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Chicago Yacht Club

Stories from the Chicago Yacht Club

400 East Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603-6403 (312) 861-7777

Website: www.chicagoyachtclub.org

Organized in 1875 in the City of Chicago as an association of 37 yachtsmen, the Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest clubs in the United States. Known for their committment to promoting the sport of sailing, the club is host to the venerable Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. CYC is also a leader in teaching children and adults to sail, having provided sailing lessons for over 85 years.

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB  BECOMES NSHOF FOUNDING MEMBER

From the commodore:.

“The Chicago Yacht Club membership is proud to become a founding member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Since 1875 our Club has embraced an aggressive racing program, which today includes an average of 100 regattas annually. From our very active junior sailing program to our signature regatta - the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac - our focus is on supporting and growing the sport of sailing. We could not be more pleased to support the Hall of Fame in its effort to honor the achievements of American sailors.”

Joseph S. Haas, Commodore

In 1898 the club hosted the first Chicago-Mackinac Race as an informal contest between five boats. William Cameron's 64' fin-keel sloop Vanenna one the race with a time of 51 hours. The 289.4 nautical mile race is now one of the oldest annual freshwater distance races in the world, with more than 355 boats entered and approximately 3,500 crew participating.

Racers who compete in 25 Mackinac Races are invited to join the exclusive "Island Goats Sailing Society," originally named for the sailors' appearance, aroma and behavior upon reaching Mackinac Island.

A dynamic web version of this timeline is available by clicking here.

1875 The Chicago Yacht Club was organized at the Sherman House in the City of Chicago on the evening of August 7, 1875 as an association with a membership of 37 men. The first officers were John Prindiville (pictured),Commodore; T.M. Bradley, Vice Commodore; William F. Higgie, Rear Commodore; C.E. Kremer, Secretary; and F.W.S. Brawley, Treasurer. The first year book for the season of 1875-76 lists the names of the fifty charter members. The initiation fee was $5 and the annual dues $4, payable semi-annually.

1882 On January 9, 1882, the Club was issued its Certificate of Incorporation under the laws of Illinois. As the Certificate stated, the formation of Chicago Yacht Club was to encourage and promote the sport of yacht sailing and building.

1900 In 1900 with membership numbering 125 and a fleet of 28 yachts, the club obtained the Argo Clubhouse, a 35 x 55 foot boathouse located at the end of the Illinois Central pier #3 at the foot of Randolph Street. It had been the former home of a group of yachtsmen called the Argonauts- a small group of socially oriented yachtsmen. Their yacht, the Argo, had been used in 1893 to carry their guests to the World’s Columbian Exposition held where Jackson Park harbor is today.

1902 A new clubhouse, initiated by Commodore George Warrington, at the foot of Monroe Street, on pilings in the lake, was formally opened on June 28, 1902.

1911 Commodore Baum’s Amorita establishes elapsed time record for the Mackinac race which stood for 76 years.

1920 Chicago Yacht Club and the Lincoln Park Yacht Club combined.

1923 In 1923, the barge and clubhouse at Belmont Harbor replaces the lumber schooner Carrier that had served as the Lincoln Park Yacht Club clubhouse since 1915. Carrier, a 177-ton canaler, was built in Michigan in 1865. In 1923, she sank off Evanston while being towed to Waukegan. Her large wheel has been preserved at the Belmont Station and a mural shows Carrier when she was our Club ship. Our race committee crafts have all been named Carrier in her honor.

1925 Monroe St. Clubhouse moved to the present site to make room for the outer drive's construction.

1930 The depression of the 1930’s put an end to the elaborate plans for the $3,000,000 eight story clubhouse at Chicago Harbor.

1935 The second Chicago Harbor Clubhouse, which had been a display called "The House of Tomorrow" at the Century of Progress Exhibition, was moved to the site in 1935 as a temporary building.

1955 Construction of the first section of the present Monroe St. Clubhouse

1975 1975 marked the celebration of the Club’s 100 year Anniversary and a new high in activity for the Club. Countless hours of effort by hundreds of loyal members went into the celebration. Recognition flowed from many sources including Illinois Governor Walker, Chicago Mayor Daley and President Gerald Ford. The latter two even enjoyed dinner at the Chicago Yacht Club.

1985 Chicago Yacht Club participates in sponsorship of Heart of America of America’s Cup.

1992 Chicago Yacht Club Foundation was founded by then-Commodore Joseph Wright, Jr., Kurt Stocker, and Dick Wharton. A member can now give something back to the community while supporting the Club’s nautical educational activities.

