CASE FOR SUPPORT
Dear Friends,
The Lake Minnetonka Sailing School (LMSS) with the support of the Minnetonka Yacht Club (MYC) is excited to announce a project to revitalize our buildings on Lighthouse Island by creating a more suitable and modern facility that will serve both organizations better as a home on the island.
The current clubhouse has stood on Lighthouse Island since 1944. Despite being constructed economically during times of national stress, it has served us well for over 80 years. The present school facilities, built in the late 1990s, have also provided a solid foundation for sailing training. Over the past eight decades, tens of thousands of children have set sail for the very first time from the Island, which has been the launching point for future national champions, gold medalists, and Olympic coaches. We have welcomed sailors from around the world to marvel at our unique island while hosting some of the finest championship racing available anywhere globally.
Countless friendships have been forged, young couples have said “I do” on the island, and many cold drinks have been shared. The facilities have withstood tornadoes that ravaged Cottagewood and snow nearly to the roof, yet time and again, come summer, they provide us with the best vantage point in all of Minnesota to watch the setting sun.
It is time to acknowledge the limitations of our existing facilities for our current use and the projected growth of sailing on Lake Minnetonka. We need to construct a modern facility that meets the needs of our expanding sailing school and yacht club. Many areas are in significant disrepair and would be costly to rehabilitate, and these repairs would be inadequate in providing the support our customers and members need. A new building is necessary.
The Sailing School and Yacht Club have collaborated for many months to plan for the next 80 years on Lighthouse Island with three primary elements of a vision in common: Education, Racing, and Community.
Education – Sailing training has been the role and focus of the LMSS since it was created in 1972. Every sailor will tell you there is no such thing as a perfect race. There are always shifts that could have been identified sooner, buoy roundings that could have been executed better, and sails that could have been trimmed more quickly. There is always a need for education and it is the focus of activity on Lighthouse Island. Whether you are a new sailor learning which end is the bow and which is the stern or a national champion, there is always something new to learn in sailing, and we plan to continue to be one of the leaders in sailing education in the country.
Racing – This has always been at the core and is the driving purpose of what we do at both the Minnetonka Yacht Club and the Lake Minnetonka Sailing School. We embrace the challenge of charting the fastest course, collaborating with your crew to optimize the
boat’s speed, and physically pushing yourself in new and demanding ways. Racing sailboats is difficult – and that is how we like it. The playing field constantly evolves, the wind is never predictable, and your competitors continuously pursue the same goal as you. The field itself is also evolving, and we are excited about our racing future as we carry on the great sailing traditions, while exploring and welcoming new and innovative ways to compete and challenge ourselves. MYC’s long-term commitment to the island continues our history of leasing it from the school as we have since 1986, and using it as a base for racing operations and a wonderful site at which to host visiting sailors.
Community – The camaraderie that develops among crews in tight quarters, working as a team and collaborating to fend off friendly rivals, spills out of the boats and onto the shore, fostering a close-knit community of sailors and their friends. The facilities on the island play an important role in the lives of not only our school customers and club members but also our neighbors and guests. We cherish the opportunity to build friendships and create new connections with those who share our passion for water and the sport of sailing. We believe Lighthouse Island is one of the most idyllic pieces of real estate in Minnesota – after all, we have our own private island, and we intend to continue embracing it.
Over thirty volunteers have come together on five committees to create the development plans. They have dedicated countless hours, weekends, and evenings, united by a shared passion for sailing from Lighthouse Island. The volunteers include board members from both organizations as well as individuals from every generation eager to contribute to this effort. As the leaders of the two organizations, we cannot thank these volunteers enough. Their names are listed below, and we encourage you to reach out to them to express your gratitude and learn more about the project.
We welcome you on this journey with us and appreciate your feedback as we move forward. Additionally, we invite you to participate financially if you feel inspired – our goal is to raise at least $10 million to make this vision a reality. This is a significant undertaking, but we are confident it can be achieved with the support of this wonderful community.
We couldn’t be more excited to help usher in the next generation of sailing on Lake Minnetonka. We look forward to raising a glass together to toast the beautiful new home of our two great organizations for decades to come.
