Welcome to the GREAT LAKES CRUISING CLUB
Sharing Information to Enhance Cruising Since 1934
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
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!
Build your Cruising Skills with the GLCCSchool
During this year the GLCCSchool presented 45 webinars, and every one of those webinars is still available in the school’s Recording Library.
Included in those recording are 18 webinars that can help you build your knowledge and skills to keep your summer cruising right on track. Each webinar is presented by a person who is a skilled professional or a cruising boater with vast experience.
Click below to see what is available.
July 5 2024 Harbor Report Updates
Thank you much to the members who have been contributing to the Harbor Reports. The information supplied helps subsequent visitors have a better experience when using the reports. We have one new report created by Rear Commodore David Spencer of an anchorage in Georgian Bay - the link is included.
Port Captain Introductions: John Siwicki
John P. Siwicki is the new Port Captain for Lexington, Mich. (H-54), and Deputy Port Captain for Port Sanilac, Mich. (H-55). His hometown and berth site is Port Sanilac. He joined the GLCC in 2023. He owns a 1988 Catalina 30 MK II that he doesn’t use nearly as often as he’d like. As a Certified Professional Yacht Broker, his busy season is the boating season.
2024 GLCC Membership Cards
This year the GLCC is introducing a new feature where members can display their membership card on their mobile device or print them from their PC. Please note that each person in a membership will have their own card. There will not be a way to have a card with both names on it.
February 22 2024 Harbor Report Updates
Sections of the St. Lawrence Harbor Reports have received significant updates based on the travels of GLCC members and friends who made the journey down the Seaway over the last couple of years. These updates will be helpful for those heading out as well as those who are heading into the Great Lakes via the Seaway.
Port Captaiin Introductions: Dan and Fawn Johnson
Dan and Fawn Johnson, Manitowoc, Wis. (M-49): The Johnsons have spent most of their lives boating and sailing the waters of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes, specifically their home port of Manitowoc, Wis. They own a 40-foot Endeavour (S/V Royal Coachman III) and have sailed most of Lake Michigan, the western shores of Lake Huron, and the southern shores of Lake Erie. In August of 2021, they started the Great Loop and almost exactly one year later crossed their wake and went gold.