January 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to 2026 at Thunderbird Sailing Club
A new year brings fresh winds, new leadership, and plenty of reasons to be excited at the Thunderbird Sailing Club and the Lake Thunderbird Education Foundation (LTEF). From celebrating volunteer achievements to looking ahead to another great season on the water, January marks a strong start to 2026.
A Message from the Commodore
As we begin the year, we also welcome a new president of the Lake Thunderbird Education Foundation. Jim LaDue steps into the role after years of service to the club—as a member, Rear Commodore, Hospitality and Events Chair, Fleet Captain, and Vice President.
Serving as Fleet Captain in 2025 was both busy and rewarding, with a full season of regattas and races that delivered what matters most: fun on the water, safe sailing, and boats that made it through the season largely unscathed.
Now, as president, Jim takes on expanded responsibilities and follows in the footsteps of Mary Anne, whose leadership included many accomplishments—most notably the launch of the club’s new website. Her dedication and service have helped shape the LTEF into what it is today, and the club extends sincere thanks for her outstanding work.
Looking ahead, the focus remains clear: supporting the mission of the LTEF and the community around Lake Thunderbird. That mission is reflected directly in the organization’s name:
LT – Lake Thunderbird: Supporting the surrounding community and partners such as the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District, Little River State Park, local marinas, C.A.S.T., OKASA, and others.
E – Education: Promoting sailing courses, camps, and the countless informal learning opportunities that happen on the dock and on the water. Encouraging members to try new roles in races, events, and open sails remains a priority.
F – Foundation: Ensuring the nonprofit remains strong and sustainable—through funding, volunteers, instructors, and the many hands that make open sails and events possible.
January will be a time for planning, collaboration, and gathering ideas from members to make 2026 meaningful, active, and fun for everyone involved.
January Events to Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, January 17 @ 6:00 PM
Monthly Meeting, Potluck, and Program
Bring your favorite covered dish and enjoy time with fellow members.Monday, January 22 @ 7:00 PM
Monthly LTEF Meeting
Celebrating Our 2025 Award Winners
Each year, the club recognizes members who go above and beyond. Congratulations to the 2025 LTEF Annual Award recipients:
Most Improved Sailor: Tim Robertson
For remarkable progress from landlubber to seasoned sailor.Most Outstanding Crew: Michael Jablonski
For being the kind of crewmate who makes every boat sail better.Volunteer of the Year: Randy Summers
For embodying the “I can help with that” spirit that keeps the boathouse and LTEF running year-round.Situation Normal: All Fouled Up: Jim LaDue
For the year’s most entertaining encounter with nautical adversity.Special Recognition: Asa Jablonski
For constructing the new Zest racks.
Thank you to all our volunteers—these awards represent the dedication shared by so many members.
Commodore’s Cup: Racing, Rankings, and Camaraderie
For much of the season—from April through August—Wednesday evenings at Lake Thunderbird are something special. Boats gather at the dock, crews suit up, and skippers prepare for another Commodore’s Cup race. Once sails are hoisted and motors shut down, racers enter a world few Oklahomans get to experience: evening winds, glowing skies, teamwork, friendly competition, and stories shared on the water.
Behind the scenes, scoring the Commodore’s Cup is no small task. With a diverse fleet, results are calculated using the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) system. Boats are grouped by spinnaker and non-spinnaker classes, adjusted times are calculated, rankings assigned, and each boat’s two worst races are dropped before averaging results.
After all the math—and all the sailing—the 2025 winners emerged:
Spinnaker Class: Capricious
Non-Spinnaker Class: Catnip
From dramatic skies during the June 25 race to memorable moments like towing a floating refuse bin back to shore when the lake was nearly eight feet above normal, the Commodore’s Cup once again delivered unforgettable experiences.
Looking Ahead
With planning underway, a strong volunteer base, and another season of sailing on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a great year at Lake Thunderbird. Members are encouraged to stay involved, share ideas, and—most importantly—get out on the water.
Here’s to fair winds, full sails, and another year of community, learning, and adventure.