Sincerely,
Mark Sigel
LMSS Board President
Bill Barnett
Pat Barrett
Ben Burgum
Tom Burton
Sarah Christensen
Jud Dayton
David
Sime
MYC Commodore
Skip Dickel
Laura Ekholm
Paul Ekholm
Tara Engebretson
Mike Hanley
Hayley Hontos
Pat Hughes
Chris Jewett
Jens Kottke
Laura Kottke
Craig Laing
Hans Larson
Jenny O’Connell
Jason Ostbye
Derek Packard
Graham Pierce
Kate Regan
Tim Regan
Mark Sigel
David Sime
Hans Vroege
Hendrik Vroege
John Woodburn
Mollie Wulff
BUILDTHEFUTURE MAKEHISTORY
Sailing is thriving on Lake Minnetonka, and we are just getting started. The sport’s growing popularity has outpaced the capacity of our undersized and deteriorating building on Lighthouse Island, which has served us since 1944.
Fundraising Goal
$10M
The time has come to update and improve our space. By supporting the Lighthouse Island Development Project, you join a community of leaders dedicated to preserving the legacy of sailing on Lake Minnetonka and shaping its future.
To recognize your contribution, donors have access to: naming rights to the building and its important spaces, special event invitations, and insider updates.
More than just a building it is an investment in a beacon of education, community, and the competitive spirit. Your generous financial support of this project ensures our sailing school and yacht club will continue to thrive for generations to come.
THEPILLARSOF OURVISION
Our vision is to foster a vibrant and inclusive sailing community—for all ages and abilities—that celebrates the spirit of adventure and connection. By nurturing a passion for sailing and strengthening bonds within the sailing community, we aim to inspire generations to embrace the challenges, lessons, and joys of the sport on Lake Minnetonka—and beyond.
EDUCATION
Sailing teaches skills necessary for lifelong success: critical and creative thinking, independence and teamwork, self-confidence, resilience, and communication. Beyond learning the mechanics of sailing a boat, the sport teaches physics, mathematics, and meteorology. Sailing is a lifelong sport and fosters the pursuit of learning new skills from youth to adulthood.
RACING
The thrill of competitive racing is our central focus. Racing instills the will to win, but also good character and sportsmanship, incorporating complex rules of fairness and civility. These lessons can be applied to all areas of life.
COMMUNITY
Community is at the heart of our identity. A place to connect, have fun, and get out on the water. Sailing is an intergenerational sport where sailors age 7 to 70 and beyond can compete in the same race, and even on the same boat. We celebrate the grandparents, parents, and veteran sailors who pass on their skills and insights, while new sailors of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to try out the sport and become part of the community.
WHOWEARE
Dedicated to promoting and supporting sailing, we create a culture of passion for the sport of sailing, skill development, and community on and off the water
A beacon of the community, fostering personal growth and celebrating sailing camaraderie.
We are both a literal and figurative lighthouse for the community to enjoy Lake Minnetonka. We encourage sailors of all levels to learn and grow through exposure to top-talent sailing instructors and regional, national, and international sailing experiences. It is a place to gather, connect, learn, and grow as individuals and collectively as a sailing community.
MYC&LMSSATAGLANCE
OURRICHHISTORY
For more than a century, our Sailing School and Yacht Club have created spaces for education, competitive racing, and community for sailors of all ages and backgrounds Together, we’ve fostered a love for sailing, teaching the values of teamwork, discipline, and respect for the water.
MYC is founded, making it one of the oldest yacht clubs in the country.
1972
Led by Don Zinn, Brad Van Ness, and Bradley Robinson, LMSS becomes a separate non-profit organization.
Billy Allen wins a gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
City of Deephaven is incorporated.
1988
Gordy Bowers is Head Coach at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
1920s
LMSS is started when MYC members were interested in organized sailing education for their children.
2006
Awarded US Sailing One Design Regatta of the Year E Scow Nationals.
1943
Original clubhouse burns down; current building is built in 1944.
2027
A modern facility designed by Momentum Design Group is ready to accommodate our Lake Minnetonka sailing community.
EXCELLENCEINEDUCATION
The advanced technology seen at the highest levels of sailing such as SailGP, the America’s Cup, and the Olympics has become increasingly accessible to the broader sailing community in recent years As a result, LMSS has embraced these tools, making them standard practice in our program.
