Spring 2021 News

​It's that time again, the growing high school sailing team is on the water, docks will be in soon and we have BIG plans for this summer. More sailing classes, more racing, new community partnerships, more music, more learning about the lake and no doubt great food and celebrations ahead. Imagine that!

With our beautiful deck and lawns, GLSS offers bar none, the best "Covid safe" environment for learning and fun. With the lessons learned in 2020 we are planning for a great summer.

Of course we need your support to pull this all together. Our non-profit structure requires ongoing financial support from our community. We are grateful for all the support we received in 2020 that allowed us to move into 2021 with the confidence to not only open the doors for sailing school but to also add new programs and partners. We made huge strides over the past decade and we are proud we have not lost ground even in a pandemic.

We hope you will continue your ongoing financial support, and/ or volunteer your time to help us achieve our mission to "Grow sailing in the Brainerd Lakes Area and grow friendships on Gull Lake."
You may make your donations on line HERE or mail your check to GLSS PO Box 511 Brainerd, MN 56401 The Gull Lake Sailing School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Please consult your tax advisor on the deductibility of your donation.
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With great appreciation!

March 2021
As we think about plans for this summer we are very aware that we would not be doing so but for the tremendous support we received in this unusually difficult year. We have many to thank for that, old friends and new friends, community partners and neighbors. We were blessed with solid Annual Fund donations, Gifts in Memoriam, Gifts In-Kind, Event Sponsorships and Scholarships.  Even our Waterfront Director Josh Sullivan declined his well earned bonus to direct the funds to our boat fund. We thank you all for your contributions, time and talent at every level, they all add up! Our apologies if we have missed you in some way or if there is an error in our information.  Please email us at school@glyc.com or call Mary Jetland at 612-750-7003 and a correction will be made in our next newsletter.

OUR 2020 HEROES!

Admirals Club ($1000+)
Mary Beth and Dave Anderson
Susan and Doug Arndt
Katie and Chuck Arvesen
Betty and Michael Bullington
Kris and DJ Dondelinger
Betsy Driessen
Nancy and Jerry Driessen
Martha and Vince Driessen
Kari Eliassen
Anne and Jeff Fisher
The Greene Family
Mary and Jim Jetland 
Gigi and Jim Johnson
Chelle Stoner and Warren Kelly
Nancy and Tom Lundeen
MC Fleet 104
Mary Agnes and Al McQuinn
Heather and Stewart Mills
Travis Mills
REALTORS®  Kathy Rauth and Sarah Polovitz
Josh Sullivan
Linda and John Sumner


Skippers ($500-$999)
Gretta Arvesen
Kathy and Jim Bishop
Kaye Dondelinger
Alex Driessen
Natalia Driessen
Bev and Peter Dunphy
Kim and Gene Hagen
Sandra and Michael Hollenhorst
Lauren and Joe Jetland
Ann and Dan Keller
Susan and Brian Mark
Melanie Miller
Rob Roth
Debi and John Schaefer

Crew ($300-$499)
David and Yasmine Ammodt
Ginger and Jim Anderson
Sally Anderson
Emily Bauernfeind
Lynn and Warren Holmes
Marie Landsburg
Gaby and Joe Long
Steve Massey
Kathy and Joe Mucha
Karla and Leon Nelson
Mary and Ted Rogers
Rob Roth
Steve Sullivan and Kevin Hayford

First Mate_(Up to $299)
Mary Therese Barkhausen
Sarah and John Dritz
Abby and Kristofer Hagen
Jana Hoffman
Chris Holmes
Ron Hull
Stephan Imholt
Deb Melchert
Gary Schmidt

Scholarships ($150 one week of lessons)
Ginger and Jim Anderson
Margaret Lord Anderson
Bobbi and Tom Deans
Lynn and Warren Holmes
Syd and Bob Goodwin
Carol and Robert Galligan
Masonry by Hines LLC
Thomas Pflanz

Gifts In Memoriam
Judy Anderson Brindley
Mark Jones
The Charles McQuinn Memorial Fund

Boat Donations
Greg Carney
Paul Skogen
Don and Jamie Kveton

In-Kind Donations
Mary Grace Arndt
Kathy Bishop
Bradow Dock
Chris Holmes - Graphic Element
Landsburg Landscape Nursery
Nisswa Marine
The Pines
Grace Skogen -  GS Social Media Consulting

Hot Fun on the Waterfront Sponsors
Admiral Level  ($1,000)
Nisswa Marine
The Power Loon
REALTORS®  Kathy Rauth and Sarah Polovitz
Mary Agnes and Al McQuinn

Skipper Level  ($500-$999)
Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation
Bradow Dock
Cub Foods
Petals and Beans

Crew Level ($250)
B Merri - The Woods
Grace Skogen GS Social Media Consulting
Graphic Element
Gull Chain of Lakes Association
Mount Ski Gull
Stumvoll Excavating

Hot Fun on the Waterfront VIP Table and Boat Slip Sponsors ($750)
Mary Beth and Dave Anderson
Susan and Doug Arndt
Bullington/ Fisher Famiies
Cheryl and Bo Cote
Carrie and Dean Grillo
Kim and Gene Hagen
Cindy and Greg Hames
Mary and Jim Jetland
Chelle Stoner and Warren Kelly
Stewart and Heather Mills
Kathy and John Rauth
Kevin Hayford and Steve Sullivan
Ann and Karl Wasson

