Download the September 2025 Mainsheet
From the Commodore
Greetings, Sailors!
What a fast summer it’s been! The BoatHouse has been buzzing with activity, and most recently we hosted the Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association (OKASA) Waterfest. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, we were able to provide sailing and pontoon rides for participants, making it a memorable and successful day on the water.
Catch A Special Thrill (CAST) – September 13
One of the most meaningful events of the year is right around the corner: Catch A Special Thrill (CAST).
This annual fishing event for children with special needs is a partnership between LTEF and Thunderbird State Park. Local fishermen pair up with kids and their parents for an unforgettable fishing trip.
TSC volunteers play a big role in making the day possible:
Setting up the BoatHouse
Helping kids and parents on and off boats
Serving lunch (hot dogs with sides)
Cleaning up afterward
👉 Volunteers receive lunch, a free T-shirt, and plenty of smiles! The day typically wraps up by 1 p.m. If you’d like to help, reach out to Paul (405-250-2093) or Phil (405-208-1532).
Already signed up: Jerry, Alva and friends, Mike K, Jim L, Beau, John Mc, Heather, Paul, Barron, Jim W, and Kim. More helping hands are always welcome!
Monthly Meeting – Pirate Night! September 20 @ 6:00 pm
Ahoy, mateys! It’s time to bring back a favorite tradition: Talk Like a Pirate Night.
📅 Saturday, September 20 @ 6:00 pm – BoatHouse
Costume contest – prizes for the best-dressed pirates
Finger foods & games – bring a dish to share (see below)
Tall tales – swap stories of sailing gone wrong
Potluck assignments:
A–H: Appetizers
I–M: Mains
N–S: Desserts
T–Z: Sides
Dress in your best pirate gear and join us for a night of swashbuckling fun and laughter!
TSC Fall Cup – Wednesday Racing Series
Racing season isn’t over yet! Join us for the brand-new TSC Fall Cup 2025 racing series.
📅 Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm
Come sail, crew, or cheer from shore as we enjoy crisp fall evenings on the lake.
Announcements & Opportunities
Nominations Open for 2026 Leadership
Each fall, the Governance Committee works to fill leadership positions for the upcoming year. Nominations are now open for:
TSC Council
LTEF Board Members
Committee Chairs
Club Officers
If you’d like to serve—or nominate someone else—contact Jim Eller (wjimeller@gmail.com). Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting in November.
Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal
We’re raising $3,000 to cover the remainder of the website project. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve already raised $2,600—almost there!
To donate:
Make checks payable to LTEF
Include “Website Gift” in the memo line
Mail to: LTEF, PO Box 1756, Norman, OK 73070
Every contribution helps—thank you for supporting our club’s future.
Become a Level One Instructor
The Education Committee is encouraging new instructors to step up and earn their US Sailing Level One certification.
Requirements include:
US Sailing membership
Minimum age of 16
Experience sailing dinghies or keelboats
Powerboat handling experience
CPR/First Aid & SafeSport training
The course involves online and in-person sections (total of ~47 hours) and costs $550. Scholarships are available through LTEF.
More info: US Sailing Level I Instructor
Please consider this opportunity to invest in the future of our sailing school and club programs.
Get Involved
Shared Boat Program: Interested in joining? Contact Michael Jablonski (michael.jablonski@gmail.com) for details.
Sailing School: Check out classes and sharpen your skills at TSC Sailing School.
Club Calendar: See all upcoming events on our TSC Calendar.
See You on the Water!
From volunteering with CAST to racing in the Fall Cup, there are plenty of ways to stay connected this season. Thank you to all who make Thunderbird Sailing Club such a vibrant, welcoming community.
Fair winds, and we’ll see you at the BoatHouse!