In 2007, the Windsurfing Activity celebrates its twenty-seventh birthday. Founded in 1980, under the auspices of the Boston Chapter Sailing Committee by Richard Cann, it soon became apparent big boat cruising and lime-green windsurfing were not in the least compatible. So, under the encouragement of the Boston Chapter Chair, the Windsurfing Activity soon tacked out on its own, reporting directly to the Boston Chapter.

Those who sailed then remember how odd the sport appeared to many bystanders. There were pronouncements such as "No rudder! Cannot be steered!" "Seen you on the tuna fish commercial." Passing watercraft would rush to the rescue of dunked windsurfers. Moored boats would supply beer just to keep you in the area. Sometimes we felt like inebriated trained seals.

Then, there was just one brand of sailboard, the Windsurfer One Design; very heavy and robust by today's standards. There was no sophistication, a very limited choice of components. The Boston Chapter very generously lent us money to purchase four of these. They were put to good use until sailboards became more common. Consequently they were sold and the loan repaid.

The membership in our activity was small at first, but as the sport increased in popularity the numbers grew and soon we were able to take over a whole shore-side camp for spring and fall weekends. Besides being great fun, these events also provided all operational income. Soon, we would be financially independent of the AMC.

We have, throughout all the 27 years, continued the AMC tradition of providing instruction to those entering the sport. Several times a year there is instruction at a local lake. At each class, up to dozen new sailors challenge their skills to stay right side up. Much to their surprise, under our expert tuition, it is much easier than they thought.

Past Windsurfing Activity Chairs
Richard Cann
Ken Pugh and Leslie Killeen
Lorraine Toher
Sue McGreevy

The following current members admit they were also there in the One Design years ....

Mark Herder, Gerry Sollner, Vicky Diadiuk, Ken Pugh, Leslie Killeen, Duncan McInnes, Steve Sevcik, Bob Mecalf