Glenn Barclay

The South Lake Tahoe sailing community mourns the passing of Glenn Barclay, a longtime sailor, mentor, and dedicated builder of our club’s programs and traditions.

An accomplished sailor whose roots traced back to the East Coast, Glenn became a central figure in local sailing beginning in the 1980s. He raced extensively aboard his 32-foot boat Rhinocerous and later competed in the highly active Olson 30 fleet, earning a reputation for sharp tactics, calm leadership, and the ability to bring out the best in every crew he sailed with.

Glenn’s greatest legacy was his leadership of the Windjammer’s Junior Sailing Program. Beginning in the mid-1990s, he built and ran the program largely through his own determination. He restored the donated Ariel 25 Wings, organized maintenance work parties, secured resources, and personally coached young sailors from across the South Lake community. Many of today’s skilled Tahoe sailors first learned their craft under Glenn’s patient instruction and steady encouragement.

Beyond racing and coaching, Glenn served the club as Rear Commodore and was known for organizing gatherings that brought sailors together both on and off the water. Whether coordinating events or mentoring new crew members, he strengthened the community through his generosity and people-first spirit.

In later years, Glenn carried that same passion into regional land-sailing programs, continuing to teach, organize, and inspire.

Glenn Barclay will be remembered not only for the miles he sailed, but for the sailors he shaped, the programs he built, and the enduring mark he left on the Lake Tahoe sailing community.