Time and Talent Serving on our Board of Directors and Officers
Dave Anderson
Doug Arndt
Cheryl Cote
Tyler Dunphy
Vince Driessen - Co President
Chris Holmes
Mary Jetland - Co President

Officers
Mary Grace Arndt - Secretary
Kim Hagen - Tresurer
Ted Rogers - Safety

Volunteer Sailing Instructors
Chris Holmes
Bayden Bastian

Last but not least!
Crow Wing County Cares Act Grant - $10,000
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Wyatt Holst andf Izzy Holmes with the Brainerd High School Sailing Team competing on White Bear Lake in 2019 Photo Chris Holmes

IT'S BEEN A VERY BUSY WINTER AT GLSS!
TIME TO THINK SPRING! 
March 2021

WE DID IT!  20 FOR 20 IN 2020!​
With our bank account at a low point after a summer of limitations and canceled fundraising, GLSS established a year end Covid recovery campaign. With the generous help from two anonymous sources to create a $20,000 match, Fleet 104 and a group of sailing school supporters helped GLSS hit our goal! To say we are thankful and relieved would be an understatement! This support has been critical for ensuring our staffing and plans for this summer. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to make this happen! More thanks to follow!
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Crow Wing County Cares Act Grant

​In addition to our fundraising efforts we applied for and received a $10,000 grant to reimburse us for our Covid related costs. While some of these expenses were setup costs for safe operations, some of these expenses will continue in 2021 and will affect our ongoing overhead. We will continue all Covid protocols though we are planning for a more normal class and event schedule and hope our revenues can return to pre Covid levels. We are very thankful for this grant that was available for non profits. Ironically, the grant amount is just slightly higher than our real estate taxes paid to Crow Wing County twice a year! We are
​                                                             working on that too.
Register Today For High School Sailing and Summer Sailing School!

High School sailing and summer school registrations are both live on our website. If there are any class size restrictions that need to be put in place again this summer, priority will be on a first come first serve basis, so register today! Spots are already filling!

Cheryl Cote retires

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Thank You Cheryl Cote For 23 Years of Involvement!
Yes, it is true, Cheryl is retiring from the board after quite an illustrious run. In 1998 after her marriage to Gull Lake resident Bo Cote, Cheryl Cote moved to Gull Lake for the summer. She brought with her the drive and work ethic to change the course of the Gull Lake Sailing School and Yacht Club. Cheryl had recently been active and served on the Board of Directors of the Clear Lake Yacht Club and Sailing School.  Cheryl approached Dr. Peter Dunphy about the possibility of expanding the sailing program on Gull Lake. The Sailing School size had ebbed and flowed as most volunteer organizations do over time. Peter may have been a bit hesitant but as Cheryl can do well, she sold him with her enthusiasm!  

Cheryl was appointed head of the sailing school and was able to navigate significant expansion of the program. Cheryl recalls, “We started with four students at that time and grew the program to 75 students”. Cheryl served as head of the sailing school for five years.  At the end of her term she was asked to become Vice Commodore of the Gull Lake Yacht Club. Cheryl had been hearing members express the need for a better facility. As Vice Commodore she took on the task of fundraising and met with architects contractors, neighbors, lawyers, members and the county to turn this dream into a reality.
 
Cheryl recalled the challenges, “At the height of our fundraising in 2008, I was approached by one of our major contributors. He expressed the timing was wrong to build since we were heading into a recession and he felt it would be prudent to put our plans on hold and he would take his money out. I convinced him to stay the course, I felt if he pulled out, the other investors would follow suit and we would never be at this threshold again. We persevered and built the building we are currently in when I was commodore."
 
"In 2011 I was asked to be on the board to help restructure the club. I have been on the board ever since. I felt the only way our club would remain viable and gain credibility in the region was to have a high school sailing team. I approached the Athletic Director of Brainerd High School and asked him if they would be interested in having a high school sailing club. They were very interested but leery of our commitment. I was able to find a sailing coach, Josh Sullivan, who was referred by the Wayzata sailing program, and from there we were able to start the club under much apprehension.”
 
“Today, thanks to the work of many people, it is a thriving high school team.  Two years ago a past commodore asked me why I had come back onto the board and was still on the board. I told him I came back because I felt a fiduciary responsibility to see this club make it, and to our investors that their money was put to good use, and of course my passion for teaching everyone the love of sailing.”
 
Cheryl has certainly poured her heart and soul into both GLSS and GLYC! She has orchestrated beautiful events, kept sailors and supporters all well fed, been willing to take on everything from repeatedly cleaning bathrooms (true story!), to crash boat shuttling. She has been a major motivator and fundraiser and has played a key part in the most significant changes to both organizations in our history.
 
Cheryl, we will certainly miss your energy and creativity on our Board of Directors but hope you will not be far for ongoing consultation and maybe some party planning! On behalf of everyone who is a part of both Gull Lake Sailing School and Gull Lake Yacht Club,

we thank you!

We hope to be able to gather together this summer to properly thank you in person for all your hard work and commitment over these years. We could never have been where we are today with out you! Enjoy your retirement!

In memoriam

It is with sadness we share the news of the passing of Catherine “Kate” Ann (Culligan) Driessen. Kate was the matriarch of the Driessen family of Rocky Point.

