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
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Monday in the GLCCSchool – Making the Leap to Distance and Overnight Passage Making
Most of our Great Lake’s cruising is port to port or anchorage to anchorage, but sometimes it is necessary, or better yet just plain fun, to stay out on the water all night long. This Monday join veteran cruiser Bill Rohde, as he lets you in on all you need to know about distance and overnight passage making. Adding distance and overnight passagemaking to your cruising skills will a decision you won’t regret.
Tuesday in the GLCCSchool – Great Lakes Marine Weather Essentials Package – Part 1: Great Lakes Marine Weather Basics
Tuesday, March 10th kicks off the opening night of for the GLCCSchool’s Great Lakes Marine Weather Essentials Package. This four-part series is a must for all who are looking to predict and plan for our Great Lakes cruising weather.
The opening webinar in this series is Marine Weather Basics by Mark Thornton. In this session Mark will cover an examination of those forces that control the weather and basic weather forecasting tools. This series is a must for any Great Lakes cruiser.
Wednesday in the GLCCSchool – North Channel Ports and the Little Current Cruisers’ Net
The North Channel is famous for its wonderful scenery and secluded anchorages, but did you know that sprinkled in this gorgeous wilderness is an assortment of charming small towns and ports? The North Channel is also home to the amazing Little Current Cruisers’ Net, a VHF radio broadcast that each morning links together cruising boat through the channel. Join North Channel native Roy Eaton as gives you tips and info only a local can provide.
Thursday in the GLCCSchool – Amazing North Channel Geology for Cruisers
We all know this all-time favorite cruising ground was once covered by an enormous ice sheet, but did you know this cruising paradise truly owes its existence to the geological forces that were at work not 10,000 years ago but billions of years ago?
Geology may not have been your favorite subject in school, but geology was never taught from the deck of a cruising boat. Join Steve Wyckoff and see the beautiful North Channel and all its wonderful anchorages from a totally new perspective.
January 29 2026 Harbor Report Updates
Another New Year! Time to start planning for the upcoming boating season by reviewing the Harbor Reports, flagging the places that are on your must-see list, and dreaming about warm temperatures!
GMail putting GLCC emails in spam
Have you been expecting an email from the GLCC and can't find it? Do you use GMail as your email provider? The Club has had an issue with GMail putting its emails in the member's Spam folder. If this is happening to you, please see how to prevent this in the HELP section on this website or go to GMail Fix.