Overview
Chicago Yacht Club, first organized in 1869 and re-formed in 1875 after the Great Chicago Fire, has two stations on the city's Lake Michigan shore: Monroe Station on the downtown lakefront and Belmont Station in Belmont Harbor, home of its sailing school. It runs more than 125 races a year, headed by the Race to Mackinac — 333 miles up the length of Lake Michigan and billed as the largest annual offshore race in the world — and the Verve Cup inshore and offshore regattas. Its one-design fleets (Shields, Etchells, J/70, J/88, Tartan 10) race from Belmont most Saturdays, the Skyline Series offers relaxed midweek racing, and there is even a DragonForce 65 radio-sailing fleet. The club has about 1,400 members and one of the largest junior sailing programs in the country.
- Founded
- 1875
- Members
- about 1,400 (club figure)
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 312 861 7777
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac333-mile offshore race the length of Lake Michigan from Chicago to Mackinac Island; 117th edition in July 2026 with 250 teams; next start 16 July 2027
- Verve Cup Offshore Regattaoffshore regatta, more than 100 boats (7–9 Aug 2026)
- Verve Cup Inshore Regattainshore one-design regatta off the Chicago lakefront (21–23 Aug 2026)
- Skyline Series (club midweek series)informal midweek racing from Monroe and Belmont stations
- Racing Yacht Fleet SeriesSaturday one-design racing from Belmont Harbor
- Offshore Championship Seriesseason-long buoy and distance points series for the club's offshore boats
- Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series – Chicagonational regatta series stop hosted by the club
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1869A Chicago Yacht Club is first founded on 27 August
- 1871The Great Chicago Fire destroys three of the young club's boats
- 1875Yachting revives and the modern Chicago Yacht Club emerges
- 1930sThe club sailing school begins (more than 90 years old today)
- 2026The 117th Race to Mackinac draws 250 teams
Location
- Position
- 41°52.87′ N 87°36.95′ W
41.88111, -87.61583 - Address
- 400 East Monroe Street
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School (youth), Adult Sailing Programs and Nautical Education.
When was Chicago Yacht Club founded?
In 1875.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, Verve Cup Offshore Regatta, Verve Cup Inshore Regatta and Skyline Series (club midweek series).