Welcome to the GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB
Sharing Information to Enhance Cruising Since 1934
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
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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45 GLCCSchool Recordings Available for Viewing
The acclaimed GLCCSchool wrapped up its 13th season on April 10th. In all 45 webinars were presented and the good news is that they are all still available in the GLCCSchool’s Recording Library. The season featured an outstanding mix of cruising destinations, cruising skills, mechanical skills, weather plus Great Lakes’ lore and legend.
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
Here’s what you need to know about 2025 Rendezvous
Start planning now to attend the 2025 Annual Rendezvous in Little Current, Ont. Debby and Jib Turner are pleased to chair this year’s Rendezvous. It is a homecoming of sorts, marking the 60th anniversary of GLCC’s first modern Rendezvous also held in Little Current.
Club wins at Toronto boat show, GLCC meetup
For many Great Lakes Cruising Club members, the Toronto International Boat Show is a welcome winter tradition. It’s a chance to escape the cold, see the latest in boating, and maybe pick up some new gear. But beyond the boats and gadgets, the show is also an important opportunity for the GLCC to connect with prospective members who are looking to expand their Great Lakes cruising experiences.
It’s the journey, not the destination
Director/Port Captain Dee McClure: Each month Lifeline interviews a GLCC member to gain insight into their favorite cruising grounds and perspectives. We caught up with Steve Reinecke, liveaboard, active cruiser and Port Captain of Bad River, Ont. (GB-46). Steve, his wife, Brenda, and their two children, Trevor (now in the Canadian Navy) and Emily have cruised Georgian Bay extensively. Steve shares with us some insights into boat requirements for liveaboards, some unique “must haves” and a side gig connecting boaters in an anchorage.