 As we all know, weather in Chicago is no joke, especially on Lake Michigan. It comes in fast, and this year seems particularly tricky. For sailors, being prepared is critical. We want to sail, but well, sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. As a new skipper, I err on the side of caution. I snapped this picture sailing with skipper and co-editor Anders Carlsson. Shortly after, we headed into the harbor. Clouds were looming, so better safe than sorry. So please review the note below from our Safety Committee and safe sailing!
Meighan Depke, Editor
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Following the Wind Guidelines
Over the past couple of months, the safety committee has reviewed a number of incidents — some serious — which have resulted from sailing at the edge of, or outside of, our wind guidelines. This has resulted in damage to our fleet, additional repair costs that we all share, and serious consequences for some skippers. Please remember: It is your responsibility as skipper to follow the wind guidelines. This means:
— You are aware of windspeed and whether winds are trending up or down before and during your sail.
— Winds greater than 16 knots may be sailed with caution only by experienced skippers and crew.
— If winds build to 21+ knots during the sail, you must return to the harbor as quickly and safely as possible.
Assessing the wind goes beyond simply being aware of windspeed. A skilled skipper is aware of the wind and weather AND they assess their abilities and the capabilities of their crew and make sound, safe judgements given the conditions.
Sail Chicago rules make it clear that skippers should refer to the Current Weather and Weather Forecast information available on the my.sailchicago.org landing page to determine compliance with our standards. These readings come from the NOAA station on the Harrison-Dever crib. If you are making decisions based on another weather station, you are not following the rules.
When an incident is reported, the first thing the safety committee does is look at the wind and weather data. We review the NOAA marine forecast that was in place at the time. We review the wind readings at the Harrison-Dever crib in the hour before the sail and throughout the sail. We look at a chart of those wind readings to understand whether the wind was trending up or down. All of these tools are available to you on your smartphone in real time. As skipper, expect that when the safety committee talks to you about an incident, they will ask about and evaluate your judgement as a sailor in light of this information.
When you're making a go/no-go decision on a sail, please consider what your answers to the safety committee would be should an incident occur. This is part of the accountability we owe to each other as a learning community of sailors whose #1 goal is safety.
— Safety Committee
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Colgate 26 Skill Standards
Many of you are familiar with the pdf guide, "On the Water Skills for the Colgate 26", which describes Sail Chicago's approach to preparing for departure, leaving the mooring, sailing, and returning to the harbor. The pdf has now been updated and turned into a print-on-demand paperback book available at Amazon.
Complete with photos and diagrams, you will find yourself reviewing the skills over and over. The book will also be used by students in all classes—Crew, First Mate, and Skipper Prep. Get one today for $12!
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Volunteers Still Needed
It’s starting to feel like the end of the sailing season is just around the corner. Remember, when the season ends on October 31, our volunteering season ends as well. Do you still need to meet your 2024 service time requirement? Are you looking for additional hours? Below are some end-of-season opportunities to help out.
Students are eager to practice and want to get out on the water! It's easier than ever to become a Member Cruise Outing or Tiller Time Skipper. And skippering one of these program sails will give you 4-5 hours of volunteering time.
Help unstep Colgate masts and transport boats to the boatyard in October. Unstepping the masts takes several hours on a Saturday or Sunday and many hands are needed but no experience is required. Come see how we lower a mast! After lowering the masts, the Colgates are taken down river to the Canal Street boatyard. Crews are needed to make the two-hour trip on weekday mornings.
Social Committee volunteers are needed to help with upcoming events. Extra hands are needed to help with the end-of-season dinner on Thursday, October 24.
To sign up for any of these opportunities, complete the Volunteer Signup Form or contact the Volunteer Team at volunteer@sailchicago.org.
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Social News 
Great weather for Friends + Family Picnic.
The introductory sails were sold out and we had 26 members, plus skippers and first mates, partake in the picnic food. Winds were about 8 knots, so perfect for our novice guests. No one got sick this year! Thanks to everyone involved who helped make this highly coordinated day a success.
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August Happy Hour
Join us on Tuesday, August 27 for fun social evening to meet old friends and new.
Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 South Michigan Ave.
5:30-7:30pm
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Merch for Sale
Check out our cool new line up of Sail Chicago merchandise for sale. We’ve sourced T-shirts, polos, jackets, fleece, and hats from top quality vendors, all embroidered with our burgee logo. Take pride in Sail Chicago and wear your merch at social events and on the water. Gift cards are available in increments of $25.00.
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New Skipper Social Hour
Join us for our next casual social for new Skipper Graduates. Connect with skipper candidates, share stories, and find first mates to help with the new Skipper requirement of completing three final sails.
Thursday, Sep 26
Lizzie McNeill’s: 400 N McClurg Ct.
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Tiller Time Skippers Needed
Hey Tiller Time Skippers, now is the time to sign up to host Tiller Times for this season’s Sail Chicago students. Classes have started, and our students need to practice! Current Tiller Time skippers can schedule to host on the Sail Chicago website.
For Sail Chicago skippers who are interested in hosting Tiller Times, get started by contacting tillertime@sailchicago.org. Tiller Time skippers can earn sailing credits and fulfill their volunteer commitment by hosting, so please consider volunteering for this important role.
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Call for Videographers
Once again this season, Sail Chicago is looking for a team to create instruction videos. The video team will create content, record video, edit, and post to the Sail Chicago YouTube channel. Interested? Have video production skills? There will be a pre-season meeting so please contact Doug Sink at ddsink@icloud.com or 630-418-1318 if interested.
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