The Ensign sailboat is a One Design sailboat that was first produced in 1962 by the Pearson Company. The Ensign Fleet 70 that races out of the Pentwater Yacht Club was chartered in 2001.  Fleet 70 has 18 boats registered with the fleet, of which about 10 race every week.  The Beer Can Races are held at 5 pm every Wednesday night and the Championship Races are held on Saturdays at 11:45 am. The races are sometimes held on Pentwater Lake and at other times (weather permitting) they are held on Lake Michigan. We are hoping to start our Beer Can races on May 22, again, weather permitting, and the Wednesday night races will run all the way through September. The Championship Series will begin on 1 June 2024 and will conclude on 31 August 2024. 

The offshore fleet at the Yacht Club is a longstanding tradition, featuring larger boats primarily racing on Lake Michigan. Utilizing the PHRF system allows for fair competition among boats of varying classes, emphasizing the skill of the crew over equipment advantages.

If you're interested in joining this vibrant community, whether as a boat owner or crew member, opportunities abound. Racing takes place most Saturday afternoons, alongside participation in numerous Lake Michigan Regattas throughout the season. 

In the future watch for our weeknight Beer Can races (TBD). For specific race dates and events, Refer to the PYC Calendar for the Offshore and Regatta Schedule.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting out, there's a place for you in this dynamic offshore fleet. Join us for thrilling races and camaraderie on the open water of Lake Michigan.

Pentwater Yacht Club Sunfish Fleet 218 welcomes all PYC members to participate in all Fleet 218 activities. We sail on Sunday afternoons at 3:00. Our season begins at the end of June, and continues through the end of September, weather dependent.

On a typical Sunday sail we have 12 to 15 Sunfish on the water. This year youth sailors will race alongside adult and young adult sailors, but will be scored separately. There will be separate awards for the youth fleet. Our fleet is also welcoming SOL boats to sail and compete with Sunfish. The Fleet has a number of “loaner boats” that are available on a first come, first served basis. Contact Doug Nelson 810-691-3651, for more information.

This year will see the second annual Sunfish Shootout. Sixteen of our top Sunfish sailors will compete in unique match races, resulting in a Sunfish Fleet 218 Shootout Champion. The Shootout is held the Sunday after July 4th.