Chicago to Waukegan Race - Shoreside Event
2024-06-22 12:00 - 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Waukegan Yacht Club, 199 N Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL, 60085, United States
Join us for an afternoon of community and family fun as we welcome the big boats and their sail racing crews after the finish of the yacht race from Chicago to Waukegan!
Over 100 boats compete in this race each year and the lineup of boats approaching the harbor for the finish of the race is spectacular…especially when Mother Nature gives us winds coming from a southerly direction – when we get to see so many large and colorful spinnakers.
The largest boats usually arrive on the wall to the East of the Waukegan Yacht Club first and the sailing crews work together to tie up securely and then put the sails and safety equipment away before joining the shoreside party.
What time do they finish? It all depends on the wind direction, the wind speed, the waves, and the tactical skills of the crew to choose the path they believe will develop into and stay the best speed path on the course. After passing a point that juts out furthest from the shore at the location of the Baháʼí temple, sail teams may choose a path along the shoreline in search of shore breezes from bluffs, to “go out” seeking stronger breezes away from the warmth of land, or to split the difference. Those who choose the shoreline add three new variables to consider in their plans: First they must know the depths on marine charts and the level of shallows their boat can safely navigate. Next, they must prepare for more recreational boating traffic as they pass near the harbors at Wilmette, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Naval Station Great Lakes. Finally, they must prepare for the inevitable finish line wind change. Nature loves to make Waukegan a challenge for all boaters, and the final breeze approaching the lighthouse may bring them a sudden need to change which size and shape or even the number of sails in use in a flurry of adrenaline rushed activity…or to a slow deceleration of speed to drift toward the finish as they watch their competitors who took the longer path passing them by from behind and “out.”
The members and volunteers of the Waukegan Yacht Club are looking forward to this opportunity to share stories of this event, the history and rejuvenation of the Waukegan Yacht Club – on this historic location since 1927, and how you can give sail racing a try…
Save the date to your calendar. Bring the family to watch the end of the race from the Waukegan Yacht Club!
Visit with the family for the afternoon and plan for childcare at home so you can return for the evening events. As dusk approaches, the party comes alive with high energy live music. The sail racing crowd is a diverse, cross-collar mix of fun loving friends who love telling stories, dancing, and often, singing along with songs at the top of their lungs. WYC is offering multiple food options at grills during the day and a by-reservation special event dining room menu.
Community members interested in presenting goods or services at this event may email myevent@waukeganyachtclub.org.
Media please contact media-pr@waukeganyachtclub.org
Sponsorship interests? Contact myadvertising@waukeganyachtclub.org for more information

July 4th at WYC
2026-07-04 11:00 - 23:00
11:00 BAR Opens
12:00 – 2:30 Saturday Brunch Sandwiches available – hot dogs, chili dogs, grilled sourdough Swiss cheese with egg and bacon
BONUS MEMBER BENEFIT: Tie Your Boat Up at WYC for a FREE DESSERT! Choose from Cakes, Pies, Brownies, and MORE!
7:00 – 8:30 Fireworks Dinner Buffet – PREORDER HERE
~9:30 FIREWORKS Begin
