The GLCC promises a memorable cruising season
By Dee McClure, Rear Commodore/Port Captain – Suttons Bay, MI (M-11)
I was so excited with the other morning’s spring weather: 50 degrees and sunny. I did a quick errand and was heading home to take the pups on a long walk when I was greeted with a snow squall and whiteout conditions less than an hour later. Mother Nature certainly holds the upper hand on all plans as we s.l.o.w.l.y. move into spring here in northern Michigan.
Now is the time to plan your summer cruising itineraries. One of the great things about being part of the GLCC is the many opportunities to explore new cruising areas and catch up with or meet other members. GLCC members are incredibly welcoming and supportive for newer cruisers looking for support or buddy boating.
Don’t forget, the Harbor Reports are incredibly helpful in planning your cruising and distances between harbors. The 120 GLCC Port Captains are happy to answer questions, provide local knowledge (i.e., the best anchorages, marine repairs, transportation, dining, veterinary care, etc.) and help make your stay a memorable event.
Have you checked out the GLCC Events page? It is a great place to get updates on planned events. Currently, five events are planned that span all 5 Great Lakes and the North Channel, with more events and meet-ups to be added. Follow the monthly Lifeline, or check out the GLCC website for updates.
June 12-14: The always-popular Lake Erie Rally at Middle Bass Island, OH, (E-18.5) kicks off the summer. Chairs Esther and Charlie Graves (gravesejj@gmail.com) have taken the reins from Janice and Jim Ehrman and have planned yet another fabulous event. This year it is a pirate-themed weekend. Old salts and scalawags alike will enjoy this weekend of swashbuckling fun. Plan your pirate attire and register here.
June 16-July 9: GLCC’s summer Hop On / Hop Off Flotilla invite all members to Hop On/Hop Off as our cruising schedules permits. Flotillas are planned for cruisers in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior, with Lake Erie possibly being added. The flotillas – meet-ups for both sailors and power boaters – provide support designed to take the stress out of cruise planning, letting members focus on the important things - adventure, camaraderie, new connections and discovery.
The Flotillas are timed to coordinate with the start of the Mackinac Island Rally, the Rally at the Soo and the annual Rendezvous in Duluth/Superior. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a grand voyage to Lake Superior, you’ll find a flotilla segment that fits your interests and timeframe.
Intrigued? Check out all the information here and feel free to reach out to Rear Commodore Dee McClure (waterbeachsail@gmail.com), Flotilla Coordinator, with any questions.
June 22-25: Join fellow members for three days at the Mackinac Island Rally, a quintessential vacation spot where Ubers are replaced by horse-drawn carriages. The Rally includes ample time to explore the island on your own, plus receptions, historic scavenger hunts, an island tradition of kite flying on the beach and dinner at the Mackinac Island Yacht Club. Come by boat or ferry. Check out all of the information HERE. Questions? Reach out to Rear Commodore Dee McClure (waterbeachsail@gmail.com) who is Chairing the event.
June 26-28: Following on the heels of the Mackinac Island Rally is the Rally at the Soo. Sault Ste. Marie (aka the “Soo”) is one of North America’s oldest settlements, dating from the 1600s. The Rally is timed to coordinate with the once-a-year Soo Locks Engineers Day and the International Bridge Walk. Check out the program and registration HERE. Rear Commodore Rob Hillman is chairing the event (robhillman@email.com).
July 10-13: The GLCC’s annual centerpiece event – the Rendezvous – is being held at Barkers Island Marina at Duluth/Superior (S-188). Rear Commodore Niels Jensen is our host for this 61st annual Rendezvous. If you’ve long wanted to cruise Lake Superior, attending the Rendezvous as part of the Flotillas is a wonderful opportunity to cruise with fellow GLCC members and explore unique harbors and anchorages, all with the availability of buddy boating. Check out the registration HERE. Reach out to Rear Commodore Niels Jensen (nielsrjensen@gmail.com) with questions.
No matter which of the Great Lakes you routinely cruise, GLCC has an event near you. Join fellow GLCC members. We look forward to seeing you and your GLCC burgee at one of the events.