We plan to have a pot luck happy hour on Wednesday July 15 at 1700 hrs.  Bring an appetizer or snack to share and your beverage of choice and get ready socialize with other boaters on the beautiful rugged shoreline of Eagle Island. 

On Thursday July 16, bring your coffee ashore at 0830 and we can listen to Roy Eaton’s North Channel Cruisers’ Net broadcast on VHF 71 at 0900.  During the day, you are encouraged to cruise around in your dinghy and visit boats that you haven’t met yet.  This is a great way to develop the kinds of relationships the GLCC is famous for. 

Later that day, we’ll have a pot luck shoreside dinner starting at 1800 hrs.  Bring your favourite hot or cold dish to share and make sure it’s relatively portable so it can safely be transported from your galley to the shore in your dinghy.  Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with everyone bringing dessert (that would not be a bad thing!) but somehow, these things always seem to work out well.  Bring your own dishes, cutlery and whatever serving utensils are needed for your dish.  If you have a portable table aboard, please bring it along so we can lay out our feast on the shore. 

There is no fee and no registration for this meet-up.  Just show up and plan to have fun.  You are very welcome to invite your non-GLCC friends to join in the camaraderie.

Eagle Island is a popular anchorage capable of accommodating a large number of boats.  It’s well protected from most winds but exposed to a blow from the northeast.  If the weather looks foul or the winds look unfavourable for Eagle on July 15 and 16, check the GLCC website and listen to Roy Eaton’s broadcast at 9:00am on VHF 71 on July 13, 14 and 15 for updates on any changes necessary due to the weather.

Please contact Rear Commodore David Spencer with any questions or comments.  spencerdd@gmail.com M – 519 520 1399. Or hail s/v Good Idea (MMSI 316020309) on VHF 16 in the North Channel.

Members attending the Mac Island Rally, the Rally at the Soo and/or the 2026 Rendezvous in Superior - and ports in between - may enjoy casual meet-ups along the routes.  The meet-ups offer a unique opportunity to cruise for a few days, or make a longer excursion more fun with other Club members.   

Meet-ups are flexible so that members can "hop on and hop off" anywhere that suits their schedules, while being able to meet up with fellow GLCC members along the way.   This is an informal gathering. GLCC members are responsible for themselves and their vessel’s safety at all times.

Learn more about it HERE

Soo Rally 2026

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

June 26-29, 2026

Make your cruising plans now!

Register online here! View a PDF registration form here.

 

Friday June 26:

Soo Locks Engineers Day - West Portage Avenue closed to traffic for pedestrians, vendors, and displays.

9:00 AM United States Coast Guard Open House - Walk 200 ft from the marina to see displays and talk with CG personnel.

11:00 AM Visit Soo Locks Park, Observation Deck and Visitor Center - Viewing freighters and learning about how the locks work.

1:00PM – 3:00PM - Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research & Education Open House

Food Trucks, Arts, Crafts & Family Fun Fair — City Hall lawn a short walk from the marina. Pay as you go.

Until 6:00 PM - Soo Locks Visitor Center — exhibits, history, and observation areas. Soo Locks Canal Park & Observation Deck freighter watching and general visits.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM GLCC Reception and Welcome — Join your fellow GLCC Cruisers at the top of the 210 ft Tower of History observation lounge for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Saturday June 27:

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Breakfast at Penny’s Kitchen. Pay as you go.

9:30 AM - International Bridge Walk

3:00 PM - Tour Museum Ship Valley Camp. Pay as you go.

6:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Dinner at Black Rock Bar & Grill. Pay as you go.

Contact Rear Commodore Rob Hillman at robhillman@email.com or  (248)224-8495 if you have questions. 

View a copy of the flyer here

Click HERE to register.

Mackinac Island Rally

WHAT:              Rally at Mackinac Island

WHERE:           Mackinac Island (H-77)

WHEN:             Monday, June 22 to Thursday, June 25, 2026

We have been pleased with the unprecedented interest and registration levels for the Mackinac Island Rally.  Due to venue constraints, total attendance has now been met.  Please email the GLCC office (glcclub@att.net) and ask to be put on the waiting list for cancellations. 

Note: No refunds for registrations received after 5/1/2026

The Registration for the Mackinac Island Rally, June 22 – 25th is now live.  If your plans permit, we would be delighted to have you join us - by boat or ferry!

Mackinac Island is one of the quintessential vacation spots in the Midwest, a 4.35 square mile island where an Uber is replaced by horse-drawn carriage.  The island has an interesting and long history encompassing Anishinaabeg, Canadian, British and United States control and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.  Journey back in time with us at this exceptional location.



