NWSA

Commodore's Message

Ahoy Sailors!

White crystalized snow covers the tarp on the still warm sloop, now on the hard for the winter. Alas, the 2018 Mid-West sailing season has come to an end. We had our wonderful end-of-season banquet, which was a success, as usual. We were able
to thank our outgoing officers and welcome the new ones.

Our new commodore, Marc Hardwick, needs no introduction. He was the commodore when I first joined NWSA. It is a good feeling to have him again at the helm. Trish Baker will be taking over as Yeoman, Lorraine Klabunde is moving to Fleet Captain, Ted McClintic will be our new Public Relations officer, Bill Draver is the new Member-at-Large and Larry and Linda Gulotta will serve as the new librarians.
The other officers will remain in their positions. This new crew will guarantee a smooth transition for a great 2019 sailing season.

Alas, the Illuminator is no more! She ran aground off the Mona Lake Channel in Michigan on the return to her winter home in Muskegon, Michigan. This is a trip I have made many times. It is a warning to never become complacent when sailing. Lake Michigan is the burial ground of many a ship! Let us all enjoy safe sailing!

I will be taking a hiatus from sailing for a while to focus on some of my other passions. I want to thank all the sailors who have made my experience at NWSA rich and enjoyable. I wish each and every one of you Fair Seas and Following Winds!

Richard E. Reed
2018 Commodore

2018 Photo Contest Winners
Best Scenic  | Best Boat Name | Best Old Salt | Best Group Shot | 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.