Cruise with fellow GLCC members on a flotilla this summer

By Dee McClure, Rear Commodore

Who hasn’t dreamed of exploring new harbors on Lake Michigan, Huron or Erie or cruising Lake Superior to explore the legendary Apostle Islands or take in the breathtaking beauty of Isle Royale or exploring a new harbor on Lake Michigan, Huron or Erie?

All of the above are doable as part of flotillas with fellow GLCC members. Being part of a flotilla provides members with fellowship, knowledge and support.  

Daily mileage for flotillas ranges from 31 to 69 miles, with sailors and power boaters able to modify stops and distances to suit their personal preferences. To assist our members, the Club is also coordinating slip holds in key areas, including along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Currently, the Club has confirmed slip holds (and some discounts) at Washington Island, Frankfort, Northport and Munising, along with anchoring or Coal Dock wall accommodations in Marquette. More on that in future updates. 

Your schedule doesn’t allow time to go all the way to Lake Superior? No problem! Consider joining flotillas in your area to make that inaugural voyage across Lake Michigan, perhaps explore a port you’ve never visited (such as Sarnia, Rogers City, Frankfort, Bay Harbor, to name just a few) or visit historic Mackinac Island and/or Sault Ste. Marie. Better yet, join one, or both, of the GLCC rallies planned for those two harbors.

Club flotillas are designed to allow members to “hop on and hop off” anywhere to suit their schedules while still being able to meet up with fellow GLCC members.  The Club plans to add flotillas from more areas in the future. Contact the Club with your suggestions.

Intrigued? Check out the attached large scaled chart and routes with mileage and preliminary dates below. Also plan to join the GLCCSchool’s webinar on the flotilla on March 5. The webinar will give details on stops and unique harbors the flotillas plan to visit. The webinar will also provide a walk-through of the float plan outlining services and discounts available along with information about slip hold expiration dates for each harbor. The webinar will be available as a recording you can view later (or again) at your convenience.  

The flotillas and the float plan provide most of the planning needed to make this unique adventure personalized to your individual interests and timeframes. We look forward to seeing you out on the water!