Many GLCC members make the pilgrimage (or the modern term “vacation”) here annually where something old always provides something new to explore.  Come enjoy this exceptional location with fellow GLCC members.  We’ve included time in the schedule to visit your favorite spots, bike around the island, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, fire the Cannon at Fort Mackinac, play a round of golf or just sit and enjoy the beautiful surrounds.  Whatever your pleasure, Mackinac Island has something for everyone!

Slips are available at both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City marinas.  Take the ferry over and back and enjoy the island as well as the journey across the Straits of Mackinac.  If you’re coming by car, we have arranged for a hotel room block at Mission Point Resort.

Preliminary schedule is as follows (event schedule may shift).  Additional meet ups and events may be added.

Monday, June 22, 2026

1730-1930   Welcoming Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres (Cash Bar)

 Chianti Restaurant (with outdoor patio) at Mission Point Resort

1930 -?          Afterglow – join fellow GLCC members watching the finishers of the Great Lakes Singlehanded Race from Chicago and Port Huron

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

0800-1200     Explore the island on your own this morning. 

 Discount coupons for rental bikes provided

1300-1400     Grand Hotel Stables, self-guided tour

1400-1500     Find the Secret Garden for group photo

1700              Dockside Meet up with shared appetizers

Dinner on your own at your favorite restaurant

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

1000-1200     Scavenger Hunt with a historic twist. Can you out best your fellow GLCC members?  Prizes to be awarded.

1300-1500     Go fly a kite! Take part in a Mackinac Island tradition of Kite Flying at Windermere Beach (adjacent to Iroquois Hotel). June, from Great Turtle Toys will be holding a kite show exclusively for GLCC. She'll be available to help maximize your kite experience. Bring your own kite or purchase a Specialty kite when you register (***see kite details below).

1730-1930    Buffet Dinner at Mackinac Island Yacht Club with Rally event prizes awarded

(Yacht Club does not have a liquor license, therefore this is a BYOB event)

2000 -?         Afterglow at the Pink Pony (Cash Bar)

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Departure Day with Great Lakes Salute

 

Register HERE 

***Specialty Delta Kite, made by Gomberg: 6 feet wide - easiest kite to fly! Comes with coordinating 3-strand tail, 300 feet of 50# line on winder and nylon carry bag. Choice of purple, yellow or red. We've negotiated an exclusive discounted price for GLCC members. This is a quality kite that you (and the family) will use for years.



 

Note: No refunds for registrations received after 5/1/2026

If you have any questions, please contact Rally Chair, Rear Commodore Dee McClure at waterbeachsail@gmail.com

Pirates focus on fun at ’26 Lake Erie Rally

Register HERE or click HERE for PDF registration form

By Esther Graves, Rally co-chair

Ahoy, mateys! Register now for the Lake Erie Rally. June 12 – 14 (early bird arrival Thursday, June 11), at Middle Bass Island (E-18.5).

You are hereby conscripted to join my crew at Middle Bass Island. I need a crew with grit and charm, ready to face any challenge. Landlubbers are also invited to join; otherwise they may be forced to walk the plank and rest Davy Jones’ Locker.

Here is what’s in store for those hearty enough to attend:

* Plunderin’ challenges: test your skills at pirate games and pirate trivia to earn your pirate certificate.

* The Captain’s Feast: Hearty food and grog each evening.

* Booty galore: Prizes for the most daring participants and the best dressed (any pirate motif is acceptable: the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, or the Hollywood variety). Maybe you will find some buried treasure.

All you old salts and scalawags should watch for more details and reservation information this spring. Mark your maps and calendar for a weekend of swashbuckling fun at which we will raise our flags and plunder the island.

You must make your own dock reservation at https://reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/#!park/364

Thursday, June 11, 2026  (optional)

1300-1600     Registration @ Marina Pavilion by Pier B

1800-2100     Dinner @ Lonz Shelter House: Salad, Flat Bread Pizza, cookies, lemonade and ice tea (cash bar) and Pirate Bingo

Friday, June 12, 2026

900                 Good morning announcements (Ch 78A)                    

1300-1600     Registration @ Marina Pavilion by Pier B

1730              Flag raising and Blessing of the Fleet @ Lonz Shelter House

1800              Dinner @ Lonz Shelter House: Fish & Chips, beer battered Walleye fillets, organic chicken tenders, waffle fries, mac & cheese, creamy coleslaw & veggie tray, lemonade and ice tea          (cash bar) and Pirate Family Feud

Saturday, June 13, 2026

830                  Good morning announcements (Ch 78A)                    

900-1030         Breakfast @ Lonz Prohibition Bar: Breakfast sandwiches, roasted potatoes, assorted juices, coffee & tea. (Gourmet coffees, tea and more are available for purchase at the Island Grind 6:30am – 10pm)

1100-1200       Port Captains Meeting @ Lonz Shelter House – All are Welcome!

