shark chicago yacht club

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“Is that Jaws?” – Possible SHARK spotted at Chicago Yacht Club

For years, there have been rumors of sharks in The Great Lakes with little proof. So, you can imagine the surprise when one Chicago resident filmed a shark that was swimming in the waters at the Chicago Yacht Club. This wasn’t some kind of grainy footage either, as you can easily see the fin sticking out above the water.

And, although this wasn’t the biggest (possible) shark in the world – it was still a notable size. This drew attention on social media, where one Chicagoan even joked, “ Is that Jaws? ” in a nod to the classic shark attack movie.

Shark today at Chicago Yacht Club? by u/beemer789 in chicago

Having said this, not everyone was convinced. According to experts, this was most likely a carp or sturgeon. Apparently, shark fins are made differently and are less floppy than the one pictured. Sadly, for conspiracy fans, this is the most likely outcome, as it makes logical sense that it would be a large fish, as opposed to a shark.

At the same time, it still makes for a cool video and shows the size of some of the fish in Chicago’s local waters. It also didn’t fail to get tongues (and fins) wagging about the possibility of a shark in Chicago. If this was a shark, then you could also argue that it was quite a classy one at that due to being a resident at the yacht club.

5 Replies to ““Is that Jaws?” – Possible SHARK spotted at Chicago Yacht Club”

It’s possibly a large carp, salmon or trout I have been scuba diving Lake Michigan for over 25 yrs and he f seen a shark ! The surface of the water is very warm and it Carp spawn time they in the harbors at Belmont

It is possible for a shark a certain breed than go from salt water to fresh. Years ago a shark came through the St Lawrence Seaway and washed up on the beach in Zion before the nuclear plant was built.

Bull sharks have traveled from the gulf up the Mississippi River.

Bull sharks have made it to the IL River and they tolerate freshwater quite regularly in the Mississippi river so why not.

Why take a chance. Start investigating..before it’s to late for some person or persons.

Go & Show: Willow Slough's 75th and Chicago Yacht Club's In-Water Boat & Tech Show

A celebration around willow slough fish and wildlife area’s 75th anniversary and chicago yacht club’s in-water boat & tech show are go & show this week..

Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is having it’s 75th anniversary celebration this weekend.

Dale Bowman

The celebration of Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area’s 75th anniversary and Chicago Yacht Club’s In-Water Boat & Tech Show lead this week’s Go & Show.

• The celebration for Willow Slough, an hour south of Chicago on the Indiana side of the state line, is Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. It includes guided hikes both days, kayak tours on Saturday and an evening campfire Saturday. I considered doing a kayak tour, but instead I think I will do a guided hike. The site has hiking trails, lake views, picnicking, camping and access to hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and more. Willow Slough is coming off a major and innovative renovation of its main lake, J.C. Murphey. For more details and to register for some events, go to in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/willow-slough-fwa/
• Chicago Yacht Club’s In-Water Boat & Tech Show is Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, at Monroe Station. Register and see details at chicagoyachtclub.org/in-water-boat-and-tech-show

Inside the Chicago Yacht Club: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Application Process

Prospective members usually need to fill out an application form detailing their personal information, boating experience, and reasons for wishing to join. This is often followed by an interview and a tour of the club’s facilities.

Sponsorship

Most yacht clubs require applicants to be sponsored by current members. This helps ensure that new members are a good fit for the club’s community and values.

Fees and Dues

There are usually initiation fees and annual dues to be paid. These costs can vary depending on the level of membership and services provided by the club.

Life at the Club: What Do People Do in a Yacht Club?

Life at the Chicago Yacht Club, and yacht clubs in general, revolves around a love for boating and a sense of community.

Sailing Events

Yacht clubs often host a variety of sailing events, including races, regattas, and training sessions. These provide opportunities for members to hone their skills, compete, and enjoy time on the water.

Social Activities

Yacht clubs are also social hubs, hosting events like dinners, parties, and themed nights. These events allow members to mingle, network, and form lasting friendships.

Community Involvement

Many yacht clubs, including the Chicago Yacht Club, are involved in community service and environmental conservation efforts. Members often have the opportunity to participate in these initiatives.

Evaluating the Benefits: Are Yacht Clubs Worth It?

The question “Are yacht clubs worth it?” is subjective and depends on your interests and lifestyle.

Access to Facilities and Services

Yacht clubs provide access to facilities like marinas, boat storage, and repair services. They also offer amenities like dining facilities, fitness centers, and event spaces.

Community and Networking

Yacht clubs offer a sense of community and opportunities for networking. They bring together like-minded individuals who share a passion for sailing.

Sailing Opportunities

For avid sailors, the sailing opportunities provided by yacht clubs – from races to leisurely cruises – can be invaluable.

Dress Code: Can You Wear Jeans to a Yacht Club?

