Sailing clubs show KC the ropes
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Hoist the sails! Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
Sailing isn't just for oceans and great lakes; it's for landlocked Kansas Citians, too.
Why it matters: Sailing clubs have been around the KC metro for decades, welcoming newcomers to community cruises and teaching the art of regattas.
The big picture: Clubs are based at metro area lakes — Shawnee Mission, Smithville, Jacomo, Perry — providing classes, renting out boats and hosting sailing get-togethers.
- Adults and kids must literally learn the ropes before becoming members, who can then sail in regular outings and races during the spring, summer and fall.
What they're saying: Matthew Lero, commodore of the Johnson County Sailing Society, says he was hooked after his first class in 2016.
- "It really engages you totally," he told us. "You're watching the sail. You're watching the water… So much of it is by feel."
How it works: Sailors learn to watch the surface of the water for wind movement, adjust sails for maximum propulsion, and (ideally) avoid mistakes — like getting bonked by the mainsail's boom or capsizing due to an unexpected breeze.
💬 Travis' thought bubble: Catch the right gust and these boats really move. A strong wind can also tilt the hull 15 degrees or more — I had to hold on tight!
Between the lines: Sailing is weather-dependent. Winds that are too strong can break equipment, and no wind is no fun. Thunderstorms also put a damper on events.
- Lero says this year's weather has been especially unruly, resulting in 10 cancellations out of 14 scheduled races.
The bottom line: For vice commodore Heather Byers, it's just as much about sharing the joy of sailing with others as it is about her own time on the water.
- "All those skills you're building out here… [you're] taking it back to everyday life, facing your fears," she says.
- Plus, "being out in nature, being completely disconnected" has been good for her mental health.
What's next: The Johnson County Sailing Society will host a "Come Sail With Us" community event on Oct. 4.