“Slip Sized” WYC Member Boat Owner Alert: Waukegan Marina Filling FAST – Pace for 2026 slip rentals is crushing previous expectations

It is highly likely Waukegan Marina WILL BE FULL this season, so if you planned to have a slip this season, I recommend that you RESERVE TODAY!

Hundreds of boat owners from North Point Marina and many from Chicago Park District Harbors are looking for a new summer location. 

Why?

NORTH POINT MARINA NOT LIKELY TO OPEN: The uncertainty at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor already produced an influx of transferring yachts when the announcement went out this fall that all contracts were canceled. It built up even faster after December 15, when the IDNR announced they had not even started to seek new management due to turnover in their offices. The fact that no additional communications have been published since is a warning signal to boat owners that they are not likely to be opening this spring or even in early summer…the projections shared in December were perhaps a July opening if at all. Although North Point Marina was not full, that is still about 500 slip holders making rapid choices.

CHICAGO HARBOR 20% UPCHARGE FOR NON-RESIDENTS: For 2026 contracts, there are no remaining exemptions for the the 20% non-resident upcharge. The extra punch – all partners in boat ownership must reside in the city to avoid the fee. Partnership is one of the primary levers for middle income families to make boat ownership affordable, but the Chicago Park District is prioritizing the need to balance their $600M budget without increasing taxes ahead of economic inclusivity.

Waukegan Marina Staff are RISING to the Challenge!

At the Waukegan Port District regular monthly meeting in December, the budgets prepared over several months were approved based on the most conservative projections, matching similarly to last season. I attended the meeting to represent WYC, and our harbor manager reported that the actual rate of contracts coming in is already ahead of normal. Floating Dock and Fixed Slips in South Harbor are disappearing FAST, and harbor staff are gearing up to repair and return slip inventory to leasable status to address the influx of customers. There are repairs to existing slips, there are overhauls for previously decommissioned slips, and of course, the supplies to make all of that happen! (Paragraph updated)

Waukegan Marina and the greater Waukegan Harbor Community have an opportunity to impress and to share the excellence of the Waukegan experience.

Watch for opportunities to volunteer to help freshen the club and the surrounding area. If you have any ideas for how WYC can help beautify the harbor, please share positive comments today!