CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF SAILING HISTORY
May fair winds and calm seas
Bring you back to Carter Lake
For food, fun, and memories!
On August 19, 2023, The Carter Lake Sailing Club celebrates 70 years of continued focus on sailing recreation in the oldest sailing club of its kind in Colorado. Current and past members are invited to come to Carter Lake to share food, fun and memories.
Seventy years ago, August 20, 1953, sailing enthusiasts on Sloan’s Lake, Denver, Colorado, held the first official meeting of the Denver Sailing Club. Thirteen members attended and paid dues of $1 each. Officers were elected and by-laws were adopted.
By the end of 1953, club plans had begun to include a lake seventy miles north. Otto Koehler, founding member, had heard about a new reservoir, Carter Lake, that would be half-full by summertime. He emphasized the chance of leasing a lot from the government with the possibility of building a club house there. While Carter was a distance away, the dropping water level at Sloan’s Lake made “Let’s give Carter a trial!” the club slogan. As soon as the government notified members the lake was open to boating, the group launched three boats on Carter Lake for a race on Labor Day, 1954.
The rest, as they say, is history. (Find a detailed history on the sailcarter.org main page under the About tab.) The club grew over the years, but remained unique in that members were committed to remaining a working club, financing, building, maintaining, and improving the clubhouse and docks facilities as well as sponsoring races and social events. The shared vision and camaraderie of those early members laid a foundation of “All For One and One For All”, building an enduring willingness to share the work and cost and ultimately the enjoyment.
Celebration Event Schedule
Current and Past Members are Invited!
Saturday, August 19, 2023
–Friday, August 18: No events, but the 70th planning team will be preparing at the clubhouse.
- Current and past members are welcome to stop by to visit if you’re at the lake!
–Saturday, August 19: Welcome at the Clubhouse, 12 pm
- View historical displays and artifacts.
- Visit the Ship’s Store for CLSC Swag.
Founders Day Fun Race at the Docks,1:00 pm
- Members take past members out for a fun time on the water, either racing or watching the fun.
- Visit and watch from the docks.
Time-to-Visit Happy Hour at the Clubhouse, 3-5 pm
- CLSC will provide snacks and beverages.
- Guests and members are welcome to bring favorite beverages.
Celebration Dinner, 5:00 pm
- CLSC will provide main dish and dessert.
- Members bring an Appetizer (Last name A-H) or Summertime Side (Last name G-Z).
After dinner presentations:
- Past members and commodores.
- Founder’s Day Fun Race awards.
Reminder: All guests will be responsible for Larimer County Parks vehicle permit.