Chicago to Michigan City to Chicago
Columbia Yacht Club
111 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60601
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
A perennial favorite! Don't miss this non-stop overnight race around the southern end of Lake Michigan.
Third Coast Cup — Chicago to Hammond
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60613
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Third Coast Cup — Hammond to Chicago
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60613
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Alliance for the Great Lakes Regatta
Columbia Yacht Club
11 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Jackson Park Yacht Club
6400 S Promontory Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
St. Joe to Chicago
Jackson Park Yacht Club
6400 South Promontory Drive
Chicago, IL, 60649
ST JOE TO MICHIGAN CITY
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 South Linn White Drive
Chicago, IL, 60605
GLIOR
Columbia Yacht Club
111 North Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601
Chicago Yacht Club
400 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Meet & Greet with Golden Globe American Skipper Guy deBoer
CYC | 5:00 - 7:30 pm
With less than four months to go until the September 6 Golden Globe start in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, join us to meet Guy and send him off as he makes his final push towards making history as the very first American to win a solo, nonstop yacht race around the world.
There will be a presentation after the Meet & Greet with Guy.
U.S.Sailing Renewal Class for Safety at Sea
CYC | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
This 2-Day International Offshore Safety at Sea course, hosted by Chicago Yacht Club, May 9-10, is designed for sailors who have previously attended an International Offshore Safety at Sea course and have a growth mindset and seek to continue their learning at a higher level. Interactive learning is planned for both days in the classroom, outside, and on the dock. In the water, training evolutions are planned for Sunday morning. Attendance at all sessions is required for a certificate to be issued.
U.S. Sailing Sanctioned Safety at Sea
ColYC & JPYC | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Whether you're racing to Mackinac or cruising the Great Lakes, the U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea Seminar equips sailors with the practical skills needed to respond confidently to onboard emergencies, heavy weather, and crew overboard situations, and more. Join us May 2-3, 2026, for this hands-on learning experience and become a safer, more prepared member of your crew on the water this season. Expired certification? Renew your certificate and take your safety to the next level with CYC’s renewal course, May 9-10.
CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Course
JPYC | 9 am - 5 pm
Join us for a comprehensive CPR/AED and First Aid certification course led by Mariner and Past Commodore of Jackson Park Yacht Club, Gerald Miarecki.
This course will provide participants with essential life-saving skills with a focus on mariner concerns. An American Safety & Health Institute A.S.H.I. A Certification Card will be awarded upon successful completion of the course. In order to receive the certification, one must be able to demonstrate skill and score 80% or better on the written exam at the end of the course.
Attendees have the opportunity to win an AED and First Aid Kit for their boat!
Your instructor will provide all the necessary details regarding course content and expectations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a valuable certification!
Members: $80|Non-members: $95
Costs include: National Safety Council FA/CPR/AED Certificate and a textbook
Limited to 14 students
Chicagoland Women on the Water Afternoon Tea
CYC | 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Join women interested in sailing, powerboating, kayaking, and other on-the-water activities for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and celebration as we look forward to the upcoming season.
Behind the Wheel: What it Really Takes to Own a Boat
ColYC | 6 - 8 pm
Thinking about owning a boat, but not sure where to start? Join us for a relaxed, no-pressure session where real boat owners share honest insights and experiences.
You’ll learn:
What boat ownership really costs
Essential skills and what to expect
Pros and cons of different boats
Resources for getting started
Plus, connect with fellow members and experienced boat owners.
Cost: CYC members Free | Non-members $10
2026 Race Committee Season Kick-Off
CYC | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
This full-day training is designed to prepare us for another outstanding racing season. We will spend the day ashore at Belmont Station reviewing procedures, discussing updates for the 2026 season, and reconnecting after a long winter. This is an important opportunity to shake off the winter rust, ask questions, and ensure we are prepared for the season ahead.
You are also invited to stay after the training for the Avant Sail party hosted by CYC’s Associates Committee. We will welcome the season with a buffet ($40) that includes oysters and clam chowder. There will be fire pits and a toast to the start of the season. Come as you are (foul-weather gear encouraged) and join the celebration!
Please REGISTER no later than Saturday, 3/14/26.