Technology has transformed how we teach at LMSS, and this is only the beginning!
Sailing classes include: Little Skippers; Learn to Sail Prams, Fevas, and Optis; Learn to Race/Race Team Optis, X Boats, 420s, and Lasers; STEM & Sailing; Adaptive Sailing, Women on the Water, and more! We are also home to the Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Blake, and Breck High School Sailing Teams
Racing fleets include: A Scows, E Scows, C Scows, MC Scows, Ynglings, Catamarans, Lasers, X Boats, Optimists, 420s, Melges 15s, and the Open Fleet.
New in 2025! We are offering two Learn to Sail classes in Spanish to complement the strong language immersion program in our community’s school district
We are also excited to further expand our use of technology New tools, such as GPS tracking through sailors’ smartphones and Vakaros compass units, will allow us to analyze detailed performance data after every sailing session. Paired with video footage from coach boats, drones, or onboard cameras, this data will provide an unparalleled learning experience for our sailors and coaches.
OURGOALS
Optimize our iconic location and construct a versatile, sustainable, and modern facility that will:
FOSTER GROW
NURTURE
A new building will enable us to accommodate new technology and our increased number of students and sailors. This will include advanced courses and programs for all ages, and more access for people with disabilities.
By creating suitable educational spaces, we can foster the next generation of competitive sailors, helping them develop the skills and character needed for success on and off the water.
This ADA compliant facility will enhance member experience, providing larger and more comfortable spaces for members to gather, host events, and enjoy the fellowship that has defined our community for generations.
STRENGTHEN
A new facility ensures that our institutions remain a beacon of sailing excellence and community for years to come.
LOOKINGFORWARD
Built in 1944, our facility has outlived its life expectancy. The time has come to create a home that reflects the excellence we strive for in our sailing programs and supports the vibrant fellowship that forms the heart of our sailing community.
While rich with history, our current facilities no longer meet the evolving needs of our growing membership and the increasing number of students who wish to experience the joy of sailing. We may have the best piece of real estate in Minnesota, but our limited space and outdated infrastructure are holding us back from reaching our full potential.
Today, we face an extraordinary opportunity to build a facility that will not only serve our immediate needs but also ensure our institutions thrive for future generations.
Will you join us in this transformational journey to ensure the future of sailing on Lake Minnetonka?
ASPACETHATINSPIRES
THE BEACON OF LAKE MINNETONKA
EDUCATION
MODERN CLASSROOMS & FACILITIES
RACING
BETTER BOAT STORAGE & ACCESS
COMMUNITY
EXPANDED CLUBHOUSE & EVENT SPACE
These improved and increased spaces will allow for a more dynamic learning environment with the latest sailing technology for students of all ages and abilities.
With more space for boat storage and new access points, functionality and design of the island facilities will be optimized.
Maximizing our iconic location and offering sweeping views of the water, this will be the perfect setting for club events, social gatherings, and sailing competitions
P l a n
L i g h t h o u s e I s l a n d
$10M
FUNDRAISING GOAL TIMELINE
$2M $8M
To establish an operating endowment
To ensure the sustainability of this investment, our goal includes an endowment to offset maintenance of our fleet and new facility.
Estimated building cost JUNE 2025
End date of building fundraising
Construction begins, on condition that fundraising goal is met
Construction completed
YOUR IMPACT
Help teach thousands of youth and adults the skills needed for success: Critical & Creative Thinking
Teamwork & Communication
Self-confidence & Resilience
Decision-making & Problem-solving
Shape the future of sailing in our community: Your support will bring this project to life and equip us to meet our current and future needs.
This is more than a building it is an investment in a beacon of education, community, and the competitive spirit. For the sport and legacy of sailing on Lake Minnetonka to endure, we must be well-equipped to foster the next generation of sailors. Your generous financial support of this project ensures our sailing school and yacht club will continue to thrive for generations to come.
ANENDURINGRETURN ONYOURINVESTMENT
“
What we teach at LMSS is beyond sailing skills. We teach decision- making, responsibility, a lot of discipline, and commitment all things that you're going to need for life. The kids don't realize it, but that's what we are teaching, and that's what motivates me at the highest level. We teach the basic qualities you need for success.
