Clinton Lake Sailing Association upcoming events

July - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Tue, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Discover the joy of sailing with our upcoming "Learn to Sail Small Boats" class! Whether you're seeking a fresh challenge or a relaxing way to spend your free time, this five day class offers the perfect blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience. You'll start with a classroom session to build on your sailing basics, followed by four on-the-water sessions where you put sailing theory into action. Best of all, the classroom session is completely free — making it easier than ever to start your journey.

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Successful completion of this course will result in CLSA Certification, which allows members to sail the club small boats. Our course on the water sessions will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday & Tuesday evenings over 2 weeks.

Class Schedule

Saturday, July 11 (Classroom; if not already completed)

Monday, July 13
Tuesday, July 14
Monday, July 20

Tuesday, July 21

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

CLSA Distance Race #2 (Sun, July 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This is event is an open club race for all CLSA members who are in good standing.

1) Registration in advance is necessary if you plan to race. Please register online so we have a head count for those attending and to notify those planning to attend of any potential changes.

2) The CLSA Race Notices will be the official notice board for the event. Signals made ashore will leverage electronic notifications to registered participants.

3) Because of limitations with boats launching from multiple locations, there is no planned competitor's briefing prior to the race. Race Committee will be monitoring VHF Channel 68 for any questions or concerns.

4) Anticipated race course information regarding direction and course length(full or half) will be announced in the reminder email sent, typically the evening before the event. Changes will be announced on the water via VHF 68.

RC boat will be on the water by 9am to start the race(s) in front of marina at 9:30am.

Distance Racing Sailing Instructions

Thistle Thursday (Thu, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Family Friday (Fri, August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

CLSA is excited to continue hosting Family Fridays. Sailing offered for these events in 2026 will be slightly based on the location for each event. This event is perfect for parents with youth sailors to enjoy quality time together at the lake. This is a great time to come out and experience the joy of sailing one last time before we prepare the boats for the off-season.

We will have our club boats available when feasible, but other events will include cabin boat rides by fellow members.

Hot dogs and snacks provided. BYOBeverages.

Please register if you plan to attend. Always check our cancellations page at CLSASailing.org before driving out to the lake.

Google Maps link to Parnell Boat Access Area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ThVZG8xCKdpSAjnLA

Volunteers: please register as a volunteer.

RSVP yes/no from the announcement email and you will not receive further announcement emails specific to this event.

CLSA Laser/Sunfish Beer Can Race #2 (Sat, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Laser/Sunfish small boat buoy racing.

This event is buoy race for small single-handed sailboats open for all CLSA member and visitors who are in good standing.

Please register online so we have a head count for those attending and to notify those planning to attend of any potential changes.

RC boat will be on the water by 12:30pm to start the race(s) in front of marina at 1pm. Race Committee will be monitoring VHF Channel 68 for any questions or concerns.

Club Social (Sun, August 09, 2026)

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Save the date! Activities to be determined

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Mon, August 10, 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Discover the joy of sailing with our upcoming "Learn to Sail Small Boats" class! Whether you're seeking a fresh challenge or a relaxing way to spend your free time, these six day class offers the perfect blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience. You'll start with two classroom sessions to build on your sailing basics, followed by four on-the-water sessions where you put sailing theory into action. Best of all, the classroom sessions are completely free — making it easier than ever to start your journey.

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Successful completion of this course will result in CLSA Certification, which allows members to sail the club small boats. Our course sessions will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Monday & Tuesday evenings over 3 weeks.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Tue, August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Mon, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Tue, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Venetian Night (Sat, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for CLSA's classic Venetian Night celebration! Dock Walk, Dinner, and a night sail in boats decorated with lights.

4:00pm - Cabin boats depart and begin to assemble at the docks.

5:00pm - Dock walk begins. Cabin boat owners welcome guests on their boats to show off their rides. A great opportunity to see different boats and meet new people.

6:30pm - Dinner!

+ Alcohol will not be provided. Water, lemonade, and some other soft drinks will be provided

7:41 pm - Sunset. Cabin boaters decorate their boats with festive lights and invite friends for an evening sail off the dock and a parade of lights in the darkness (no moonlight). Many cities around the world celebrate their own version of Venetian Night, modeled off the popular boat parades in Venice, Italy.

CLSA Laser/Sunfish Challenge (Sun, August 23, 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Laser Vs Sunfish!

This is event is a dedicated annual small boat club race for all CLSA member and visitors who are in good standing.

Please register online so we have a head count for those attending and to notify those planning to attend of any potential changes.

RC boat will be on the water by 12:30pm to start the race(s) in front of marina at 1pm. Race Committee will be monitoring VHF Channel 68 for any questions or concerns.

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Mon, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

August - Small Boat Intro to Sailing Class (Tue, August 25, 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

The on-the-water training will be on Lasers and Sunfish which are single-person boats.

Class Schedule

Monday, Aug 10 (Classroom)

Tuesday, Aug 11 (Classroom)

Monday, Aug 17
Tuesday, Aug 18
Monday, Aug 24

Tuesday, Aug 25

In partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CLSA will be hosting the Small Boat Introduction to Sailing classes at the Parnell Boat Access Area on Clinton Lake.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Pirates' Day Cardboard Boat Race (Sat, September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Save the date!

2026 brings the return of an old CLSA tradition for a cardboard boat regatta!

Help celebrate the back-to-school season with our treasured CLSA Pirate's Day featuring prizes, booty, and a pot luck feast, .

Materials are limited to corrugated cardboard, duct tape, and paint. Life jackets are mandatory even though the race will take place in shallow water with the CLSA Navy standing by to pull deserters who jump ship back to shore.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

Thistle Thursday (Thu, September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come join the Thistle Thursday tradition!

New sailor orientation is held at 5pm. We will rig and launch boats and have informal, practice races starting around 6pm. Following sailing, we will enjoy our traditional brat cookout.

To RSVP, look for the Thistle Thursday event in our Fleet 66 GroupMe or email clsa.ThistleFleet66@gmail.com.

CLSA Annual Herding Cats (Sat, October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Get your race on!

This is event is an open club race for all CLSA member and visitors who are in good standing.

Please register online so we have a head count for those attending and to notify those planning to attend of any potential changes.

RC boat will be on the water by 12:30pm to start the race(s) in front of marina at 1pm. Race Committee will be monitoring VHF Channel 68 for any questions or concerns.

CLSA Fall Banquet and Business Meeting (Sun, November 08, 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Clinton Lake Sailing Association
Fall Banquet and Business Meeting

Registration Deadline is Tuesday, November 3rd. Please RSVP today so we order the correct amount of food.

Sunday, November 8, 2026. Doors open at 5:00, dinner at 6:00, brief business meeting and annual awards to follow. 2027 CLSA Officers will be chosen by member vote at the business meeting. The slate of nominees will be emailed to all CLSA members; nominations may be made from the floor.

Members, please sign in to register for this event. Payment is required at time of registration. Please register as soon as possible to help us with food planning.