Overview
Lake Geneva Yacht Club dates itself to the first Sheridan Prize race on Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, on 31 August 1874, and was formally organized in 1876; it took its present name in 1894. It is a cradle of inland-lake scow racing: a founding member of the Inland Lake Yachting Association in 1898, it has hosted sixteen ILYA annual regattas, and the Sheridan Prize is now raced in A Scows on the last Saturday in August. Members race seven days a week from May to September in eleven classes, including A, E, C and MC Scows, Melges 24s, 15s and 14s, X Boats and Optimists, launching from four cranes and a ramp at the Buddy Melges Sailing Center it shares with the Geneva Lake Sailing School.
- Founded
- 1874
- Federation
- Inland Lake Yachting Association
- Phone
- +1 262 275 2727
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Sheridan Prize Racethe club's oldest race, first sailed on 31 August 1874; now in one-design A Scows on the last Saturday in August, around the lake from the club
- E Scow National Championship 202611–13 September 2026
- Melges 15 Nationals 202612–14 June 2026
- Melges 24 Fall Regatta2–4 October 2026
- E Scow Spring Regatta16–17 May 2026
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1874The first Sheridan Prize race, seven sandbaggers on a 16-mile double triangle, on 31 August — the date the club counts as its founding
- 1876The Geneva Lake Yacht Club is formally organized on 29 April at the Whiting House with 18 yachts
- 1894Incorporated as the Lake Geneva Yacht Club; merger with the West End Yacht Club of Fontana follows (c. 1902)
- 1898–1899Charter member of the new Inland Lake Yachting Association; the Sheridan race switches to ILYA Class A scows
- 1938The club starts its sailing school (incorporated separately in 1953)
- 1974Centennial: the 100th Sheridan Race is sailed on 31 August and the club hosts the ILYA annual regatta
- 2014–2015Old buildings are replaced by a new shared sailing center of about 12,000 sq ft
Location
- Position
- 42°32.92′ N 88°32.13′ W
42.54870, -88.53552 - Address
- 1250 S Lake Shore Drive
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Geneva Lake Sailing School (separate non-profit sharing the sailing center).
When was Lake Geneva Yacht Club founded?
In 1874.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Sheridan Prize Race, E Scow National Championship 2026, Melges 15 Nationals 2026 and Melges 24 Fall Regatta.