Just 40 minutes past McCormick to Augusta is the Augusta Sailing Club. The Augusta Sailing Club, founded in 1953 was created with the goal of promoting sailing and fellowship by providing a clubhouse, secure docks, and beach areas for club owners. The club is supported in membership by 288 members (including families and single members) and led by
Commodore Eli Putnam.
HE AUGUSTA SAILING Club is reminiscent of the days of summer resorts - a retreat from daily life tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond. Augusta Sailing Club (abbreviated to ASC) is an unexpectedly inviting club; they encourage family memberships, beginner sailing lessons, and social events held each month. ASC is truly a member operated organization as members are required to participate in 16 volunteer hours per year; those volunteer hours may be composed of volunteering in the club house, digital marketing, event support, or grounds keeping.
Commodore Eli is a reflection of the values instilled by the Augusta Sailing Club. He’s a second-generation member of the club following the footsteps of his parents who is bringing up the third generation of members: his kids. Volunteerism is an easy ideal to uphold with the Augusta Sailing Club because it’s a family affair. Eli, along with his wife and kids, participate in the monthly social events, the festive regattas, and summer camp.
ASC makes sailing an accessible and family sport by hosting annual sailing camps in the summer. Over the course of four weeks beginners to advanced sailors are invited to the grounds to participate in a day camp learning the ins - and - outs of sailing. Beginning sailors are given water safety instruction, naval vocabulary, an explanation of water craft, then promptly ushered to put the knowledge to good use. Augusta Sailing Club truly believes everyone can be the captain of their own ship by having a beginning sailor on water-craft within 45 minutes of arrival. (Seasoned sailors are on-board to prevent any mishaps).
Several water craft are available for rent including: Sunfish, Opties, and 2 Corinado 15s. In addition to boat rental members have access to 6 docks, 21 moorings, campsites, cottage sites, and tent campsites.
Members of ASC take advantage of their membership by participating in annual events such as the Oyster Roast in January, Death by Chocolate in February, Wine Tastings in March, Family Day in June, the Halloween Regatta, as well as the New Member and Commodore Reception. In addition to annual events members participate in ‘Full Moon’ cruisers by rafting up and spending the night on the lake under a full moon.
Standing on the shores of the Augusta Sailing Club you’ll find yourself inspired to explore. The most heartwarming part of ASC is not the grounds, the clubhouse, or the docks. It’s the members. Membership at ASC is truly inclusive of family. The family connections of this club inspire members young and old to explore local waterways with new eyes searching for the riches of our homeland.
Readers are invited to explore membership opportunities and club information by visiting Augusta Sailing Club website:
www.augustasailingclub.com or give them a call for more information by calling (706) 305-7357.
story by NICOLE MATTHEWS
photos by NATHAN ELLIOTT