July 4th Celebration
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Waukegan Yacht Club & WYCYF Present: The July 4th Celebration!

Don’t miss Waukegan Yacht Club’s Independence Day Celebration. This year, our July 4 schedule in Waukegan Harbor is packed with events and family friendly activities. Bring your chairs, yard games, and sunscreen for a full day of fun and then stay to watch the Fireworks from the best seat in Waukegan! 

JuniorSAIL FIRECRACKER Regatta

AdventureSAIL, Race, KinderSAIL, Instructor & Alumni Divisions
FREE to all Students & Alumni
Judges take “bribes” from all others (aka 501(c)(3) Donations)
(Sponsored by WYCYF Junior Sail)
12:30—4:00 PM
(Check-in at 12:00)

• • •

Koops’ Freedom KUP RC Regatta

DF-65 Radio Controlled Sail Racing Regatta
$20 Entry Fee
(Sponsored by Koops’ Mustard)
4:30—6:00 PM
(4:00 Practice Race)

• • •

Give RC a Try!

Kids! You know you want to try driving those
awesome RC boats…here’s your first chance.
Ask lots of questions, take turns, and give it a try!
6:00 PM—until everyone gets a turn

• • •

WYC BBQ Dinner

WYC Members and Guests enjoy Premium BBQ
from Waukegan’s own Big Eds!
WYCYF Junior Sail Families are all Guests of WYC on July 4!
6:30—9:00 PM
(Reservations Required)

Click HERE for Reservations

July 4th sponsors
July 4th sponsors
framed boat photos
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Members’ Wall of Fame

For years, the Waukegan Yacht Club has displayed photos of members boats on the walls of the bar inside the club. Unfortunately, many of the photos hanging on the walls today are of boats of members that are no longer part of the club. The WYC Sail Committee has decided that the photo wall should be updated with photos of the boats of current members. 

All members in good standing are invited to submit a framed 8″ X 10″ photo of their boat to be hung within the club for 2021. We will have one wall dedicated to members who participate in our weekly races and the photos will be displayed each week in the order of that week’s race results. Each week after the race on Wednesday we will have an impromptu ceremony at the club to honor that week’s winners and set their photos in the proper order. All racers are encouraged to attend and participate.
 
Framed photo of member boat
Submit a photo of your boat to hang on the wall of Waukegan Yacht Club


Another wall will display photos of all other members’ boats. Photos can be of sail or power boats and may include your skipper and crew. Photos may include name plaques identifying the boat or skipper’s name. 

The first WYC race is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21. This will be a practice race and not count toward flags or awards. All racers are encouraged to participate to get their boats and crews into shape for the upcoming season. The club is also planning a Fish Fry for April 23. You may bring your photos on either dates or anytime afterward, whenever the club is open. 
 
framed boat photos
Frames should be plain black or brown and no more than 1″ in width on all four sides.


We hope that all members submit photos for our “Wall of Fame”! If your photo does not have a plaque identifying the boat or owner, please identify your photo in another way so we know who it belongs to.
 
Please make sure all frames are plain black or brown and no more than 1″ in width on all four sides. The maximum dimensions of any framed photo should be no more than 12″ x 13″. At this time we’d like to hang photo only in portrait mode. 

Chicago-Waukegan Commemorative T-shirt
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Buy your 2021 Chicago-Waukegan Race T-shirt now

The commemorative t-shirt for the 2021 Chicago-Waukegan Race is now available for pre-order. This year’s shirt features an original design that honors this historic sailboat race. Over 60 sailboats are participating in this year’s race at this writing and the names of the racing boats are featured on the back of the shirt.

Order your shirt(s) today to be guaranteed delivery on Saturday, June 19. Shirts ordered before the race, will be available for pickup at the club after the race. Only a limited number are being made. Don’t miss your chance to capture a bit of history.

Click here to order a shirt now

2021 Chicago Waukegan Racers docking at the club
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Chicago-Waukegan Race Amazing Success

Ninety-eight racers participated in the 88th Annual Chicago-Waukegan Race in 2021. After being cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic it seemed that everyone was ready to get out and have a good time. The weather cooperated, too. The original forecast was for light winds from the north. That would have created a slow slog to the north over the 25.5 miles to Waukegan.

Fortunately, the wind did not read the forecast. Saturday morning the wind swung around to the west and built to 10-15 knots by start time at 0900. As the boats crossed the line the wind was gusting periodically over 20 knots. Boats were hitting hull speed and more with just jib and main. A few boats launched their asymmetrical spinnakers.

It looked like this year’s race could be a record breaker. By 1230 the first racers were crossing the finish line and headed into the north harbor to dock by the club. 

 

 

WYC Ice Maker
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We did it! Thanks to all who donated!

Dear WYC members and friends.

Thanks you all for your generous donations. In less than 24 hours we raised enough money to purchase a new ice machine. We now have all of the equipment at the moment to make sure all of our future events are held with the level of service you would expect from us.

We have been working tirelessly to make sure the Chicago-Waukegan race is the type of event that you should expect from the club. All members and friends of WYC should come out and volunteer during the race.

We look forward to spending the summer with you all.

