WAYZATA — Spring sailing returns to Wayzata Bay as the Wayzata Yacht Club hosts its annual New Member Meet & Greet on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Held at the club’s lakeside headquarters at 1100 Eastman Lane, the event is free and open to the public—with an RSVP requested for food planning.
The evening offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for current members, new faces, skippers looking for crew, and anyone curious about getting involved with sailing on Lake Minnetonka.
“This free event offers skippers, boat owners, and potential crew a chance to mingle and establish new connections ahead of the sailing season,” the club shared in a statement.
Founded in 1965 by a group of 15 sailors who pooled $12,000 to purchase 350 feet of shoreline, the Wayzata Yacht Club (WYC) began with the goal of creating a more inclusive, hands-on sailing community. Their spirit of shared opportunity endures today, with programs welcoming newcomers regardless of experience or boat ownership.
Over the decades, WYC has steadily expanded its footprint and mission. In the 1970s, the club purchased additional land for its clubhouse and parking; by 1981, a dedicated clubhouse was built. In 2000, members formed the Wayzata Sailing Foundation, launching a sailing school and adaptive programs that continue to make lake access possible for all abilities.
Wayzata’s sailing tradition predates the club itself. From steamboat races in the 1800s to the pioneering “E” class boats launched here in 1893, Lake Minnetonka has long been a hub of inland sailing innovation. Today, WYC keeps that legacy alive with a full regatta schedule, youth programs, and community partnerships that foster the next generation of sailors.
The New Member Meet & Greet kicks off the 2025 calendar and serves as a friendly gateway into one of Wayzata’s most active and accessible lakefront communities.
RSVPs and more information are available at www.wyc.org.