Lunch on your own

1330-1530       Pirate Games & Prizes @ Lonz Shelter House: snacks, water and pop

1730                  Cash bar with theme cocktails @ Lonz Shelter House

1800                  Dinner @ Lonz Shelter House: Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Grilled Salmon, coconut rice, fried plantains, roasted veggies, pineapple salsa, lemonade, ice tea, pop, water, and an ice cream sundae bar. Pirate Trivia and Costume Contest

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Breakfast on your own safe travels (checkout 11 am)

Register HERE or click HERE for PDF registration form

Contact co-chairs Charlie and Esther Graves with any questions.

Charlie: Captain Mutton Chops 419-410-9061 or cagraves9363@roadrunner.com

Esther: Lady Star 419-344-8835 or ejgraves585@roadrunner.com

Go West for the Amazing ’26 Rendezvous

Register now for the 2026 Rendezvous! Please click here to register online or click here for a printable registration form and agenda.

Note: No refunds for cancellations received after 6/26/2026

The GLCC Rendezvous will once again be at Barkers Island Marina in the twin ports of Duluth (S-187) and Superior at the western end of Lake Superior. This flagship event is scheduled from July 10 to 13. It’s the fourth time it's at Superior-Duluth. The last one was in 2016.

The Rendezvous Committee has worked hard to make this particular Lake Superior Rendezvous even more exceptional than in the past — and those who have attended any of the three previous Superior-Duluth Rendezvous know it was very tall order.

Some members may, of course, show up early to enjoy the fabulous Twin Ports, as well as prepare for the upcoming event. So, you are more than welcome to show up early.

Friday, July 10, is our official “Arrival and Business” day. In addition to the usual GLCC and GLF’s Board meetings, there will be a Book Club Meeting, Port Captains Meeting, and the ever fun, informative, and popular Gadget Hour. The day’s activities conclude with an informal potluck, so please bring a dish or dessert to share.

Note all members are encouraged to dress ship as soon as they are able. Those members, who are taking advantage of the RV/Trailer parking on the marina premises, are equally encouraged to use their creativity to “dress ship” of their land yachts.

Saturday, July 11, is designated our “Seminar Day.” However, the GLCC Bridge and other Board members will first serve an ample pancake breakfast at Barkers’ Boatbarn. The presentations throughout the day may include Safety at Sea, Cruising Lake Superior’s Wilderness, Cruising Isle Royale National Park, Engine Repair & Maintenance, and others 

Late in the afternoon — and weather permitting, of course — there will be the traditional fleet review. The usual First-Timers Photo will be taken before the Commodore’s Reception, which is at a BBQ arranged by Barkers Island Marina. All at the marina can attended, so don’t be surprised if if you find yourself in a conversation with Lake Superior non-members. However, we hope you will use the opportunity to kindly encourage them to join the GLCC. 

By the way, you should be aware that this is the weekend of the popular Duluth Air Show. The activity level will be high at the Twin Ports. As part of the festivities, the Air Force’s Thunderbirds will be performing.

Sunday, July 12, is the “Explore Duluth Day.” After a continental breakfast, bus transportation will be provided to and from Duluth’s vibrant Canal Park District. It’s a major midwestern tourist destination, which is filled with interesting attractions, high-end shops, and popular restaurants. A prominent feature is its historic lift bridge, which spans the Duluth Ship Canal. You will, of course, also see large freighters and lakers arrive and depart under the bridge, which is considered to be a gateway from the western end of the St. Lawence Seaway. Other attraction include:

• Superior Maritime Visitor Center
• SS Irving Museum Ship 
• Great Lakes Aquarium

After lunch on our own we will make our way to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum depot, where — if you signed up for this enticing and fun optional tour — you will board for an afternoon train excursion towards Two Harbors and back. Charcuterie, dessert and two drinks per person will be served on the 1^st Class train ride.

While you’re at the train depot, we urge you to take a look at the train exhibits. The museum is highly rated as well as strongly recommended.

After the train excursion. You will board the Vista Star at the Duluth waterfront. The tour boat will take us on a two-hour dinner cruise of the Duluth-Superior harbor. The chicken & ribs buffet is catered from Black Woods, and a cash bar is available.