Dress codes vary from one yacht club to another. While some clubs maintain a formal dress code, others are more relaxed.

At the Chicago Yacht Club, the dress code is generally casual, but members are expected to dress appropriately for specific events. While jeans may be acceptable for casual occasions, more formal events may require dressier attire.

Demographics: What is the Average Age of Yacht Club Members?

The average age of yacht club members can vary significantly depending on the club. However, many yacht clubs, including the Chicago Yacht Club, are seeing a trend towards younger members as they implement programs to attract a more diverse age group.

The Essence of Membership: What Does It Mean to Be Part of a Yacht Club?

Being part of a yacht club means being part of a community that shares a love for the sea and sailing. It provides opportunities for sailing, socializing, networking, and contributing to the local community.

Conclusion: The Point of a Yacht Club

So, what is the point of a yacht club? A yacht club offers more than just a place to dock your boat. It provides a community of fellow boating enthusiasts, opportunities for sailing and social events, and access to facilities and services. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a novice, being a member of a yacht club like the Chicago Yacht Club can enhance your enjoyment of the sailing lifestyle.

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• Yacht Clubs

Chicago Yacht Club

chicagoyachtclub.org

400 East Monroe Street

Chicago , IL 60603

(312) 861-7177

Organized in 1875 in the City of Chicago as an association of 37 yachtsmen, the Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest clubs in the United States. Known for their commitment to promoting the sport of sailing, the club is host to the venerable Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. CYC is also a leader in teaching children and adults to sail, having provided sailing lessons for over 85 years.

From the Commodore:

“The Chicago Yacht Club membership is proud to become a founding member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. Since 1875 our Club has embraced an aggressive racing program, which today includes an average of 100 regattas annually. From our very active junior sailing program to our signature regatta – the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac – our focus is on supporting and growing the sport of sailing. We could not be more pleased to support the Hall of Fame in its effort to honor the achievements of American sailors.”

Joseph S. Haas, Commodore

In 1898 the club hosted the first Chicago-Mackinac Race as an informal contest between five boats. William Cameron’s 64′ fin-keel sloop Vanenna one the race with a time of 51 hours. The 289.4 nautical mile race is now one of the oldest annual freshwater distance races in the world, with more than 355 boats entered and approximately 3,500 crew participating.

Racers who compete in 25 Mackinac Races are invited to join the exclusive “Island Goats Sailing Society,” originally named for the sailors’ appearance, aroma and behavior upon reaching Mackinac Island.

1882 On January 9, 1882, the Club was issued its Certificate of Incorporation under the laws of Illinois. As the Certificate stated, the formation of Chicago Yacht Club was to encourage and promote the sport of yacht sailing and building.

1900 In 1900 with membership numbering 125 and a fleet of 28 yachts, the club obtained the Argo Clubhouse, a 35 x 55 foot boathouse located at the end of the Illinois Central pier #3 at the foot of Randolph Street. It had been the former home of a group of yachtsmen called the Argonauts- a small group of socially oriented yachtsmen. Their yacht, the Argo, had been used in 1893 to carry their guests to the World’s Columbian Exposition held where Jackson Park harbor is today.

1902 A new clubhouse, initiated by Commodore George Warrington, at the foot of Monroe Street, on pilings in the lake, was formally opened on June 28, 1902.

1911 Commodore Baum’s Amorita establishes elapsed time record for the Mackinac race which stood for 76 years.

1920 Chicago Yacht Club and the Lincoln Park Yacht Club combined.

1923 In 1923, the barge and clubhouse at Belmont Harbor replaces the lumber schooner Carrier that had served as the Lincoln Park Yacht Club clubhouse since 1915. Carrier, a 177-ton canaler, was built in Michigan in 1865. In 1923, she sank off Evanston while being towed to Waukegan. Her large wheel has been preserved at the Belmont Station and a mural shows Carrier when she was our Club ship. Our race committee crafts have all been named Carrier in her honor.

1925 Monroe St. Clubhouse moved to the present site to make room for the outer drive’s construction.

1930 The depression of the 1930’s put an end to the elaborate plans for the $3,000,000 eight story clubhouse at Chicago Harbor.

1935 The second Chicago Harbor Clubhouse, which had been a display called “The House of Tomorrow” at the Century of Progress Exhibition, was moved to the site in 1935 as a temporary building.

1955 Construction of the first section of the present Monroe St. Clubhouse

1975 1975 marked the celebration of the Club’s 100 year Anniversary and a new high in activity for the Club. Countless hours of effort by hundreds of loyal members went into the celebration. Recognition flowed from many sources including Illinois Governor Walker, Chicago Mayor Daley and President Gerald Ford. The latter two even enjoyed dinner at the Chicago Yacht Club.

