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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Tuesday in the GLCCSchool --- Cooking and Cruising on the Great Lakes
Tired of dropping a lot of cash eating out every night? Never want to open another can of Dinty Moore stew again? Well, join us this Tuesday in the galley for this fun and informative webinar. Learn how to have fun and eat well while you’re out cruising.
If you are serious about cruising and want to go all in, then it is time to think about turning your dockside galley onto an efficient cruising galley. In this must-see GLCCSchool webinar join Port Captain Mark Gagyi for Cooking and Cruising on the Great Lakes.
Don't forget this webinar is free for eveyone.
Thursday in the GLCCSchool – Navigating Locks
If you are serious cruiser sooner or later, you'll encounter locks, but they don't need to be intimidating. Actually, passing through a lock is a challenge to look forward to. Join us at the GLCCSchool on Tuesday, December 5th as veteran cruiser, Bill Rohde, shows you how to successfully navigate locks in this information-packed webinar.
In his webinar Bill will talk about the necessary preparation, equipment and proper etiquette that go into making a successful lock passage. In addition, Bill will give you his insights and pointers for the specific locks found along the Great Lakes. If you are thinking of stretching your cruising legs and a canal passage is part of your adventure don’t miss this great GLCCSchool webinar.
Don't forget all the GLCCSchool webinars are free for all GLCC members.
Port Captain Introductions: Charlie & Esther Graves
Charlie and Esther Graves are the new Port Captains at Toledo Beach, Mich. (E.21.8).
Charlie Graves:
Port Captain Introductions: Becky Hall
Becky Hall is the new Port Captain for Pelee Island, Ont. (E-33) Her hometown is Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Becky and her husband, Stephen, joined GLCC in 2020.
July 5 2024 Harbor Report Updates
Thank you much to the members who have been contributing to the Harbor Reports. The information supplied helps subsequent visitors have a better experience when using the reports. We have one new report created by Rear Commodore David Spencer of an anchorage in Georgian Bay - the link is included.