Your Home On the Water

Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Home to a winning America's Cup skipper, Olympic medalists, and outstanding boaters of all types, the Club welcomes members from ages 4 to 100 who share a passion for being on the water. When you join, you’re invited to connect with fellow power and sail boaters, take lessons at our nationally recognized Sailing School for adults and juniors, volunteer on a committee, and enjoy vibrant social activities on and off the water.

No Boat? No Problem!

At Chicago Yacht Club, owning a boat is not a requirement. Nearly 40% of our members don’t own boats, but that doesn’t stop them from experiencing all the Club has to offer. Our fleet of over 150 boats, including kayaks and paddle boards, is available for members to rent, ensuring easy access to the waterfront. Whether you’re paddling, sailing, or just enjoying the view, Chicago Yacht Club makes it simple to embrace life on the water.

BELMONT STATION

WELCOME

We are very excited to introduce you to Chicago Yacht Club. Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world.

Our membership is a community of individuals and families who are connected by a passion for the boating life. Now more than ever, we value connection, a sense of community, and a safe place to enjoy our love for the water.

Our members want to share this community with others who love the water. We invite you to experience Chicago Yacht Club and join us in celebrating our 150th Anniversary!

CHARLES E. ANDERSON COMMODORE

MEMBER BENEFITS

On the Water

■ Enjoy five hours of complimentary docking at Belmont and Monroe Stations

■ The Season Recreational Pass grants unlimited member access to sonar sailboats, paddle boards and kayaks

■ Host to dozens of annual regattas including Race to Mackinac and Verve Cup

■ Cruises around the Great Lakes hosted by our Power Fleet and Cruising Sail Fleet

■ Casual racing, match racing and women's sailing

■ Youth and adult boating programs with opportunities to earn U.S. Sailing certifications

Beyond the Water

■ Exceptional indoor and outdoor dining with lakefront views at both stations

■ Reciprocity with 700+ yacht clubs worldwide

■ Social events for all ages year-round

■ Expand your boating safety knowledge through our annual Nautical Education Series

■ Complimentary and convenient member-only parking at both stations

■ Meeting and banquet facilities available for member rental and sponsored guests

Purpose & Passion

■ More than 40 committees to get involved with

■ Community service opportunities through charity cruises and Sea Scouts

■ Host of Chicago Regatta that raised over $75,000 in 2024 for Chicago-area charities

■ Give back through the CYC Foundation

OUR COMMUNITY

CYC’s WOW program has allowed me to build friendships with other likedminded professional women as I continue to improve my sailing skills. Learning to sail and race as a middleaged woman is not easy. WOW is for women, taught by women, and a gift to the city of Chicago.

Denise Ashurst Member since 2018

I fell in love with CYC from the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful Monroe patio. There's no other outdoor space like it in the city. It's the perfect place to enjoy Chicago summers. The staff are very personable and Members are diverse and successful in their professions, making the Club a great place to network. There's also a full slate of social events if you're just looking to unwind and make new friends. Joining has been one of the best decisions I've made since moving to Chicago.

Patrick Colucci Member since 2021

My favorite thing about being a Club Member is having a "home away from home" on the lakefront. With a boat in Belmont Harbor, we practically move over to the Club's Belmont Station every summer. It's so nice to have a place to shower and change, escape the heat, enjoy food and drinks, and socialize!

Diane Foote Member since 2013

Through CYC I was able to build wonderful friendships, meet my wife, Whitney, while I was racing, and we were married at Monroe Station. The Club has been an intricate part of my life, and we have enjoyed all the Club has to offer: racing, sonar and paddle board rentals, waterfront dining, camaraderie among fellow sailors, excellent year-round events and lifelong friendships.

Ted Towey Member since 2007

COMMITTEES

Chicago Yacht Club is driven by member volunteers. With almost 40 committees, there is a committee for almost any interest or skill. Joining a committee is a great way to get involved and meet new people. Here is a snapshot of our committees:

ADMISSIONS

FINANCE

OFFSHORE FLEET

ASSOCIATES

HISTORY

POWER FLEET

COMMUNICATIONS

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES

RACE

CRUISING SAIL FLEET

MEMBERSHIP

RACING YACHT FLEET

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

NAUTICAL EDUCATION

WOMEN'S

AFFINITY GROUPS

CYCling

Our CYCling Club is a great way for new or seasoned cyclists to get together and explore the city. Members meet at one of our locations and bike together on a predetermined route. No prior experience is needed to join.

