[1] In November 1954, a group of sailors gathered to discuss the possibility of organizing a sailing club on the Geist Reservoir, created by the Indianapolis Water Company in 1943.

The group met regularly during the next months to formulate a constitution, by-laws, a set of strict safety rules, and legal documents to lease land from the Indianapolis Water Company for a clubhouse site and docking facilities.

On June 19, 1955, a grand opening was held on the present clubhouse grounds.

The original classes of sailboats at ISC were Snipes, Lightnings, Thistles and Y flyers.

On March 11, 1957, at the annual meeting, ISC members voted to change the name to Indianapolis Sailing Club.