1998 CYC celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the first Race to Mackinac. The multihull record in the Race to Mackinac is established at 18 hours 50 minutes and 32 seconds by Steve Fossett on Stars and Stripes; the catamaran previously sailed by Dennis Conner in the Americas Cup.

2004 Belmont Station barge is relocated to the south east end of the Belmont Harbor.

2005 Chicago Yacht Club adds new Sailing Activities Center barge adjacent to Belmont Station.

2008 2008 marked the 100th running of the "Mac Race," with a record entry of 460 boats and 100% of the fleet was tracked by GPS transponder.

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Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club

Summer at ccyc.

2601 N. Cannon Drive Chicago IL 60614

Diversey yacht club.

Chicago’s Friendliest Casual Yacht Club

About Diversey Yacht Club

Founded in 1935, the Diversey Yacht Club has been known as one of the friendliest clubs in the Chicago harbor system.

Whether you’re interested in cruising and travel, fishing, scuba diving, racing or simply socializing with other boaters, the DYC has something to offer you and your family. We eagerly welcome new members and also welcome visitors from reciprocal yacht clubs, so stop by for a visit! Our members and our dedicated, friendly staff will make you feel at home.

The Diversey Yacht Club is a member of the Lake Michigan Yachting Association, Chicago Yachting Association, Yachting Club of America and BoatU.S., and is represented in the Friends of the Marine Community, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boaters PAC and the Chicago Power Squadron.

Upcoming Events

Summer kick off party.

Saturday, May 25th at 5:30 PM 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

Come join us for our Summer Kick Off Party with sounds by DJ Troy and merch giveaways!

Memorial Day Party

Sunday, May 26 at 6:00 PM 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

Celebrate with us with a live band at the Club!

Gallery Tour

13 Best Hotels in Chicago for Architecture Aficionados

F inding the best hotels in Chicago starts with your interests. Located along the aptly named Chicago River, the largest city in Illinois is the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. The bustling metropolis, punctuated by lush green boulevards, is a shopper’s paradise that takes hospitality up a notch, as well as a destination with iconic buildings, world-class museums, legendary music venues, and a glistening lakefront. Whether it’s a historic hotel near Millennium Park, a luxury escape near the beach, or an Art Deco remnant of the Roaring Twenties that you’re looking to experience, you can find it in Chicago. Here, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best hotels in this Midwestern capital of architecture.

Langham Hotel

$575.00, Booking.com

The Langham Hotel stretches across 13 floors of a Mies van der Rohe skyscraper in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Langham’s signature pink hue and travertine marble merge seamlessly with van der Rohe’s clean lines to create what may be the most elegant, high-end stay in Chicago. This luxury hotel features an expansive spa, indoor pool and river views. It also has an epic penthouse suite with an equally stunning view from the bathtub. Dining options include Travelle, which features seasonal American dishes, and the Langham’s traditional afternoon tea—or you can ask the concierge to book a table for you at one of Chicago’s best restaurants.

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

$269.00, Booking.com

Before opening its doors to the public, the Chicago Athletic Association was a private club for decades. The Venetian-inspired property (designed to resemble the Doge’s Palace in Venice) has since been reborn as a luxury hotel that welcomes guests with a collection of arched windows, restored fireplaces, custom-furnished rooms, and a 24-hour fitness center. Located on Michigan Avenue just across from Millennium Park and originally built for the World’s Columbian Exposition, it’s a convenient choice for visitors in town for concerts and festivals. This hotel is also located within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago and Quartino’s, one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.

Pendry Hotel

$355.00, Booking.com

This boutique hotel may be new to the city, but its historic structure has defined the Chicago skyline for decades. The Pendry Hotel opened in 2021 inside the Carbon & Carbide building, an Art Deco icon erected in 1929. The property oozes opulence—gold accents are just the beginning. Inside, guests will find marble bathrooms with custom toiletries, rooms equipped with Bluetooth speakers and espresso machines, and Michelin-star fine dining. There’s even a rooftop lounge that turns into a sort of Swiss chalet during the winter.

Park Hyatt Chicago

Possibly one of the best luxury hotels in the city, Park Hyatt Chicago is fresh off a renovation of its nearly 200 suites and guest rooms. Expansive windows bring city views to the comfort of your room in a property just steps away from architectural icons, world-class shopping, and Chicago’s historic Water Tower. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Several bars nearby make it easy to experience Chicago’s nightlife—though you may want to start at Nomi, the hotel’s onsite bar.

