From the Helm

May 25, 2023

by Erin Mitchell

Summer is about to be in full swing, and we have a lot of exciting updates to share from the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation!
My name is Erin Mitchell, and I am the Secretary of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and have had a lifelong passion for the water including power boats, sail boats, swimming, you name it. I work as Head of Strategic Planning at Aon, whose office conveniently overlooks Monroe Harbor. 

I’ve been racing sailboats on Lake Michigan for the past 13 years and have served in a variety of leadership positions at the Yacht Club during that time. I got involved with the Foundation in early 2022 and have really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with all the kids the Foundation supports and take pride in the vision of the Foundation and all that we do. By introducing the next generation to the lake and through the immersive learning activities the Foundation provides, they are learning to appreciate the water for themselves (and having fun in the process!). 

Speaking of the Foundation, we have been very busy these past few months. We’re very excited to announce that we’ve hired Francesca Sigmond as the new Programs Manager, whose dedicated focus will help us accelerate a number of key priorities for the Foundation. Additionally, my husband Jarrik Mitchell recently taught an interactive Navigation Course to the Sea Scouts, harkening back to his days as a Navigator as an Officer in the United States Navy. Lastly, we’d like to give a heartfelt tribute to Stan Mehaffey, a longtime supporter of the Foundation. 

Thank you to everyone who’s come out and supported the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, we’re looking forward to an active and engaging summer getting the Chicagoland children out on the water, as well as the numerous exciting events we have planned for 2023!