Society of Old Salts

May the wind be always at your back...

About Society of Old Salts (S.O.S.).

The Society of Old Salts (S.O.S.) is comprised of Lakeside Chautauqua's waterfront caretakers and supporters of the Lakeside Sailing Center.

S.O.S. was founded in 1991 by 26 family members. Today, the organization has approximately 300 members. The mission of S.O.S. is to provide the resources for a safe, enjoyable, and comfortable sailing club with a commitment toward continuous improvement. Members contribute the finances and countless volunteer hours to fulfill its mission.

For decades, parents have taught their children to sail. Their children have taught their children, and so on. The S.O.S. strives to keep the Lakeside tradition of Lake Erie sailing alive and well for generations of Lakeside sailors young and old, male and female.

Latest Happenings

July 30, 2021

RACES have begun!

With the August Cup already in the books, we look forward to the Mouse Island Race on Sat., July 31 and the 2021 Sailing Regatta the following weekend, Sat. & Sun., Aug. 7 - 8. Additionally, there will be a Regatta Picnic following races on Aug. 7 and an Awards Ceremony following races on Aug. 8. Sailors can also get in on the action over Labor Day with the Big Boat Race on Sept. 4. Check the sailing center for details!

If you have not already done so, please support the S.O.S. and send in your 2021 membership applications. Following CDC guidelines, private boats and rentals will be available for use and sailing lessons will be offered. Don't miss out on the opportunity to get out on the water this summer.

Summer 2021 Sailing Calendar

Memorial Day Weekend Big Boat Race — Saturday, May 29
Fourth of July Big Boat Race — Saturday, July 3
August Cup Race — Saturday, July 24
Mouse Island Race — Saturday, July 31
Lakeside Regatta — Saturday, August 7 - Sunday, August 8
Labor Day Big Boat Race — Saturday, September 4
Lakeside-Mouse Island Sunfish Challenge — All summer

We're all in this together! Anyone interested in volunteering, in some S.O.S. capacity, may contact President Mike Haas.

Chance to WIN Sunfish SAIL!

SOS will raffle off this white, pink, purple, yellow and gray NEW Sunfish sail with window, valued at $200+ and donated by Bill Maenner. Proceeds benefit SOS waterfront improvement projects.

A limited number of tickets are available at $20 each, or 4 tickets for $50. Tickets sold only during Regatta registration, the SOS picnic, and the Awards Ceremony. Payment may be made by cash or by check made out to "Lakeside Chautauqua."

One winning ticket drawn at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 8. Download final_sunfish_sail_raffle.pdf for more details!

Membership Information

The S.O.S. leadership team is committed to executing the mission, as it continues to look for ways to improve the Lakeside Sailing Center experience. S.O.S. is proud to serve its members and provide strategic direction for the Lakeside Sailing Center to ensure its foundation for generations to come. S.O.S. welcomes new members and thanks current members for their ongoing support of one of the most active small boat sailing centers in the country. Download the S.O.S. Membership Application and join today.

A special "thank you" to our 720 Lifetime Members!

S.O.S. Membership Application

Kids Setting Sail

Because sailing is something for everyone ... at every age.

GREAT NEWS! On a very positive note, the Kids Setting Sail program will resume this year, beginning Sunday, June 27th. Watch for further details.
Kids Setting Sail is a free opportunity for the next generation of sailors to take a sailboat ride with an experienced S.O.S. volunteer.

Congrats, KSS, on such an important milestone!
On Sunday, August 11, 2019, the 10,000th future sailor had the thrill of a Sunfish ride! The popular Kids Setting Sail program began in 2003.