Look back on a great summer on the Great Lakes
GLCC members took advantage of fabulous summer weather this year with eight different events covering all five of the Great Lakes from Superior, Wis. to Toronto. Here’s a quick recap of some of the adventures enjoyed by our members this summer:
1. Lake Superior Launch Brunch (Port Superior Marina, S-192.5) – May 17
Although most Lake Superior boaters don’t launch until late June, a new early season event provided an opportunity to get together before busyness starts with boat launching. The brunch was open to GLCC members and non-members. With 61 registrants, including seven teenagers, the pancakes were going fast. The committee putting the brunch together (Director Jim Egensberger, Past Commodore and current Treasurer Niels and Vicki Jensen, Port Captains Paul and Paula Lundberg, Rear Commodore Jim and Angele Passe, Director (Ret.) Bill Rohde and Fleet Chaplan Nelson Stone) did an outstanding job. This event was so popular that it will be repeated again at the start of the 2026 season.
2. Lake Erie Rally (Middle Bass Island, E-18.5) – June 13-15
Once again, Rear Commodore Jim and Janice Ehrman hosted a creative Lake Erie Rally with 55 registrants and 21 boats attending. This year it was a Murder Mystery Weekend with not one, but two “murders.” All weekend, guests were provided with clues to the mystery, including at the Port Captain’s meeting, which got everyone involved. The Saturday afternoon games -- Blind Rage, Dance to Die For, and Friend or Foe -- were great fun. Everyone probably learned a little more about each other than expected in the Friend or Foe game.
3. Wilderness Rally (Harbor Island, NC-2) – June 30-July 2
The Wilderness Rally returned to Harbor Island with Port Captains Sandi and Bill Matley hosting. 27 participants on 11 boats enjoyed a weekend filled with activities and camaraderie. Three boat owners make their homes in Texas and after visiting, discovered they lived near each other. A GLCC member (proudly flying their GLCC burgee) was anchored in the harbor, but unaware of the RallySandi and Bill dinghied over to introduce themselves as fellow GLCC members and invite them to join the rally. Flying your GLCC burgee results in the most welcome of invitations!
4. Lake Ontario Rally (Toronto National Yacht Club, O-45) – July 4-6
The National Yacht Club in Toronto was the venue for the Lake Ontario Rally. Attendees arrived by car and boat and were treated to a presentation by Able Sail Toronto which provides sailing experiences on Martin 16s to people with physical disabilities (the program has been supported by GLCC through a Great Lakes Foundation grant). Hosts Rear Commodore/Port Captain Eric Sunstrum and Port Captain George Thor arranged a myriad of events, including an always popular Gadget Hour and lively group dinner.
5. Annual Rendezvous (Little Current, NC-17) – July 13-17
The annual Rendezvous in Little Current, the 60th anniversary of the modern Rendezvous, was a smashing success with 58 boats and 119 attendees. Chairs Debby and Jib Turner ensured attendees were introduced to the vast history of Little Current, which is heavily interlaced with the GLCC Club’s founding, as well as providing unique excursions into the heartland of Manitou Island to visit sites (Archaeological, Stoneridge Lavender Fields and Nic’s Vineyard) we would not have otherwise had access to.
6. Lake Superior Pop-Up Rally (Port Superior Marina, S-192.5) – Sept. 6
Following on the heels of the popular Lake Superior Launch Brunch, a Pop-Up Rally provided an opportunity for 31 GLCC Lake Superior members to gather and reflect on the summer’s cruising activities, hear Fleet Chaplain Nelson Stone’s account of his sailing experiences in the Greek Islands, and listen to Founders Award recipient Beth Mansfield’s informative “Safety at Sea” presentation. A dinner, followed by a bonfire at Port Captains Paul and Paula Lundberg’s home, rounded out the day.
7. Lake Erie Regional Dinner (Sandusky, E-16) – Sept. 7
Sandusky Yacht Club was the setting for the annual Lake Erie Regional Dinner with 52 members attending. Attendees were treated to a welcoming private lakeside club dinner and lots of boating talk.
8. Lake Michigan Pop-Up – Balloons over Bay Harbor (Bay Harbor, M-5.5) – Sept. 13
Port Captain Matt Perry and Director Dee McClure were pleased to share the spectacular scenery of Bay Harbor with GLCC members for the hot air balloon festival, Balloons Over Bay Harbor, event. This was a drop-by type of event with 32 registered attendees stopping by the GLCC banner decked out gazebo in between enjoying food trucks, craft vendors, family activities, balloon rides and art classes. The night glow event provided a spectacular display of colors timed to themed music against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. Members spending the night at the marina were treated to an early Sunday morning launch. Based on strong interest, this event will return next year.
The summer of 2025 was wonderful in many ways. GLCC leadership looks forward to seeing our members next year at one of the many summer events throughout the Great Lakes. Look for the 2026 summer event schedule after the first of the year and consider including one (or more) of the events in your summer cruising plans.