The Chicago Yacht Club was founded in 1875, and has a rich nautical history, including running for over a century the Race to Mackinac, the longest annual freshwater sailboat race in the world. The Club maintains a fleet of over 120 boats, hosts a myriad of on-the-water activities, and provides world class nautical education to youth and adults through its Sailing School. The Club’s 1,250 members complement their on-the-water activities with top notch indoor and outdoor dining at the Club’s two locations - the Monroe Station (downtown Chicago) and Belmont Station (Wrigleyville area). Chicago Yacht Club is recognized as a top five Platinum Club in the United States and has annual revenues more than $9 million.
Since its founding, the CYC has been the premier social and racing destination for Chicago area boaters and those passionate about being on the water. The Club is ranked as one of the 6 top yacht clubs in the U.S. by the Platinum Club of America.
We have a membership of 1,250 boating enthusiasts who are active in the Club. From juniors (our youngest is just 7 years old) through veterans who have been part of the Club for decades, CYC members plan and participate in dozens of social, educational and racing events held throughout the year at our Monroe and Belmont stations — both located on Chicago’s iconic lakefront.
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, the cornerstone of our community outreach, promotes awareness of nautical arts to the Chicagoland community through education, activities and support of charitable organizations.
CYC organizes preeminent regattas that consistently attract some of the best competitive sailors from around the world. The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, a century old 333-mile sailing race from Chicago to Mackinac Island, MI, is our signature event that hosts approximately 300 boats and 2,750 sailors each year.