations, and a big investment in elevating and sustaining our racing program —about $63,000. Don’t worry, though—no one had to auction off their favorite foul weather gear! With Max Mehlburger at the helm of the fundraising efforts and incredible support from club members, we joined forces to bring home the perfect race committee boat. And let’s face it, she’s certainly easier on the eyes than new life jackets for the old party barge!

Ever Wondered How “Spirit” Got her Name?  

Our club members participated in a naming contest and “Spirit” floated to the top – capturing our the SPIRIT of GMSC and our love of sailboat racing!

Spirit’s Maiden Voyage

Legend has it that “Spirit’s” first voyage was such a big deal, half the club tried to pile on—armed with captain's hats, duct tape, and a playlist featuring every sea shanty in existence. BUT, as much as we love a good tall tale, the truth is a bit less swashbuckling! Max Mehlburger and Keith Newton happily took her out for her first spin around the lake!

All A-Boat Ellis! (Or: How One Maine Company Shells Out Quality Boats)   

Ellis Boat Company is famous for building tough, classic vessels like “Spirit,” that stand strong against wind, weather and waves.  

With every Ellis boat—including our beloved committee boat—they deliver tradition, quality, and guarantee that you’ll look sharp while serving on the race committee. Thanks to Ellis, our GMSC races are a little sturdier, a little saltier, and a lot more fun.

 Now, Are YOU Ready for High Seas? Let’s Talk About Serving on the Race Committee!

Sailboat racing is the life blood of our club. GMSC is powered by volunteers—people just like you, who are brave enough to rock some foul weather gear and raise a flag at the same time. We’re always on the lookout for fellow club members to join the race committee.  

 Want to learn more, or maybe just see what snacks are allowed on board? Check out the race committee section of our website—no pirate experience required, but a love for shouting “READ THE RACE INSTRUCTIONS!” is a plus!

Grande Maumelle to Host First-Ever “Le Mans sur Maumelle” Keelboat Race

The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club (GMSC) will break new ground on Sunday, October 12, with the debut of a pursuit-style keelboat race unlike anything in the club’s history. Dubbed Le Mans sur Maumelle, the event blends the excitement of a staggered start with a 17.5-mile course that sends crews on a full lap around Lake Maumelle.

In true “Le Mans” fashion, the race begins with boats docked, sails down or furled, engines off, and no crew aboard. At the sound of the start horn, sailors will scramble aboard, cast off lines, and raise sail before crossing the start/finish line at the T-Dock. From there, they’ll head east to round the island near the dam, west toward the bridge, and back to the finish — with slower boats leaving first and faster boats chasing them down.

The format is designed to make finish times tighter and competition fierce. “The beauty of a pursuit race,” says event coordinator James Corriveau, “is that, in theory, everyone could be rounding that last mark together. It’s a real test of tactics and boat handling.”

All active and past A and B Fleet keelboats are invited, with registration required by October 6 to secure a start time. Late entries may still race but will start last regardless of handicap. This is a free event for members, and at least one crew member from each boat must attend the 10:00 a.m. skippers’ meeting to review start times, course details, and safety reminders.

The course will demand both speed and strategy. Depth and underwater hazards mean crews will need to navigate smartly, giving wide berth to Jim’s Island and other shallow areas. Communications will run on VHF channel 72, and self-reporting finishes will keep the event running smoothly. After the first three non-protested boats cross the line, the race will be called.

Prizes will go to the top three finishers, but for many, the draw will be the format itself — a mix of friendly rivalry, split-second decisions, and the thrill of seeing whether the handicaps really do make for a photo-finish.

Full race details, including start procedures, course map, and safety guidelines, are posted in the official Notice of Race on the GMSC website.

Race Day at a Glance

• Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
• 10:00 a.m. – Competitors’ meeting (mandatory)
• 11:00 a.m. – First start signal (slower boats)
• ~12:04 p.m. – Last scheduled start
• Finish – After first three boats finish, race will be called
• Dinner at clubhouse following the race

GMSC members can register online or by contacting Yates Phillips or James Corriveau.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our new members! 

New Regular Members

• Eric & Diane Pierce from Hot Springs Village.  They own a Capri 22, currently at Westrock and will be moving to Soco Harbor soon.

New Associate Members:

• Brian Dinsmore

We say farewell to the following members: Daniel Lemoine, Robert Norvell, Heather Metzler, Mary Depper, Rodrigo Almeida & family, Blake Byrd & family, Brett Trelfa & family, and Andy Huss.

Have you purchased a new boat or sold your boat?  PLEASE update the website (membership database) and let the membership chair, Tracy Sykes, know. Thank you!

Other Tips and Tricks:

Have you checked out our MarketPlace lately -  Classified Ads - Grande Maumelle Sailing Club. 

Do you want to sell your boat or slip or any equipment?  If so, please list it in our Classified Ads section.  It is a WIN / WIN!  GMSC gets quite a bit of traffic.  The more traffic we get, the more visibility our club gets. Which is a good thing.  And, it might just help you find a buyer faster!

All slip transactions must be approved by the GMSC board of directors BEFORE taking place, but feel free to use the classifieds and share the links on Facebook.