The ASC maintains a Discord server for informal discussion of all sailing topics, as well as specific club-related conversations around classes, clinics, racing, club boats, and site maintenance. It’s the best way to stay connected between weekends at Big Lake.
You should have received an invite when you signed up for membership, and we strongly encourage new members to join and ask questions.
What is Discord?
Discord is a free app used by many communities for online discussion. You can run it directly in your web browser, download the desktop app, or install the mobile app on your phone.
Discord looks a little like a mix of email, chat, and forums:
- Servers are private online spaces for groups like the ASC.
- Channels are like separate chat rooms inside the server, each focused on a specific topic.
- Text channels are for written conversation and photos.
- Voice channels let members talk or use video chat.
How to get Discord:
- iPhone/iPad: Apple App Store
- Android: Google Play
- Mac and Windows: Download from discord.com
Once you join the ASC server, you’ll see a list of channels on the left-hand side (desktop) or by tapping the ☰ menu on your phone.
How the ASC Uses Discord
Think of the ASC Discord as our “digital clubhouse.” It helps members stay connected between weekends at Big Lake, whether that’s sharing sailing stories, asking questions, coordinating races, classes, and work parties, or responding to quick polls that gauge member interest and opinions on club topics.
Using Discord is optional (we’ll always provide critical information through email and the ASC website), but it’s the easiest way to stay in touch with fellow members and keep the community connected day to day.
Channel Guide
The server is organized into categories and channels, each with a specific purpose. Here’s a quick overview:
📣 Info — Official ASC announcements and member information
- #start-here → Orientation for new members, rules, and setup tips
- #announcements → Official club updates and important notices
⛵ Community — Day-to-day discussion, education, and racing
- #introductions → A space for new members to introduce themselves
- #general → Any sailing-related conversation, questions, or photo sharing
- #education → Organizing classes and clinics; a place for sailing questions if you’re learning
- #racing → Sailboat racing discussion and coordination
- #buccaneer-18 → Sailing, rigging, and racing the ASC’s one-design class
- #lost-and-found → Report or claim any items lost or found at Big Lake
- #off-topic → Conversations not related to sailing or the club
⚓ Infrastructure — Projects, fleet, and site maintenance
- #fleet → Questions and reports about the ASC boat fleet
- #site → Grounds, clubhouse, sauna, firewood, trailer row, and facilities
- #harbor → Docks, moorings, and hoist discussion
- #technology → IT and systems support for ASC operations
📺 Video Chat — Voice and video spaces
- #general → Casual voice or video chat for sailing or club topics
- #meetings → Reserved for official ASC board and committee meetings
What Happens When You Join
When you first log in to the ASC Discord, you’ll see two automatic messages to help you get started:
- A direct message from Boson Bot 🤖. This message welcomes you to the server and explains how to find the #start-here channel. That’s where you’ll find the rules, a guide to channels, and setup tips.
- A public welcome in #welcome. Boson Bot also posts a short note to let everyone know you’ve joined, so members can greet you.
Boson Bot is an automated helper (not a person) that posts information and keeps some server features organized. You don’t need to interact with it directly to use the server.
From there, your next step is to open #start-here and read through the information provided. Once you’re familiar with the basics, you’re ready to explore other channels and start participating in the ASC community.
Alaska Sailing Club 