Commodore's Corner
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Monday, June 18, 2018 We enjoyed a speaker representing the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, who presented on adaptive / accessible sailing. Adaptive sailing includes services, equipment, people and sails for all manner of sailors with unique abilities. As Vice Commodore, I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you at the next meeting and remember if you have any ideas for speakers feel free to contact me anytime.
Rebecca Neeley, our May speaker, provided us with some great information about invasive species last month. This affects everybody who uses all the Great Lakes and the tributaries. Everything affects everything, I hope everybody enjoyed what Rebecca had to say. If you would like further information feel free to contact me anytime and I can provide you her contact information. -- Wayne Smith
Commodore's Message
June 11, 2018
The Memorial Day Weekend marked the real beginning of the serious sailing season. We extend a special welcome to our new members. We want to encourage you to participate in as many sails as you can. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet all of the other members of our club. Don’t be shy! We have a great time on our sails and please remember to take lots of photos. Your pic may win the prize in our photo contest at the end of the season!
On Memorial Day we honored and remembered those who have given service to our country. I am reminded that, in the global world in which we find ourselves, this service includes much of our entire population. Those who stand and wait also serve. This is true in our sailing community as well.
Our organization is composed of members who serve in a variety of ways. Some pay dues and rarely go on a sail or attend a meeting. Others participate in sails as crew while some simply desire to be passengers on sails. Some own and captain boats while many of our members do not. Yet all are instrumental to the vitality of our organization. Each in their own way contributes to the totality of our experiences. All deserve our appreciation and recognition. We thank all of you for your service to NWSA!
I am enjoying serving as your commodore! It has given me the opportunity to share rich experiences with a variety of wonderful people. I am encouraged that our organization continues to grow and provides interesting sailing experiences for all. I appreciate the support of the membership of this fine group of sailors!
See you soon on the Seas! —Richard Reed
2017 Photo Contest Winners
Best Scenic | Best Boat Name | Best Under Sail | Best Group Shot | Best Old Salt | Best Sunset
NWSA History
Read a note written 1976 Commodore Pat Kellogg about the beginnings of NWSA.
Special thanks to Elmer and Joyce Hook for providing this wonderful look at the early days of the NWSA.
Read the accompanying letter.
Mission Statement
The NorthWest Sailing Association is an enthusiastic group of sailors living in and about Chicago's Northwest suburbs. The members share a quest for increased knowledge and improved seamanship in a spirit of camaraderie and fun.
Founded in 1974 by a small group of 25 sailors seeking others of similar interests, the Club's initial purpose was to exchange knowledge and experiences. In the course of the years hence, and continuing today, club members regularly sail together out of all major Chicago area harbors, on inland lakes surrounding Chicago, Wisconsin, and occasionally across Lake Michigan and back!
The high point of the summer sailing season, is our Door County / Wisconsin Sailing Weekend. Club members have organized charters in the Bahamas, Florida and other exotic locations, and will plan future charters to various prime sailing areas as the members interest dictates.
Who Belongs to NWSA?
Members include families, couples, singles - anyone interested in sailing; including skippers with large cruising boats or medium or small sailboats; even sailors with no boats. Members who don't know how to sail, but are interested in learning, may wish to crew with our experienced sailboat owners and gain valuable experience and knowledge of boat handling.
Ample opportunity to crew is available at each sailing event, and during the days between events with available skippers.
We Meet. . .
During the boating season, the NWSA sponsors sailing events in many of the major Chicago land lake, and Michigan harbors, as well as inland lakes. We have sponsored cruises in Wisconsin, - Door County, Racine and Lake Geneva; Indiana; Michigan and a Lake Michigan Crossing. Illinois: Waukegan, Monroe, Montrose, Winthrop, Pistakee Lake, Fox Lake; Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville, Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village. Groups have chartered excursions in the Bahamas, Florida, and various prime sailing destinations.
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