Outfit the Next Generation of Sailors: CYCF Sailing Gear Drive
April 25, 2025
by Caroline O’Malley
This season, the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation will welcome thousands of young sailors from across the city to Lake Michigan—many for the very first time. As we expand our afterschool programs into the late spring and fall, we’re asking the CYC community to help us outfit these sailors with the gear they need to stay safe, warm, and comfortable on J/100’s, Sonars, and 420s. From now through June 1, we are collecting items for two purposes:
1. Summer Camp “Sailor Packs”
These items will be gifted as needed to youth participating in our Belmont Adventure Boating Camp, Monroe Summer Sailing, and to returning students in Level 1 and 2 of our 420 sailing program. We may need as many as 150 sailor packs for the kids this summer, and all unused materials will be saved for the future. Personal-use items, like swimsuits and water bottles, will not be reused by CYCF, and if donated, they should be in new condition.
Baseball caps or bucket hats (no alcohol branding, please)
Reusable water bottles
Items from our Amazon registry, including swimsuits, water shoes, towels, quick-dry clothing, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Please note that some items are priced in bulk. Items ordered directly from the registry will be delivered directly to the Foundation.
Amazon registry purchases are not tax-deductible, but please feel free to make a tax-deductible donation here, where you can designate your gift for “sailor packs.” Each Sailor Pack will cost ~ $50.
2. Reusable Gear for CYCF Inventory in all sizes: youth–3XL
These items will be maintained by the Foundation and used across multiple seasons, especially during our new fall and spring after-school programs. The test of quality is simple: “Would you lend this to a friend?” Gear should be clean and in good working condition.
Foul-weather gear like jackets, bibs, spray pants, and spray tops
Wet suits or dry suits in all sizes
Warm layers that can be worn over school clothing
New or barely used sailing footwear
New or barely used gloves and warm hats
Please drop off your items anytime before June 1 in the clear plastic donation box labeled “Gear Donations for CYC Foundation,” located in the coatroom off the lobby at CYC Monroe Station. To receive a receipt for tax purposes, please send a picture of your donated items via text or email to Maggie Shea: Maggie.Shea@ChicagoYachtClubFoundation.org, (847) 833-8573. Advance notice for large volume drop-offs is appreciated.
Interested in volunteering to help us pack sailor packs in late May? Email Caroline O’Malley: CommunitySailing@ChicagoYachtClubFoundation.org
Your generosity helps make sailing possible for more Chicago kids, rain or shine, spring through fall!