Our History
When we admire the picturesque facilities and grounds of the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, it's almost unbelievable that it all began with a small group of enthusiasts launching sailboats off a public boat ramp. This humble start has blossomed into an organization that has introduced thousands to the joys of sailing. Many of these individuals have gone on to race competitively, win championships, cruise the world, and share their passion for sailing with friends and family. In the early days, the vision of a sailing club nestled in the heart of Arkansas on a newly formed inland lake seemed like a dream, but through dedication and community spirit, it has become a vibrant reality.
The founding members of the club, including Hal and Betty Jane Daugherty, Gaines Houston, Bill Graham, and others, began their sailing adventures in 1956 to 1958 by launching their home-built Y-Flyers and Lightning sailboats at Lake Norrell and Brady Mountain Marina on Lake Ouachita. These early races were informal yet challenging, laying the groundwork for what would come.
In late March of 1959, Lake Maumelle, located just west of Little Rock, Arkansas, was completed, providing a stunning new location for these landlocked sailors to explore their passion. At this point, Jim's Landing was established, and the original group was joined by Perry Griffin, Jim Hatcher, Russell Brown, Lloyd Stanley, and others, forming a tight-knit community of sailing enthusiasts. Max Mehlburger, though not a member then, played a pivotal role in the club's early development by creating the club's first racing buoys. From the start, the organization embraced a volunteer culture and leveraged creative ideas to complete the job.
As the 1960s rolled in, the club's popularity grew, attracting new members such as Holly and Clark Gillespie, Frank Gordon, Wassell Turner, Tom Grey, and more. An organized racing program was initiated, leading to the foundation of the club's rich racing tradition. In those early days, members would trailer their boats from Little Rock to the lake, rig and launch them, and then reverse the process at the end of the day after exhilarating races.
1964 under Commodore Clark Gillespie's leadership, the club reached a significant milestone when Little Rock Water Works granted GMSC's request to sublease land from Jim's Landing. This agreement provided a dedicated site for the club's activities, marking a turning point in the club's growth and development.
One of the defining moments in the club's history came in 1968 when Commodore Gillespie made a bold commitment. The club decided to host the Y-Flyer National Championship, a prestigious event that brought much excitement and recognition to the sailing community. As a result of the club's increasing popularity and space limitations, the members decided to move to its present location. In time, the cub oversaw building a new road, a small parking lot, and the essential infrastructure, such as a launch ramp, dock, and T-dock, needed to make the lake accessible to sailors. The ambitious vision also included plans for a pavilion and clubhouse, becoming a central hub for members to gather and foster their shared love for sailing.
Since the late 1960s, the club has continued to thrive and evolve. Members have made countless improvements to club facilities, driven by their passion, dedication, and thousands of volunteer hours. The sailing programs have expanded to encompass year-round racing, educational initiatives for adults and juniors, and extensive participation in out-of-town regattas. Most important, the club's membership has steadily grown, reflecting the enduring allure of sailing and the warm camaraderie that defines our sailing community.
The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club's story gains depth and resonance with each passing year. What began as an audacious idea became an enduring reality. As we navigate the course ahead, we do so with gratitude for the legacy left by those who came before and excitement for the adventures awaiting the next generation of sailors that will define our club's future.