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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
Belmont Station
Are you concerned about man overboard recovery and avoidance, handling heavy weather, choosing and using safety gear, or how to avoid and treat seasickness? If so, this US Sailing Certified Safety at Sea Seminar is for you. Learn about emergency signals and communications, including pyrotechnics and Mayday calls.
JPYC | 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Day 1 / Session 1 In-person classroom course
Day 2 / Session 2 Hands-on practical course
More details and registration form available here.
CYC | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for a discussion with Peter Gibbons-Neff and his partner and shore support, Jane, about his experience solo racing a 21-foot boat across the Atlantic in the Mini-Transat.
6:30 pm
Join us for an insightful evening with Eric Lenning, the Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service in Chicago. With over 25 years of experience, Eric will share his expertise on marine weather and preparedness, providing valuable insights for those navigating on the water. He will discuss the critical weather patterns that affect our local waters, offer tips for safety and preparedness, and explain how forecasts are developed to protect lives and property.
Eric brings a wealth of experience to this discussion, having served in various leadership roles at the NWS, including overseeing forecast operations and coordinating research efforts. His impressive credentials include a Bachelor's in Atmospheric Science, a Master's in Meteorology, and a Master's in Computer Science.
This Women on the Water Chat is open to the public. Non-JPYC members are welcome to join for a $10 fee.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in weather forecasting and marine preparedness!
To RSVP, please visit: Women on the Water Chat - Marine Weather & Preparedness
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ensure you’re ready to act in an emergency by joining Coach Joy for a comprehensive CPR/AED and First Aid certification course! This hands-on course is designed to equip you with essential life-saving skills for adults, children, and infants, giving you the confidence to respond when it matters most. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn an American Safety & Health Institute (A.S.H.I.) Certification Card.
To receive certification, participants must demonstrate proficiency in practical skills and achieve an 80% score or higher on the written exam.
Plus, attendees will have the chance to win an AED and First Aid Kit for their boat!
Instructor: Coach Joy (Certified and JPYC Club Member)
Cost: $65 for Members, $85 for Non-Members
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Included in the cost:
Face Shield • Safety Gloves • First Aid Materials • Certification Card
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to gain life-saving skills and a recognized certification. Register Now, as spots are very limited!
CCYC | 9 am-Noon
Seth Morrell, coach and winning sailor, and a panel of fast skippers will lead us through answers to common problems with getting boats around the race course faster than everyone else. We have topics up our sleeves, but this is about what you want to hear. RSVP with your doughnut order and a question that’s been bothering you. The seminar is free. Join us in person or on Zoom.
We are providing free coffee and breakfast treats! (Zoomers are on their own).
RSVP AND SEND QUESTIONS TO: sfink26340@aol.com
Meeting ID: 875 3316 4899
Passcode: 935878
CCYC | 9 am-Noon
The Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and Chicago Tartan Ten Fleet 2 present Winter Seminar #2. Hear Ted Jones review the Rules of Racing- this year's amendments and how to use the RRS to get around the course. Free coffee and doughnuts. Everyone is welcome to this free event- invite your crew.
No registration required.
Youth 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Adult 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The Nautical Education Committee presents The Rules from Start to Finish with special guest Dave Perry. Dave goes around the racecourse highlighting the most important rules sailors need to know in order to play the game well. Dave discusses the rules and tactics in each situation with a look to how to maximize confidence and winning tactics with an increased rules knowledge and includes spectacular video of many of the tactical situations he discusses. These talks are particularly useful for crews to help them understand better what will happen next and what information the skipper needs to know.
CCYC | 9:00am - 12:00pm
The Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club Offshore Fleet and Chicago Tartan Ten Fleet 2 are presenting their first of-the-season seminar on Instrumentation. Hear Achillefs Koukas, owner of Chicago Marine Electronics, and Ryan Higgs of Chicago Marine Rigging speak about what to buy for the racing sailboat, how to network, and what works best. There will also be some comment about Marine Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. Your questions answered about upgrading your gizmos. The event is free! Free Coffee and doughnuts, as usual, and everyone is invited- any club, any boat, anywhere.
Also available by Zoom
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Our next Educational Series seminar explains NOAA’s new Custom Chart Maker. The traditional paper charts we grew up with will no longer be updated and will be fully retired from publication by 2025. They are being replaced by electronic charts.
However, if you would still like updated paper copies, you can use NOAA’s new Custom Chart tool to make custom charts that can be printed by commercial printers.
Learn more about this useful new tool and how commercial and recreational boaters are managing the transition.
The seminar is presented by Gary and Shelley Markle from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Reservations: reservations@bpyc.com or call 312-427-4664
Please mention this seminar when you make a reservation to receive a parking code.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jackson Park Yacht Club will be hosting the 5th annual City-Wide Mixer at the Weather Mark Tavern on April 20th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Our goal is to connect women boaters and share information about upcoming summer events or activities and build camaraderie on and off the water. Open to those who identify as women on the water, sailing, sail racing, boating, kayaking, and more!
No registration required, email any questions to wow@jacksonparkyachtclub.org.
7:00 - 9:00 pm
It is essential that you have an emergency communication plan for your boat. The health of you, your family, and your guests may depend on appropriate actions being taken in a timely manner.
Learn ….
· Who to call
· How to call them
· What to say
· When to activate your DSC
This is an important topic for both skippers and crew. Sign up now for an important seminar that could save your life.
Reservations: reservations@bpyc.com or call 312-427-4664
Please mention this seminar when you make a reservation to receive a parking code.
