A Rich Legacy of Racing and Cruising
Since its incorporation in 1981, the Grand River Sailing Club (GRSC) has hosted hundreds of sailboat racing and cruising events, bringing together thousands of participants over the years. From competitive races to relaxed cruises, GRSC has fostered a vibrant community where members learn to sail, build friendships, and create lasting memories. Today, the club proudly continues this tradition and always welcomes new members to join the experience.
Where to Find Us
The “Grand River” in our name refers to the scenic waterway that flows into Lake Erie, approximately halfway between Cleveland and Ashtabula, Ohio. GRSC members dock at various marinas and yacht clubs located along the Grand River’s banks.
To the west lies the village of Grand River, home to popular waterfront restaurants, sail and rigging services, and key amenities such as the U.S. Customs call booth, fuel dock, and repair facilities at Grand River Marine.
On the east side, Fairport Harbor offers additional conveniences including restaurants, a grocery store, convenience marts, a farmers market, a post office, library, boating supply shop, museums, and a protected swimming beach—all within walking distance of dockage.
Our Origins
The Grand River Sailing Association was originally formed in 1972 by a group of sailors from the Grand River Yacht Club, Fairport Harbor Yacht Club, and nearby marinas east of Cleveland. This group eventually evolved into what is now the Grand River Sailing Club.
The club’s first meeting place was the Sailing Center on Water Street in Fairport Harbor, located at a marina known locally as “the coal dock”—an inlet off the Grand River’s main channel owned by a railroad company. In those early days, there were no docks—only moorings—and sailors used dinghies to reach their boats. The grounds were rustic, with no parking lot and a rough roadway marked by potholes.
It wasn’t until local real estate developer Nick Frankovich leased the land from the railroad that the first docks were installed. In the 1980s, the J.T. Osborne Company purchased the property and added a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and a barn. These improvements helped draw more sailboats and racing enthusiasts to the area, which in turn helped grow the club’s membership and reputation.
Reviews
Joining GRSC has been a fantastic experience; I’ve made great friends and improved my sailing skills through their events. Highly recommend for anyone passionate about sailing!
- Heather K.
The social activities and racing events at GRSC create the perfect community atmosphere; it’s my favorite time of the year.
- Mike N.
Being part of Grand River Sailing Club has enriched my life with friendly faces and memorable adventures on the water—it’s more than just a club, it’s a family.
- Scott F.
Grand River Sailing Club 