“
-
GORDY BOWERS
YOURLASTINGLEGACY
LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND FAQs
Q: Why do we need to do this now?
A: The Lake Minnetonka Sailing School, and the members of MYC, are stewards of Lighthouse Island – not just for ourselves but for future generations of sailors. The current facilities are inadequate for both LMSS and MYC. Maintaining the status quo will not set up the school or club for long-term success and could eventually lead to their demise.
The needs of the sailing school have changed dramatically over the years, and the current LMSS facilities are not suitable for the updated sailing school offering. The main clubhouse was built in 1944, and while the building has undergone modest updates over the years, the infrastructure is beginning to show its age. As we consider the next 50 years of sailing, new facilities are necessary. Remaining with the status quo will not allow the school to plan for its continued long-term growth and could ultimately limit its success and that of the club. A new facility is needed now.
The new facility will provide a return on investment for MYC in two specific areas. The first is that MYC can benefit immediately from LMSS's new effort to tap into the adult sailing school market, which is emerging from the parents of youth sailors at LMSS and the social members at MYC. This demographic has the potential to become boat owners right away. This approach differs significantly from the traditional path of racing members at MYC. Traditionally, future MYC members begin their journey as youth sailors at LMSS/MYC through Opti/X Boats, progress to high school sailing, and then collegiate sailing, and thereafter experience a 10 to 15-year period of non-boat ownership and sailing while they focus on building careers that can support future boat ownership.
Secondarily, the number of MYC members storing their boats at their primary homes on the lake continues to decline. MYC has reached capacity regarding the number of boats it can store on boat lifts at Bug Island. The only way for MYC to grow its sailing membership is to change its offerings. MYC needs to embrace the changes occurring in our sport. The new one-design boats being offered by builders are stable, user-friendly, and fun sport boats that are attractively priced for new sailors. These new boats are under twenty feet and are dolly-launched. The new facility increases MYC’s capacity to accommodate dolly-launched boats stored on LHI, securing MYC’s future ability to grow through new sailing members.
Q: How will this affect my annual dues?
A: The precise impact on dues is still under study, but annual MYC dues are expected to rise by $500 to $750. This increase will help fund the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the new building, as well as establish a $150,000 yearly LHI Building Maintenance Fund, which will receive contributions from both MYC and LMSS.
LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND FAQs, CONT.
Q: Is the club going to be taken over by social members?
A: Sailing is the heart of MYC and LMSS, and it will always remain that way. Our top priority will always be teaching and racing sailboats. However, we are also important members of the Deephaven and surrounding community and believe it’s essential to open our doors to social members so they can enjoy the lake and our facilities. Many efforts have already begun to not only welcome social members but also, over the long term, introduce them to sailing and find ways for them to become part of our racing community. Finally, as has always been the case, social members are non-voting members and are not eligible to vote concerning membership or any changes to our bylaws. Additionally, our bylaws prohibit having more social members than sailing members in the club.
Q: How will this impact my membership and use of the club during construction?
A: Although we expect most of Lighthouse Island to be closed during construction, innovative plans are being developed to ensure we can still come together as a community in new and unique ways on and off the racecourse.
Q: It's wonderful to hear that the sailing school is growing; however, how does this affect MYC?
A: In simple terms, a robust sailing school fosters a strong yacht club. As of the last count, 120 current sailors at MYC graduated from LMSS. Over the years, LMSS has taught thousands of children how to sail, and many of them have gone on to achieve success at national and international levels. That high-level racing experience can be seen at our local MYC races and raises the competitive level for everyone involved. LMSS has and always will be committed to providing a pipeline of future MYC sailors.
Q: Should we be doing this even though sailing as a sport seems to be on the decline? Where is the sport headed in the future? Where do you see it going on Lake Minnetonka?
A: While it’s true that some reports indicate sailing as a sport is declining nationally, we are witnessing tremendous growth both locally and in certain fleets. The sailing school has expanded from 650 students just a few years ago to over 1,300 currently.