Imagine packing up 9 children, playpens, diapers, associated gear, a local summer girl, and heading to “the cabin” for the summer. Thus begins the story of Kate Driessen on Gull Lake. 
Kate embraced lake life having lived near the California beaches in her early-married life with Gene, and spending some time at Lake Geneva in her youth. After renting a cabin at Pleasant Acres, the Driessens bought property on Rocky Point in 1961.
Soon after, Gene bought an X boat scow and a pram for their children. Maybe it was the time he spent in the Navy as a pilot that drew him to the purchase, but those sailboats created quite a lifestyle and legacy of sailing that is still second to few, even today.
During the 60’s and 70’s, Kate enrolled her crew in both swimming and sailing lessons. One can imagine that feeding the ravenous bunch on their return each day had to be an event in itself! Over the years, all nine children attended GLSS! 
Kate and her entire family have been stewards of GLSS/YC in every way. Gene served as commodore in 1976. Kate volunteered at family events, regattas and participated in Bridgeorama back in the day, the proceeds of all these events going back to support the sailing programs. Kate’s children and grandchildren have worked as sailing instructors or served as Commodore, officers or board members. Kate and Gene were awarded the Hunt Memorial Trophy in 2009. This award is given by the ILYA, Inland Lakes Yachting Association, for the ILYA Member of the Year.  
There is not a trophy in the case at GLSS without multiple Driessen names on it. Both Vince and Katie (Driessen) Arvesen sail MC scows nationally to this day. Both have had top finishes, as recently as 2020. Today, there are a growing number of family members who race weekly with MC Fleet 104 all summer.
Kate always said that her faith was her foundation and they were summer regulars at St. Christopher’s in Nisswa. Sunday mass became part of the family memories made at Gull Lake.
To know the Driessen family is to love the Driessen family and that is the best legacy one can have. We at both GLSS and GLYC are saddened for the loss of Kate but we are grateful for the significant role her family has played in both our history and in making GLSS and GLYC what they are today. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to the entire Driessen family, especially in these distanced times.
Rest in peace Kate
Obituary
 https://www.dennisfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Catherine-Kate-Anne-nee-Culligan-Driessen?obId=19927305#/obituaryInfo

Thomas Schmid Memorial  Scholarship 

January 2020
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We are very honored to have our sailing school chosen by the family of Thomas Schmid to establish a scholarship memorial in his honor. Tom passed away December 24, 2020. To say Tom was an avid sailor would be an understatement! Tom taught sailing and waterskiing at Camp Foley in the 60's, 70's and 80's. His sailing adventures are both notable and numerous! Tom sailed the Apostle Islands, the entire Mississippi River and the shore line of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as to Cuba. Finally settling in Key West where he lived on his boat his last 12 years. It is of note he became famous for riding out Hurricane Irma in an effort to save his boat and survived to tell many stories about it! 

When thinking about a memorial for Tom, his family wanted it to be for a sailing school. Tom's family had spent many summers sailing with him in the annual Gull Lake Fun Regatta and they hosted a number of laser regattas at GLYC as well. The Schmid family all have fond memories of those regattas and camping out at GLYC and would like to establish a scholarship to provide access for youth who might otherwise not have an opportunity to learn this wonderful lifelong sport. If you would like to donate to this scholarship fund click here and write Thomas Schmid in the comment section on the donation page. 

We at Gull Lake Sailing School send the Schmid family our condolences and our deepest thanks for thinking of our school. With the growth of our programs we know this will be very meaningful! 

https://www.brenny.com/obituary/Thomas-Schmid
December 22, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that Gull Lake Sailing School received an anonymous $10,000 matching gift! This gift was given in recognition of our efforts to grow youth and high school sailing in our local community. The sailors of our own MC Fleet #104 immediately added to this gift so that the total match would be $20,000!

All donations up to $20,000 to GLSS will be matched!!!

The reduction in sailing school revenues due to reduced class offerings and class sizes was significant, as well as reduced revenues from cancelled events and our auction.

We have been given this tremendous opportunity to turn things around for 2020!  Our goal is to increase our contributions in order to ensure our programming for 2021. These challenge gifts will allow us to accomplish that goal!
 
If you have not yet made a contribution in 2020, or are able to increase your contribution, now is the time to double your gift!

We are grateful for all of you who have supported us in this difficult year!

We will keep you posted!! Wrap up that shopping and stay healthy!
Brainerddispatch.com
"Teagan Hartwig-Burton, a Forestview Middle School Student, leans back and smiles broadly as she sails with another member of the Brainerd High School Sailing team. Submitted photo /  Chris Holmes"

Grateful Beyond Words!

Our goal this week was to reach out to say how thankful we are to all of you for your support of Gull Lake Sailing School. Whether it is your financial support, your participation in our sailing school, high school sailing team, volunteering, sponsoring us or spreading the word about us, we are grateful!! We will end the year with exciting news still to come but for today there can be no better way to thank you all than to share the article in today's Brainerd Dispatch. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have. You all have made this possible! 

We send our deepest gratitude and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

6767747-Area-high-school-sailing-team-navigates-uncertain-waters

September update

We hope this finds you all making the most of these beautiful September days! There is still plenty of action around GLSS, here are the updates:
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High School Sailing
We are excited to see high school sailing off and running. With months of limitations, it is a sight for sore eyes to see the growing Brainerd Lakes Sailing Team making the best of it all. So far there are 16 sailors! With an altered regatta schedule it is the perfect fall for new participants to join and learn the fundamentals and our veterans to fine tune their racing skills. It is just wonderful that GLSS has provided and supported this great opportunity for area youth. Many thanks to our coaches, Josh Sullivan and Chris Holmes, and our loyal
donors!

