The Waukegan Yacht Club was founded in 1927 to promote yachting, yacht racing and good fellowship among yachtsmen on Lake Michigan. The club has grown from its original home, a 20 ft x 60 ft houseboat, to its present one-story, full-service facility in Waukegan Harbor.
The club is governed by a board of officers and directors elected by the members. It is managed by a professional manager. Membership meetings are held quarterly in March, June, September and December. Members are also welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors which are held on the fourth Thursday of each month.
The Waukegan Yacht Club offers many boating and social events to its members. All events are organized and run by volunteer member committees and typically include: a New Year’s Eve Party, St. Patrick’s Day Party, Blessing of the Fleet, Chicago to Waukegan Sailboat Race, WYC Invitation Regatta, Commodore’s Ball and the Children’s Christmas Party. Other events fill out a full schedule of activities for the participation and enjoyment of the membership and their families.
The Waukegan Yacht Club is well known for its sailing program which runs all year except when the harbor is frozen over. The club promotes a Junior Sail Program for children ages nine through eighteen years. Participants in this program learn sailing theory, seamanship, self-reliance and sportsmanship. The adult sail program includes Wednesday night, JY15 on Thursday night and Saturday race programs as well as participation in various association regattas. Frostbiting in Waukegan Harbor during the winter rounds out the program.
Power yacht owners frequently plan informal cruises to near by harbors as well as to harbors across the lake. More ambitious cruises to other ports of call are commonplace among members of the power yacht fleet. Club news is published monthly in the Port Hole newsletter.
The Waukegan Yacht Club offers excellent restaurant and lounge facilities for casual and formal dining, parties and special occasions. A professional galley and serving staff offer a quality menu at reasonable prices. The club is open for lunch on Tuesday through Friday. It is open for dinner on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the boating season.
Membership in the Waukegan Yacht Club is a very worthwhile and rewarding experience for boaters and non boaters alike. if you love the water, boats, an active social calendar and wonderful people, you will feel at home in The Waukegan Yacht Club.
