3,412

Youth served 2022-2024

“By fostering long-term engagement, we strive to make a lasting impact that goes beyond just a few enjoyable hours on the lake.”
— Maggie Shea, ED CYCF

58,548.5

Youth hours on the water

“There are so many variables in sailing. You can’t predict the shifts in the wind or when a wave will push your bow down. You have to read it and react—and make the right decision in that very moment. That’s very applicable to my own life.”
— Margo Cicero, Columbia Sailing School Scholarship recipient

113,178

Nautical STEAM education hours

“To be on a sailboat, and see what it takes to work the sails—and really understand the STEM behind it—that’s something we wouldn’t be able to provide outside of this partnership.”
— Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Program Director Anabel Hernandez

357

Swim graduates in 2024

“Thanks to the generous support of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, which covers both the cost of lessons and provides stipends for necessary equipment, over 25 youth now have access to swim lessons—an invaluable skill that can impact their safety and confidence for a lifetime.”
— DELPHINE F. RANKIN, CEO, ONE FAMILY ILLINOIS

7 ft–105 ft

Size range of boats sailed

“This trip made me realize how good it is to go outside and be in nature—not just depend on your phone all the time but actually get to experience nature and what it has to offer. I am so glad I went on this trip.”
— Jocelyn Garcia, Lead HER Ship participant

+447%

Increase in core program capacity from 2024-> 2025

“In 2025, we are planning to double the size of our Monroe Harbor community sailing program and our sailing school scholarship program, and increase the size of our swimming programs and after-school programs by 50 percent. And we are pleased to share that we already have plans in the works to build a “best in class” community sailing event for Chicagoland youth.”
— GREG MIARECKI, CYC FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Who We Serve

How You Can Make an Impact

  • $250

    Introductory sailboat cruise with a STEAM focus for five youth

  • $500

    Eight swimming lessons, swimsuits, goggles for five youth

  • $1,000

    One week of Adventure Boating sailing camp for a youth with sailing gear, lunch, and full-time instruction

  • $5,000

    Two sailors at the development stage through 4 weeks of sailing school class, like beginner 420

  • $10,000

    Funds Sea Scout Ship Privateer for an entire season

  • $25,000

    Two seasons of City Sailing League, an after-school sailing club designed for teens to learn to sail on CYCF's J/100's

  • $100,000

    Buys a J/100 boat for community sailing, including naming rights

DONATE

Impact Reports

The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to sharing the joys and benefits of boating with young people from underrepresented communities in Chicagoland.