About the Thunderbird Sailing Club

The Thunderbird Sailing Club makes its home at Lake Thunderbird State Park which is located in Central Oklahoma about 12 miles east of I-35, and the city of Norman.

The Thunderbird Sailing Club is a nonprofit corporation established in 1969, and is affiliated with the both the United States Sailing Association and Central States Sailing Association.

Membership is open to anyone of "good moral character" interested in sailing and water safety. Boat ownership is not required.

Our members have a wide variety of interests: cruisers, racers, sailing instructors, and other volunteers are active throughout the year.

The club sponsors a full racing schedule of long distance and short course races, night races and "fun" races. In the last two years the Club has sponsored CSSA Junior Regattas, including the 2000 Championship, as well as a Sea Scout Regatta. A favorite end-of-season event is the Hiram Douglas Memorial Regatta, started in 1983.

There is a strong current of volunteerism in this Club. Whether you are a complete novice or a dedicated racer, you will find helping hands and good advice. We have 12 US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructors, and one Instructor Trainer. Many of our members have raced in regional regattas, and several in national events. The cruising and “trailer-sailor” group, which is starting up again this year, has sent members to Lake Texoma, the Gulf Coast, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, and Chesapeake Bay. And should you need it, the Club's collective wisdom on boat repair, rigging, launching, marinas, etc., is extensive. TSC is also proud to sponsor Sea Scout Ship 5790; this group has quickly grown to 22 boys and girls who can out-sail most other Club members.

Our Mission: (From the TSC Articles of Incorporation filed Nov. 5, 1969):

"The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is formed are: To promote water safety; to encourage the pursuit of sailing as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport; to teach the rules of sailing; to engender a spirit of sportsmanship among its members, their families and within the community; to promote the teaching of the methods, techniques and sciences of sailing to young people. To enter into such business transactions as are authorized by the Statutes of the State of Oklahoma governing charitable, benevolent, educational or scientific corporations."