2026 was a truly memorable season across our Lakes
This summer offered some terrific highlights for our Club members. We started from the lower Lakes with Hop On/Hop Off meetups and the Mackinac Island Rally, where members gathered in one of the most iconic boating destinations on the Great Lakes. There is something timeless about approaching Mackinac by boat—the island coming into view, the harbor filling with boats, and the familiar sight of friends arriving from different directions. The Mackinac Island Rally was a wonderful way to get the season officially under way. It reminded us once again that the best part of cruising is who you share it with.
From Mackinac, many of us continued north and westward to the Duluth/Superior Rendezvous.
Along the way to Lake Superior, was a terrific Rally at the Soo, which was celebrating Engineers Day. A good time was had by all who attended, touring the locks and learning more about this vital port.
Duluth/Superior Rendezvous: What a great experience it was to bring the Club together at the far western end of Lake Superior. The Duluth/Superior area provided a terrific backdrop for catching up with old friends, meeting new members and enjoying some time together away from the routines of summer.
These GLCC get-togethers are among the things I value most about our Club. We may arrive in different boats and from different ports, or even by car or land yacht, but once we're tied up together, the conversations, dinners, stories and laughter seem to take over. Whether you come by boat or by car, those are the moments that turn a boating season into something we remember.
I’d like to congratulate and thank all the chairs for all of our events this summer. These include Esther and Charlie Graves, Rob and Kelly Hillman, Niels Jensen, Dee McClure, Dave and Kathy Spencer, Eric Sunstrum, Mark Wild and all those that worked on these events and other meetups and get-togethers along the way.
Aboard our Azure Mer, most of the rest of my family’s summer was spent in the North Channel in northern Lake Huron. I can't think of a better place for anyone to spend the heart of the season.
The North Channel delivers everything our family loves about Great Lakes cruising: spectacular scenery, beautiful anchorages, clear water, interesting islands, and seemingly endless places to explore. We spent days moving from one favorite spot to another and, just as often, deciding that a particular anchorage was too good to leave.
As with many other Great Lakes harbors, there is a wonderful rhythm to a North Channel summer. The mornings start quietly, often with coffee in the cockpit and barely a ripple on the water. By afternoon, boats are arriving, dinghies are exploring the shoreline, and conversations begin from boat to boat. By evening, everyone seems to have gathered somewhere for dinner, drinks or simply to watch another spectacular sunset. A special thanks to our Canadian members and friends for sharing it with us all.
As your Commodore, I also want to thank everyone who helped make 2026 such a successful and enjoyable season. I offer a sincere “thank you” to the members who organized our events, led cruises, welcomed others aboard, shared their knowledge in our Harbor Reports and helped make every gathering special. And to everyone who simply came out and participated, you are the reason our Club continues to thrive. Be sure to check out the pictures and updates from this summer’s events in this month’s Lifeline and on the GLCC website.
As the season winds down, there will be plenty of time to clean the boats, put away the gear and start thinking about next year. But before we get too far ahead, I hope everyone takes a moment to appreciate the summer we have just enjoyed.
The Club officially wraps up its season with the Annual General Membership meeting this October in Toledo, OH (click here for more info).
We will elect our new Bridge leadership team and together celebrate 2026. We will also give a proper sendoff to our beloved Office Manager Yvonne Murray as she cruises into retirement.
Karen and I hope to see everyone at the annual meeting. Until then, fair winds, safe travels and calm waters.
Joe McKeown, Commodore
Great Lakes Cruising Club