In 1952, Clarence Tuttle conducted the first Juniors’ meeting at South Milwaukee City Hall. Gil Bruck, Edward (Butch) Wetzel Jr., Butch Webb, Jerry Mahnke and others grew up within this program, and at the age of 21, Gil was the first Junior member to advance to SMYC's Regular Membership with Butch Wetzel and Butch Webb not far behind.

Gil Bruck was the Juniors' advisor for many years along with Butch Webb, and both continued as Life Members actively contributing to SMYC. Julie Surendock, a former Junior Member, ran the program for several years. The swimming pool at her parent's home was used for life saving and safety training by the youth members.

Sailing began using member sailboats, which varied from tri-hulls to sunfish. Clarence Tuttle purchased pram sailing dinghies which the Juniors needed to build. One was built and utilized, and the others were sold off to Racine Yacht Club. Gil's daughter Kim Bruck, while president of the Juniors, along with advisor Doug Sleight purchased flying sailboats from Michigan, which were used up until 2006, when several members took a 22 hour road trip (one way) to Manchester-by-the-Sea. With financial assistance from the SMYC membership, and outfitted with a trailer, the Juniors’ procured six Vanguard 420 boats from the Manchester Sailing Association, which are currently in use.

Open to area youth as well as SMYC members, the Junior Member program and SM Youth Sailing Association encourage future boaters and, hopefully, future members via a teamwork approach that is fun and educational. Inviting area youth and their families as well as SMYC families to become involved, the Junior Membership program is a perfect means to offer education in water safety, sailing and care of boats, as well as respect for our Great Lake.

2023 Junior Program Advisors:

Ryan Rybka and Steve Hawthorne

Sailing Instructor: Dave Blake