1985 Chicago Yacht Club participates in sponsorship of Heart of America of America’s Cup.

1992 Chicago Yacht Club Foundation was founded by then-Commodore Joseph Wright, Jr., Kurt Stocker, and Dick Wharton. A member can now give something back to the community while supporting the Club’s nautical educational activities.

1998 CYC celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the first Race to Mackinac. The multihull record in the Race to Mackinac is established at 18 hours 50 minutes and 32 seconds by Steve Fossett on Stars and Stripes; the catamaran previously sailed by Dennis Conner in the Americas Cup.

2004 Belmont Station barge is relocated to the south east end of the Belmont Harbor.

2005 Chicago Yacht Club adds new Sailing Activities Center barge adjacent to Belmont Station.

2008 2008 marked the 100th running of the “Mac Race,” with a record entry of 460 boats and 100% of the fleet was tracked by GPS transponder.

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The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame

365 Thames Street

Newport, RI 02840

401.324.5761

[email protected]

Chicago Yacht Club

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THE WATER IS CALLING YOU! Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Its mission is to encourage, promote, and develop knowledge, participation, and enjoyment of all aspects of yachting. To that end, the Club hosts many world class compet... Read more

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 The purpose of the Association shall be to foster greater coordination between the public and private sectors of the community and to provide a forum for organizations involved in the marine environment of the Greater Chicagoland Area. The forum will discuss issues, real or potential, whether they be federal, state, county, local government, or internal, which affect or may affect a part or all of the marine community of the Greater Chicagoland Area.

2601 N. Cannon Drive Chicago IL 60614

Diversey yacht club.

Chicago’s Friendliest Casual Yacht Club

About Diversey Yacht Club

Founded in 1935, the Diversey Yacht Club has been known as one of the friendliest clubs in the Chicago harbor system.

Whether you’re interested in cruising and travel, fishing, scuba diving, racing or simply socializing with other boaters, the DYC has something to offer you and your family. We eagerly welcome new members and also welcome visitors from reciprocal yacht clubs, so stop by for a visit! Our members and our dedicated, friendly staff will make you feel at home.

The Diversey Yacht Club is a member of the Lake Michigan Yachting Association, Chicago Yachting Association, Yachting Club of America and BoatU.S., and is represented in the Friends of the Marine Community, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boaters PAC and the Chicago Power Squadron.

Upcoming Events

Summer kick off party.

Saturday, May 25th at 5:30 PM 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

Come join us for our Summer Kick Off Party with sounds by DJ Troy and merch giveaways!

Memorial Day Party

Sunday, May 26 at 6:00 PM 2601 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL

Celebrate with us with a live band at the Club!

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Yacht Club of Chicago is by invite only and applicants must be recommended by a current club members. Members aren’t defined by the school they went to or the industry they work in , Instead, the amazing character of a person.

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The Yacht Club of Chicago

The 46-foot sailboat Skye is one of 245 yachts that will compete in this year’s race from Chicago to Mackinac Island.

Justine Tobiasz

The Race to Mackinac: WBEZ's guide to the world’s longest freshwater sailing competition

The Race to Mackinac, the longest and oldest freshwater annual sailing competition in the world, is here. On Friday and Saturday, roughly 245 boats carrying more than 2,000 crew members will sail for Mackinac Island, the resort destination off the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Here’s your primer.

Race basics

For 333 miles — or 289.4 nautical miles — 245 entrants, give or take last-minute dropouts, will traverse the route from Navy Pier to Mackinac Island in this year’s event, according to Sam Veilleux, chairman of the 2023 race committee. The first Mackinac race took place in 1898, with just five boats, and the second was in 1904. With the exception of several years during World War I and 2020 during the pandemic, the race, organized by the Chicago Yacht Club, has happened every year, marking its 114th running this year. Competitors may enter the race, classified as an amateur event, by invitation only.

The majority of entrants travel to the race start via water — meaning they’re coming from harbors in or near Chicago or traveling from cities along connected lakes, mostly Michigan and Huron.

“Every year, we do have a few out-of-town boats that come from the coast, but it is quite an endeavor,” Veilleux said, noting that delivering a large yacht on a truck involves reassembling the boat in Chicago after shipment. Past races have included crews and boats from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

As described by Veilleux, the route starts at the Chicago Lighthouse, near Navy Pier, and runs the entire length of Lake Michigan, passes through Grays Reef, enters Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac, ducks under the Mackinac Bridge and finishes at Mackinac Island.

The start of the 2003 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac on Lake Michigan.

Brian Jackson

How a crew wins and what they get

First to the island wins, right? Not quite.

The Chicago Yacht Club describes the Race to Mackinac as “a unique race, where the boat equivalent of ‘family sedans’ compete against ‘Formula One cars.’ ” What this means in practical terms is that boats, which range widely in technical capability, must be assessed in advance in order to be properly grouped by similar ratings. An algorithm takes boat measurements — including weight, size, sizes of the sails and more — to produce the standardized ratings.

