Overview
Milwaukee Yacht Club, founded in 1871, calls itself the oldest premier yacht club on Lake Michigan and sits in the middle of Milwaukee County's McKinley Marina, inside the outer breakwater of Milwaukee Bay just north of downtown. Its clubhouse of 1967 replaced the original wooden one that burned in 1943, and the club keeps a single fixed pier of 64 slips between D and E docks. It runs offshore races and regattas on the lake, a junior sailing school and the Milwaukee One Design Dinghy Regatta, and welcomes reciprocal-club boats at published per-foot nightly rates. Hail the club on VHF 71 (working) or 16/9.
- Founded
- 1871
- Federation
- US Sailing
- Phone
- +1 414 271 4455
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.
- Milwaukee One Design Dinghy Regattadinghy regatta (2025 edition 2–3 August)
- Offshore races and regattasclub offshore and buoy racing on Lake Michigan
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
History and achievements
- 1871The club is founded north of the Milwaukee River mouth
- 1896First permanent two-story clubhouse is built on pilings near the channel
- 1920s–1960sThe outer breakwater of Milwaukee Bay is built and later extended, sheltering the club and McKinley Marina
- 1943The original clubhouse is destroyed by fire
- 1967The present 9,500 sq ft brick clubhouse is built
- 2021The club celebrates its 150th anniversary
Location
- Position
- 43°3.09′ N 87°53.16′ W
43.05143, -87.88606 - Address
- 1700 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Junior Sailing Program.
When was Milwaukee Yacht Club founded?
In 1871.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Milwaukee One Design Dinghy Regatta and Offshore races and regattas.