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Resources and Relationships for Great Lakes Cruisers

Whether you’re an old salt or a novice, power boater or sailor, captain or crew, there’s always more to know about cruising the Great Lakes. Sharing information is what we’re all about. We are cruisers helping cruisers--to find remote anchorages; navigate locks and waterways; hone skills via online webinars; or connect with other cruisers and build friendships.

Many join GLCC to obtain access to our constantly updated online Harbor Reports--considered the most authoritative, accurate and up-to-date cruising documents on the Great Lakes. These reports provide detailed observations by members who have personally visited the area, anchorage, harbor or waterway. Is that restaurant still there?  What about propane, hospitals or groceries? What’s the best approach? Current depth? How can I avoid rocks and shoals in an uncharted anchorage? A GLCC report is sometimes the only information source available for a particular remote location. Plus each report contains first hand and useful details, as shown in these three sample reports for anchorages in Lake Superior, The North Channel and Georgian Bay

Unlike other guides, our reports are constantly updated – over 1000 since our start in 1934 — and regularly maintained by our members in a "wiki" format on the Web. They are viewable, printable and can be downloaded to your phone and computer for off line viewing while cruising. 

And our renowned harbor reports are just the beginning… 

•    Many harbors have GLCC Port Captains, who provide local knowledge and assistance-- especially helpful for cruisers outside their home waters.

•    A growing number of yacht clubs -- Great Lakes and beyond -- extend reciprocity to GLCC members.

•    Member discounts for marine services, products, marinas and gas docks are available.

•    Our online school www.glccschool.com offers live and recorded classes in all aspects of cruising. 

•    Collective member experiences provide priceless material for discussions, stories and boating tips. 

•    Besides our popular annual rendezvous, we arrange rallies, flotillas, and fun social events. 

But the best GLCC experiences just seem to “happen,” when members find each other in the same harbor, refuge, anchorage, wilderness or dock.  Having fun with fellow cruisers may be the best of all GLCC membership benefits.

 

Over 1000 Harbor Reports

Harbor Report screenshot

One of the great member benefits of joining the Great Lakes Cruising Club is access to our detailed Cruising Guides for over 1000 harbors of the five Great Lakes as well as Lake St. Clair. Our Harbor Reports are continually updated by fellow GLCC members, and the latest versions are immediately available on this website.

Non-Members: Lifeline Newsletter

Want to learn more about what’s happening with the GLCC? Sign up for our monthly newsletter. It's Free!

Eleven Great Webinars Are Scheduled in January

Our January school calendar is packed with eleven great webinars ranging from Great Lakes cruising destinations to solar power systems to weather apps. This busy month will be followed by a busy February, March and April with 24 more great webinars to pick from.

Podcast on YouTube offers GLCC insights

​​​​​​​If you haven’t tuned into a Great Lakes Cruising Podcast on YouTube  lately, podcast hosts Rob and Kelly Hillman invite you to take a fresh look.

Here's a solid overview of electrical safety onboard

Introduction of Electrical Safety article by Mark Lifter

Most of us boaters are aware of the dangers of boating electrical systems. Sometimes we learn things the "hard way". Those occasional shocks can hurt, and at times be dangerous. 

Rendezvous visits an historic cruising area

PORT OF LITTLE CURRENT—The esteemed Great Lakes Cruising Club is hosting its 60th anniversary Rendezvous in the Port of Little Current (Ont.) from July 13-17, 2025. The prestigious event is being organized by chairs Jib and Debby Turner of Little Current.

How to make possible what seems impossible

With winter fast approaching in the Great Lakes, we’ve all probably had “wild” thoughts of selling the house and moving to a full-time exploration on our boats - oh the adventures we’ll have and the people we’ll meet! But what type of cruising are you really thinking about and are suited for? GLCC member Dick Stevenson walks us through the realities of cruising “as a lifestyle”.

Port Captain Introductions: Charlie & Esther Graves

Charlie and Esther Graves are the new Port Captains at Toledo Beach, Mich. (E.21.8).
Esther and I live in the Toledo, Ohio area. We have both boated since we were young, on the lakes and rivers of upstate New York.
We have had several different boats over the years – both power and sail. We dock our Bayliner 4388 at Safe Harbor Toledo Beach in La Salle, Mich.