Because of rough weather this season, the Rendezvous Yacht Club has canceled the ‘Learn to Sail’ course and a program with the Coast Guard, but now it is ready to start the season.

The club will offer closed-course racing at 6 p.m. each Wednesday starting out at Woody’s Resort in Rainer. These races are open to the public, and club members encourage those who would like to ride along to be at the dock one half hour before the race is scheduled to start — with a good pair of shoes.

The club will also offer cross-country races at 11 a.m. Saturdays, with the exception of the race on Aug. 3 to Kettle Falls, which will start at 9 a.m. All races are open to the public.

“We’re not an exclusive group; we are open to anyone who wants to join,” said Eric Johnson, commodore of the club. “Our mission statement really is to promote sailing on Rainy Lake, and to get more of the community to participate.” Even if you want to just go out on a boat and ride along, the club is glad to have anyone on its boats.

The club currently has around 50 members with 15-20 boats. The club’s monthly meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Next month at Woody’s Resort, the club will host a barbecue, and anyone who wants to know more about sailing is welcome, said Johnson.

The Rendezvous Yacht Club will again offer community sailing during Rainer Days, when sailboat rides to will be offered from Tara’s Wharf. Last year the club gave about 75 rides to around 200 people, and is expecting the same turn out this year.

“We really want people to know that racing isn’t the only way to sail. Many of us like to take the boats out camping on weekends and go from island to island.” said Colin Hewitt, a member of the club. “Rainy Lake is the best and most beautiful lake in the world to sail, and we really want more people to go out there and do just that.”

Club members encourage anyone who wishes to participate in races, rides or becoming a member. Contact the club directly ryc@frontiernet.net or visit the website www.rycweb.org for more information the RYC 2013 schedule.