Betty Clark

Not many women have donated as much time and talent as has Betty Clark to further the sport of sailing on Lake Michigan and Spring Lake. 

Like so many of us, she was introduced to the sport by a neighbor who invited her and her husband out for a day sail.  She got hooked immediately and bought the neighbor’s boat and learned all of the nuances, acquired all the books and magazines, including the racing rules book, to be sure she knew what to do in all situations. 

She took classes through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, refining her knowledge. She obtained a Captain’s license to run charters, knowing there were people who wanted to experience sailing to determine if they wanted to commit to learning how to sail. 

Betty has held every flag position at Grand River Sailing Club and has served and continues to serve on many committees. 

Betty created sailing classes at Grand River Sailing Club and Spring Lake Yacht Club. It is believed that such classes are the reason Grand River Sailing Club continues to exist. She established sailing classes for both young and old and assists local high school sailing teams in their adventures.   Betty has been instrumental in getting women onto the water, proven by the participation of 30 women in the 2020 Annual Maiden Race.

Betty’s encouragement of women to participate in the sport of sailing is well known.  She will be presenting a boating and racing safety seminar at the Midwest Women’s Sailing Conference in May 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Betty’s dedication to the young and women to introduce them to the sport of sailing has kept Grand River Sailing Club active and meaningful in Grand Haven, Michigan.  Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation is proud to induct Betty Clark into the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame.

May 6, 2022

Betty Clark was nominated by the Board of Directors of Grand River Sailing Club.