From the Helm
November 20, 2025
by Greg Miarecki and Maggie Shea
Dear Friends,
Your generous support of the CYC Foundation helped change the lives of more than 3,000 youth this past year. Together, we are one step closer to a future where every young person in Chicago can experience the joys and benefits of boating, learn to swim, and feel connected to Lake Michigan.
We need your help. Our Annual Appeal, supporting ambitious goals for 2026, launches NOW.
In 2025, we tripled enrollment at Monroe Community Sailing to more than 200 youth, awarded twice as many sailing school scholarships, and provided swim lessons for more than 600 youth at 10 different pools. At Belmont, we supported twice as many youth, with some sailors—who began in CYCF programs back in 2023—returning for their third season of sailing school!
Your trust empowered us to pilot new programs, like a sailing and swimming camp at 31st Street Harbor. At Monroe Harbor, our high school cohorts braved fall and spring weather—always made better by pizza in the Captain’s Cabin. In July, we hosted a camp focused on marine careers for participants in the Chicagobility program. We shared laughs and swims with the sailors at the inaugural Sailapalooza, which featured sailing, fishing, and swimming for more than 50 youth at Monroe.
We deployed new data systems to track outcomes and measure the impact our programs have on the youth we serve. As we collaborate more with a coalition of community sailing partners—including Columbia Sailing School, Sail Chicago, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, the Illinois DNR, and the Chicago Park District—we are redefining the community sailing landscape in Chicago.
We hope you share the pride and joy we feel as you read the 2025 Impact Report—available online HERE and arriving in your mailbox soon if it hasn’t already. Your support helped us lay the groundwork for an even bigger 2026, including:
Launching robust boating programs across the South Side of Chicago.
Strengthening our Monroe Harbor program by acquiring a third J/100.
Expanding our offerings for high school students with a mentor network, academic support, and workforce development tied to Chicago’s lakefront.
To make these ambitious plans a reality, we need your help. Our Annual Appeal launches NOW, with the goal of raising $850,000. We've already secured donations and pledges totaling more than $500,000. The annual Bilge Auction (see below) this past weekend set off some great momentum, raising over $37,000—more than double the previous record for this event! Please help us cross the finish line.
With a gift of $1,000 or more, you’ll earn a place on the donor recognition plaque at CYC's Monroe Station and receive invitations to donor appreciation events throughout 2026. Please CLICK HERE to make a donation and help us make this happen! CYC members may donate via a Club account; we also welcome donations of appreciated stock. No matter the method, please know your contribution directly supports increased opportunities for Chicago's youth.
We’re inspired by your support and encouragement, and hope that you are as excited as we are about the future. In 2026 and beyond, let’s continue doing big things. Really big things. Together!
Greg Miarecki
President
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
greg@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org
Maggie Shea
Executive Director
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
maggie.shea@chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org