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Resources and Relationships for Great Lakes Cruisers

Whether you’re an old salt or a novice, power boater or sailor, captain or crew, there’s always more to know about cruising the Great Lakes. Sharing information is what we’re all about. We are cruisers helping cruisers--to find remote anchorages; navigate locks and waterways; hone skills via online webinars; or connect with other cruisers and build friendships.

Many join GLCC to obtain access to our constantly updated online Harbor Reports--considered the most authoritative, accurate and up-to-date cruising documents on the Great Lakes. These reports provide detailed observations by members who have personally visited the area, anchorage, harbor or waterway. Is that restaurant still there?  What about propane, hospitals or groceries? What’s the best approach? Current depth? How can I avoid rocks and shoals in an uncharted anchorage? A GLCC report is sometimes the only information source available for a particular remote location. Plus each report contains first hand and useful details, as shown in these three sample reports for anchorages in Lake Superior, The North Channel and Georgian Bay

Unlike other guides, our reports are constantly updated – over 1000 since our start in 1934 — and regularly maintained by our members in a "wiki" format on the Web. They are viewable, printable and can be downloaded to your phone and computer for off line viewing while cruising. 

And our renowned harbor reports are just the beginning… 

•    Many harbors have GLCC Port Captains, who provide local knowledge and assistance-- especially helpful for cruisers outside their home waters.

•    A growing number of yacht clubs -- Great Lakes and beyond -- extend reciprocity to GLCC members.

•    Member discounts for marine services, products, marinas and gas docks are available.

•    Our online school www.glccschool.com offers live and recorded classes in all aspects of cruising. 

•    Collective member experiences provide priceless material for discussions, stories and boating tips. 

•    Besides our popular annual rendezvous, we arrange rallies, flotillas, and fun social events. 

But the best GLCC experiences just seem to “happen,” when members find each other in the same harbor, refuge, anchorage, wilderness or dock.  Having fun with fellow cruisers may be the best of all GLCC membership benefits.

 

Over 1000 Harbor Reports

Harbor Report screenshot

One of the great member benefits of joining the Great Lakes Cruising Club is access to our detailed Cruising Guides for over 1000 harbors of the five Great Lakes as well as Lake St. Clair. Our Harbor Reports are continually updated by fellow GLCC members, and the latest versions are immediately available on this website.

Non-Members: Lifeline Newsletter

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Tuesday in the GLCCSchool – Great Lakes Marine Weather Essentials Package – Part 3: Weather Makers… Forecasting High and Low Pressure Systems

On Tuesday, March 24th Mark Thornton’s Great Lakes Marine Weather Essentials series returns with Weather Makers… Forecasting High and Low Pressure Systems. This is the third webinar in the Great Lakes Weather series, and in this session, Mark will cover an examination of how large-scale air masses and pressure systems combine to shape our weather and how to use those factors to predict the coming weather.

Wednesday in the GLCCSchool – Diesel 2: “I’ve Got the Diesel Fuel Blues,” Marine Diesel Fuel Systems

This Wednesday brings the second webinar in the Marine Diesel webinar package, “I’ve Got the Diesel Fuel Blues,” Marine Diesel Fuel Systems, to the GLCCSchool. In this session master mechanic Jim Zima will review the diesel engine fuel system, its various components and what you as the captain can do to keep the system in good shape and how to trouble shoot problems. This four-part series is a must for all cruisers who are looking for a no diesel drama cruising season.

Thursday in the GLCCSchool – Cruising Lake Huron

Lake Huron is blessed with many wonderful and interesting ports and towns up and down the Ontario and Michigan shorelines. Your blue water cruising adventures begin here and should not be missed. The this webinar has been updated for 2026 and will be presented by new GLCCSchool intructors Rob & Kelly Hilman.

January 29 2026 Harbor Report Updates

Another New Year! Time to start planning for the upcoming boating season by reviewing the Harbor Reports, flagging the places that are on your must-see list, and dreaming about warm temperatures!

GMail putting GLCC emails in spam

Have you been expecting an email from the GLCC and can't find it?  Do you use GMail as your email provider? The Club has had an issue with GMail putting its emails in the member's Spam folder. If this is happening to you, please see how to prevent this in the HELP section on this website or go to GMail Fix.

You could earn 2025 GLCC Founders Award

Have you had a fun / exceptional / learning cruising experience on the Great Lakes
that you would like to share with other GLCC members? The Founders Award is a great way to take other cruisers along with you during that memorable time on the water