NWSA

Commodore's Message

Commodore’s Corner

Happy early Fall, club members,

I was very grateful for Sarah Pederson, our August guest speaker. Sarah provided insight into the dangers of falling overboard at night, and her lessons learned. I know that I have made some changes to my personal safety gear because of her message.

Now is the time to start gathering your favorite pictures for the October Photo Contest, which will be here shortly. More info will be posted on the NWSA website and via member email blast soon!

I was the Cruise Captain for the August 22nd sails and we had a great turn out, with lots of people sailing that day. See the sail reports in our Communique for more details of all the club’s sails in August.

-Wayne Smith, 2020 Vice Commodore

2019 Photo Contest Winners
Best Scenic | Best Boat Name | Best Old Salt | Best Group Shot | Best Sunset | Best Blooper | Best Under Sail

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.