Western Montana Small Boat Association
"Cinch up your belt, roll up your sleeves, and go ahead and build it, regardless of hell, hurricanes, and high prices. It'll always be worth the cost, as it always was."
John G Hanna
About
The goal of the Western Montana Small Boat Association (WMSBA) is to foster fellowship and education for small boat (<17ft) sailors, paddlers, rowers and builders all over the inland mountain west. We are are informal and open group of like minded watercraft owners, builders and enthusiasts who simply enjoy the comradeship that come from shared interest, activity and knowledge. Most of our activity is centered around Flathead Lake, Montana but we've sailed in Idaho and Washington as well.
Events
Since 2010 WMSBA has hosted yearly messabouts for small boat owners. And since a group of herons is called a siege, sieges they are!
*Smugglers Run is a transit of Flathead Lake from the South Flathead Yacht Club at Dayton, MT to the North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers, MT in under twelve hours. It is a challenge for any small boat and arrival will almost certainly be in the dark. A true inland water test. July 20th-21st 2024
*Wild Horse Island Messabout is a chance to simply messabout in boats! Starting with an overnight at Wild Horse Island a meeting is head in Dayton the next day. From there it's a relaxing cruise to Big Arm State Park and back. August 24th-25th 2024
*Labor Day Small Boat Regatta is attempted every year during the Labor Day Regatta Weekend put on by the South Flathead Yacht Club. Usually attempted Saturday following the buoy races in Dayton Bay. August 31st, 2024
Other events may happen as events warrant, keep your eyes on our Facebook group for information.
How do I join?
The easiest thing to do is show up in person and engage with us online. Look into and think of joining the Traditional Small Craft Association. If we have enough of us a chapter could be formed and we'll have the benefits of that national organization to help with our events and networking.
Contact Us
Our Facebook group is the best way to see what we are up to and how to attend our events.You can contact the founder at hollywood1340atGmail.com as well.
Hope to see you on the water!
James Maxwell / Founder / SV Kat Boat
WMSBA Crest
"A Great Blue Heron stands in front of the State of Montana. The danforth anchor symbolizes our recreational nature. The year below is our founding. The association name font speaks of adventure and the sometimes unconventional nature of our craft and activity. Our motto in plain English is below"
