Rebel racing is not just a local activity. Rebel fleets across the country compete for in their own local fleet championship, district regattas and of course the National Championship Regatta. Most of the clubs that host Rebel fleets, were founded in the 1930's and have been racing Rebels since the 1950's. Click the links below to learn more about the Rebel National Class Association and the clubs you'll be competing against in the nationals.
Rebel National Class Association
The Rebel National Class Association is the governing body for Rebel racing in the U.S. In additional to sponsoring the annual National Championship Regatta, the class association sanctions local Rebel fleets, sets boat specifications and allowable modifications. For more information, click the button below to visit the class association website.
Clark Lake Yacht Club
Rebel Fleet #2 is located at the Clark Lake Yacht Club, in Jackson Michigan. CLYC was one of the of the earliest clubs to race Rebels. In 1950, the membership decided the Rebel, a boat built in Toledo out of glass fiber and plastic epoxy resin, would be the boat they would use to reinstate competitive sailing on Clark Lake. Six were purchased by the members in late 1949, and in 1950 the Clark Lake Yacht Club began racing. CLYC has wonderful facilities including boat slips, a club house, a swimming area and much more.
Des Plaines Yacht Club
The Des Plaines Yacht Club hosts Rebel Fleet #23. Located on Lake Opeka, in Des Plaines, Illinois, the club sails right under the flight path for O'Hare airport. You can see planes making their final approach, in photos on their site.
Lake Fenton Sailing Club
Lake Fenton, located just north of Fenton, Michigan, is the home club for Dave Nickels, designer of the Rebel Mark V. Until his retirement, Dave manufactured the Mark Vs at Nickels Boat Works. He's the resident guru on how to make Rebels go fast and has won multiple national championships. Rebels race in the open fleet on Lake Fenton. The sailing club facilities include a club house, boat slips and much more.
Grand Rapids Yacht Club
The Grand Rapids Yacht Club, is located on Reeds Lake in Grand Rapid Michigan. Home to Rebel Fleet #7, GRYC has beautiful facilities including a clubhouse, boat slips and a beach. GRYC also runs a sailing school for youths and adults.