FLEET INFO
Our Youth Sailing (Optimists and 420s) and Adaptive Sailing (Mini Illusions) Programs have club-owned boats for LHYC member use (i.e., boat ownership not required). Boat ownership is also not required for Crew and Social Memberships.
The racing fleets (MC scows and Melges 15s) are privately owned by individual club members. Twin Cities Sailing Club owns several MC scows and participates in LHYC racing.
MC SCOW
LHYC boasts one of the largest and most active MC fleets in the country, and routinely has 15 to 25 boats on the starting line. The MC scow is an ILYA sanctioned boat with a strong national association, the MC Sailing Association. It is one of the fastest growing fleets in the county, with over 100 active fleets in 28 states, ranging from Minnesota to Florida to California.
The MC was first designed in 1950 and is based on the M-16 hull. The MC is a 16-foot cat rigged boat (one sail) with one large rudder and two bilge (side) boards, making it extremely maneuverable and easy to manage. The popularity of the MC is its design to be sailed by one person in most conditions, but with room for crew in heavier wind conditions or for day sailing with family and friends.
MELGES 15
In 2022, LHYC joins many other clubs adding a Melges 15 fleet. Recognizable as the Harriet racing fleet using a spinnaker for downwind sailing, this boat is popular with sailors who want to sail with someone in all conditions. ILYA has adopted the Melges 15 as a new one-design class. Sailing happens year-round, with a popular winter series in Florida.
First announced in 2020, the M15 has higher freeboard and a sharper entry than an MC. One sailor typically operates the tiller and mainsheet, while the other is responsible for jib and spinnaker.
OPTIMIST 12 - YOUTH SAILING
The Optimist dinghy is the most popular type of racing sailboat for junior sailors up to 15 years of age. The boat is designed to be safe, durable and competitive. The skills learned on the Optimist are easily transferrable to other classes later on.
The Optimist dinghy is the most popular type of racing sailboat for junior sailors up to 15 years of age. The boat is designed to be safe, durable and competitive. The skills learned on the Optimist are easily transferrable to other classes later on.
LHYC has eight Optimists and four 420s for older youth sailors. Learn more about our youth sailing program.
ILLUSION MINI 12 - ADAPTIVE SAILING
The Illusion Mini 12 is a one-design, single-handed keelboat. Its features include foot pedal steering, genoa roller reefing, full trimming, and car-top mounting. LHYC has made considerable alterations to the basic design to ensure easy maneuverability, and safety for physically challenged sailors. Visit the adaptive sailing program to learn more about this program and our boats.
