Hello sailors!
I am Mason Baird, and I am the new Commodore for 2025. For those who do not know me, I am a third-year civil engineering major from Charleston, South Carolina. Previously, I have served as the Dinghy Co-captain and, most recently, the Big Boat Captain.
I fell in love with sailing at a young age. Starting at six years old, I began my time on the water at my local club, James Island Yacht Club. I spent the next nine years sailing every summer and eventually went on to instruct the junior program there. The days were filled with sunny skies, cool ocean water, and, most importantly, a strong, consistent sea breeze.
It was here that I first heard of the Clemson Sailing Club. One of my instructors and past club Commodores, Sam Cabiness, told me about a group of college sailors at Clemson. At the time, I was regrettably a USC fan and couldn't imagine ever setting foot in Tiger Town. However, as time went by, I found myself applying and getting accepted to the University. Little did I know I would be making the best decision of my life.
Remembering what Sam had told me, I made it a top priority to stop by the sailing club stand at Tiger Prowl. There, I was invited by the race team captain, Ella Smith, to join the race team in a practice. It was at this practice that I was sold on the club. I had never experienced such a competitive group of sailors who did not care how well they sailed but were happy to be on the water giving it their best. Everyone was supportive and wanted the team to improve rather than just themselves. I was looking for my place in Clemson, and I found it.
Today, the club has over 475 members, and we have been voted the best club on campus two years in a row. The club continually pushes to get as many people sailing as possible, from our learn-to-sail programs to our highly competitive race teams. On top of this, the social side of our club is incomparable to any other. Whether it's Fridays @ 4, formal events, or tailgates, the club allows members to connect and make lifelong friends while at Clemson.
As Commodore, I would like to continue growing the legacy of this club. With the new dock installed and many new talented sailors coming into the program, the club is in a unique position to elevate our sailing programs and reinvest in the club as a whole. I plan to continue the development we have seen over the past several years for both our program's sailing and social sides. Doing this will allow us to continue to get more people on the water and keep everyone connected within the club.
I look forward to giving back to a club that has given me so much. With lots in store for 2025, I can't wait to see what we will do. If you ever need to reach out to me, feel free to email me at mlbaird@g.clemson.edu.
Your Commodore,
Mason Baird