Cruise with fellow GLCC members on a flotilla this summer

By Rear Commodore Dee McClure, 2026 Flotilla Coordinator

Flotilla schedule and ports of call updated as of:  March 10th

Who hasn’t dreamed of exploring new harbors on lakes Michigan, Huron or Erie, crossing the lake for the first time or cruising Lake Superior to explore the legendary Apostle Islands or take in the breathtaking beauty of Isle Royale?

All of the above are doable as part of flotillas with fellow GLCC members. Hop on, hop off flexibility allows members to join wherever it fits into your schedule. Sail with new friends, make new connections, and explore new destinations, all at your own pace.  

Flotillas provide planning and support and are designed to take the stress out of planning, letting you focus on what matters: adventure, camaraderie, new connections and discovery. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a grand voyage, you’ll find a flotilla segment that fits your interests and timeframe.   

Daily mileage for flotillas ranges from 31 to 69 miles (50 to 111 kilometers), with sailors and power boaters able to modify stops and distances to suit their 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. This page will be updated as flotilla’s firm up.  Check back here for future updates. 

Consider joining flotillas in your area to explore a new port 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.

Intrigued? Check out the attached large scaled chart and routes with mileage and preliminary dates below and reach out to the Segment lead in your cruising area for more information. Segment Leads are:

Segment 1    Lake Michigan:  Racine to Mac Island               Port Captain Mark Wild 

Segment 2    Lake Huron:  Detroit/Bay City to Mac Island     Comm. Joe McKeown

Segment 3:   Mac Island to Sault Ste. Marie/Soo Locks         RC Rob Hillman

Segment 4:   Lake Superior:  Soo to Duluth/Superior             RC Nelson Stone

Segment 5:   Lake Superior:  Post Rendezvous - Cruising

                     Up Wisconsin Coast to Thunder Bay and Isle Royale   RC Nelson Stone

 

Also, check out the recording of  GLCCSchool’s Flotilla webinar recording HERE. The webinar provides an overview of the flotilla, details on the preliminary stops and unique harbors the flotillas plan to visit, along with information about slip hold expiration dates for each harbor. 

There are several related GLCCSchool Webinar recordings which may be of particular interest, they include: 

       Cruising Lake Huron with Rob Hillman

       Introduction to Cruising Lake Superior with Dave Carr

       Cruising Lake Superior’s South Shore with Niels Jensen

       Cruising Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands with Niels Jensen

       Wilderness Cruising Lake Superior’s Isle Royale with Niels Jensen

       Navigating Locks with Bill Rhode

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!