COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB

Columbia Yacht Club, established in 1892, is a premier sailing and social club located on the Chicago lakefront. Housed in a historic former icebreaker ferry, the MV Abegweit, since 1983, the club offers a unique maritime experience to its members and guests.

Membership and Facilities

The club provides a welcoming environment for both boat owners and non-boat owners, fostering a community united by a passion for the water. Membership includes access to a variety of amenities such as dining facilities, a bar, banquet rooms, boat dockage, locker rooms, and equipment storage.

As of December 31, 2022, the club had 780 members, with a diverse age range from junior sailors under 21 to honorary life members over 65.

Sailing and Racing

Sailing is at the heart of Columbia Yacht Club's activities. The club hosts weekly Wednesday night races and six weekend regattas, with over 50 boats participating in many events.

Members have achieved notable success in both local and national competitions, emphasizing the club's commitment to promoting the Corinthian spirit—courteous sportsmanship among all boaters.

Community Engagement

The Columbia Yacht Club Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is dedicated to fostering competitive sailing among Chicago's youth.

The foundation targets youth from underrepresented communities, particularly those interested in sailing but lacking the financial means to participate. Through various initiatives, it aims to expand outreach and support, ensuring more young people experience the joys of sailing.

Events and Social Activities

Columbia Yacht Club is renowned for its vibrant social calendar, offering a range of events throughout the year. From elegant celebrations on the Club Ship's aft deck to casual dock parties, the club provides various settings for members to connect and enjoy.

Notable annual events include the Chili Cook-Off, Fourth of July festivities, and the New Year's Eve Gala. The club also hosts the Verve Cup Regatta, one of the largest offshore course-racing regattas in North America, attracting 250–300 yachts annually.

Dining and Event Spaces

The Club Ship features several dining and event spaces, each offering unique views and atmospheres. The Dining Room provides a cozy setting with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier fireworks.

The Upper Salon, once a passenger relaxation area, now serves as a venue for larger gatherings, accommodating up to 60 people. Outdoor spaces like the Bow Dining area offer sweeping views of the Chicago skyline, making it an ideal spot for dining and leisure.

Visiting Yachtsmen

Columbia Yacht Club honors reciprocity with most registered yacht clubs outside a 35-mile radius of Chicago. Visiting yachtsmen can enjoy transient dock space on the south side of the ship in Monroe Harbor, with reservations required for reciprocal visitors.

The club also provides locker rooms and has a casual dress code for most events and areas on the Club Ship.

Locations

The club operates primarily from its headquarters in Illinois.

• Berwyn, IL, USA
• Chicago, IL, USA (multiple locations)

The main address is 111 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.

In summary, Columbia Yacht Club offers a rich blend of sailing, community engagement, and social activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Whether you're an experienced sailor or someone looking to connect with a vibrant community, the club provides a welcoming environment for all.