The Mainsheet – August 2025

Aug 1, 2025

Download the August 2025 Mainsheet

Commodore’s Message

August Is Here Already?

It’s hard to believe we’re heading into the final stretch of summer! July was full of activity, including:

  • A TSC exhibit at The Well during the Farmers Market

  • Our Adult Small Boat Class

  • Ongoing Wednesday evening races

  • Race #2 in the Dinghy Series

Looking ahead, August brings plenty more fun: the final race in the Dinghy Series, our monthly meeting, continued Commodore’s Cup racing, and a very special event — the OKASA Waterfest.


OKASA Waterfest – August 23

Each summer, the Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association (OKASA) brings participants of all ages to Lake Thunderbird for a day of adventure. Activities include adaptive water skiing, kayaking, tubing, and rides on catamarans and pontoon boats.

TSC and LTEF proudly support this event by providing the BoatHouse and volunteer support.

📅 Saturday, August 23 | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

How you can help:

  • Morning setup (7–10 a.m.)

  • Afternoon cleanup (3–6 p.m.)

  • BoatHouse monitoring

  • Dock assistance

  • Sailing or pontoon boat crew

👉 Volunteers get lunch, a free T-shirt, and the joy of helping others experience the water in new ways. Contact Paul Reynolds (405-250-2093) if you can help.

This year marks the 15th Waterfest hosted at Lake Thunderbird, and it’s always a highlight of the summer!


Dinghy & Zest Race Series – August 16

Join us for the final race in our three-part Dinghy & Zest Series. It’s a fantastic way to sharpen small-boat sailing skills and enjoy friendly competition.

📅 Saturday, August 16 | 10:00 am

Top finishers from the July race:

  • 🥇 Paul Reynolds

  • 🥈 Jerry Lojka

  • 🥉 Caiden Stecklein

Who will take the top spot this month? Come sail, crew, or cheer from shore!


Monthly Meeting & Potluck – August 16

Stick around after the race and come back in the evening for our August gathering.

📅 Saturday, August 16 | 6:00 pm – BoatHouse
Theme: Hawaiian Luau 🌺

Bring your favorite summer dish to share:

  • A–H: Mains

  • I–M: Desserts

  • N–S: Sides

  • T–Z: Appetizers

Program: Michael Jablonski and Paul Reynolds will present “Texas 200 Adventure” — a tale of sailing endurance along the Texas coast. Don’t miss this exciting program!


Commodore’s Cup – Wednesday Racing

The Commodore’s Cup 2025 Series continues every Wednesday evening.

📅 Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm
Whether you’re sailing, crewing, or cheering, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening on the water.


Education Committee Meeting – August 11

The Education Committee will meet on Monday, August 11 @ 7:00 pm at the BoatHouse. Topics include:

  • 2025 sailing school debrief

  • Goals and expectations for 2026

  • Sailing instructor needs and certification pathways

  • Roles for skilled volunteers not seeking certification

All instructors and interested members are welcome!


Capital Gifts: A New Website for TSC

By Jim Eller

We’re thrilled to report that we’ve almost reached our fundraising goal for TSC’s new website!

  • Goal: $3,000 in member donations

  • Raised so far: $2,600

This project, totaling $6,000, will modernize our online presence, improve communication, and serve the club for the next decade.

If you haven’t given yet, please consider supporting this effort.

  • Make checks payable to LTEF

  • Include “Website Gift” in the memo line

  • Mail to: LTEF, PO Box 1756, Norman, OK 73070

Thank you for helping us invest in the future of the club!


Photo Gallery – July Highlights

  • Racers, committee boat, and safety boat teams at the Dinghy Series

  • TSC’s display at The Well Farmers Market

  • Adult Small Boat Class graduate Bill Walsh with instructor Jerry Lojka

  • Dinghy/Zest race winners: Paul Reynolds (1st), Jerry Lojka (2nd), and Caiden Stecklein (3rd)

See more photos in the TSC Gallery.


See You on the Water!

From racing to volunteering to simply enjoying a summer evening sail, there are plenty of ways to stay connected this August. Thank you to all who make Thunderbird Sailing Club a thriving, welcoming community.

Fair winds, and we’ll see you at the BoatHouse!

About Thunderbird Sailing Club

Founded in 1969, Thunderbird Sailing Club is home to a vibrant sailing community on Lake Thunderbird in Norman, Oklahoma. As a U.S. Sailing certified school, we welcome sailors of all ages and skill levels to learn, race, and enjoy life on the water. From monthly potlucks to youth programs and regattas, TSC is built on camaraderie, volunteerism, and a shared love of sailing.

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