September 20, 2022

Chicago teen Sky Edmonds worried she’d be homesick over the course of five days sailing on a tall ship on Lake Michigan. Alice Bakkum wondered if she’d be able to fall asleep on the boat.

August 15, 2022

by Greg Miarecki

Welcome to the August edition of the Beacon.

In this edition, we’re featuring our new SOS Illinois Sailing Camp, a joint venture between the Foundation and the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School.

New to the Beacon this month is our “Donor Spotlight,” featuring longtime CYC members Peter and Marijane Thornton.

I know you will enjoy the features.

August 15, 2022

A few rainy days couldn’t dampen the excitement of 10 Chicagoland kids from SOS Children’s Villages Illinois who got their first taste of sailing through a new camp sponsored by the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation.

For nine-year-old Randi, swimming in the lake was the best part of the camp while Nevaeh, 13, liked learning boating lingo. “I know I can’t say left and right – it’s port and starboard,” she said.

August 15, 2022

Peter Thornton was just a kid when he fell in love with Jackson Park, its lagoons and especially the harbor.

“I can remember as a young boy, standing at the foot of the bridge on south Lake Shore Drive, fishing with my mom on many a Sunday morning. My dream was to be able to own one of those boats someday,” he said.

August 15, 2022

Join us for the first “Foundation Night” in the Mac Bar (Monroe Station) on Thursday, September 1st from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

July 14, 2022

by Greg Miarecki

I’m honored to serve as the President of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and hope you will enjoy these updates about the impact we are making.

We focus primarily on Chicagoland’s kids, many of whom have never even seen Lake Michigan. Our initiatives include everything from grants and sponsorships to after-school programs to nautical education programs.

We have many exciting new initiatives this year and look forward to doing big things—together.

July 14, 2022

Chicago teen Marcus Davis graduated from the CYC Foundation’s Maritime Academy this month with not only a range of new nautical skills – but also a summer job.

“I’ve never been on the water – and seeing the sunset over the city was great,” he said.

July 14, 2022

This year, the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is delighted to be the Platinum Sponsor of the Open Horizons Youth Sailing Program, an initiative of the Jackson Park Yacht Club Foundation.

July 14, 2022

Members of Chicago Yacht Club enjoy complimentary admission to the exhibit “Boats: Captain Your Own Adventure” at the Chicago Children’s Museum on Saturday, August 13, 2022.

“We hope children have the opportunity to try on new roles, create stories, and play together in an environment that inspires exploration and adventure.”

- Karen Lewis Alexander

VP of Development

Chicago Children's Museum