Rocky Fork Sailing Club marks 50 years


Hillsboro’s Rocky Fork Sailing Club is celebrating its 50th year with numerous activities on Saturday, June 21 at Rocky Fork Lake.

The public is invited to watch the parade of boats from North Beach of Rocky Fork State Park at approximately 2:30 p.m., as dozens of colorfully decorated boats proceed past the beach and then raise their sails and present a dramatic showing of sailing on the beautiful lake.

“There’s nothing more enjoyable than gliding across the warm waters of the lake, whether on a leisure sail or in the midst of a thrilling race. We’re so fortunate to have this wonderful inland lake and appreciate the efforts and support club members have given to each other and to the community for the past 50 years to make Rocky Fork a great place for sailing,” said Rob Alpern, current commodore of the club.

Rocky Fork Sailing Club (RFSC) was founded in 1964 and for the past five decades its hundreds of members have found wind, joy and camaraderie on the 2,080-acre lake, located just east of Hillsboro.

The club has worked closely with Rocky Fork State Park to fund and install numerous improvements over the years. Not only have these included boating amenities such as mooring balls and a mast raising pole, but also general use improvements including the Sycamore Grove Picnic Shelter at East Shore Marina.

RFSC sailors live throughout southern Ohio, from Cincinnati and Dayton to Athens and Portsmouth. In addition to many natives of Highland County, a number of members have relocated from afar to live near Rocky Fork Lake.

RFSC’s busy calendar of events is filled with a wide array of social events, racing activities, and organized days for members to come together to help launch their boats and improve the facilities.

RFSC members have also taken their boats to distant waters including Lake Erie and the Bahamas. One even crossed the Atlantic Ocean a couple years ago. But mostly, they’re out sailing and building friendships on the waters of Rocky Fork Lake.

Most members’ boats are in the 18’ to 28’ range, with some of the most popular boats being Catalina 25, Hunter 260 and Precision 27. Members range from young couples to retirees, singles to families with kids. Some have been in RFSC for over 30 years, others just joined.

The lake was created when a dam was built across Rocky Fork Creek in the 1950s. The sailing club was formed a few years later. The lake is ideal for boating in general and sailing in particular. While the lake is also enjoyed by water skiers, power boats and fishermen, it is spacious enough for all, even on the busiest days. And the variable wind conditions, ranging from solid consistent winds to light and shifty, provide opportunities to hone ones sailing skills in a variety of conditions.

“We had a race a few weeks ago with powerful westerly winds and boats with their rails in the water. Then last week we had mild winds shifting from side to side. Each situation pushes you to handle your sails differently and really learn how to sail well,” said Darlene Smith of Hillsboro, an active racer and club volunteer.

RFSC is based at East Shore Marina at the state park and the marina bustles with activity on summer weekends. Information on RFSC and its affordable membership and dock fees can be found at www.sailrockyfork.org.

Directions from Hillsboro to North Beach for boat parade viewing: Take U.S. 50 east 6.5 miles; turn right on North Beach Road. Go 1.2 miles and turn right on North Shore Drive and then left to North Beach. For GPS, use 11140 North Shore Drive, Hillsboro, OH 45133.

Directions from Hillsboro to East Shore Marina: Take U.S. 50 east 9 miles; turn right on Rt. 753. After 1.2 miles, turn right on McCoppin Mill Road and go 1.8 miles to Lucas Lane and the entry to East Shore Marina area. For GPS, use 6480 Lucas Lane, Hillsboro, OH 45133.


About Rocky Fork Sailing Club

Rocky Fork Sailing Club exists to maximize the enjoyment of sailing at Southwest Ohio’s premier sailing lake and to enhance friendships among fellow sailors. Founded in 1964, the club is celebrating its 50th year in 2014. Club activities are centered at the East Shore Marina of Rocky Fork State Park. Extensive information on the club can be found at www.sailrockyfork.org.