Page 37 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

JACKSON PARK YACHT CLUB

Jackson Park Yacht Club (JPYC) emerged post Columbian

Exposition of 1893. One of the lagoons created for the Exposition
is now home to JPYC. Founded in 1896, it is the third oldest Yacht

Club in Chicago. By the year 1905, JPYC had reached prestige as a
premier racing club on the Chicago scene.

Early years, the club floated. The club In 2019, the Club acquired the Edward
ship sank for the last time in January of B. Stein for our Sea Scouts usage and the
1930. It was decided at that time to move development of a crew racing program.
the club to its present, beautiful site. The Board member, Brian Wiles, took over
members of the club provided all the the operational task of training racers
labor, funds and expertise, establishing and the use of the Stein. Despite COVID in
the legacy of an “all volunteer” club. 2020, Brian was able to train the Women
on the Water Crew for the Pursuit of
Frank and Tess Garner were the leaders
Happiness Race, in which they took a first
of a Sea Scout Ship at JPYC. In 1981 they
place. We lost Brian to a tragic accident
were invited to join the YC as the first
before he could witness the success of his
African-American couple. Frank served as
mentees. Brian's brilliance, commitment
our first African American Commodore
and energy will be greatly missed by the
in 1997-1998. Frank's legacy as a sailor,
Jackson Park Yacht Club community, but
racer, and race officer lives on with the
his legacy will live on....
many mentees he nurtured (including this
Race Officer and Commodore!). Luke Wolbrink spearheaded two
successful endeavors this sailing season.
The year 1994 saw JPYC’s first all
Luke organized a group purchase of
African-American crew of men and
DragonForce 65 remote control boats and
women to compete in the Chicago to
the skippers are busy practicing sailing
Mackinac Island Race on the sailing yacht
skills and techniques to begin competing
Upanayana, owned by Dr. David Blackwell
with other clubs! The second endeavor
and captained by honorary member
was the reemergence of FROSTBITING!
Captain William “Bill” Pinkney. The crew
This fall, there is a lively competition
of 5 men and 2 women were all captains
emerging with our first frostbiting season
of their own sailing vessels.
in many, many years!
Jackson Park Yacht Club saw the
Jackson Park Yacht Club's commitment to
reemergence of our Junior Sailing
inclusivity, diversity and comradery is the
Program under the leadership of
cornerstone of our family friendly club,
Commodore Jimmy Webb in 2016, when
embracing all sailing, power and water
10 BUGS were purchased from the
sport vessels! The sacrifice, commitment
Chicago Yacht Club. The Junior Sailing
and leadership of many has contributed to
Program along with The Open Horizons Remember ...
the great club we have today. Thank you
Program serviced over 200 young sailors
to all past and future leaders of JPYC as we Life Is Better On The Water!
this season.
move forward to the next 125 years!!
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