Do you dream of sailing on the open water, but the cost and time of traveling to the coast is holding you back? The exciting truth is you don’t need to travel far for an incredible sailing experience. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most exhilarating sailing around is happening right here in East TN. Just a short drive from Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find yourself on Cherokee Lake, a shimmering gem in the Lakeside of the Smokies, where the wind fills sails and the water beckons. For 45 years, the Cherokee Lake Sailing Club, nestled in Jefferson County, has been the heart and soul of this hidden nautical treasure, proving that adventure is closer than you think.
About Cherokee Sailing Club
Established in 1977, the Cherokee Lake Sailing Club has a rich history. Long before Off the Hook Lakeside Bar & Grill graced Black Oak Marina with its delicious food and lively music, the club occupied a building on that very spot. Though a fire led to the relocation of the clubhouse to a floating dock at the head of the sailboat piers, the club’s spirit and enthusiasm have remained as strong as ever.
Today, Black Oak Marina hosts nearly 40 sailboats, a testament to the club’s thriving presence. A stroll along the docks will undoubtedly introduce you to friendly sailors, eager to share their passion for boats and the lake. Often, boats anchor together for a weekend of camaraderie and on-water camping.
Membership at Cherokee Lake Sailing Club
The Cherokee Lake Sailing Club caters to all levels of sailing enthusiasts, offering two membership options:
- Regular Membership for sailboat owners ages 18 and over, which includes family privileges, at $100 annually,
- Associate Membership for those without a boat, providing similar access with potential voting considerations, at $50 annually.
Both membership types grant access to the club’s valuable amenities, including dock space, a gin pole, a club trailer, and a welcoming dock pavilion for social gatherings. Additionally, the club actively promotes sailing education through clinics covering essential skills like knot tying and sailing theory and regularly shares opportunities to join race crews, ensuring everyone can participate in the excitement of sailing.
Members meet weekly at the CLCS Pavilion at Black Oak Marina on Thursdays at 5:15pm.
Cherokee Lake Sailing Club Race Schedule
The Cherokee Lake Sailing Club offers a full schedule of events for sailors of all levels. Here’s a look at their upcoming race schedule:
- Spring Series:
- March 29 (Saturday): 9:30 AM – Spring Skippers Meeting; 11:00 AM – Spring Series Race #1
- April 12 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Kirk Wyss Memorial Race
- April 26 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – 45th Commodore’s Cup Regatta, Day One
- April 27 (Sunday): 1:00 PM – 45th Commodore’s Cup Regatta, Day Two
- May 10 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Spring Series Race #2
- May 24 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Spring Series Race #3
- June 7 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Spring Series Race #4
- June 21 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Spring Series Race #5 (Summer Sailstice)
- Fall Series:
- August 16 (Saturday): 9:30 AM – Fall Skippers Meeting; 11:00 AM – Fall Series Race #1
- August 30 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Fall Series Race #2
- September 13 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Fall Series Race #3
- September 27 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – 31st Schrader Cup Regatta, Day One
- September 28 (Sunday): 1:00 PM – 31st Schrader Cup Regatta, Day Two
- October 11 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Harry Ross Memorial Island Hopper Race
- October 25 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Fall Series Race #4
- November 8 (Saturday): 11:00 AM – Fall Series Race #5
Note: Any races that are abandoned will be rescheduled, whenever possible, to the following Sunday or the subsequent weekend.
Jefferson County Celebrates Cherokee Sailing Club
The Cherokee Lake Sailing Club is a community built on a shared love of the wind and water, and they welcome both seasoned sailors and curious beginners with open arms. When you spot sails on Cherokee Lake, take the opportunity to connect with this friendly group. You may find your own passion for sailing sparked right here in East Tennessee. While you are here, be sure to experience all that Jefferson County has to offer. Beyond the lake’s allure, discover great camping spots, scenic hiking trails, rich historical sites, and unique shopping experiences. We would love for you to come visit and explore the beauty of our county.
*For more information about their events, racing schedule, lessons, and membership connect with them on Facebook at Cherokee Lake Sailing Club or contact Betty Boggs via email at bettyeboggs@bellsouth.net or by phone (985) 789-0744.*