​MC Fleet
Kate and Gene Driessen Sportsmanship Award - Dr. Tyler Dunphy
The MC Fleet awarded the 2020 Kate and Gene Driessen Sportsmanship award to Tyler Dunphy who has been working hard for our community in the midst of a challenging year. Giving to others. Tyler's excellent competition has been missed on the race course this season. Tyler, we all thank you for your dedication and commitment to your community. We look forward to seeing you on the starting and finish line in 2021!

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G​ood luck to our MC sailors, Dave Anderson, Katie Arveson and Vince Driessen attending the 2020 MCSA Masters Championships this weekend in Clear Lake, Iowa. (Vince won the event in 2018!)  Go GLYC!!

Donate Today!
We have been able to support our operations and our programming through the summer thanks to the support of our 2020 donors and our summer fundraiser. With our summer class revenues reduced due to Covid and increased professional cleaning and supply expenses we will still need more donations to cover us through the winter. If you have not yet made your sustaining donation you can do so by clicking here! We are proud of the progress we have made and the quality of our programming and have plans to grow our sailing school in order to become more reliant on our school revenues in the future. However, for today, we need your support!



​Planning for the Future
We held a brainstorming session August 24th where there were wonderful ideas shared about the sailing school and future events. Watch for further updates. Thanks to everyone who joined us! If you too have a love for sailing and creating community on Gull Lake and you would like to be a part of planning our future, please contact us at school@glyc.com 

Be sure to get out on the water and soak up these last weeks of the boating season!

Golf tournament
​Hole in one!!!
Grete Eliassen Skogen celebrating her closest to the pin win with a hole in one!

​Making Memories!

Well, what started as a very simple, casual GLSS golf outing, turned into a very fun celebration on Saturday at the Pines! There were four foursomes and the duo of Margaret Lord Anderson and Mark Anderson hitting double. First off the tee was the foursome of Tom Spicola and Kari Eliassen and Grete Eliassen Skogen and Josh Skogen. As they finished the third hole on The Woods the cheers and celebration could be heard. More on that in a minute.

The nine hole scramble finished in a tie at 4 under between the above foursome and the team of Chuck Arvesen, John Sumner and Tom and Nancy Lundeen. Adding to the excitement, to determine the winner, scores on the lowest handicapped holes were compared and it took until the eighth lowest handicap hole to award the overall prize of Pines gift cards to the Arvesen, Sumner Lundeen team. Tom Spicola did win the men's longest drive.

Also competing were Geno, Kim, Kristofer and Abby Hagen, who took home longest drive for the women with a complete bomb on the fourth hole, and Jim, Mary and Joe Jetland with his fiancee Lauren Charpentier, who took home her bottle of bubbly for the longest putt.

So, about that hole in one:
They say there is such a thing as an athlete gene, it would appear Grete Eliassen might have that gene. As Grete stepped up to the red tees, her partners had already hit their balls to within 10 and 5 feet from the hole. At 98 yards Grete used her pitching wedge, made an easy swing and the ball took one hop and rolled right in the hole!! She also birdied number 5, the other par three!

What is more astonishing is that this is not Grete's first hole in one, it is her THIRD! Her first two were a week apart when she was 18. When asked the question, "I'm guessing you must play a lot of golf? Grete answered, "Well, not really, some. I used to hit balls a lot in Norway after ski season when the snow melted."

So back to that athlete gene. Grete's talents on the golf course pale in comparison to her success on the slopes. Her accomplishments are so many and significant they can't all be covered here and have justice be done to them. Some highlights include, winning back to back gold medals in 2005 and 2006 at the Aspen Winter X Games.  Grete also has 6 other silver and bronze medals in slopestyle and halfpipe events at the Winter X Games and FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships. From fall of 2008 until spring of 2010, Grete produced and was featured in the ski film "Say My Name" with one of her sponsors, Red Bull. She won ESPN Best Performance in a Leading Role and IF3 Montreal Best Female Performance for her role in the film. Her other hobbies include waterskiing, wakeboarding, golf, tennis, rock climbing, skateboarding and biking. 

Outside of athletics Grete is the mother of two young boys ages 4 and 2 and still finds time to serve as the 16th president of the Women's Sports Foundation, established by Billie Jean King. She is passionate about the community of female athletes and providing them equal opportunities. Her humble style was on full display Saturday as she wanted to point out the success of overcoming her last place finish in the Fun Regatta last summer in an MC with her mother Kari. You've gotta love this woman!

So, what started as a "should we even do the golf tournament question" this year turned into a super fun celebration, socially distanced of course. Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday. What better way to celebrate your third hole in one than with your Gull Lake buddies. Thanks for the cocktails Grete and thanks for making a highlight memory for all of us! You're a bright light for girls and women everywhere!


Below left to right, Chuck Arvesen representing the Arvesen, Lundeen, Sumner team with his first place prize. Grete celebrating with husband, Josh and mom Kari on hole #3 at The Woods, Sunday August 15th

August update

 Even In A Pandemic, Summer Flies By In A Blink At Gull Lake Sailing School So,here we are, mid August! We hope this finds you all healthy. Thanks to so many of you, we continue to make lemonade out of lemons this summer and we are grateful for all we have accomplished and are able to continue with going in to fall.

We are happy to welcome our assistant high school coach, Chris Holmes to our Board of Directors. Chris grew up sailing at Camp Lincoln and went on to become a professional wakeboarder in Florida. Today Chris spends his time on the water sailing his Nacra 52 catamaran and the 420, he also owns his own business, Graphic Element. Chris is always one to step up and volunteer for what ever we need, as well as assist us with our safety and Covid signage at the club. Welcome Chris!

