January 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!!

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​​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.

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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.

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BOAT PARADE
JULY 27
4:30

Click here for the  
for the details!

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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

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SYMPHONY ON THE LAWN RETURNS!
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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!

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July 6th Party Details!

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.

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​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! 

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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)
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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

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April 2019 Newsletter

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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