First Aid on the Water
CCYC | 9 am — 12 pm
601 West Montrose
Dr. Marc Rosenthal, ER physician and US Coast Guard Auxiliary member, will discuss the practices and tools you need in case of injury or illness on the water.
The class is free, reservations appreciated
Coffee and donuts will be served
Zoom attendance available
RSVP to sfink26340@aol.com
Informational Bayview to Mackinac Meeting
CYC | 2 - 4 pm
400 E. Monroe
Find out what all the hype is about and how to take part in the biggest race of 2026!
The 2026 Bayview Mackinac Race is touring the Midwest with a presentation that details the history and highlights key players in the world's longest, continuously run, long-distance, freshwater yacht race.
Hear from Commodore Tim Prophit & Robert Eger, the 2025 and 2027 BYC Mack Race Chairs as they lay out the road map for 2026!
Racing Rules Up and Down the Race Course
ColYC | 9 - 11 am (with bonus virtual session 11 am -12 pm)
Sharpen your racing skills with a guided review of the sailing rules that matter most – from pre-start to the finish line.
We’ll explore the critical moments on the race course: pre-start, fair positioning, upwind tactics, making smart legal weather-mark approaches without violating Mark Room rules, downwind strategies, lee-ward mark roundings, and finishing protocols.
Perfect for racers of all levels looking to sail smarter and avoid costly mistakes on the course, and either avoid the protest room or prevail if you end up there. Includes bonus session on How NOT to Lose in the Protest Room.
Event is Free.
Starting Line Strategies
CCYC | 9 am — 12 pm
A panel of fast and slippery sailors will discuss starting your races cleanly and quickly, with a review of the Racing Rules of Sailing that apply to the start line.
We will also have a presentation of the Vakaros Race Sense system, starting instruments bringing GPS accuracy to your starts and taking the guesswork out of OCS calls.
The seminar is FREE. Breakfast treats and coffee will be provided.
RSVP to sfink26340@aol.com
Boating Safely in Illinois: Official IDNR Safety Class
CCYC | 9 am—5 pm
If you operate a motorboat over 10HP and were born on or after Jan 1, 1998, you are required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate. This 8-hour, in-person course will teach you
· Boating Basics: Rules of the road, navigation, and equipment.
· Safety First: Emergency measures and PWC operation.
· Legal Requirements: Illinois boating laws and registration.
The instruction will be provided by local IDNR instructors.
Certification: Receive your official IDNR Certificate of Competency.
FREE-But you must register so there are enough materials for all.
Note: Ages 12 - 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Anchoring Info Session
JPYC | 2:00 pm
Learn practical techniques for anchoring confidently in a variety of conditions for sail or power boats.
Members $10 | Non-members $20
Dave Perry: Tactics in Crowds
CYC | 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Dave will discuss the best tactics for when you are in a crowd of boats at mark roundings, in the middle, and at start and finish lines. If time allows, Dave will answer questions from the crowd.
Members: $50 | Non-Members: $60
Navionics Info Session
Jackson Park Yacht Club
6400 South Promontory Drive
Chicago, IL, 60649
10:00 am
Navigate the digital seas with our Navionics Class at JPYC. Join our off-the-water session to master electronic navigation tools, chart interpretation, and GPS integration. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned sailor, this class is your key to confident on-water precision. Secure your spot now and sail into a new era of navigational expertise!
Members $10 | Non-members $20
Strategies & Tactics on the Mac
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago, IL, 60613
9:00 am — 12:00 pm
Hear our panel of experienced and successful Mac racers discuss strategies, tactics, and equipment to help you have your best race this year. Featured speaker Blane Boynton will be focusing on installing and using an AIS transponder, as well as the benefits of adding Starlink to your arsenal. Have questions? Send them in advance along with your RSVP!
THE SEMINAR AND DONUTS ARE FREE!
RSVP to sfink26340@aol.com
End of the Year Party & Town Hall Meeting
ColYC | 6:00 pm
Join us at CASRA's annual Town Hall Meeting to discuss survey results, hear comments about the season, and discuss ideas for 2026. The Town Hall will be followed by the awards party with food, drink, and flags. But first, CASRA needs your input! Please complete our Survey and make sure to forward it to your crew as well. Everyone responding to the survey will receive a FREE DRINK at the End of Year Party.
