2026 Rendezvous - Duluth & Superior
Mark your calendars now!!
July 10 - 14, 2026
Go west for an amazing ’26 Rendezvous
The 2026 Rendezvous Committee promises to make the Club’s annual premier event the best one ever. It will be at Barkers Island Marina, at the twin ports of (S-187) Superior-Duluth.
The program is shaping up well. Several elements are still being worked out with local providers. It remains a work in progress as of December. There is, however, plenty that’s nailed down.
Some members may show up earlier to enjoy the fabulous Twin Ports, but Friday, July 10, is our official “Arrival and Business” day. In addition to the usual GLCC and Great Lakes Foundation board meetings, there will be a Book Club meeting, a Port Captains meeting, and the always fun and informative Gadget Hour. Yet to be finalized are details for a potluck or other communal meal that evening.
Please note: All members are encouraged to “dress ship” upon arrival. Members using the RV/trailer parking on the marina premises are equally encouraged to use their creativity to “dress ship” for their land yachts.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea:
If you are attending by car, make reservations NOW, as Duluth-Superior hotels fill up extremely fast for the summer months. Barkers Island Inn (https://www.barkersislandinn.com/) is located next to the marina and there are several other hotels close by. Most of these reservations can be cancelled for no fee if your plans change. After the Rendezvous, consider chartering a sail or power boat in nearby Bayfield to explore the Apostle Islands. More on charter options to follow.
Saturday, July 11, is the “Seminar Day.” It begins with a pancake breakfast served by the GLCC’s Bridge and other Board members. Presentations that day are still in the planning stages, but will cover such topics as Safety at Sea, Cruising Lake Superior’s Wilderness, Cruising Isle Royale National Park, and Engine Repair and Maintenance.
Weather permitting, the traditional fleet review will occur in late afternoon. A “First-Timers” photo will be taken before the Commodore’s Reception, which is tentatively envisioned as a BBQ with members bringing a dish or desert to share.
The committee also is working to ensure bus transportation for the third day, Sunday, July 12, dubbed the “Explore Duluth Day.” After a continental breakfast, participants will go to Duluth’s vibrant Canal Park District, which draws a multitude of tourists from far and wide. This area is filled with interesting shops and good restaurants worth exploring personally.
Duluth’s ship canal, spanned by a historic lift bridge, provides a perfect location to view the passing marine traffic. The district’s Lake Superior maritime Visitor Center (https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Display/Article/3649015/lakesuperior-maritime-visitor-center/) is a “must-see” attraction.
The SS Irving Museum Ship (https://decc.org/william-a-irvin/) and the nearby Great Lakes Aquarium (https://glaquarium.org) are definitely worth a visit.
After lunch on your own, participants will be asked to make their way to the depot at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum (https://lsrm.org), where they will board domed rail cars for an afternoon train excursion to Two Harbors. After, the committee hopes to arrange a dinner cruise of the Duluth-Superior harbor, which is at the busy western end of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Those details are still in progress.
Monday, July 13, is designated as “Fun and Games Day” at Barkers Island. It includes a continental breakfast and the always amusing and entertaining Bilge Action benefiting the Great Lakes Foundation.
There will be ample opportunities for Rendezvous participants to explore on their own such sites as:
- The last surviving whaleback freighter, the SS Meteor (https://superiorhistoricproperties.org/ss-meteor/).
- A WWII Veterans Museum (https://bongcenter.org), featuring a rare P-38 airplane.
- The Fairlawn (https://www.superiorwi.gov/61/Fairlawn-Museum), an award-winning Victorian-era mansion and museum.
- The interactive display at the Lake Superior Estuarium (https://lakesuperiornerr.org/lake-superior-estuarium/).
- Barkers Island also offers a mini-golf course and swimming beach.
As is Club tradition, the final full day of Rendezvous activities will conclude with the Commodore’s Dinner, featuring awards, recognitions, and a guest speaker.
“Departure Day” is Tuesday, July 14. Participants will be encouraged to give departing boats the traditional Great Lakes salute (one long, two short blasts).
Mark July 10-14 for the 2026 Rendezvous in your calendar. We hope to see you there.