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Volunteer Reporting Continues!
Volunteer reporting for 2025 is still open and we have over 50 members who haven't completed their reports. Please report your volunteer hours from 2025 today!
At this point you should have received multiple e-mail reminders from the volunteer team in charge of your volunteer positions for 2025. Click through each position, provide an estimate of the hours you spent doing the work, and tell us know if you would like to keep that position in 2026. If we missed any volunteering that you did, you'll be able to indicate that also. We will close the reporting process March 1, record service time flags for 2025, and open the volunteer site to signups for 2026.
Contact volunteer@sailchicago.org with questions.
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Racing Strategy Class
Despite the cold and snow, we must sail on! Or at least take an indoor sailing class...
American Sailing is offering its new Speed and Strategy Seminar for racers and non racers interested in honing their skills. Taught by North U., this one-day class will be held on Sunday, March 15. Topics covered include starts, upwind and downwind sailing, mark rounding, spinnaker trim, rules, and more. Taught by seasoned coaches, the interactive classroom session turns complex racing concepts into practical skills you can use on the water immediately. Cost is $149, so jump in—the water is warm!
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DEI Scholarship Application
The DEI Committee scholarship program is part of Sail Chicago’s commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusivity among its members as well as in the sport of sailing. The goal is to promote sailing to groups that have historically faced barriers to participation. These barriers have included racial segregation in/exclusion from boating clubs, actual or perceived lack of access or acceptance, and/or high costs of participation in the sport.
Scholarship applications are due March 8 and notification will take place on March 18. Applications are to be submitted for individuals interested and committed to a Sail Chicago membership and completion of a 4-class Crew (adult beginner) course in 2026.
Please share to all who may be interested!
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Volunteer Spotlight
For two seasons, James Wyeth has served as lead for Sail Chicago’s Colgate Tops and Bottoms, taking ownership of the physical care of the fleet. He’s built a strong maintenance team, spent significant time in the yard, and developed great relationships with members and vendors. An electrical engineer by trade, James has consistently emerged as a rising leader and has served as a director on the Sail Chicago board.
“I’ve been a member of Sail Chicago since 2023 and currently serve as chair of the maintenance committee. I noticed a need to overhaul the maintenance program so the organization can continue teaching sailing for years to come. I felt uniquely positioned to help guide that transition, which prompted me to run for a board position. In addition to maintenance, I’m looking forward to continuing my sailing education by working toward the US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification.” — James Wyeth
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Help Shape the Future
Please complete a short member survey to help improve programs, increase access to sailing, and strengthen community.
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 Social News
Winter Happy Hour
Wednesday, March 12, 6 – 8pm
Big Mini Putt Club, 3655 N. Halsted Street
The countdown to sailing season is on! Join us for our annual Winter Social. The social committee is finalizing a high-energy activity you won’t want to miss. Be sure to keep a sharp lookout on Slack next week for details and signup info!
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Service Time Increase
Starting in 2026, the annual service hour minimum will increase from 20 to 25 hours. This is the minimum hours starting for the 2026 season and will be needed to avoid the service time fee in 2027.
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Columbia Yacht Club Tour
Current members are invited to participate in a private tour of the club ship and learn about membership at Columbia Yacht Club (date and time TBD). The tour will include a history of the ship and its construction, an overview of membership benefitss, and an opportunity to to ask questions in person.
Contact Shawn.joseph@sailchicago.org for date, and time confirmation.
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Custom Burgee and Lapel Pins
Sail Chicago now offers custom burgees and lapel pins. Orders will be available for pickup at the Winter Happy Hour. Supplies are limited, and payment should be sent via Zelle after placing an order, along with order details.
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Merch for Sale
Check out our cool line up of Sail Chicago merch. T-shirts, polos, jackets, fleece, and hats from top quality vendors are all embroidered with our burgee logo. Take pride in Sail Chicago! Gift cards are available in increments of $25.00.
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