12 - 5 pm
This is a hands on class, be prepared to move! After successful completion of the class, participants will earn their AHA CPR card and First Aid certification. It will fulfill requirements for US Sailing and Captain's License renewal. Class consists of book work, and hands-on demonstrations of skills learned. This class is limited to 12 students at a time. Please come prepared with a writing instrument, something to take notes on; loose clothing recommended.
10 am - 2 pm
Learn how to unleash your competitive spirit on the water! Join our racing class at the JPYC, where you'll learn about racing essentials, refine your sailing skills, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. Sign up now for a high-seas adventure of knowledge!
6:30 - 9 pm
Thinking about doing the Race to Mackinac in 2024? This is your chance to have all your questions answered about this bucket-list event!
2 - 6 pm @ North Sails Loft
Join us to swap stories and discuss the upcoming season after you've visited Yachtapalooza. All are welcome! Beer, hard sodas, soft drinks & snacks will be provided.
No RSVP required
6:30 pm | Monroe Station
The Nautical Education Committee presents a film screening of Melges: The Wizard of Zenda followed by a live Q&A with the film's producer.
Price: Members: $30 / Non-members: $35
Dress Code: Casual
CCYC | 9 am-Noon
CCYC | 9 am-Noon
See you this coming Saturday at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, for Winter Seminar #3. Kristian Martincic will talk standing and running rigging, sheets, shackles, and blocks. Kristian wants to tailor this discussion to what you want to hear. An extra doughnut if you send me your questions prior to the seminar. You may email questions to me before the seminar so we can tailor the presentation.
AT THE CLUB: free coffee and doughnuts, all welcome
AT HOME: you’re on your own for food
RSVP and questions sfink26340@aol.com
We’d love to see you in person, however, should Zoom be convenient here is the link:
Meeting ID: 859 2159 2248
Passcode: 081690
CYC (Monroe) | 11 am - 1 pm
The Interclub Competition Committee invites all members and non-members to a free, educational series on adult team racing. The series will consist of four chalk talks.
This third talk will introduce 3v3 team racing that is common in adult team racing. We will show videos of team race maneuvers and discuss how to win a 3v3 race.
Sailors of all levels are invited to attend. The series is to be hosted by Bridget Groble, Will Curtiss, and Jack Elkin.
Dress Code: Casual
11 am -1 pm
The Chicago Yacht Club's Mac Committee and US Sailing are hosting a seminar on ORC ratings. Learn how the rating formula works and how to make sure your rating is as accurate as possible.
CCYC | 9 am-Noon
RULES. There are no roads, traffic signals, or land markers out on the water. Our RRS review session keeps racers' eyes on tactics around the race course. Expert, Ted Jones, will guide you through the Rulebook. Bring your questions about your encounters on the water and brush up on what to do in the Protest Room. Everyone is welcome- any boat, any fleet, skippers, and crew.
RSVP: sfink26340@aol.com
Click here for Zoom link >
Meeting ID: 816 9607 6376
Passcode: 300549
CYC (Monroe) | 5 - 6 pm
The Interclub Competition Committee invites all members and non-members to a free, educational series on adult team racing. The series will consist of four chalk-talks. This second talk will introduce 2v2 team racing that is common in adult team racing. We will show videos of team race maneuvers and discuss how to win a 2v2 race. Sailors of all levels are invited to attend. The series is to be hosted by Bridget Groble, Will Curtiss, and Jack Elkin. Stay after the event to join the Associates Committee for a whiskey tasting in the tent!
1:30 - 4:30 pm
The Nautical Education Committee presents The Rules from Start to Finish with special guest Dave Perry. Dave goes around the racecourse highlighting the most important rules sailors need to know in order to play the game well. Dave discusses the rules and tactics in each situation with a look to how to maximize confidence and winning tactics with an increased rules knowledge and includes spectacular video of many of the tactical situations he discusses. These talks are particularly useful for crews to help them understand better what will happen next and what information the skipper needs to know.
Price $45
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Burnham Park Yacht Club is hosting a presentation on “Cold Water Survival.” Lake Michigan is a notoriously cold body of water that claims the lives of several people every year from exposure. There are ways to improve your chance of survival if you fall into the water and proven methods to care for people suffering from hypothermia – skills every boater should know.
The presentation is on January 19, at 7 PM at Burnham Park Yacht Club 1500 Linn White Drive, Chicago. Food and drinks will be available.
Please make reservations with the Burnham Park Yacht Club Office (312-427-4664). A code for the parking lot will be provided.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Don Waller at (312) 446-5386.
CCYC | 9 am - Noon
There will be 2 sessions making up our 3-hour seminar. One session will be a discussion of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac's requirement, starting this year, that competitors carry AIS send and receive. What products are available? What modifications to your boat may be necessary? Learn from the experts.
The other session will consist of a talk by a weather forecaster from NWS Chicago. Let's talk about weather for racers in Chicago and how you can make your own predictions.
As usual, free coffee and doughnuts. Plenty of free street parking.
Email Steven Fink to Register: sfink26340@aol.com
CYC (Monroe) | 11 am - 1 pm
Chicago Yacht Club and the Race To Mackinac Committee will be hosting a hands-on Safety Gear demonstration and inspection with Crowleys Yacht Yard on January 13th, 11 am at Monroe Station. We will be inspecting life jackets, inflating a MOM8, and reviewing other important safety gear. Crowleys will have rearming kits and other gear on sale as well. Come and get your life jacket ready for the 2024 sailing season!
This event is FREE and open to the public.
