About Us
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Our Legacy and Mission
Since 1938, the Diamond Lake Yacht Club has been a beacon of sailing in Cass County, nurturing a love for this elegant sport among its youth. Continuing this proud tradition, the Diamond Lake Sailing School (DLSS) is dedicated to introducing and teaching the art of sailing to young enthusiasts. Our mission is not just to teach sailing but to instill a lifelong passion for this versatile sport, whether it be racing or cruising.
Sailing School Schedule
Our sailing season runs from mid-June to the beginning of August. Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday, with Friday reserved for make-up sessions in case of inclement weather. Each class is three hours long, starting at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Morning sessions are typically reserved for our younger sailors, taking advantage of the gentler morning winds.
Our Sponsors
Jackie & Mike Bankowski
Joe & Jo Ann Blazek
Mary & Dave Bolen
Pat & Roseanne Byrne
Ben & Traci Clark
Combination Security
Don & Pat Cressy
Louis & Donna Csokasy
Fred Dean
Sheryl Deluca
Diamond Dough
Diamond Lake Orchard
Diamond Lake Yacht Club
DLYC Fundraiser
Charlie & Barb Gallagher
Krista Blazek & Kyle Hogarth
Gayle & Barry Huebner
Daniel & Hayley Klauer
Bob & Rosemary Leonard
Mike & Sally Malone
MEC
Carmi & Chris Murphy
Julie & Chuck Peterson
Pontoon Boat LLC
Marilyn Quackenbush & Dave Trelease
Don & Helen Reynolds
Kathy & John Seidl
Pete & Marianne Trotter
Jill & Tom Vihtelic
Dana & Dawn Wales
Patti & Tom Walz
Jim & Laurel Ward
Harvey Weingarten
Wally & Nila Wells
Chuck & Shelly Wimberly
Bob & Carol Wurster
Our Approach to Learning
Sailing education at DLSS begins on dry land. Here, students get acquainted with their sailboats, learning the intricacies of rigging and boat handling. This foundational knowledge paves the way for swift progression to on-the-water training, where the real adventure begins. Our classes, capped at 10 students, ensure personalized attention with a high instructor-to-student ratio of three instructors per class. The focus is on mastering the fundamentals of sailing in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.
Location and Facilities
DLSS proudly operates from the front of the Diamond Lake Yacht Club, located at 21268 Shore Acres in Cassopolis, MI. Our prime location includes two long docks, comprehensive facilities, ample parking, and a 100-foot-wide waterfront, offering direct access to the beautiful Diamond Lake.
Our Proud
Fleet
The heart of our school is our diverse and carefully selected fleet, comprising nine Optimist sailboats (Opti's), seven Sunfish, three 420s, and a Butterfly. The Opti's, renowned as the world’s most popular single-crew instructional sailboat, form the core of our beginner training. For more advanced students, especially those eyeing high school and college sailing, we utilize the 420s – double-crewed sailboats that offer a more challenging and collaborative sailing experience.
Committee Members
Ann Coles
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Ann plays a vital role in the committee, bringing in valuable insights and guidance for the program.
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Contact: Email Ann or call 269-591-0162.
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Louis Csokasy
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Louis contributes significantly to the committee with his extensive experience and knowledge.
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Contact: Email Louis or call 269-470-4548.
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Jackie Comeau-Bankowski
Rear Commodore
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Role: Jackie's leadership as the Rear Commodore plays a crucial role in the overall direction of our sailing programs.
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Contact: Email Jackie or call 520-275-3738.
Mary Bolen
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Ann plays a vital role in the committee, bringing in valuable insights and guidance for the program.
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Contact: Email Ann or call 269-591-0162.
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Krista Blazek Hogarth
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Louis contributes significantly to the committee with his extensive experience and knowledge.
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Contact: Email Louis or call 269-470-4548.
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Linda Magnuson
Rear Commodore
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Role: Jackie's leadership as the Rear Commodore plays a crucial role in the overall direction of our sailing programs.
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Contact: Email Jackie or call 520-275-3738.
Rob Overholser
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Ann plays a vital role in the committee, bringing in valuable insights and guidance for the program.
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Contact: Email Ann or call 269-591-0162.
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Kathy Seidl
DLYC Youth Sailing Committee
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Role: Louis contributes significantly to the committee with his extensive experience and knowledge.
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Contact: Email Louis or call 269-470-4548.
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Amy Usher
Rear Commodore
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Role: Jackie's leadership as the Rear Commodore plays a crucial role in the overall direction of our sailing programs.
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Contact: Email Jackie or call 520-275-3738.
Join Us on This Voyage
At Diamond Lake Sailing School, we’re not just teaching sailing; we’re creating lifelong sailors. Our blend of expert instruction, top-notch facilities, and a passionate community makes us the perfect place to start your sailing adventure. Whether you dream of gliding peacefully over the waters of Diamond Lake or competing in spirited races, your journey begins here, at DLSS.