The Lake Michigan Sailing Club is a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts who come together to share their passion for the open waters of Lake Michigan. Founded in 2016, this club has quickly become a hub for boat owners and aspiring sailors alike, offering a wide range of events, activities, and opportunities to explore the stunning coastline of the Great Lakes.
Harbors and Boats
The Lake Michigan Sailing Club operates out of five strategically located harbors along the lake’s shoreline: Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor, Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee. Each harbor boasts a diverse fleet of sailboats, ranging from the compact 22-foot MacGregor Venture to the impressive 43-foot Hunter.
| Harbor | Boats |
|---|---|
| Waukegan | Knot On Call (27ft Catalina), Kitty Hoots (27ft Tartan/Soveral), Orca (26ft MacGregor) |
| Winthrop Harbor | Exact-ly (36ft Grand Soleil), Limnos (34ft Pacific Seacraft), Quixote (33ft Cape Dory), Knot Home (33ft Hunter), Andiamo (30ft Laguna), Spass (26ft MacGregor) |
| Kenosha | Halcyon II (43ft Hunter), C’est La Vie (36ft Catalina), Shutterbug (36ft Catalina), Calypso II (22ft MacGregor Venture) |
| Racine | No specific boats listed |
| Milwaukee | No specific boats listed |
Events and Activities
The Lake Michigan Sailing Club offers a diverse calendar of events and activities, catering to sailors of all skill levels. From informal Sunday morning regattas to formal racing competitions, there’s something for everyone.
Informal Regattas
Held every Sunday morning from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, these informal regattas are open to all club members, regardless of their sailing experience. These friendly competitions provide an opportunity for sailors to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of the open water.
Formal Regattas
The club also hosts several formal regattas throughout the sailing season, including the prestigious Dan Rice Memorial Regatta, Spring Sunfish Regatta, Spring Laser/ILCA & Sunfish Regatta, The Rookie Regatta, Fall Laser Regatta, Fall Sunfish Regatta, and The Bone Chiller Regatta. These events attract sailors from across the region, offering a chance to test their mettle against the best in the sport.
Sailing Clinics
To help both beginner and experienced sailors improve their skills, the Lake Michigan Sailing Club offers a range of sailing clinics, typically held on Saturdays. These clinics cover a variety of topics, from basic seamanship to advanced racing techniques, ensuring that all members can enhance their sailing prowess.
Joining and RSVP
Joining the Lake Michigan Sailing Club is a straightforward process. Prospective members must first request to join the club’s Meetup group, create a login, and upload a headshot. Once approved, they can complete the Temporary Guest Membership Application and electronically sign it. After that, members can RSVP for the club’s various events and sails through the Meetup platform.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance to the Lake Michigan Sailing Club. All boats in the club’s fleet undergo a thorough Vessel Safety Check to ensure they meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s safety requirements for recreational boats. This commitment to safety helps to create a secure and enjoyable sailing experience for all club members.
Additional Information
For more information about the Lake Michigan Sailing Club, including training opportunities, the racing schedule, and the latest updates, be sure to visit the club’s comprehensive website. With its diverse fleet, exciting events, and welcoming community, the Lake Michigan Sailing Club is the perfect destination for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of sailing on the Great Lakes.
References
- Lake Michigan Sailing Club – Meetup. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.meetup.com/lake-michigan-sailing-club-com/
- About Us – Lake Michigan Sailing Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lakemichigansailingclub.com/about-us.html
- Lake Michigan Sailing Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.lakemichigansailingclub.com
- Racing Schedule – MICHIGAN SAILING CLUB. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://michigansailingclub.org/racing/racing-schedule/.