Milwaukee Yacht Club

Who are we?
The Cruising Fleet is one of the largest MYC fleets. Members include sail and power boaters who are interested in social cruising and social activities. The Cruising Fleet organizes day trips as well as longer trips to various ports on Lake Michigan. In the past, we have had lake crossings to White Lake, Holland, Saugatuck and South Haven. We also have coastal cruises to Port Washington, Sheboygan, Racine, and other destinations.

One of the fun events sponsored by the Cruising Fleet is Ed McGuiness Memorial Race, followed by a pot-luck dock party. The McGuiness is a fun, informal race for the novice and experienced alike.

TGIF Fridays have always been a popular time for Cruising Fleet members to get together and share stories. The fleet members get together for beer on the deck every Friday evening, with the Fleet picking up the beer tab.

Beginning in October, the Cruising Fleet members get together for dinners on the third Friday of each month. We typically have a program and dinner – anything from educational, to fun sing-alongs.

What is our purpose?
The Cruising Fleet is mainly a social group but many of our meetings focus on boating issues such as maintenance, safety, new technology and boating education. We also have our own chart library where members can check out materials. During our varied gatherings members have an opportunity to share their boating knowledge and experiences.

When do we meet?
The Cruising Fleet meets at the Club on the third Friday of the month, October through April. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., followed by a program with a speaker that usually involves interactive participation from the members. May through September we meet every Friday for Happy Hour on the Club Patio Tiki Bar.

Are we involved?
The Cruising Fleet is an active group of members who serve on a variety of MYC Committees and chair Racing and Entertainment events. Some of our members serve on the Board of Directors as well as the present and several past Commodores. We are an interactive group and enjoy introducing new members to the other members and the many assets of MYC.

What do we do?
The Cruising Fleet has an annual Lake Michigan crossing in July. We also have a short weekend cruise in August to Racine. We have TGIF Fridays on the patio Memorial Day to Labor Day. Two events during the year our held at one of our member's home. They are the May "Ice Breaker" and a Christmas Party in December. We have an informal race in June which is for sailors of varied talents. We also have a wide variety of changing events and activities throughout the year. There are many gatherings on member's boats and at the club throughout the summer.

Our Gatherings:

Free beer for Cruising Fleet Members at TGIF Fridays on the patio. Share stories and experiences. Great way to meet new friends. Ed McGuiness Memorial Race—informal sailing race for the novice and experienced. A fun day with prizes and beverages on the patio afterward. Progressive Dock party. Wander the docks with designated courses on docks near MYC and members opening their boats to fellow members. "Ice Breaker" May event celebrating the beginning of boating season. The theme changes yearly and is held at one our member's home. Gatherings at the boathouse. Informal get-togethers on one another's boats. Lake Michigan Crossing—departs Milwaukee on a Thursday, 3 nights at White Lake, Michigan. Family events with picnics and games in the park. Dingy cruise up the river. Parties on member's boats. The marina is a short walk to 2 small towns with shopping and varied activities. White Lake is a 7 mile sand lake, canoe and kayak rentals are available near the marina. Racine Cruise—weekend cruise. Depart Saturday morning. Saturday evening parties on member's boats combined with a picnic at the swimming pool.. Sunday morning breakfast in town. Final Blast—September party sponsored by the Cruising Fleet and MYC. Free Christmas party at one of our member's home. Cruising Fleet reunion in Florida during the Miami boat show. Location changes and is hosted by different fleet members living or visiting Florida during the winter months. Variety of other activities depending on suggestions and request of members. Have sponsored tours to boat shows, ships yards, sports activities etc.

Are there dues?
The Cruising Fleet dues are $35.00 per year. This includes: TGIF Fridays, Christmas party plus we subsidize most of our parties thoughout the year.