Wintrust Week Sets Sail: “Greatness from Small Beginnings”

June 27, 2025

by Annie Thompson

Wintrust Week, a brand-new collaboration between the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and Wintrust Financial Corporation, welcomed more than 180 young people from communities across Chicago to Lake Michigan for hands-on boating and STEM learning. The program drew inspiration from Sic Parvis Magna—the name of the Wintrust-sponsored J/145 sailboat and a Latin phrase meaning “Greatness from Small Beginnings.” That idea became a guiding theme for a week filled with first-time sailing experiences, scientific exploration, and meaningful connections on the water.

Held from June 23–27 at Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station, Wintrust Week marked a major step forward in the Foundation’s goal to expand access to Lake Michigan and introduce young people to the confidence, connection, and opportunity that come from time on the water. Students from community partner organizations—including St. Paul Catholic Church, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs (Club One, Wentworth, and Barreto), My Block My Hood My City, Lost Boyz, McCartin Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, and Galileo Scholastic Academy—participated in sailboat and powerboat cruises and interactive STEM lessons designed to foster curiosity and a sense of capability in the boating world.

For many participants, it was their first time on a boat. Throughout the week, the smiles, insightful questions, and growing sense of independence highlighted the transformative power of new experiences.

“My favorite part was driving the boat. We went really fast!” said Naomi, a student from ULBGC Club One. Naomi was timid at the beginning of the day, but she beamed from ear to ear while steering a 50-foot powerboat past Navy Pier.

Each day featured two sessions on the water, hands-on activities, and a delicious lunch. In addition to sailing aboard Sic Parvis Magna, students explored the lake on the J/100 keelboats Charlotte Ann and Whaat’s Up, and cruised aboard a variety of powerboats with members of the Chicago Yacht Club Power Fleet. With support from Wintrust interns and sailing instructors, the young boaters learned about marine biology, conservation, and sailing concepts. Many especially enjoyed working alongside the “Win-terns”—as Wintrust proudly calls them—on projects like building whale vision goggles and coral reef simulations.

“Seeing the kids light up when they took the steering wheel was so rewarding for me,” said Ian Burns of Wintrust. “I’m proud to see Wintrust help CYCF bring its mission to life. It’s so important to create these opportunities to get out on Lake Michigan and see the city from a new perspective.”

Wintrust team members model authentic, community-centered engagement. Their dedication helped bring Wintrust Week to life and exemplifies the kind of collaboration that drives real, lasting impact in Chicago.“The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is proud to partner with Wintrust for Wintrust Week,” said Greg Miarecki, CYCF president. “Together, we’re able to introduce so many kids to the joys and benefits of boating.”

CYCF and Wintrust remain deeply committed to expanding access to Lake Michigan and creating transformative opportunities for Chicago’s youth.