At the national level, the Melges 15 has experienced significant growth, with over 100 boats on the starting line at the recent Midwinters held at the new Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The future of sailing on Lake Minnetonka looks promising. While we continue to embrace Scow sailing as a core part of our activities, it is encouraging to see new boats like the Melges 15 and the upcoming Melges 19 entering the scene, as they present exciting challenges for sailors with a wide variety of experience. For the club, the fact that these are dolly-launched boats gives us tremendous opportunities for growth beyond the number of boats we can store on the perimeter of Bug Island.
LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND FAQs, CONT.
Q: What about Bug Island?
A: Bug Island will remain an important part of the yacht club going forward. While the current remodel of LHI does not include Bug Island, there are both short- and longterm plans to enhance the experience on Bug Island. In the short term, the land will be re-graded to create an easier surface for boat handling ashore, the launch ramp will be improved to facilitate easier movement and launching of the dolly-launched boats. Additional improvements are under evaluation for the users of the island.
Q: What changes will be made to ensure the yacht club and sailing school work better together?
A: Going forward, the Yacht Club and Sailing School will continue to exist as two distinct organizations, just as they have since 1972. However, both organizations are united by a shared vision centered around three pillars: Education, Racing, and Community. This unified vision has never been clearer and will guide our future direction. In addition to our common vision, new management structures are being investigated and proposed to ensure the two entities remain independent while allowing open communication and enabling the sport of sailing to continue thriving on Lake Minnetonka.
Q: I am only interested in sailing. How will the new facility improve the racing?
A: Simply put, sailing is more enjoyable with additional people and more boats at the starting line, and the facility will gradually expand our base over time. Furthermore, considerable effort is being devoted to extending our sailing season beyond June, July, and August, into more of the “shoulder” seasons. Along with an expanded schedule, new racing formats like Match and Team racing will be introduced in the near future.
Q: What green or sustainable efforts will be undertaken with the new club?
A: Considerable time has been invested to ensure the new building is constructed using the most sustainable methods possible. The team is actively exploring both solar installation and geothermal options for heating and cooling. Beyond the construction of the building, efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact we have while on the island by minimizing or eliminating our single-use plastic usage and implementing other measures to lessen our environmental footprint.
Q: Will the building be open year-round?
A: While the programming is still being determined, the building is being designed to support areas that can be open during winter for members to enjoy. During our listening sessions with members, one of the most common requests was to use the facility during winter to support activities such as iceboating, kite skiing, and other community-building events. Air conditioning will be installed to accommodate increasing temperatures, and some areas will be maintained at temperate conditions during the winter to preserve interior features.
LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND FAQs, CONT.
Q: The building looks large, are we trying to operate a restaurant and bar?
A: The intention is not to operate a full-time restaurant or bar; however, it was clear from the listening sessions that the members would like to have times when meals could be served, and a bar would be available for socializing. The kitchen has been designed as a “from scratch” kitchen that could support large gatherings for regattas or weddings, and the bar will be available for post-race debriefs and the enjoyment of the members. The overall square footage of the building has increased from our current facilities; however, the space has been professionally designed around the needs of both the Sailing School and the Yacht Club, and it has been executed in a way that preserves as much green space as possible while simultaneously achieving the goals of both organizations.
Q: Has the committee studied similar projects that other clubs that have undergone?
A: Yes, a significant amount of time has been spent engaging with other members of the ILYA who have undergone similar processes or are currently doing so. We have also conversed with prominent national leaders in sailing, such as the Annapolis Yacht Club, Chicago Yacht Club, and Lauderdale Yacht Club. In recent years, Wayzata Sailing School, Gull Lake, Lake Geneva, and Oshkosh have been rebuilt or extensively remodeled. Currently, Pewaukee and the Minneapolis Sailing Center are undergoing similar processes as LMSS and MYC. We have talked to many leaders at these organizations to not only study how they achieved the change in their facilities but also how it has impacted their organizations’ future growth and operation.
Q: How do I contribute to this?
A: To ensure all gifts are fully tax-deductible, we have set up a Lighthouse Island Development Fund through LMSS, which is an active and registered nonprofit. Gifts may be made online at www.lighthouse-island.com/donate. You can also make a gift via check, stock transfer, donor advised fund, an IRA charitable rollover (or other qualified charitable distribution), etc. For specific donation questions, please contact Mike Hanley at 612-220-0609 or hanley.mike@icloud.com
