After a long wait for winter to step aside, members of the Iowa State Sailing Club will finally slip on their wetsuits this weekend.

On Saturday, March 22, the club kicks off its spring season at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. A team of four will represent ISU as it competes against eight to 10 opposing schools, including Purdue, Iowa and Michigan.

Andy Dotson, president of the 11-year-old association, said three or four competitions are scheduled during the fall and spring, and members are getting “geared up” for the first meet of the season.

Fueling the excitement, he said, is the addition of four new boats.

“We’ve gone from three last summer to seven this spring,” he said. “GSB funded two new boats, and two were donated to us.”

Dotson said although practices normally take place at Johnston’s Saylorville Lake and Big Creek, teams haven’t been able to practice because of icy conditions.

“We’ll sail whenever the weather’s nice,” Dotson said. “We go every week when the weather cooperates.”

He said the club consists of 25 members, but new participants are always welcome.

“We’re trying to get our numbers up,” he said. “Our two biggest promotions are ClubFest in the fall and Veishea. We also try to do new membership meetings,” he said.

Ryan Richardson, club treasurer, said people do not need experience in order to join.

“I had no sailing experience two years ago. Another guy on my floor happened to be involved,” he said. “Learning how to sail was easy. I went out one day and loved it, and now I’m treasurer.”

Richardson said a $25 fee is the only requirement and once dues are paid, members have access to boats all spring and summer.

“We’re interested in getting due-paying members out in a boat to get their money’s worth,” he said.

Dotson and Richardson both agreed meeting new people is an excellent perk of getting involved.

“Weekend meets usually last Friday through Sunday,” Dotson said. “In the time not spent sailing, you meet people from other schools — that’s fun.”

Dotson said meetings, which are held every Tuesday at 7 p.m., are open to all students.

Following this weekend’s meet, the club will travel to Michigan on April 4 and the University of Iowa April 18.