Open for Drinks and Dinner

As you’re aware we are open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. The new menu is getting excellent reviews and service is fast. Bring a friend or the entire family down, try it out. 

We still need your help on the following items:

  1. Come eat and drink at the club. We have the best view in Waukegan. The club looks fantastic.
  2. We need more staff – do you know anyone – send them to Bo Haroer. Better yet, come volunteer on a couple nights

Look for our upcoming events

Save the dates and come join us for these upcoming events.

  • July 4th fireworks party and fundraiser for members and guests
  • June 19 the Chicago to Waukegan Race is back on.
  • August 14 the new Waukegan to Milwaukee race the Milwaukegan! Thanks to Rolf Wagner, Howard and Bill LaVanne for spearheading the planning.

Let’s make 2021 a year to remember!

WYC is open! Come out to support the club

Waukegan Yacht Club is back in business. The bar and kitchen will be open Wednesday. Thursday and Friday from 4pm-9:30pm. We ask all members to turn out to support the club. 

Chicago Waukegan Race

Racers docked and rafted out from the club dock.
Chicago-Waukegan Racers docked and rafted out from the club dock.

We need help for the Chicago Waukegan Race, June 19-20. This is WYC’s #1 fundraiser for the year. We need to make sure it goes successfully. We need people to sell tickets, serve food and help out throughout the club and dock. Please send your name and contact info to social @waukeganyachtclub.com and how you’d like to help. 

sailboats preparing to start a race
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First WYC Cruise set for Montrose Harbor, Saturday, May 29

Plans for the first 2021 WYC Cruise to Muskegon had to be modified due to the latest bout of inclement weather. Winds that swung around to the north on Wednesday, May 26, have not relented. At first the Cruise Committee targeted New Buffalo as an alternate destination, but the strength of the wind and wave conditions scrapped that idea too. The goal of the Cruise Committee is to have fun cruising. It’s one thing to get hit with bad wind and waves when you are already out in the lake, it’s another thing to run out willingly into it. So, the best option for this weekend is Montrose Harbor in Chicago.

Montrose - Chicago Harbors

The winds and waves are suppose to ease by noon Saturday. Boats are planning to leave Waukegan before that time. Winds are predicted to be around 20 knots. That seems like a lot except that the course to Montrose is due south, with the winds. WYC raced up to Racine last year in stronger winds and everyone had a great time. 

logos for the Corinthian and Waukegan | Joseph Conrad Yacht Clubs
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club is open for dinner and cocktails.

Cruisers have already made reservations for the harbor using the service Dockwa. Rates are charged at $2.25 a foot. You can also obtain electrical connections and water. Toilet and showers are included in the price. The facilities in Montrose modern and up-to-date. Dining is available at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club (CCYC) and nearby in the Uptown, Lake View and Edgewater neighborhoods of Chicago. 

Come join the fun! Cruise with WYC!

 

Sailboat racing
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Off Shore Race #2: Waukegan to Zion

Saturday, May 22, Waukegan Yacht Club will hold Off Shore Race #2 from Waukegan to Zion. All racers are invited. You do not have to be a member to race. 

Starting Line

WYC race starting line
WYC race starting line when no committee boat is on station.

The starting line for the Zion race will be a line between the Committee Boat and Waukegan Green Bell Buoy #3. First Warning is 1055. Starting time is 1100 for all boats. 

No Committee Boat

On any race when no committee boat is present the racers will assign an official starter among themselves. The starter will establish and announce the official race time. That time will pertain to the start and finish times. Please adjust your timepieces accordingly to conform to the official time during the race. 

When no committee boat is present, the starting line will be an imaginary line between the Green Waukegan Lighthouse and Green Bell Buoy #3. After the first warning, 

Restrictions

Spinnakers are not permitted prior to the race start. If appropriate, you may launch spinnakers after crossing the starting line when it is safe to do so. 

Course

Racers will proceed north to Zion to make the finish line in a safe and appropriate manner. 

Finish Line

Zion finish mark
Waukegan-Zion Race finish line.

The Finish Line is a imaginary line 090º T extending no more than 600 feet east from the Zion intake marker. Boats finish when any part of the boat or sails cross this line. Mark your time and the names of the boats ahead and behind and report to Sail @waukeganyachtclub.com. Although there is no exclusionary zone at Zion any more, racers are asked to stay east of the Zion intake marker until after you finish. Once you finish you are free to operate in any manner as appropriate.

Zion Intake Marker

The Zion intake has been given a facelift with a completely new light and day markers. The intake marker is a steel pole and all boaters should stay well clear of it. Depths are charted between 10-12 feet west of the intake. 

Passing Zion marker during Winthrop race
Passing Zion marker
First WYC race 2021
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WYC May races and cruises heating up Waukegan

Race #3 Wednesday, May 19th

Section 3 First Warning: 1840, Start: 1845
Sections 1 & 2 First Warning: 1845, Start: 18:50

May be 2 marks for different sections

Off Shore Race #2 – Waukegan to Zion,
Saturday, May 22nd

The WYC Off Shore Race #2 is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd. The Race is from Waukegan Bell Buoy #3 to the Zion marker and starts at 1100. See the 2021 WYC Sailing Instructions linked below for more details.