Fall Closer
The last race of the season. Come out for buoy and nearshore distance courses to celebrate the last of the offshore races for 2025. Sailing is great in the fall with warm water, big air and the chance to pick up a win to top off the season. Your boat deserves an outing on the water. Winter will soon be upon Chicago so make the most of a great day.
Buoy, Distance (Nearshore)
3 Crib Fiasco
The 3 Crib Fiasco is a fun race where boats round 3 Chicago City water cribs in whatever direction skippers want. Blustery September winds and dodging boats rounding the course in the opposite direction are par for the course. Awards and a party are held at Columbia Yacht Club after racing.
Distance (Nearshore)
Polonia Cup
This single-day regatta has grown from a weekend party at Montrose Harbor thrown by the Polish Yacht Club to a full offshore event with nearshore distance and buoy racing. There will be a dinghy circle as well. This race always features a terrific party back at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and all racers are invited.
Buoy, Distance (Nearshore)
Michigan City to Chicago
Chicago’s yearly nighttime trek to St. Joe is a must-sail port-to-port race for all boats in southern Lake Michigan. The 50-mile race starts at dusk on a Friday in Chicago and ends the next day in St. Joe. Following racing on Saturday join the legendary party at St. Joseph River Yacht Club and other activities.
Distance (Port to Port)
St. Joe to Chicago
Jackson Park Yacht Club
6400 South Promontory Drive
Chicago, IL, 60649
Chicago’s yearly nighttime trek to St. Joe is a must-sail port-to-port race for all boats in southern Lake Michigan. The 50-mile race starts at dusk on a Friday in Chicago and ends the next day in St. Joe. Following racing on Saturday join the legendary party at St. Joseph River Yacht Club and other activities.
Distance (Port to Port)
ST JOE TO MICHIGAN CITY
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 South Linn White Drive
Chicago, IL, 60605
Chicago’s yearly nighttime trek to St. Joe is a must-sail port-to-port race for all boats in southern Lake Michigan. The 50-mile race starts at dusk on a Friday in Chicago and ends the next day in St. Joe. Following racing on Saturday join the legendary party at St. Joseph River Yacht Club and other activities.
Distance (Port to Port)
Chicago to St. Joe
Chicago’s yearly nighttime trek to St. Joe is a must-sail port-to-port race for all boats in southern Lake Michigan. The 50-mile race starts at dusk on a Friday in Chicago and ends the next day in St. Joe. Following racing on Saturday join the legendary party at St. Joseph River Yacht Club and other activities.
Distance (Port to Port)
Third Coast Cup — CANCELLED
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60613
Burnham Park Yacht Club
1500 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and Burnham Park Yacht Club combine to offer a weekend of port-to-port racing from Chicago up to Winthrop Harbor. Boats stay at Northpoint Marina with a party organized by the very friendly Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club. Close by are the Tropic Bar and on the south end of the marina visit Harbor Brewing Lakeshore. The racing is along the North Shore and the course is only 6 miles or so further than Waukegan.
WHYC is offering a pasta bar to racers for $30.00 per person. They would like people to register. Here is the link to their website. Click and go to the pasta bar registration:
Distance (Port-to-Port)
EVENT CANCELLED
100 Boats on a Beer Can
CHICAGO RACE WEEK
Tuesday night feeder races from the North and South harbors with a beer can in the middle as the fleets converge to celebrate and anticipate Wednesday night's roller coaster ride of the Summer! Its got a mass start; 100 boats all aiming for space on the course off the line; sheer fun! sheer terror! Great parties both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. This is the race you do not want to miss. A special thanks to Skyway Yacht Works for being a named sponsor for the 100 Boats on a Beercan this year! This year, we will be using Railmeets for registration and scoring of the event. We have decided to use Railmeets for this event as it allows us to better manage the different starting areas for the Tuesday feeder races and quickly combine the results for the main race on Wednesday. We have created a guide on how to register using Railmeets (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58121d166a4963a8ebff82c5/t/6683f451de61272abe0c1b97/1719923793806/100_BOATS_24_How_to_register.pdf) Even if you have used Railmeets before to register for a regatta, we encourage you to read over the howto guide as it has details to properly register and denote your requested assignments for the Tuesday and Wednesday races. More information and registration links are available at https://chicagosailracing.org/100-boats-on-a-beer-can
Buoy, Distance (nearshore)