Clinton Lake Sailing Association

Clinton Lake Sailing Association (CLSA) is a sailing community based at Clinton Lake in Illinois, a 4,900-acre reservoir near Clinton. Established in 1978, the association helps make sailing affordable and accessible to people interested in learning, sailing recreationally, racing, or joining the local community. Boat ownership is not required: CLSA provides sailboats, including prams, Lasers, and Sunfish. Certified members can check out Lasers and Sunfish at no charge, while loaner Thistles are available to active fleet members. Members can also get involved by crewing, with the association’s growing fleets seeking crew.

CLSA offers introductory sailing classes, youth classes, small-boat programs, Thistle racing, and weeknight casual sailing. Its social calendar features activities such as banquets, cookouts, and moonlight sails. The association also shares practical resources for members and visitors, including lake information, water-level reports, elevation maps, race courses, weather updates, directions, accommodations, apparel, and classifieds. Whether newcomers want to try sailing or experienced sailors seek racing and camaraderie, CLSA provides ways to get out on the water.