Passing Zion marker during Winthrop race
Passing Zion marker during Winthrop race

Do you need crew? Do you want to crew? Send your contact info and interest to: 
Sail @ waukeganyachtclub.com
We will connect crew with boats!

Click to see full Race schedule

All racers are invited!

Click to Register for WYC Racing

You don’t have to be a
WYC member to race!

Click to WYC Racing Instructions

Cruise to Muskegon starts in 10 Days!

Cruise to Muskegon

WYC Cruisers! it is getting close to our departure for Muskegon, MI and Muskegon Yacht Club (MYC). We will be calling them soon about transient slips and costs. If you are planning on joining us on this cruise send an email to cruise@waukeganyachtclub.com so we can make arrangements. Click here to see more Muskegon info.

Alternate Destination

We are watching the weather and hope the winds are in our favor for the trip. If weather is totally adverse to make Muskegon, we may change the destination port on short notice.

Lucille Marie takes first place on Winthrop Race
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Off-Shore Race/Cruise wonderful day on the water!

“Don’t ever believe the weather reports,” is one of Jim Maivald’s favorite aphorism, especially when it come to sailing. “You can’t know what the weather is until you get to the harbor.”

If you believed the weather report for Saturday, May 8th, you would have thought there would be no wind and a long boring race to Winthrop harbor. But, you would have been wrong. The wind was blowing lightly from the northeast at 10am and kept building until start time. At 1100. the wind was at 4-6 knots from ENE. 

Sails call crew on Winthrop Race
Sails call crew on Winthrop Race trims sails.

The WYC Committee Boat was already on station by 1030 waiting for the fleet of racers. Unfortunately, it was a poor turnout for our first WYC Off-Shore race. Only three WYC racers appeared on the line. The first warning went off promptly at 1055. At 1100, the cannon sounded and the racers were off!

As we raced north the sun broke out of the overcast and the rest of the race was in bright sunshine that belied the chilly temperature. We passed east of the new Zion intake marker at over 5 knots.

Passing Zion marker during Winthrop race
Passing Zion marker during Winthrop race

Winds filled in nicely and we had nearly a record run to Winthrop. The first boat crossed the finish line at 12:32:52 for an average speed of over 4.9 knots.

Winthrop race finish line
Winthrop race finish line

The racers opened the patio at The Tropics restaurant in the Northpoint marina and had a great lunch before heading back. The sail back was just as fun but not as sunny.

Sunny skies replaced by overcast
The sunny skies were replaced by overcast.

Don’t miss our next Off-Shore Race, May 22 from Waukegan to Zion and back!

Click here to see the entire WYC Racing schedule

WYCYF Fundraiser location
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WYCYF Junior Sail Waterfront Tailgate

Welcome Family, Friends, and Alumni of WYC Junior Sail! Join WYCYF for this event filled with energy and anticipation of summer winds on Lake Michigan!

The Waterfront Tailgate is their kick-off fundraising event for the summer of 2021. Pack up your coolers and deck chairs for some tailgating fun on the lakefront. Bring your own food or preorder PIZZAS for pick up at the event.

Join us for this great new fundraising event to support WYCYF Junior Sailing! Waukegan Yacht Club Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations made at the event may be deductible and documentation will be available during the event or you may choose to have it emailed after for your tax purposes.

Poor weather/rain date is May 2. Announcements will be made via email by 9 AM on May 1 if the rain date is necessary

Click here to Register

WYC Cruise schedule set for 2021

Below you will find the cruising schedule for the Waukegan Yacht Club Cruisers. All boaters are welcome to join us, motor and sail. 

Cruisers assemble at dawn at St Joseph River Yacht Club
Cruisers assemble at dawn at St Joseph River Yacht Club
  • Winthrop, IL – May 8. Practice Cruise. We will cruise up to the harbor and have lunch and then return. You welcome to stay the night and return the next day.
  • Muskegon, MI – Memorial Day Weekend. Leave on Friday, return on Monday or Sunday, depending on wind and weather.
  • Chicago, IL – (Montrose, Belmont or Monroe)  June 26. We will pick the final destination closer to the date. 
  • St Joe, MI – July 24 (Alternate: New Buffalo). Final destination will be designated closer to the departure date. 
  • Milwaukee, WI – Aug 14. WYC is working on a new port-to-port race which will have a cruising division. 
  • Racine, WI. – Sept 18. This is a long time traditional race. Racers and Cruisers are welcome to participate. 
  • Kenosha, WI – Sept 25. This is part of our traditional Last Race, Race. Racers and Cruisers are welcome to participate.

The WYC Cruisers are dedicated to cruising and will pick nearby destinations from time to time for impromptu cruises. Join our mailing list if you’d like to be added to our mailing list to be notified of upcoming cruises.  

For scheduled cruises you are welcome to reserve a pier or other accommodation at the destination harbor. Most reservations can be cancelled up to the same day as arrival. 

If you do not have a boat, let us know you are interested in joining the cruise as crew! We will pair you up with a boat. 

Please join us for all our cruises!

Click here to join our mailing list

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