Platinum Clubs of America
2027 − 2028 SUBMISSION
Universal Recognition
Recognized as a Platinum Club of the World
Founded in 1875
21,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Hosts multiple world-class competitions and North American and World Championships each year
Hosts the Race to Mackinac, the largest annual offshore race in the world
Reciprocity with nearly 700 other private yacht clubs in the world
Has one of the largest junior sailing programs in the United States
Members serve on Race Committees and hold leadership roles in boating organizations nationally and internationally
Excellence in Operations,
Amenities, and Facilities
Chicago Yacht Club consists of two clubhouses, Monroe Station and Belmont Station, that have regularly scheduled maintenance that ensures both stations have quality furniture, clean carpets and floors, fresh landscaping, and overall cleanliness
Belmont Station Offers:
Dining room for family-friendly casual dining
Casual Bar to watch sports and have food and drinks
Regular rotating menu with fresh, local ingredients
Junior Sailing Center
Private event spaces
Member-only parking
Transient docking
Showers
Complimentary paddleboard and kayak rentals
Powerboat and Sailboat rentals
Tender service
Monroe Station Offers:
Multiple dining rooms for upscale dining
Regular rotating menu with fresh, local ingredients
Mackinac Bar that was built in 2016
Tented and outdoor patio area for dining along the waterfront
Private event spaces
Transient docking
Member-only parking
Showers
Complimentary paddleboard and kayak rentals
Power boat rentals
Caliber of Staff &
Professional Service Levels
Welcoming Environment:
Consistent staff and personalized member recognition help create a welcoming, familiar environment.
Staff greet members with a smile and by name whenever possible.
The Membership Department creates a monthly binder with new member photos and information, distributed to staff and placed at key locations to help everyone recognize and welcome new members.
Experienced Team:
Waitstaff average 15+ years of service
Administrative staff average 5 years
Our longest-serving employee has been with the Club for 40 years.
Comprehensive Training:
All wait and banquet staff complete an extensive onboarding program focused on exceptional hospitality, including core service philosophies such as anticipating needs, creating happiness, and being fully present.
Waitstaff receive bar training, and the Executive Chef hosts tastings for every new menu so staff can confidently recommend food and beverage options.
Value Member Feedback:
Every year, we conduct a survey to gather feedback on the quality of our staff, amenities, and the overall member experience.
We reach out to the members after club events and dining experiences to receive any feedback.
Engagement & Commitment of Membership
Diverse Membership
More than 1,400 members
Ranging in age from 4 to 100
America's Cup-winning skipper, Olympic medalists and hopefuls
Boaters of every experience level
Member-led community
More than 40 active committees
Plan and support a wide variety of programs and events, including Prospective Member Receptions
CYC Foundation
Founded in 1990
Expands access to Lake Michigan and inspires the next generation of boaters.
Provides boating, water safety, and nautical STEAM education through engaging on- and off-the-water programs.
Governance & Prudent
Fiscal Management
The Club is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, including the immediate Past Commodore, and a team of five Flag Officers.
Board and Flag Officer performance is reviewed each year through feedback from members and executive staff. Board members may serve up to four years, while Flag Officers may serve up to two years in each role.
Strategic Plan:
In 2024, the Board and Flag Officers developed a three-year Strategic Plan with 11 Key Result Areas (KRAs), clear ownership, and measurable goals.
26% increase in member retention
32% increase in Summer Sailing School participants
The CYC Foundation’s reach has grown by 315%
Flag Officers:
The Flag Officers include the Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore, Secretary, and Treasurer, each overseeing specific member-run committees.
Commodore: Serves as the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, enforcing Club rules, upholding standards, and representing members’ interests.
Vice Commodore: Oversees the Stations Committee (facilities, properties, pricing, and clubhouse rules) and the Associates Committee (Associate Member engagement and experience).
Rear Commodore: Oversees all regattas and on-the-water programs.
Secretary: Leads the Membership Committee and Admissions Committee.
Treasurer: Chairs the Finance Committee and Sponsorship Committee.
Adapting to Changing Times
Mobile app for event registration, dining reservations, and Club information
2023 website redesign with modern branding and improved navigation
Virtual New Member Onboarding launched in 2023 alongside in-person orientations
2025 online reservation system for power boats, Sonars, kayaks, and paddleboards
Digital displays at both stations promoting regattas, events, and dining specials while reducing paper use
WhatsApp and Discord communities connecting members with shared interests and encouraging social engagement
Overall Experience
Connecting prospective members with current members throughout the membership process
Introducing prospective members to the Club's history, traditions, and year-round programming
Seven-week virtual New Member Onboarding launched in 2023, covering clubhouse amenities, boating opportunities, dining, events, and ways to get involved
Quarterly in-person New Member Orientations with fellow new members and key staff
Recognition of member achievements through newsletters and social media
Annual member awards ceremony celebrating distinguished accomplishments in the boating community
Mission:
The mission of the Chicago Yacht Club is to lead among Yacht Clubs in the United States and attain worldwide recognition for our leadership. To achieve this, we encourage, promote, and develop knowledge of, participation in, and enjoyment of all aspects of boating.
