Welcome to Shawnee Yacht Club
Since 1941, SYC has promoted sailing on Lake Shawnee for the recreational benefit of the local community. In addition to the opportunity to sail on beautiful Lake Shawnee, the club provides: free sailing lessons for those new to the sport, sailboats for members to use, a fenced boatyard with a boat ramp, several docks (provided by Parks and Rec), a storage shed for equipment, sailing activities, racing, and social gatherings.
Learn to Sail
02 Jun 2025
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"Introduction to Sailing" sessions are held Wednesday evenings, June through August. Come join the fun. We provide the boats.
Five-Year Master Plan
12 Apr 2025
SYC has presented Parks and Recreation with a Five-Year Master Plan for improving our sailing facilities. The plan aims to increase sailing activity on Lake Shawnee and get SYC back on a more sustainable footing. We are currently negotiating with P+R staff for their support in moving forward with individual items in the plan. SYC's costs for some of these improvements will be substantial. Please consider making a contribution to help us with these facility improvements.
One of Our Own in The Top 100
02 Mar 2025
Former Commodore and current SYC Resident Agent Eric Kjorlie was featured in the 2nd quarter 2023 Top 100 Lawyers publication.
Topeka, Forbes Field
92°F - Fair
Coming Events
Racing & Group Sailing
Sundays, 2:00pm-5:30pm
Wednesdays, 5:30pm-Sunset
- 7/2, No Lessons, 5:30 pm-Sunset, SYC
- 7/4, 4th of July Activities, TBD, SYC
- 7/6, Sun Racing & Group Sailing, 2:00pm-5:30pm, SYC
- 8/3, Sun Racing & Group Sailing, 2:00pm-5:30pm, SYC
SYC on Facebook
Mark's Racing Blog
Defining Moment
Everything you do before this moment is preparation for it. Everything after it is in response to it. Understanding the importance of it gives meaning and direction to what you should be doing on the water. I've told you before about leverage, about the advantage of being on the correct tack, and about leading into the shift. The first shift after the start is the "defining moment" because it has all these. And it is the first shift.
Why should you look at the weather map?
Why should you be on the water early?
Why should you check out the lake geography?
Why should you check out the starting line bias?
Why must you have a great start?
All so you can lead into the first shift.
Hit the first shift first and everyone else is playing catch up. As you will be if its not you.
OK you missed it. Now what?
Get on the correct tack.
Get in the power.
Try to leverage for the next shift.
Hope the leader makes a mistake.