When

October 27, 2024    
11:00 am - 3:30 pm

Where

Waukegan Yacht Club
199 N Harbor Place, Waukegan, IL, 60085

Join us for small boat sailing in the harbor! Whether you are just beginning and want to practice with freedom to sail the harbor or if can’t wait for Frostbiting to begin again and want to tune up your speed skills, the time is NOW!

Thanks to the generosity of the local fleet captain, we have a growing fleet of Penguins available for immediate use. Penguins are an easy switch for those who have sailed in Pram, Opti, El Toro, or other small “kneelers” and due to their roomier design with the thwart (crossing bench) position more aft they are more comfortable for adults.

Sail racers may bring their own boats as well, and we will create racing sections for any one-design fleet of more than 3 boats that is interested in doing so.

We are seeking a small RIB or other options for a robust option for assisting capsize recovery and speeding sailors into WYC for a fast warm-up, but in the meantime, we have a small inflatable and a requirement of reasonable experience in sailing dinghies for solo sailing at your own risk. Participants with experience are willing to offer ride along as well as some friendly instruction on days that nature is providing conditions that will make it a pleasant experience.

This activity is open to all ages and levels of experience. Weather conditions of the day may result in restriction to only the most experienced sailors, for the safety of the human and to protect the boats to ensure many years of future use. Upon arrival, please add your name and details on the participants log and sign the waiver to participate.

The Waukegan Yacht Club is open Sundays with warm foods and warm drinks available for purchase – open to all adventurers, visitors, and spectators. Parking is available in our lot with overflow in the additional lots to the North and West.

Restrooms include showers and curtained changing spaces. The coat room is available for hanging damp/dripping clothing. The North end of the bar is the reserved space to store personal sail bags and dry PFDs. We do not have lockers.

If boats are being rigged when you arrive, please do offer to help. Until you become familiar with how the Penguins are rigged, you may find you are limited to “lifting” and “pulling” activities. For the safety of participants it is important that the boats be rigged properly and consistently – with no “surprises.”