Wine

Indulge your palate with our Wine Club’s curated tastings and dinners. Connect with others who share your love for fine wines while exploring different vintages and pairings in a relaxed setting.

Chess

Sharpen your strategy or just have fun with fellow enthusiasts at our Chess Club. From casual chess matches to a variety of classic board games, this group is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a little friendly competition.

Cigar

Unwind and connect at our monthly Cigar Club gatherings, where members enjoy premium cigars and camaraderie. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious, this group offers a warm and inviting space to relax.

The Water is Calling

Some of the best views of Chicago’s skyline are from the water, and Chicago Yacht Club offers countless ways to enjoy them. Our fleet of sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, and paddle boards makes it easy for members to explore Lake Michigan and connect with the city’s stunning waterfront. Members can get involved with our Club Fleets to connect with other members who share your same boating interests.

Nationally Recognized

We are a leader in sailing education, with one of the largest junior sailing programs in the nation. Each year, about 300 young boaters train at our Belmont Station, which also hosts our adult sailing programs. Our On-theWater Team offers opportunities for all ages to learn the parts of a boat, sailing terminology, and crew positions, helping everyone feel confident on the water.

CLUB FLEETS

Power Fleet

The Power Fleet consists of everything from small cruisers to brand new mega yachts. The fleet is active with charity events, long-distance cruises and cruises closer to home, Cruiser Navigation Rallies, and more.

Racing Fleet

Chicago Yacht Club’s Racing Yacht Fleets race out of Belmont Harbor most Saturdays during the season. The Racing Yacht Fleet is composed of One-Design classes and offers some of the best, and most fun, racing in the Midwest.

Cruising Fleet

The Cruising Sail Fleet is a fleet of cruising sailors that stays active all year on and off the water with events such as: weekend cruises, educational seminars, dock parties, navigational races and off-season social events.

Offshore Fleet

The Offshore Fleet comprises larger keelboats and is focused on the excitement of racing several miles offshore in different formats, from multi-day regattas, buoy and 30+ mile distance races, to Wednesday night Skyline racing.

SAILING PROGRAMS

Women on the Water

Women on the Water (WOW) consists of six weeks of casual, social sailing on Friday evenings. Led by the On-the-Water staff, you will get time on the water and an evening back at Belmont Station for socializing and fun!

Youth Sailing

For more than 90 years, the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School has been a leader in teaching children of all skill levels how to sail. Our wide range of courses provide young sailors with the skills and confidence to enjoy sailing.

Learn to Sail

Our On-the-Water Team has opportunities for all experience levels. We teach students the different parts of a boat, sailing terminology, and offer the opportunity to try out the different crew positions on one of our easy to sail Sonars.

Crew U

Crew U transforms novices into able members of the racing community. This seven-week class from May to June is led by CYC Members who offer their boats and wisdom to help you get the skills you need to crew on a boat.

ANNUAL REGATTAS

JUNE | 3 DAYS

150+ BOATS

14 ONE-DESIGN CLASSES

AUGUST | 2 WEEKENDS

160+ BOATS

30+ YEARS RUNNING

JULY | 333 MILES

300+ BOATS

36+ HOURS TO FINISH

SEPTEMBER | 1 DAY 4 DIFFERENT RACES

$75,000 RAISED IN 2024

RENTALS

Belmont Station KAYAKS

PADDLE BOARDS

GAS POWERBOAT

SAILBOATS / SONARS

Monroe Station

KAYAKS

PADDLE BOARDS

GAS POWERBOAT

Dining at its Best

Located on the city's shoreline, Monroe Station and Belmont Station offer a la carte indoor and outdoor dining with unrivaled views of Lake Michigan. Chef Larry, Monroe, and Chef Junior, Belmont, have curated delicious menus featuring fresh, local ingredients.

For the Whole Family

Come to Monroe Station for upscale dining perfect for business lunches or specialty dinners. Head into the Mackinac Bar for a quick lunch or dinner with friends and catch a game on TV. Visit Belmont Station for a family-friendly meal or enjoy the famous Belmont Buffets.