Here are the updates on our events and activities, note the open house and planning meeting outlined below on August 24, all are welcome to help us plan what's next for GLSS.

Sailing School
We were able to complete sailing school without one cancellation due to weather or Covid! We received a number of very nice comments from both parents and grandparents about the safety and the fun of our program this summer. Best of all we also have a new and improved crew of sailors in the area! Thank you Josh Sullivan, and your instructor team, Ethan Stohr, Kailey Namenuik, and Baden Bastian for your diligence and work this summer!

60th Fun Regatta
Thank you to everyone for a wonderful day of sailing on August 1, 2020, as we enjoyed the 60th Annual Fun Regatta on beautiful Gull Lake. We had a fleet of 420s, Open Class and MCs sailing on a beautiful Minnesota summer day. The wind was a fresh steady breeze of 10-12 mph straight out of the north. Frequent gusts to 16-17mph challenged the fleet’s boat handling skills. There were several two person crews handling the breeze. Those who went solo felt the challenge to keep their boat flat. The sail back home after the races was a wild ride. We all made it.  Thank you Wind Gods!
 
Thank you to all the friends and family members who were out on the water spectating and keeping an eye out for the sailor’s safety. Vince Driessen was our Principal Race Officer for the event this year. He had FUN as a primary objective as well as a great sailing course (W2) and smoothly executed starts (3 minute sequence). Five W2 races of about 20 minutes each in length were sailed.  Thanks, Vince!
 
The GLSS/GLYC 60th Annual Fun Regatta logo gear was a super cool white camo hat and a white tech hoodie to boot!  Rumor has it that a couple small sizes remain available for those collecting Fun Regatta garb.
 
The racing competition was close.  Everyone sailed fast with the steady winds gusting upwards into the high teens mph.  Some notable highlights included the return of the Keller Klan from their international sailing travels to share with us their boat handling skill in the 420s.  In the 16 boat MC fleet, the racing was tight with the final scores being decided literally by a 6” margin settling the top three places of Alex Driessen, Josh Sullivan, and Dave Anderson.  In the Open Class, Fun Regatta stalwarts Jim and Ginger Anderson returned to the race course once again this year, proudly proclaiming as they rounded the leeward mark in race 3 that they prefer gin ‘n tonics over margaritas! See results below. Trophies were available for all three classes. Thank you to Mary Jetland for organizing the cool trophies.
 
New to the Fun Regatta history were the COVID protocols!  Of course, we were very careful to physically distance on the starting line and around the marks. We also did not have breakfast, lunch or social following our sailing.  Many participants remarked how they missed the onshore commeraderie, including the post race discussions about tactics and strategies. That is such a great part of our sport, the camaraderie and trying new maneuvers. We look forward to the 61st Fun Regatta in 2021, and focusing in on the social component of a healthy regatta next year!
 
The MC fleet plans on continuing weekend competitions through August and September with volunteer race officials and hopefully great winds. See you out there!



Planning Meeting
We have come a long way since our last strategic planning session and it is time again to think of our future. There will be a planning meeting August 24th at 1:00 open to everyone. Please email us at school@glyc.com if you would like to participate. It will most likely be via Zoom.

High School Sailing
We are happy to be offering sailing this fall with so many sports cancelled. We have been able to fine tune our Covid protocols and hope we can attract a few new sailors. There will be an Open House on August 24 at 6:00pm. Come learn about the Brainerd High School sailing program for grades 7-12. Our head coach Josh Sullivan and assistant coach and board member Chris Holmes will be available to answer any of your questions. Come spend the fall on the water!

Again, we are grateful for everyone's support, contributions and participation! Soak up the last of summer everyone!

July Update

We hope this finds you all healthy and enjoying summer. We are so grateful for all we are able to do this summer at Gull Lake Sailing School! Here are the updates for July.

Sailing School
Classes started this week and we are receiving great reviews for all the safety precautions put in place to keep our sailors and instructors all healthy. We have just a few openings left for classes this summer with our reduced schedule. Sign up today to get on the lake!

Many thanks to Josh Sullivan and our waterfront team for all their hard work! Follow us on Instagram @gulllakesailingschool and Facebook, Gull Lake Yacht Club & Sailing School to see our set up for COVID safe sailing. Below you can see our individual launch docks. We thank our partner Bradow Dock for saving us some used sections to make this happen!  
 

Hot Fun on the Waterfront is Almost Here! 
The early forecast is gorgeous. We are optimistic we will have a great day on the 11th. There are still a few tables remaining on the upper deck and the beach. With the rest of our dock now installed we've measured and can safely distance 3 more boat slips, so we now have 4 remaining. If it is too windy to boat over we will have a table on shore for you and your party. 

If you plan to come anchor offshore we hope you will order picnic lunches and help support our sailing programs, high school sailing team and the Brainerd Response Fund. Remember, this is our annual fundraiser! Any offshore dining is BYOB, so get your coolers ready! 

All tables, boat slips and meals must be ordered by next Tuesday, July 7. If you have more than 6 at your table or boat slip be sure to order extra VIP meals for your guests! We do have children's, vegetarian and gluten free meals also. 

Click here for more event details.

 

Lakes Area Music Festival
LAMF is also having to adjust their entire season. We are still hoping to host one of the very few live events and are waiting for a new date. As soon as we know we will update everyone.  

 
WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY SAFE FOURTH OF JULY! 

May update - Wait and see...

