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In 1898 a group of model sailboat afficionados formed the S.F.M.Y.C. and it's been going strong ever since.
The tradition for almost 100 years has been sail and the hours after 1PM are reserved for the "Ragtoppers" sailing from the north shore. (The winds are best at that time.) While you can bring your boat out for a leisurely sail, you can also compete in any of a number of single class sail regattas. There's the traditional Freesail (Marblehead etal), the radio control (winches and rudder only): RX, Santa Barbara, Infinity and other classes, depending on interest and boat availability.
But today it's more than just sail: electric, steam and even gas provide a different perspective for the model boater. In the mornings on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only, the Park and Rec permits gas boaters to run in designated areas on the lake, safely away from the relatively slower electric and steam vessels which can run any morning until 1 pm. On Saturday and Sunday mornings the "fleet" holds court on Spreckels Lake and entertains the passing crowds. At least once a month during the fair weather (March to October) the Power Squadron holds a regatta to test the mettle of the skippers.
Tourists have been stopping by the lake to visit with the sailors. One late member received postcards and letters from around the world. He was known as "Mr. Spreckels Lake" to many of these people. The Club is a major tourist attraction to the Tour buses which stop and disgorge dozens of tourists at a time. It's like the Tower of Babel with the only common language being "toy boats".
Spreckels Lake is a man-made lake built in the sand dunes for the sole purpose of sailing model boats. The Clubhouse was a WPA project completed in the 30's. It's just a short walk from the Lake, so you can stop by during a stroll in the park, we're just up the drive from the buffalo herd, so if you're rollerskating by....
The Club sponsors nationally recognized Power Squadron events:
The GGSC is a scale and operational contest with the following classes competing: Tugboat, Commercial, Military, Submarine and Novelty and a Static Only for non-operational boats.
The Seaway Cup is strictly Tugboats only with operational skills emphasized; judged by local tug captains and other maritime personnel. Contestants are required to move a barge thru a course and perform various "tug" duties, i.e. docking or rescue or some other diabolical activity at the discretion of the contest director.
The All Military event has been held at one of the Flycasting ponds which has clear water, the better to see your submarines.
These events have been well attended by local and various west coast modelers. Each event has been recorded in various modelers magazines in this country and in England.
Other Contests and Events Click here for the 2000 schedule for Power Squadron and Sail Squadron activities.
Landmark year 1998
For the Centennial year 1998 , the Club planned many events and activities. The Clubhouse was spruced up. In 1994 the lighting was upgraded from old incandescents to modern fluorescents and floods on tracks. In 1995 even more plans were taking shape, with rearrangement of the cabinets and lockers and the paneling of the South wall to match the rest of the building. In January 1996 the South wall was completed with the addition of a wall length set of cabinets and drawers. These complete the designs proposed by Tony Marshall, chairman of the Centennial Committee. Members Carlos Sanchez, Moises Arevalo, Tony Abela did the primary work and were helped in the installation and finishing by other members. Stop by and look in on us. If the door's open come on in, some one will show you around or you're welcome to browse, but just don't touch, the owner of the boat may be within hitting distance or even worse: yelling distance. He will, however, be more than happy to brag about his boat and regale one and all with its and his abilities and accomplishments.
Joining up
Membership is open to everyone, from Junior to Senior. (At lakeside, Juniors should be accompanied by Seniors who can show them the "Do's and Don'ts" of sailing. You don't even need to own a boat or know how to sail (wind or other powered). Just come to the lake or a meeting and sign up. A one time initiation fee of $10.00 and Dues of $2.00 per month is all you need. You will soon want to build or buy your own. Sailboats and electric powered boats become available often throughout the year, due to personal preferences rather than poor performance of the boats. Other members will let you know which boats are the beauties or the beasts. Though a good sailor can tame any beast or fine tune it with a little knowledge and (maybe) more than a little patience.
Monthly meetings
Monthly meetings are now held on the 2nd Saturday (8th to 14th) of every month at the Clubhouse in Golden Gate Park. Potential members and other interested parties are welcome. Meetings start at 11 AM, but the Clubhouse is open earlier for socializing. It's located west of the Lake at the 36th Ave. entrance to the park. Plenty of parking within easy walking distance. If you're coming by public transit, it's about a city block's walk to the Clubhouse into the park from Fulton and 36th Avenue.
| March 1999 | April 1999 | May 1999 | June 1999 |
| July 1999 | August 1999 | September '99 | October 1999 |
| November1999 | December 1999 | January 2000 | February 2000 |
| March 2000 | April 2000 | May 2000 |
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