The entrants compete in two divisions: cruising and racing. Boats in the cruising division are, according to Veilleux, “generally more comfortable” equipped with cabins, galleys and full accommodations.

“Boats that you’d go on, for example, a family cruise around the Great Lakes or around the Caribbean,” he said. There are three sections within this division, each based on speed.

Yachts in the racing division are built for speed — lightweight carbon-fiber hulls, sparse interiors — and compete in two section types: one in which the boats have identical specs, and another in which boats are handicapped, as in golf, based on relative performance characteristics.

Roughly split in half into “faster” and “slower” groups, the racing division is then further divided into similarly rated sections — this year there are 18, each with around 12-15 boats. The winner is determined by calculating time against a boat’s rating.

Sailors compete for three main honors: the Mac Trophy and the Mac Cup for the racing division, and, new this year, the Whitehawk Trophy for the overall winner in the cruising division. Each year, the two groups in the racing division — one faster, one slower — alternate between competing for the Trophy and the Cup so crews could possibly have their names engraved on both if they raced in consecutive years. The first three places in every section also receive a brag flag to display on their boat.

To be invited to the exclusive Island Goats Sailing Society, racers must have competed in at least 25 Chicago-to-Mackinac races, for a total of about 8,325 miles. Founded in 1959 by Hobart “Red” Olson, the society was named after sailors’ “appearance, aroma and behavior upon reaching Mackinac Island,” according to the Chicago Yacht Club website.

Sailors say the Race to Mackinac is a bucket list event. Its distance makes it a test of endurance and preparation. Here, boats line up for the start of the 1982 race.

Kathleen Reeve

When can we expect results?

Most of the fleet takes from 40 to 60 hours to finish the race. Cannons will fire to release the cruising sections at 3 p.m. Friday, and the rest of the sections start from 11 a.m. Saturday every 10 minutes until 3 p.m.

To race around the clock, the crews sail in shifts. The multihull record was set in 1998 at under 19 hours, and the monohull record was set in 2002 at under 24 hours. Ideally, racers finish on or before Monday so they have time to rest before the awards ceremony Tuesday. While there’s no publicly available record of the longest time a boat has taken to finish the race, Veilleux said the club has a system for sailors to submit their final times even after the finish line is taken down on Wednesday.

During last year’s race, Veilleux said wild storms battered the fleet for about 12 hours on Lake Michigan, causing 29 boats to drop out. Veilleux competed last year in the cruising division and, although only sailing on the edge of the storm, experienced wind in excess of 55 knots.

“That’s like sticking your head out of a car window at highway speed,” he said.

Chuck Nevel, the club’s on-the-water director, stays on the island to direct boats as they complete the race. Once the boats start streaming in, they don’t stop. Neither do their supporters.

“If it’s 2 a.m. or if it’s 10 a.m., there are people out there cheering their family members on, their friends on, especially if it’s their first Mac,” he said.

“Everyone stinks, hasn’t taken a shower, sweating in their weather gear,” Nevel notes of the state of the crews as they disembark. But he concedes the members of the race committee, who work through the day and night to make sure everyone arrives safely into port, aren’t the freshest smelling bunch either.

One word for the atmosphere of the awards ceremony? “Jubilation.”

Sailors begin the Race to Mackinac in 2012. This year, more than 2,000 crew members will race on nearly 250 boats.

Chandler West

How to watch the race

From 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday, the start of the race for the cruising division will be livestreamed on CBS .

On Saturday, you can watch the parade of boats in the racing division off the end of Navy Pier from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. An announcer will provide details of the vessels as they sail toward the start. Viewers should also be able to see the rigs from anywhere along the lakefront north of Navy Pier.

Race updates will be available on the Chicago Yacht Club’s Facebook , Instagram and Twitter feeds. But perhaps the best way to follow the race is to view each boat’s progress through the event’s race tracker website or via mobile app, which will become available on Thursday of race week. Download the YB Tracking app and “buy” the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac (it’s free).

Finally, why is it spelled “Mackinac” but pronounced “Mackinaw?”

Originally named Michinnimakinong by the Ojibwa tribe, the indigenous translation refers to the large crevice in the island: “mish” meaning great, “inni” meaning connecting sound, “maki” meaning fault and “nong” meaning land or place. The name was shortened to Mackinac by the French, and the British transcribed it phonetically as Mackinaw. Edgar Conkling, founder of Mackinaw City in 1857, was the one to spell it with a “w.”

Either way, the pronunciation is “ MACK-in-awe .”

Ysa Quiballo is the digital news intern at WBEZ. Courtney Kueppers contributed.