Chicago Yacht Club

Cruising Sail Fleet

The Cruising Sail Fleet is an active fleet of sailors interested in cruising -- to ports on Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes, to distant ports of call (some have been to the Caribbean and around the world!), or just local cruising with family and friends.  The Fleet manages an active schedule of events throughout the year, both on and off the water, such as: weekend cruises to other Lake Michigan harbors, rendezvous at more distant destinations, educational seminars of interest to beginner and more experienced cruisers, dock parties and navigational events on the water, and off-season social events.  The Fleet welcomes all members to share the knowledge and fun of cruising under sail – in Chicago and at other interesting destinations.  

Summer Cruising Sail Fleet Schedule of Events Typically Includes:

1.      Meet the Fleet Dinner
2.      Boat Yard Bash
3.      Dock Party & Bilge Auction
4.      Spring Cruise
5.      Fleet Review
6.      Main Summer Cruise
7.      Ladies Skipper Race
8.      Labor Day Cruise to Belmont
9.      Fall Cruise 

Power Fleet

The Chicago Yacht Club has achieved international recognition by hosting important competitive events for our active Power Fleet.  For example, the Fleet competes against various Chicago yacht clubs in twelve predicted log contests throughout the year that challenge our power boaters’ navigational skills. In addition, the Club has hosted the North American Cruiser Association’s North American Invitational Championships (NAI) in the past.  Above and beyond the camaraderie the Fleet enjoys at cruises and dock parties, they also share a commitment to civic duty for the City of Chicago and host several charitable events each year, such as the Disabled Cruise and Chicago Park District camp events.  

Summer Power Fleet Schedule of Events Typically Includes:

1.      Belmont Opener
2.      Spring Cruise
3.      Fleet Review
4.      Disabled Cruise
5.      Annual Cruise
6.      Mackinac Race Press Boat Coverage
7.      Venetian Night
8.      Annual Dock Party
9.      Fall Cruise 

Racing Sail Fleets

The races for the Offshore and One-Design Fleets literally define competitive sailing in Chicago. The Club’s Offshore calendar highlights include the annual Race to Mackinac, the National Offshore One-Design Regatta (N.O.O.D.), the Verve Cup Race Week, the North American Challenge Cup for sailors with disabilities, and the Windy City Match Race.

The One-Design racing calendar has included the following in years past:  Etchells, J24, Soling, Shields, and International 110 Class National and World Championships; the Timme Angsten National Collegiate Dinghy Championships; the Jimmy Talbot Memorial Laser Regatta; and the US Sailing Youth Championship.  The Club also maintains launching and dry-sailing facilities for various one-design class boats.