Boat Safety Classes - Pending!
We continue to look for direction from local, state and national resources about our summer programming. GLSS is working directly with the Crow Wing County Water Patrol to evaluate our ability to offer safe, outdoor classes, weather permitting. There is an online class available on the GCOLA website for $25. Boating will be a highlight of the summer with so many other activities cancelled and safe boating is fun boating. 

Sailing School - Hopeful!
Again, we are tracking local, state and national guidelines for safe sailing this summer. You may register to secure a spot now without payment. In the event we can offer sailing classes payment can be made at that time.

We Welcome Your Support!
We ask that if you are able to at this time, that you make a donation to Gull Lake Sailing School. Our ongoing expenses continue including, insurance, property taxes, dock installation, utilities, and most importantly our wonderful instructors. We remain hopeful that by mid June the world will be a safer place thanks to the tremendous sacrifices that have been made by Americans everywhere.  What better place to be than on the water, won't that be wonderful!

APRIL Update 

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The Brainerd Lakes High School Sailing Team.
(Back L to R) Coach Josh Sullivan, Eathan Stohr, Mattie Holst, Brandt Norwood, Hailey Nameniuk, Brooke Krivich; (Front L to R) Jackson Holmes, Izzy Holmes, Wyatt Holst, Jackson Medeck, Ella Kline, Ethan Nash.

​​The Times They Are A-Changin'
Bob Dylan

First and foremost, we hope this finds you and yours all healthy! 

As the ice recedes from our lakes we are reminded of their beauty and the tranquility they provide to us all. 

We are so excited to have our high school program featured as the cover story in the April/May issue of Lake Country Journal magazine. It is a wonderful article written by Jenny Holmes, with the beautiful photography of our assistant high school coach, Chris Holmes. Not to be missed!

With each passing week of ominous news, the high school season sadly disappeared one regatta at a time until the remainder were all cancelled.  With the enormity of hurt caused by Covid-19 we keep our perspective in check. That said, there is true disappointment by our growing team of sailors who were so looking forward to joining this new sport or getting back on the water. Something normal to do, something fun to do, something out of the house. So we wait, wait for the last ice to go, wait to hear what the summer will bring, wait to hear when we can gather again.

We are very thankful we have come so far financially these past few years and have zero debt. We have a wonderful waterfront director, Josh Sullivan who serves as both our high school coach and Sailing School Director. Josh has greatly elevated the quality of all of our programs and has been a wonderful steward of our property and boats as well. 

These are times of uncertainty for all of us. We are hopeful our summer programs can all happen and are making contingency plans in the event there are delays and cancellations.

Registration for Sailing School is live here. You have the option to register without making any payments at this time. We recommend you sign up now to ensure a spot.  If you do pay now and there are any delays or cancellations you will be fully refunded. Stay informed of updates and changes to our schedule at GLYC.com

Last but not least, we ask that if you are able to at this time, that you make your annual donation to Gull Lake Sailing School. Our ongoing expenses continue including, insurance, property taxes, dock installation, utilities, and most importantly our wonderful instructors. We remain hopeful that by mid June the world will be a safer place thanks to the tremendous sacrifices that have been made by Americans everywhere.  What better place to be than on the water, won't that be wonderful!

March update:   STAY TUNED - STAY WELL - think summer!

  • Register now for High School Sailing! See revised schedule information!
  • Book your summer sailing classes! 
  • Save the dates! Add GLSS and GLYC events to your calendar!
  • ​Donate today to support our programming! We are hopeful for summer!!!

A NOTE FROM  COACH SULLIVAN: 3-21-2020
Hello Parents and Sailors,

 Unfortunately it looks like we will have to push the start of the season back another week (now 3/31). This decision is based on the guidelines of the department of health, as well as what other teams in Minnesota are doing. The other coaches and I will be working over the next week to set up some virtual sailing opportunities, and come up with some ways to host practices online. Hopefully this will keep everyone engaged while we wait for it to be safe to gather in person again. As always, I will reach out as soon as I have more information. 

Sincerely, 
  Josh Sullivan

JANUARY UPDATE 2020
A glorious Happy New Year and New Decade to all of you in the Gull Lake Sailing School community.  This past decade has seen tremendous evolution for the Gull Lake Sailing School (GLSS). 

A few highlights include:
  • The Brainerd Lakes Area High School Sailing Team was established in 2018, including the acquisition of four Club 420 sailboats and a new coach’s boat.
  • Summer Sailing School registered student count exceeded 85 students and continues to grow.
  • GLSS scholarships were made available to community participants demonstrating financial need.
  • 2015 saw the formation of MCSA Fleet #104 and the return of local fleet racing on Gull Lake.
  • We consolidated GLYC/GLSS assets and activities into the Gull Lake Sailing School entity in 2017. This has allowed us to be more efficient and to maintain a positive cash flow.
  • Our organization successfully hosted local, regional and national sailing events, including the Inland Lake Yachting Association Invitational and Championship (ILYA) regattas  in 2012, 2014, 2019.
  • We are continuing to align the use of the club house (built in 2009) and our programs with our non-profit goals.

The year 2019 for Gull Lake Sailing School was one of continued focus on building the GLSS non-profit community water-based activities, and community outreach. 

