Weekly Hobie races are about to begin for summer 2024.  Hobie Fleet 58 Commodore Chance Winnie says the first race will take place on Thursday, May 23nd and continue each Thursday through September 12th with one exception, July 4th.  Like last year, there will be two races, starting at 6 pm.

Here’s the schedule:

5:15 pm – skippers meeting at the Clark Lake Yacht Club
5:30 pm – 30 minute warning horn
6:00 pm – start of first race
Second race will follow the finish of the first race.

Chance leads the skippers meeting (summer 2023)

For those who would like to join the race, Commodore Winnie says become a member of Fleet 58 first.   To pursue this, or for any other questions, email Chance at hobiefleet58@gmail.com.

At one time, Clark Lake’s Fleet 58 consisted of more Hobies than any other inland lake in the country.  It was common for Fleet 58 sailors to travel for meets elsewhere.  It also brought Hobie founder Hobart “Hobie” Alter to Clark Lake.

Myrtle and Bowser Eagy with Hobie Alter in front of the Clark Lake Yacht Club. Photo thanks to Peggy Collins and Meredith Szostek.

The number of Hobies on Clark Lake gradually decreased over time.  In 2014, the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation helped renew interest with the Fleet 58 Reunion and Regatta.  Click here to review the results.

Then a couple years ago, new Hobie energy burst upon the scene.  That led to Fleet 58 being sanctioned by Hobie at the Clark Lake Yacht Club.  In this photo, Mike McKay presents Chance Winnie with an item of special significance of the original Fleet 58. To read about this, click here and scroll down.

Last fall, Hobies dominated the Yacht Club’s Regatta.  See how in this video.

Hobies also have earned new recognition on the sign that leads onto the Yacht Club grounds.  The sign includes insignias class boats traditionally associated with the Yacht Club – Sunfish, Lightning, Rebel, Interlake, Buccaneer, and how the “H” for Hobie.  It also portrays a prop for powered boats (but not rafts).

Chance Winnie leads the Fleet 58 charge, even in the midst of winter.  Here he is holding the Hobie banner aloft during the Polar Plunge at Eagle Point.