Meet the Board!

January 16, Weathermark Tavern

Curious about what it's like to serve on the board of directors or have questions for the Sail Chicago leadership? Come talk to us at our Meet the Board Happy Hour on January 16 from 6-8pm at the Weathermark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan Ave.

Remember, board membership is open to all members in good standing, and we encourage everyone that is interested in running for a seat to do so. We have four seats open.

If you're interested in running, here's how:

1. Renew your membership for 2024. You must be a member to run!

2. Complete the application form.

3. Have another returning member complete the nomination form. Your nominator must have been a Sail Chicago member for at least 12 months and have also renewed their membership. You can be nominated by multiple people, but only one is required.

That's all there is to it! All applications and nominations must be submitted by Sunday, February 11, 2024 to qualify for the election.

— Gerry Stacy, Chair

Winter Happy Hour Game Night

Thursday, January 25, Bonus Round Game Cafe, 6-9pm

Let's get together for a fun game night! Join us at Bonus Round Cafe at 3230 N. Clark Street in Lakeview for some good food, drinks, and board games! Each member and guest will get one drink ticket and free appetizers. We hope to have a great turnout to stay connected during the off season.

Please note: Seating is limited so if you register and your plans change, please cancel to open the spot for someone else. Street parking is available or there is a parking lot about two blocks away. The venue is near the Red Line for public transportation.

Basic Navigation Course, February 17-18

Our season of classes starts early this year with Basic Navigation! This course will teach sailors basic navigation skills and techniques that can be used within sight of land. It is primarily focused on the use of paper charts. Specifically, it will teach sailors how to read a chart and its symbols, convert between true and magnetic readings, plot course and position, calculate time/speed/distance, and take bearings and fixes. In addition, there will be a brief review of some basic information on chart plotters. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for Sail Chicago's Bareboat Cruising class.

The course takes place Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Columbia Yacht Club. Note that you must attend both days in order to complete the course.

General registration for Basic Navigation opens on Wednesday, Jan 10 at 7:00 pm.

Annual Membership Meeting

Tuesday, March 5, at 7:00pm. Please attend!

Did you know that Sail Chicago has a Google Calendar? Upcoming meetings and events – including our Annual Meeting – are all posted there. Subscribe today!

2024 Scholarship Program Application is Live

The DEI Committee is continuing our scholarship program as part of Sail Chicago’s commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusivity among its members within the organization as well as in the sport of sailing. The goal is to promote the sport of sailing to groups that have historically faced barriers to participation, such as people of color in the United States and people from low socioeconomic households. 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.

The application is live through March 8, 2024. Recipients will participate in SC’s beginner Crew classes (including Pre-Sail Orientation and US Sailing Basic Keelboat online course fees), have membership fees covered, along with priority access to class sign up. Scholarship recipients will also have Racing sign up fees covered if they complete their Crew course and would like to try Racing!

Please share within your network to all who may be interested in applying!

2024 Course Rollout

For the upcoming 2024 Sailing Season, Sail Chicago will be implementing a new rollout plan for courses. The demand for our classes has far surpassed our ability to meet them. As in 2023, we will implement a pre-registration process for previous students. We will, however, hold a general registration lottery for those looking to join and learn for the first time.

You can find a detailed description of the 2024 course rollout plan, key dates, and frequently asked questions on our website.

Additional information including links to online forms for the general registration lottery will be posted to our website and announced soon in The TellTale.

Have comments, feedback or ideas?
Email them to newsletter@sailchicago.org.

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