The following recaps some of 2019 operational highlights:

  • The Brainerd Lakes Area High School Sailing Team had 13 regular team members during the Fall 2019 season.  The team traveled to numerous regional competitions in the Twin Cities, where our sailors competed against some of the top high school sailors in the country. 
  • Coach Josh Sullivan continues to build confidence in the sailors with focus on safety, skills, and fun. The team hosted White Bear Lake High School in September for a weekend regatta, with housing provided for the visiting sailors via collaboration with our friends at Minnesota Hockey Camp on Clark Lake.  The program fee to participating sailors is below the actual cost and made possible by generous contributions from our sustaining members.
  • Attendance continues to grow significantly in the Crow Wing County/GCOLA /DNR boating classes held at GLSS.
  • Following the lead of US Sailing, GLSS Board recognized Ted Rogers as a Board level Safety Officer and implemented additional safety awareness measures and signage on the GLSS property.
  • The volunteer level through the heart of the summer found renewed enthusiasm. Building this volunteer base is a critical component to the future of GLSS.
  • Last July, our MC Fleet #104 was host to the ILYA MC Invitational with 50 yachts participating in the 4-day regatta.  Over 10 different national and regional regatta’s past champions joined in the action to make the event one of the most competitive of the year for the national MC fleet.  GLSS had 19 different teams competing in the event, with local GLSS Board member Dave Anderson leading our fleet.
  • The GLSS Board continued to implement ongoing maintenance on the club house and the property, including a new launch ramp, exterior painting, deep cleaning of the interior building including the bar and kitchen area, landscape renewal, removal of 20+ dead and fallen trees and refurbishing of all boat lifts.
 
While the ice continues to grow deeper on the lake as this letter is drafted, now is the time to look forward to the many opportunities to support the Gull Lake Sailing School in 2020.  We will continue to build on our successes, while reaching out to the community to expand youth and adult participation. In August we will host the 60th Annual Fun Regatta.  If 60 years of local history, boating, and friendships can’t get you on the dance floor, dang. 
Our non-profit structure and its need for ongoing financial support from the broader community is always top of mind. We are grateful for all of the support received this past decade as we transformed GLYC and GLSS. We are proud of the tremendous progress we have made at GLSS. We hope you will continue your ongoing financial support, and/ or volunteer your time to ensure GLSS will operate successfully for 2020, and throughout the new decade.
You may make your donations to GLSS on line HERE or mail your check to GLSS PO Box 511 Brainerd, MN 56401 The Gull Lake Sailing School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Please consult your tax advisor on the deductibility of your donation.

We look forward to seeing you on the water in 2020!

The Gull Lake Sailing School Board of Directors
Dave Anderson                                    
Doug Arndt
Cheryl Cote
Vince Driessen
Tyler Dunphy
David Jeremiason
Mary Jetland


​GLSS NEWS AND HAPPENINGS!
July 14th 
 
​THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!



​Thanks to everyone of all ages who turned out for Hot Fun in the Summertime! What a great night!! We loved seeing so many of you join us and enjoy the evening, how about that divine weather! From the auction bidding, to the yard games, to jamming with the band, it appeared a good time was had by all! 

A big thank you again to all of our donors and buyers for your support of our mission! We have now broken previous records this year and filled almost 90 slots for sailing lessons this summer so far!! We couldn't do this without your support!!


​​THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET TO MIA!

If you missed the auction, or missed this item at the auction, there are 7 spots open for the Day of Culture in Minneapolis this Wednesday. Meet at MIA at 10:30 for a private docent led tour of the outstanding, Hearts of Our People Native Women Artists exhibit led by MIA Docent and GLSS member Susan Arndt. The tour will be followed by lunch at The Kenwood with the option to continue on to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Cost is $125. You may email us today at school@glyc.com if interested.

IT'S MC WEEK!

We have over 40 boats registered for this weekend's ILYA MC Invite, including last year's champion, Bill Colburn! Please join the fun for some great sailing, great food, and as always good cheer!

Click here to purchase lunches, Saturday night dinner, or a super cool long sleeve tech shirt by this Wednesday, July 17th.

BOAT PARADE
JULY 27
4:30

Click here for the  
for the details!

GLSS GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BACK!

Sunday August 10th. It will be a family friendly scramble format. Tee times begin at 1:00 with awards, appetizers and cash bar to follow. We'll let you know when registration is live on glyc.com

SYMPHONY ON THE LAWN RETURNS!
​

Not to be missed, you'll want to extend your weekend at the lake for this wonderful event!
Come enjoy the renowned Lakes Area Music Festival on the lovely lawn at GLYC. Savor a summer evening and listen to a 16-piece orchestra performing The Pops on Monday August 12th.

Cash bar with beer and wine and complimentary appetizers start at 6:00. Music begins at 7:00. Register here today! 
Tickets $50, bring your friends and family to this wonderful evening!

July 6th Party Details!

Picture


We owe many thanks to all who have offered such wonderful auction items! From amazing experiences to items you just plain need, we have you covered! Take a look here, and make a plan (plot with others) for your bidding! More items will be added to the website this weekend. This is "Hot Stuff!!"

Also, thank you to everyone who reserved tables and bought tickets early this year! We are adding a few more tables, but PLEASE buy your tickets soon to ensure we have enough food and beverages. If you still need tickets, please order by Sunday, June 30th - if possible. 

It’s looking like an old fashioned GLYC reunion with both old faces and new! By the way, this year marks 10 years at the new clubhouse! Where did that time go? 

This is a very family friendly evening. All ages are welcome, and it’s what we all love about the lake! Children’s meals are $10 for ages 10 and under.
Picture

​Coming in off the lake? No need to change, this is casual! Looking to dress up? Go for it! 

