Sail Park City has been hitting the Jordanelle Reservoir on their boats every summer since 2008.
The organization provides an unexpected experience for locals and visitors alike: the chance to get out and sail just outside a mountainous, ski resort town.
As the weather has turned and kids are starting to get out of schools, Sail PC is readying for yet another summer. They began giving nighttime adult lessons in May. This week, they began laser and keelboat racing.
Next week, as all the schools let out, daytime junior camps will begin. Camps, lessons and racing will be held until the weather turns in the fall. Sail PC will also host several events like their Summer Sailstice, the Fall Regatta and the 2025 U.S. Adult Sailing Championships.
Executive director Scott VerMerris said he believes putting on a variety of programs and events during the summer will only help raise Sail PC’s profile. They’re an unexpected shining star in the Wasatch Back, sending kids off to collegiate programs and more.
“We are growing and evolving rapidly as planned, and it’s very exciting,” said VerMerris. “We just won an Outstanding Community Sailing Center of the Year award from U.S. Sailing, which is an honor we could never imagine.”
VerMerris acknowledged the humor in now being recognized at the national level, despite most being shocked of the club’s existence. He knows Sail PC has to keep their foot on the pedal, hosting successful programming and events.
“It feels good to be recognized for the strong work that we’re doing,” added VerMerris. “We consider ourselves a pretty small, up-and-coming program, an anomaly in the mountains, and we’re now being looked to as an example, which is really awesome to say the least.”
VerMerris said it all starts with the club’s junior programs, which can see hundreds of kids a summer. If those kids’ interest is piqued, they can often sign up for races and events and tell their parents to follow suit.
The juniors also help grow the program’s name through competing at regattas nationwide.
If you don’t want lessons, camps or racing, Sail PC members are also free to rent out boats on their own. Memberships are still on sale for $250, which also covers a spouse and kids under 23. Members have access to rentals, storage and much more.
“We try to figure out what their goals are,” VerMerris said on members. “We have more and more boats every year for members to have access to. There’s very rarely a time when someone can’t get a boat.”
Sail PC also looks to give back throughout the summer, offering programming for the Youth Sports Alliance, National Ability Center and others. The club feels lucky to have Jordanelle and wants to maximize it with something for everyone.
“A big part of our mission is not only to promote the sport of sailing in the community, but to make it affordable and accessible,” said VerMerris. “Lots of ways to get involved.”
The Sailstice will be held Saturday, June 21, at Jordanelle. It’s open to the public, featuring sailing, of course, barbecue and more. It’s a great opportunity to meet VerMerris and others and learn more about Sail PC.