The club is run entirely by club member volunteers. VSS organizes races, cruises, and monthly potluck dinners, which include informative programs related to sailing.The latter are held on the second Wednesday of each month from October through April. Our May meeting is our Change of Watch or "COW". This is a picnic meeting where we recognize racing and cruising achievements, the election and induction of new officers and board members and hold the all-important “raingutter boat” regatta and knot tying competition.

The Squadron owns no real estate, so the overhead costs are kept very low. Annual fees are $100.

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in sailing, sailboats and boating in general. We do have members that are former sailors and are now power boaters. Anyone with an interest or affinity for sailing is welcome. For more information check our Membership page.

Good-natured rivalry exists between those who race and those who use their boats for cruising. The racers doubt that a cruiser knows how to properly trim a sail. The cruisers question the racers’ ability to relax and savor the joy of a leasurly sunset at sea. Some members have split personalities and both race and cruise. A number also are both sailors and power boaters! VSS sponsors local races most Saturdays from October through May. These races are not just for avid racers but also a great opportunity to try racing if you are new to it. For the cruisers, the club organizes a number of cruises to various ports-of-call which are usually one to two overnights.  At least once a season longer cruises. lasting 7-14 days depending on the destination, are offered.

In addition to the local racing and cruising programs, the Squadron’s seasonal activities include participation in regional regattas as an active member of the Sarasota Bay Yachting Association. Together with the Venice Yacht Club, the Squadron is the Organizing Authority for two regional regattas, the Windjammer and Sharks Tooth, supporting the local youth sailing programs. The Squadron participates in Venice community activities such as the Sun Fiesta, Blalock Park holiday tree decorations and the Christmas Boat Parade. We also recognize the local bridge tenders by having Santa’s elves deliver holiday cookies to them. In December the Squadron holds a dinner dance. Other activities include monthly ladies luncheons, picnics, dock parties, kayak outings, "cruise to nowhere” land cruises, boat factory tours and special programs.

The Venice Sailing Squadron meets every second Wednesday of the month during the season for potluck suppers and educational programs. These events are held at 6:00 pm at the Harbor Lights Community Center, located at 617 Tamiami Trail in Venice. Check our Calendar of Events for any changes or updates on our activities. Guests are welcome to attend.