Chicago Yacht Club
Historic club on Lake Michigan known for organizing the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world.
Visit WebsiteAbout Chicago Yacht Club
Founded in 1875, the Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) has grown into one of the preeminent yacht clubs in the United States. With two locations along Chicago's lakefront—Monroe Station in downtown Chicago and Belmont Station to the north—the club provides excellent facilities and access to the sailing grounds of Lake Michigan.
The club is famous for organizing the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world. Started in 1898, this challenging 333-mile race from Chicago to Mackinac Island, Michigan, attracts hundreds of competitors each year and has become one of the most prestigious sailing events in the Great Lakes region.
Beyond racing, CYC maintains robust year-round programming including youth sailing education, adult sailing classes, power boating activities, and cruising events. The club's facilities feature restaurants offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan, modern amenities, and docking facilities.
With a membership of over 1,400 boating enthusiasts, CYC fosters a community dedicated to promoting the sport of sailing, maritime education, and environmental stewardship of the Great Lakes. The club's history and traditions are balanced with forward-thinking approaches to recreational boating.
Membership Information
Initiation Fee
$10000.00
Annual Dues
$3900.00
Membership Tiers
| Tier | Description | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Membership | Full membership with all privileges. | $3,900 |
| Associate Membership | For members without boats. | $2,340 |
| Young Adult Membership | For members under 35 years of age. | $1,950 |
Membership Requirements
Membership requires sponsorship by a current member and endorsement by two additional members. Candidates should have an interest in boating activities and a willingness to participate in club events.
Application Process
The process begins with sponsorship by a current member, completion of an application, and endorsement by two additional members. Candidates attend an informational meeting and interview with the membership committee before board review.
Membership Benefits
- Access to all club facilities
- Participation in club events and regattas
- Reciprocal privileges with partner yacht clubs
- Club dining facilities
- Preferred rates for marina services
- Subscription to club publications
Membership Status
Open for ApplicationsThis yacht club is currently accepting new membership applications.
Guest Policy
Members may bring guests to the club facilities. Guests must be signed in and accompanied by the member at all times. Each guest may visit the club no more than three times per month. Members are responsible for the conduct and charges of their guests. Certain areas of the club may have restricted guest access during specific events or peak times.
Reciprocal Clubs
| Club | Location | Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Vancouver Yacht Club | Vancouver, BC, Canada | Full access to marina and clubhouse facilities for up to 7 days per year. |
| Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club | Hong Kong | Access to clubhouse facilities when visiting. |
| Royal Swedish Yacht Club | Stockholm, Sweden | Access to clubhouse and marina facilities for up to 5 days per year. |
Club Amenities
Dining & Recreation
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming Pool
- Fitness Center
Facilities
- Locker Rooms
- Laundry Facilities
- Ship's Store
- Meeting Rooms
- Event Spaces
- Children's Facilities
- WiFi
- Parking
Boating Services
- Sailing School
- Youth Programs
- Racing Programs
- Powerboat Training
- Cruising Events
- Boat Repair
Marina Details
Number of Slips
270
Maximum Vessel Length
90 ft
Maximum Vessel Beam
18 ft
Maximum Vessel Draft
8.0 ft
Dock Type
floating
Slip Rental Fees
| Period | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| seasonal | $ 260 | Per foot, seasonal (April-October) |
| monthly | $ 65 | Per foot, per month (in season only) |
Dockside Power
30_amp/50_amp/100_amp amp
Fuel Types
Gasoline, Diesel
Marina Amenities
- Dockside Water
- Fuel Dock
- Pump-Out Service
- Transient Docking
- Haul-Out Facility
- Winter Storage
- Boat Maintenance Services
Maintenance Services
- Winterization
Complete winterization services for the harsh Chicago winters.
- Spring Commissioning
Full preparation for the sailing season.
Photo Gallery
Click on images to view larger versions
Contact Information
Address
400 E Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
USA
Phone
(312) 861-7777Alternate Phone
(773) 477-6951Contact Person
Membership Director
Contact Title
Membership Director
Accessibility Information
Both Monroe and Belmont stations offer wheelchair accessibility to the main club facilities. Docks have limited accessibility - please contact the club for assistance.