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.
Tuesday in the GLCCSchool – Cruising America’s Great Loop
For many cruisers the Great Loop is just a dream. However, every year many of those dreamers turn their dreams into reality. Join the GLCCSchool this coming Monday as Mike and Deb Hervey tell their story of Cruising America’s Great Loop.
From their travels through the Great Lakes, the Mississippi, the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard Mike and Deb will cover their experiences along the “Loop,” as well as offer extensive planning and preparation advise for future loopers. There is no better way to prepare for a cruise than to listen to those who have been there and done that. Mike and Deb are exactly those kinds of people.
This presentation on Cruising America’s Great Loop is a two-part webinar and is presented on Tuesdays, April 5th and April 23rd. If by chance you missed Part I but still want to register, no problem. If you register now, we will provide you with a link to the recording of the first session so you’ll be ready to jump right into Part ll.
If you are planning about doing the Great Loop or just dreaming about it this is the webinar for you.
And don't forget all the GLCCSchool webinars are FREE for all GLCC members.
Wednesday in the GLCCSchool – Up From the Briny Deep
For all of mankind’s history, we have loved to listen to great story tellers. If you’re like the rest of us and love a great story, you will not want to miss this brand new GLCCSchool webinar – Up From the Briny Deep. This fascinating tall, but true tale will be told by diver, boater, journalist, historian and Great Lakes adventurer, Ric Mixter.
The recent discovery of a long-ago lost steamer still loaded with salt, brought to the surface the importance of Great Lakes salt production to the world. Deep beneath the Earth salt manufacturers have found high quality salt deposits in New York, Ohio, Ontario and Michigan. All of this salt is thanks to vast inland sea that covered North America 400 million years ago.
Salt mining and shipping is an important part of Great Lakes commerce. In its heyday 100s of ships crossed the Great Lakes carrying this important cargo and over 70 those ships were lost to our deep icy waters. Join Ric Mixter as he takes you diving on these wrecks and tells the story of the mariners who risked it all to bring our Great Lakes salt to the world.
Don't forget all the GLCCSchool webinars are free for all GLCC members.
2024 Lake Erie Picnic
All Great Lakes Cruising Club members and guests are welcome June 1 at the 2024 Lake Erie Picnic. The picnic is at Herl’s Harbor Marina, east of Port Clinton, Ohio (E-16.8). It starts at noon, but earlier arrivals are just fine. The site has a large sheltered backup location in case of rain. Prepare to tell tall boating tales, renew friendships, and welcome new GLCC members.
Port Captaiin Introductions: Dan and Fawn Johnson
Dan and Fawn Johnson, Manitowoc, Wis. (M-49): The Johnsons have spent most of their lives boating and sailing the waters of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes, specifically their home port of Manitowoc, Wis. They own a 40-foot Endeavour (S/V Royal Coachman III) and have sailed most of Lake Michigan, the western shores of Lake Huron, and the southern shores of Lake Erie. In August of 2021, they started the Great Loop and almost exactly one year later crossed their wake and went gold.
2024 GLCC Membership Cards
This year the GLCC is introducing a new feature where members can display their membership card on their mobile device or print them from their PC. Please note that each person in a membership will have their own card. There will not be a way to have a card with both names on it.
February 22 2024 Harbor Report Updates
Sections of the St. Lawrence Harbor Reports have received significant updates based on the travels of GLCC members and friends who made the journey down the Seaway over the last couple of years. These updates will be helpful for those heading out as well as those who are heading into the Great Lakes via the Seaway.