From 1956 to 1958, the original nucleus of the Club–Hal and Betty Jane Daugherty, Gaines Houston, Bill Graham and others–were launching their home-built Y-Flyers and Lightnings at Lake Norrell and at Brady Mountain Marina on Lake Ouachita, where they raced on and informal and difficult basis. Then, in late March of 1959, Lake Maumelle–just west of Little Rock, Arkansas–was completed. This beautiful lake proved to be a perfect spot for these landlocked sailors. Jim’s Landing was opened and the original group was joined by Perry Griffin, Jim Hatcher, Russell Brown, Lloyd Stanley and others. Max Mehlburger, although not a member at the time, made the first racing buoys used by the club. In early 1960, Holly and Clark Gillespie, Frank Gordon, Wassell Turner, Tom Grey and others joined, and an organized racing program was started. In those early days most members trailered their boats out from Little Rock, rigged and launched, then reversed the process all for a day’s racing!

Hal Daugherty was elected the first Commodore and presided over the first awards banquet. It was a milestone for the club when, in 1964 under Commodore Clark Gillespie, the Little Rock Water Works granted GMSC’s request to sublease land from Jim’s Landing so there could be a site expressly for the club’s activities.

Commodore Gillespie committed the club to host the Y-Flyer National Championship in 1968, causing much excitement as the club had decided to move to its present location due to space limitations and leasing difficulties. A road was cut, a small parking lot was built and graveled, and a launch ramp and dock, T-dock, and pavilion were constructed. This was also the time that the decision was made to build the clubhouse.

Since the late 1960s, many improvements have been added, the membership continues to grow and the sailing programs have broadened to include year-round racing, educational programs for adults and juniors, extensive out-of-town regatta participation, and novelty sailing occasions.