Monday, July 13, is designated as the “Fun & Games Day” at Barkers Island. After another continental breakfast, there will be several organized events, including the always amusing and entertaining Bilge Auction on behalf of our Great Lakes Foundation. Please bring items to be auctioned.

For lunch, we have arranged for a couple of food trucks to be at the marina. This was a popular feature at the recent Escanaba Rendezvous, so we borrowed the idea from that event.  Please use them. Anybody at the marina can make purchases from the trucks, so you may again find yourself in a conversation with non-member boaters. We again urge you to be an ambassador for the GLCC, and kindly use the opportunity to encourage them to join the Club.

Barkers Island has much to explore on your own. They include:

• The last surviving whaleback freighter, the SS Meteor 
• The WWII Veterans Museum, featuring a rare P-38 airplane
• The Fairlawn 
• The interactive display at the Lake Superior Estuarium
• A miniature golf course 
• A popular swimming beach
• Several Lake Superior sport fishing charters

As is Club tradition, this final full day of Rendezvous activities will conclude with the Commodore’s Dinner. It will be held at the Barkers Island Inn, and will feature the usual awards and recognition, as well as a speaker. A cash bar will be available.

Tuesday, July 14, is the “Departure Day.”  After the continental breakfast, please give the GLCC boats that leave the traditional Great Lakes Salute (one long, two short blasts).

However, you may wish to linger longer at the Twin Ports. There is plenty more to see and do in the Twin Ports. For instance, if you like architecture and historic places, you may wish to visit the historic Glensheen, a noteworthy Beaux-Arts mansion in Duluth.

Wednesday, July 15, has an optional “Après Rendezvous Activity,” if you choose to stay in the Twin Ports. The activity is a guided tour of Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth, which is the world’s largest producer of piston-powered aircrafts. The company also manufactures the Vision Jet, a single-engine personal jet. Space is limited for the tour, so attendance will be on a first come/first served basis. You don’t want to miss out. Please sign up early.

Mention Great Lakes Cruising Club when making reservations. 

DOCKAGE: Please call Barkers Island Marina at 715-392-7131 directly for dock reservations, and reference the special 5 days for 4 days rate extended to Rendezvous attendees. All slips are equipped with a 30am/125volt or 50amp/125volt service receptacle. 50amp/220volt electrical service is available for an additional installation charge.

RV/TRAILERS: On-site parking with electrical hook-up is available at the marina. Please call 715-392-7131 for reservations.

HOTEL: Barkers Island Inn has set aside a small block of rooms at a discount. Please call 715-392-7152 directly and ask for the "Great Lakes Cruising Club" group block. The rooms will be held until 6/9/2026. Room reservations after that date are accepted on an availability basis.

ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA:

If you are attending by car or plane, make reservations NOW, as Duluth-Superior hotels fill up extremely fast for the summer months. Barkers Island Inn is located next to the marina and there are several other hotels close by. Most of these reservations can be cancelled for no fee if your plans change. After the Rendezvous, also consider chartering a sail or power boat in the nearby Apostle Islands National Lakeshore by Bayfield.

HOW TO GET THERE BY BOAT

It’s well known that Lake Superior has a legendary status through songs and storytelling. That may cause some to hesitate about taking a trip to the western end of the upper lake, but it should not deter them. We can all tell tales which make Great Lakes boating sound like we’re passing Cape Horn. Stories sometimes grow in the telling, and people’s imagination run away with them — and so the legends of the big lake grow, deservedly or not.

In fact, Lake Superior is a reasonable and fun place to sail for pleasure in the summertime. Thousands do it. The Lake must obviously be treated with the same respect and understanding as the rest of the Great Lakes. You can be assured that any well-founded and well-operated cruising boat may safely make the passage between Sault Ste. Marie (The Soo) and Superior-Duluth.

The most direct route from the Soo to the 2026 Rendezvous is along Lake Superior’s South Shore. For most members, the passage can be made in about a week. However, we urge you to take your time to enjoy the many wonderful sights and harbors along the way. You can spend weeks – if not months – in just the beautiful Apostle Islands, and not get bored.

Another option is to follow along the lake’s rugged Canadian East and North Shore to the Rendezvous. That alternative demands more time for you to reach your destination of Barkers Island. So, we strongly recommend you visit this truly spectacular and wild sector of the Lake during your return trip from the Rendezvous. It’s also when the weather is often warmer and more settled.

