2026 Rendezvous - Duluth & Superior

Mark your calendars now!!

July 10 - 14, 2026

Rendezvous Returns to Lake Superior

The 2026 Rendezvous will once again be at Barkers Island Marina in the twin ports of Duluth (S-187) and Superior (S-188) at the western end of Lake Superior. This flagship event is scheduled from July 10 to 13. It’s the fourth time it will be at Superior-Duluth. The last one was held in 2016.

The Rendezvous Committee is presently working to make this particular Lake Superior Rendezvous even more exceptional than in the past — and those who have attended any of the three previous Superior-Duluth Rendezvous know that is a very tall order. The specific program details will be released soon.

It’s well known that Lake Superior has a legendary status through songs and storytelling. That may cause some members to hesitate about taking a trip to the western end of the upper lake, but it should not deter them. We can all tell tales which make Great Lakes boating sound like we’re passing by Cape Horn. Stories sometimes grow in the telling, and people’s imagination run away with them — and so the legends of the big lake grow, deservedly or not.

In fact, Lake Superior is a reasonable and fun place to sail for pleasure in the summertime. Thousands do it. The Lake must obviously be treated with the same respect and understanding as the rest of the Great Lakes. You can be assured that any well-found and well-operated cruising boat may safely make the passage between Sault St. Marie (The Soo) and Superior-Duluth.

The most direct route from the Soo to the 2026 Rendezvous is along Lake Superior’s South Shore. For most members, the passage can be made in about a week. However, we urge you to take your time to enjoy the many wonderful sights and harbors along the way. You can spend weeks – if not months – in just the beautiful Apostle Islands, and not get bored.

Another option is to follow along the lake’s rugged Canadian East and North Shore to the Rendezvous. That alternative demands more time for you to reach your destination of Barkers Island. So, we strongly recommend you visit this truly spectacular and wild sector of the Lake during your return trip from the Rendezvous. It’s also when the weather is often warmer and more settled. 

Regardless, it’s prudent to carefully plan out your route, whichever way you choose. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the World, and the distances between the marinas with fuel, supplies, and services are often far greater than on the lower lakes. 

When dealing with the details for your trip, you will find that the GLCC’s cruising guides are an invaluable resource. We strongly recommend you first read the S-00 South Shore and S-0.5 North & East Shore Overview reports to familiarize yourself with what the lake has to offer, before you begin to examine the individual Harbor Reports.

Of course, some GLCC members will attend the Rendezvous by car or RV. If you’re planning to do so, note the committee is currently working on securing hotel availability. There are several hotels close to the marina, and the Barkers Island Inn is right next to the docks.  There is also RV/Trailer parking with power available on the marina’s premises. In addition, there is a large boat ramp at Barkers Island for those members, who wish to bring their trailable boats over the road to the Rendezvous.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, you will find the twin ports of Duluth-Superior to be fun and rewarding setting for the 2026 Rendezvous. The area is a bustling tourism and recreation destination, and one of the busiest commercial seaports in the nation, partly because it’s the western end of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There will be plenty for you to do and see here. Be assured that the Committee is arraigning an extensive program for your enjoyment, which will give you a fine sample of what the Twin Ports have to offer. 

So, you really don’t want to miss the 2026 Rendezvous, especially if you’re working towards getting the Club’s prestigious Admiral Bayfield Award for cruising all of the Great Lakes. Besides, there are so many benefits of visiting Lake Superior’s vast wilderness, outstanding scenery, secluded anchorages, beautiful bays, deep fjords, and pleasant towns. There is nothing like it in the World. It is always an adventure.

Just at Superior-Duluth, you may wish to linger for a few days after the Rendezvous. Of course, exploring the various sectors of Lake Superior has proven so enticing that some past Rendezvous attendees have chosen to leave their boats on the upper lake for another season or two. You may wish to do the same.

But for now, just mark July 10-14 for the 2026 Rendezvous in your calendar. We hope to see you there.