Have friends and family up for the weekend? Bring them! They’ll thank you, and you won’t have to cook or clean up! What is that worth? Priceless! Food will be available promptly at 6 pm and served until 9 pm. 

​Need to arrive late? That’s OK too, but make sure you check out auction items you won’t want to miss! Silent auction closes, and the live auction starts, at 7:30 pm sharp! The band ramps up at 8 pm.

​No long check out lines! Be sure we have your email address, and you’re out the door! We'll invoice you. Simple!

Have a great weekend! And see you July 6th!
P.S Don't forget to join us for the Boat Parade 4:30 July 5th! 

2019 GLSS SPRING UPDATE

No better time to think spring than after experiencing the record breaking temperatures delivered by the 2019 Polar Vortex and repeated snow storms! Watching the snowbanks grow makes planning our summer fun feel like a much needed mental reprieve!

We have lots of fun planned for Gull Lake Sailing School and Yacht Club this summer! Though it may seem hard to believe, before long, area high schools will be gearing up for the spring sailing season. We are excited to announce Coach Sullivan will be our director of both the high school and summer programs. Classes will include introduction to sailing, sailing skills and racing skills in both Optis and 420s.

We are excited about our new format and schedule. Classes will vary by age and skill, allowing for focused attention on each group. Registration will be on our website soon.

In support of all this sailing we have a lot of fun planned to connect with lake loving friends and families, so mark your calendars now!

Save the date!
June 15th Opening Party
​june
July 5th Boat Parade
July 6th. Hot Fun in the Summertime Fundraiser
July 19-21 Inland Lake Yachting Association MC Invitational
August 10 Golf Tournament at The Pines
August 12 Lakes Area Music Festival
August 3rd Fun Regatta

Watch for more details and additions to come!

2019 Donations!
We hope to get a jump on our donor directory this year and have cash on hand for our high school program and event planning deposits. Just click on www.glyc.com and quickly and easily make your tax deductible sustaining donation.

$2000 Boat Sponsor and Admiral’s Club Donor
-Your company or family name on our 420 racing boats for 2019! Only six boats available!
$1000 Admiral’s Club Donor
$500 Skipper Donor
$300 Crew Donor
$150 Youth Donor(age 30 and under)
​
Any amount you choose!

We are very proud of the programming we have put together to ensure that sailing is accessible to all who desire to learn this wonderful life sport.

To that end, the McQuinn family has announced that financial assistance will be available for 2019 to students through the Brainerd Lakes Area’s Charles McQuinn Memorial Fund. Charles learned to sail on Gull Lake and was an avid supporter and past Commodore of Gull Lake Yacht Club.

We hope you will join us and the McQuinn family in supporting our mission to grow sailing in the Brainerd Lakes Area and grow lifelong friendships on Gull Lake!

Stay warm wherever you are!

Your Gull Lake Sailing School Board of Directors,

Dave Anderson
Doug Arndt
Cheryl Cote
Vince Driessen
Tyler Dunphy
David Jeremiason
Mary Jetland

April 2019 Newsletter
Happy Spring from the Gull Lake Sailing School! The ice is melting!
We would like to take this opportunity to let you know what GLSS has been up to this spring, provide you with an event update and place a request for your sustaining donations in support of the following activities and fun. 

HIGH SCHOOL SAILING
For the second year the GLSS is proud to be the home of Brainerd High School’s Sailing Team.  As the high school sailors awaited ice out on Love Lake they were reviewing sailing and safety fundamentals as well as readying boats and the clubhouse for an active spring and summer. Today the ice is out on Love Lake and going fast on Gull, so boats are in! There is still time to register for high school sailing and you can do so at glyc.com. A special thank you to Chris Holmes for his great photos of the team from April 22!

SUMMER LESSSONS
In addition to high school sailing, the Gull Lake Sailing School will continue to offer a variety of sailing lessons this summer under the direction of Coach Josh Sullivan.  Josh comes to GLSS from White Bear Yacht Club.  He has his level I and II instructor certifications and his level III head coach certification from US Sailing. For anyone who wants to learn how to sail, or anyone who wants to have fun expanding their sailing knowledge,  GLSS offers a variety of lessons for ages 5-18, beginners to racers.  Registration can be found at glyc.com.  

SOCIAL UPDATES
This summer we have a number of social events  planned to reconnect friendships and support our sailors of all ages. Watch for details soon on the Opening Party June 15th, and mark July 6th for our “Hot Fun in the Summertime” event. It will be a fun filled evening with food, fundraising, live music and dancing!  The Lakes Area Music Festival will return to the Gull Lake Sailing School August 12. Back by popular demand, GLSS will host a golf tournament at the Pines on August 10th.  Keep an eye out for more details on these events.

DONATE TODAY!
As always, “the tax man cometh!” May 15th to be exact. We have caught up on a lot of deferred maintenance the last two years but continued maintenance of our grounds and facility is always required.  Furthermore, our boat ramp must be repaired from the past few years of ice damage. We are running a tight ship as always and are working hard to make the most out of every dollar donated. We hope you can see we are changing, growing and making a difference! GLSS would be so appreciative of your support in any amount.  You can make your tax deductible donation in a few easy steps at glyc.com or mail checks to:

GLSS
P.O. Box 511
Brainerd MN 56401

We thank you in advance for your support!

​YOU make the difference!

Your Gull Lake Sailing School Board of Directors,

Dave Anderson
Doug Arndt
Cheryl Cote
Vince Driessen
Tyler Dunphy
David Jeremiason
Mary Jetland