Regardless, it’s prudent to carefully plan out your route, whichever way you choose. Lake Superior is the largest lake in the World, and the distances between the marinas with fuel, supplies, and services are often far greater than on the lower lakes.

When dealing with the details for your trip, you will find that the GLCC’s cruising guides are an invaluable resource. We strongly recommend you first read the S-00 South Shore and S-0.5 North & East Shore Overview reports to familiarize yourself with what the lake has to offer, before you begin to examine the individual Harbor Reports.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, you will find the twin ports of Duluth-Superior to be fun and rewarding setting for the 2026 Rendezvous. The area is a bustling tourism and recreation destination, and one of the busiest commercial seaports in the nation, partly because it’s the western end of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There will be plenty for you to do and see here.

So, you really don’t want to miss the 2026 Rendezvous, especially if you’re working towards getting the Club’s prestigious Admiral Bayfield Award for cruising all of the five Great Lakes. Besides, there are so many benefits of visiting Lake Superior’s vast wilderness, outstanding scenery, secluded anchorages, beautiful bays, deep fjords, and pleasant towns. There is nothing like it in the World. It is always an adventure.

So, register now for 2026 Rendezvous at Superior-Duluth! Please click here to register online or click here for a printable registration form and agenda. Note: no refunds for cancellations received after 6/26/2026

We hope to see you there.



Rendezvous agenda:

NOTE: Schedule change as of 5/18/2026

​THURSDAY, JULY 9

EARLY ARRIVALS

All Day             Early Arrivals - No Dock Crew

1200-1300        Lunch on your own

1300-1700        General Preparations and set up

1700-1900        Dinner on your own

FRIDAY, JULY 10

ARRIVAL AND BUSINESS DAY

0800-1000        Breakfast on your own

0805-0810        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A with National Anthems        

0900-1600        Docking Crew

0900-1600        Registration & Ship’s Store - Boatbarn

0900-1600        Dress Ship

1100-1200        GLCC Book Club Meeting – Boatbarn

1200-1300        Lunch on your own

1300-1400        Port Captains Meeting - Clubhouse

1400-1500        Gadget Hour - Boatbarn

1700-1830        Potluck - Boatbarn

1705-1710        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A

SATURDAY, JULY 11

SEMINAR DAY

0800-1000        Pancake Breakfast - Served by Bridge & Friends - Boatbarn

0805-0810        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A with National Anthems

0900-1530        Dress Ship

1000-1050        Seminar - TBD – Boatbarn

1100-1150        Seminar - Engine Repairs - Boatbarn

1200-1300        Lunch on your own

1300-1350        Seminar - Safety at Sea - Boatbarn

1400-1450        Seminar - Cruising Isle Royale - Boatbarn

1500-1550        Seminar - Canadian North Shore - Boatbarn

1500-1615        Fleet Aerial Photo

1630-1700        Fleet Review

1705-1710        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A

1730-1800        First Timers Reception & Photo

1800-1930        Commodore’s Reception/BBQ – Boatbarn

SUNDAY, JULY 12

EXPLORE DULUTH DAY

0805-0810        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A with National Anthems

0800-1000        Continental Breakfast - Boatbarn

0930-1200        Tour Day - Canal Park

1200-1300        Lunch on your own - Canal Park

1330-1600        Dome Car Train Excursion

1730                 Boarding & Social Hour for Dinner Cruise - Vista Fleet, Canal Park

1800                 Dinner Cruise Departs - Cash Bar

2000                 Return to Barkers Island

MONDAY, JULY 13

FUN & GAMES ON BARKERS ISLAND DAY

0805-0810        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A with National Anthems

0800-1000        Continental Breakfast - Boatbarn

0900-1200        Board of Directors Meeting - Clubhouse

1200-1300        Lunch on your own

1300-1500        Bilge Auction for Great Lakes Foundation - Boatbarn

1300-1700        Various Barkers Island Activities and Tours

1705-1710        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A

1800-1900        Social Hour - Barkers Island Inn

1900-2100       Commodore’s Dinner - Cash Bar, Awards, Recognitions & Speaker Paul Hesse, "Sailing to Norway on a Viking Ship was Great, but the Return was Even Better" - Barkers Island Inn

TUESDAY, JULY 14

DEPARTURE DAY

0805-0810        Rendezvous Net - Ch 78A

0800-1000        Continental Breakfast - Boatbarn

0900                 Blessing of the Fleet

0930                 Depart with Great Lakes Salute

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

OPTIONAL APRES DAY

1000                 Cirrus Design Corporation Tour - Aircraft Manufacturing