|
Sailing goals? A couple weeks ago, during mast raising, another member asked me "what are your summer sailing goals?" Of course I stared at him blankly. "To sail?" But his point was a good one. Summer slips by so fast, and having a few goals is a great idea! So ok, my goal is to learn more, meet new people, and sharpen my skills! Its obvious, but takes effort for a new skipper. So no matter your skill level, or how long you have been in the club, take advantage of this great organization filled with others eager to help you reach your goals. I'll see you on the water!
Meighan Depke, Editor
 
|
|
Volunteering — Get Your Hours
Sail Chicago volunteers, make sure to count your hours and think about how many you have. This spring, the board reinstated 20 hours as the minimum needed to fulfill your annual service requirement. This means you will need 20 confirmed hours reported in order to avoid the 2024 waiver fee of $400 when renewing membership next year.
You'll be asked to report your 2024 volunteer hours after October 31 when this year's season ends. It's your responsibility to track and submit your hours in your 2024 year-end volunteering report. Remember, any hours spent volunteering after November 1 will count towards your 2025 service time and 2026 membership renewal.
If you need help finding a volunteer position that fits your skills and schedule, please reach out to the volunteering team at volunteer@sailchicago.org.
|
|
|
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 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 consider volunteering today!
|
|
Last-Minute Tiller Times
Students, remember to practice, practice, practice! If you sign up for a Tiller Time seat less than 24 hours in advance, it won't use up one of your Tiller Time credits. And remember, if you won't be able to make your Tiller Time, be sure to cancel more than 24 hours in advance to get your credit back.
|
|
Litter Removal Continues!
Last year Sail Chicago began a pilot program to encourage sailors to remove litter from the lake and all eight Colgates are currently equipped with a collapsible net to help with the process. It's difficult to assess the participation level, but we have been told by last year’s sailors that they felt great satisfaction knowing they helped clean our beautiful lake. Experience that feeling yourself and when you see litter and make an approach on close reach to scoop it out!
|
|
Become an MCO Skipper
If you're a skipper and are looking for ways to complete volunteer hours, consider becoming a Member Cruise Outing (MCO) skipper and taking your fellow Sail Chicago members out on the water. It's an easy and enjoyable way to spend time sailing while meeting other members. The rules for becoming an MCO skipper have recently changed, so it's even easier to sign up.
Sail the Colgates as a private skipper of record for a total of six (6) sails. This includes the three probationary sails you did as a new skipper.
Complete the US Sailing Safety at Sea: Coastal online course. Sail Chicago will reimburse you for the cost of this course after you upload your completion certificate.
|
|
Operating our Outboard Motors
Rich Costello, our head of maintenance, has made an informative video to remind all sailors how to use our outboard motors. Please search for the video channel in slack and watch today!
|
|
New 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. Free shipping on orders over $100. A $9.95 flat rate applies to orders totaling less than $100. Gift cards are available in increments of $25.00.
|
|
New Skipper and Skipper Prep Social
Join us for a casual social for 2023 Skipper Graduates and students in 2024 Skipper Prep classes. New skippers can connect with skipper candidates, share stories, and find first mates to help with the new Skipper requirement of completing three final sails.
Thursday, June 27, from 6–8:00pm,
Lizzie McNeill’s: 400 N McClurg Ct.
|
|
Social News
We had a great turn out for our May 11 Season Kickoff at ColYC and fun was had by all! Please remember to sign up EARLY for our events since we give venues a food count 7 to 10 days before the event. We did run out of hot food at our kickoff due to last minute RSVPs, so we want to make sure it does’t happen again!
|
|
|
Our next event is the Windy educational sail. Cost for the sail is $35 plus tax and fees. Children under 18 are $25. After the sail, we plan to hang out at the Billy Goat (directly across from Windy boarding). Lunch and drinks are on your own if you choose to attend. Look for the social committee members at the picture area before boarding the Windy to check in and get a name tag.
Tall Ship Windy Educational Tour:
Saturday, June 8, 11am
|
|
|
Mark your calendar for these events:
Friends and Family picnic: Sat, July 20
Registration coming soon!
End of Season Dinner: Thurs, Oct 24
|
|
Mooring Line Reminder
Please do not loop the mooring line over the pickup wand when departing the can — it should be left it in the water. Although convenient, doing so has caused damage and entanglements to the pickup wands and tether lines.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
