Browns Creek Sailing Association
Browns Creek Sailing Association (BCSA) is a volunteer-run sailing club based at North Alabama Sailing Marina on Lake Guntersville. Founded in 1975, BCSA has spent nearly five decades growing a welcoming community of sailors who share a love for wind, water, and good company.
Conveniently located just 30 minutes south of Huntsville and about one hour north of Birmingham, our club brings together sailors from across North Alabama and beyond.
Whether you’re brand new to sailing or a seasoned racer, you do not need to own a boat—or even have a slip at the marina—to be a member.
Racing
BCSA supports racing for all experience levels, from relaxed club races to more competitive regattas. We host races throughout the year and also participate in events with other regional sailing clubs.
Highlights include:
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Seasonal club racing
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Weekend regattas with post-race dinners and socials
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Visiting and traveling to other clubs’ races
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The Great River Race each October — a legendary 24-hour, ~65-mile race on the Tennessee River and the longest inland river race in the country
Whether you’re chasing trophies or just sharpening your skills, our racing program emphasizes learning, safety, and fun on the water. Learn More…
Cruising & Social Events
Sailing is more than racing—it’s about community. BCSA organizes monthly cruises and social events that let members enjoy Lake Guntersville at a relaxed pace.
Popular activities include:
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Monthly destination cruises on the lake
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Nature cruises (bat cave, eagle watch, fall foliage)
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Summer raft-ups, swimming, and fireworks viewing
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Ice-cream and sunset sails
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Holiday-themed socials throughout the year
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Our annual fall banquet, complete with great food and door prizes
We are a family-friendly club, and many events are designed so spouses, kids, and guests can enjoy the experience together. Check out the Events Calendar
Learn to Sail
Every spring, BCSA hosts a two-weekend Learn-to-Sail course designed for beginners and sailors looking to build confidence.
Instruction includes:
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Seamanship and sailing fundamentals
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Safety and navigation
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Docking and marina operations
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Rigging and sail handling
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Outboard motor operation
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Sailing all points of sail
Classes are taught aboard our Catalina 22 fleet by a licensed captain and certified sailing instructor. The course concludes with a graduation celebration and dinner after the final Sunday session.
More Information BCSA Learn to Sail
Club Boats – Available to Members
Don’t own a boat? No problem.
BCSA maintains a members-only fleet that allows you to get on the water without the expense of ownership:
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A variety of dinghies available on a first-come, first-served basis
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Multiple Catalina 22s available for day rental
This fleet makes BCSA especially attractive to:
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New sailors
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Members without boats
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Those who want to sail more without additional maintenance or storage costs
Details on reservations, requirements, and usage are available in the Sailboat Rental section of this site.
Join Us
When you join Browns Creek Sailing Association, you’re joining more than a club—you’re becoming part of a supportive, active sailing community dedicated to promoting sailing in North Alabama.
Membership includes:
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Access to racing, cruising, and social events
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Eligibility for Learn-to-Sail programs
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Use of club boats
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A welcoming group of sailors happy to share knowledge, stories, and dockside laughs
If you’re curious about sailing—or just looking for a great group of people to enjoy the lake with—we’d love to have you aboard.