One common misconception is that Power Fleet events are for power boating Chicago Yacht Club members only. This is understandable given the Club bylaws requiring that the Power Fleet Committee itself be made up of Club members owning power boats. However, the Committee’s broader objective is to connect with all Club Members. With that in mind, the Power Fleet has evolved over time to its present form of organizing and sponsoring the following four main categories of events that are open to all Club members.

Giving Back Cruises
The heartbeat of the Power Fleet is the giving back cruises, which currently include the Special Needs Cruise, Boys & Girls Club Cruise, Youth Sight Impaired Cruise, Adult Sight Impaired Cruise, and Staff Appreciation Cruise. The first four of these cruises embody the Club’s mission while the fifth is an important extension of gratitude. Participation from all members is vital, not just with the volunteer boats, but also as chaperones, crew, and hands on deck for loading and unloading.

Navigational Rallies
The Power Fleet runs eight Navigational Rallies (formerly known as Predicted Log or P-Log) events each season. While each team needs a boat, the rallies can be run using power or sail boats under power, and each team can have multiple members. For example, the skipper might be the member owning the boat but the navigator or others on the boat are spouses, other Club Members, or just friends and family. The rallies are a great reason to spend the day out on the water enjoying the incredible Chicago skyline. All Club Members are encouraged to “ride along” during Contest #1 on May 18th this year to see firsthand what the rallies are all about.

Destination Cruises
The Power Fleet destination cruises embody the boating beyond the playpen ethos. Two weekend cruises are organized to ports like Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, Saugatuck, and South Haven ,and one extended seven-day cruise travels to ports further north on both the Wisconsin and Michigan sides of the Lake. Since these cruises include group dinners, private tours, dingy rides, and other organized activities, all Club Members are invited to join by land as well.

Parties and Happy Hours
The Power Fleet is known for hosting an End of Season Dock Party, the always festive Holiday Party, and at least two late winter educational happy hours.
With all of the above that the Power Fleet brings to the Club, the Power Fleet events are a great way for every Club Member, especially newcomers, to get involved, meet other members, and enjoy more time at the Club off and on the water.