$649.00, Booking.com

There may be no better hotel for curling fans than The Gwen. This hotel’s rooftop bar hosts curling with city views during the winter. Located on the Magnificent Mile, this lodge is also the perfect home base for anyone in Chicago who’s looking to shop for designer bags, shoes, clothes and more. There’s a Moet & Chandon vending machine in the lobby and an interior walkway to nearby shops for travelers committed to avoiding inclement weather. The hotel is even located steps from the Red Line train station, making it a breeze to get to Wrigley Field for a baseball game.

Palmer House Hotel

$228.00, Booking.com

The historic Palmer House Hotel has long been a favorite of Hollywood legends, American presidents, and legendary musicians. This hotel is situated in the Loop, the city’s central business district, and was the first in Chicago to feature elevators as well as telephones and in-room electric light bulbs. Known for its oversized guest rooms and over-the-top opulence, the Palmer House Hotel’s past guests include Frank Sinatra , Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Belafonte, all of whom have performed at the hotel. Now a Hilton property, the Palmer House Hotel is also known for its homemade brownies.

$200.00, Booking.com

The Drake Hotel is a defining feature of Lake Shore Drive, the scenic roadway that runs along Lake Michigan on the eastern edge of Chicago. The Drake opened just in time to host a New Year’s Eve party in 1920. Walt Disney, George Gershwin, and Bing Crosby are among its famous former guests and Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio once carved their initials into the counter of a dining area. An afternoon tea room now known as Palm Court is still one of the most elegant places in the city to enjoy a cup of tea.

LondonHouse Chicago  

Londonhouse chicago.

$225.00, Booking.com

Don’t be surprised if this Beaux Arts building feels familiar. The LondonHouse Hotel has appeared in productions like Perfect Strangers and Batwoman . The 452-room hotel is a remnant of Chicago’s 1920s high-rise boom. It sits at the location of Fort Dearborn, where the city of Chicago got its start, and for many years housed a legendary jazz supper club on its ground floor. Herbie Hancock is among the performers who played in that club. The hotel has a popular rooftop lounge that overlooks the river as well as easy access to the House of Blues and River North.

Chicago Motor Club Hampton Inn

$158.00, Booking.com

This is no ordinary Hampton Inn. This property is located inside the 17-story Chicago Motor Club, an Art Deco building that once housed the offices of the automobile association. The property offers the comforts of a Hampton Inn inside a building sure to make you hear the call of the open road. Inside you’ll find a map of the United States and a classic car. The stay is a great option for travelers looking to spend time at Navy Pier.

Peninsula Hotel

The Peninsula Chicago is a five-star hotel with a spa that welcomes guests to the Windy City with a pair of Chinese marble lions sitting just outside the hotel’s doors. Its location near key sights and high-end retailers make it a convenient hotel for shopping and sightseeing trips. The Peninsula Hotel’s 339 rooms are palaces of luxury whose design pays homage to the Peninsula Hotel’s Hong Kong roots. Some rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of Lake Michigan.

Ritz Carlton

$569.00, Booking.com

This Gold Coast hotel has a full-service spa and a coveted location just steps from the world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Even the smallest rooms come with sofas and desks, making them particularly convenient for business travelers. And when it’s time to play, make yourself an espresso, slip off your hotel slippers and get ready to stroll through a gorgeous hotel lobby on your way out for a night on the town. 

Four Seasons

There may be no better way to experience Chicago than with a luxury hotel room, yacht, expansive fitness center, and indoor pool. At the Four Seasons Chicago, guests can hop on board a chartered yacht to experience the beauty and excitement of Lake Michigan during the summer. They’ll return to the comfort of a Four Seasons hotel room, complete with a dreamy spa and delectable restaurants. Located on the Magnificent Mile across the street from the iconic skyscraper 875 North Michigan Ave, it’s also within walking distance of Oak Street Beach, a sandy beach that sits in the shadows of Chicago’s skyscrapers.

Virgin Hotels Chicago

$304.00, Booking.com

This Virgin Hotel brings a hefty dose of fun to an old bank building with roots in the Roaring Twenties. The property opened as the Old Dearborn Bank in 1928 and though the bank didn’t make it through the Great Depression, the pet-friendly hotel has 250 rooms and suites that still retains several of the building’s original elements (picture 1920s oak cigar bar and brass elevator lobby doors). Rooms feature sliding privacy doors to create separate areas for living and sleeping within the space. Minibars aren’t marked up, instead selling drinks and snacks for similar prices to local convenience stores. Best of all? You can order room service—or extra pillows—with an app.