The UA Sailing Club, founded by a group of UA students in April, is the latest attempt by the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club to expand membership and interest into the UA community.
Membership is open to anyone, and the club’s official Facebook page does not state that members must be Alabama students. Members are given access to the ships, equipment and location of the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club, which sails out of Lake Tuscaloosa.
Although not the first sailing club on campus, the new club was founded by former members of the Alabama Sailing Clinic. The 20-member group is made up mostly of inexperienced sailors who sail for recreation.
Justin Stier, treasurer of the UA Sailing Club, said he has great expectations for the small club.
“We’re pretty open about who can join,” Stier said. “Many of our members don’t have much experience; some had never sailed before joining. It’s really all about gaining some experience and having a good time.”
While many of the members of the club are new to seafaring, for safety reasons, the club is not allowed to sail without an experienced crew member on board at all times.
During the fall and spring semesters, the club holds monthly meetings arranged by its Facebook page, The Official UA Sailing Club.
Vice President Suzanna Niehoff said although meetings are held regularly, many of the group’s fall activities must be arranged around both the Crimson Tide football season and the weather.
“The fall is a slow time because everyone has an activity to go to and the weather is usually unsuitable,” she said. “We feel like the spring is the best time to get out on the water.”
Niehoff said the group typically meets at Manderson Landing and leaves at 10 a.m. and members then carpool to Lake Tuscaloosa to set sail. Trips usually take the whole day and feature a potluck for all members.
Because the club is supported by the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club, there are currently no membership fees, but club President Nathan Gibson said he expects that to change once the group increases membership.
While the club is still in the early stages of development, many members of the club feel the future of the outfit is bright. While currently focusing on recreational sailing and experience building, Gibson and other officers suggest that the club may one day move toward competition.
“Right now, we use the Tuscaloosa Sailing Club’s equipment and boats, and we’re grateful,” Gibson said. “But eventually, we’d like to get our own equipment and sail independently of the Tuscaloosa club. Once we get that going, I’d like to see a competitive sailing team come out of it. If Auburn’s got one, so should we.”
Information about the UA Sailing Club can be found at its Facebook page or via email at [email protected].
