Corinthian Cruising Fleet

A packed house at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club last night to hear Matt Rutherford speak about being the first to sail single handed and nonstop around the Americas. Fascinating stories from his sailing adventures and research expeditions with Ocean Research Project. Matt’s next challenge, being the first to sail singlehanded around the Arctic! Thanks to Todd and Quantum Sails Chicago for helping make this happen!

If you haven’t registered yet, please do so—we are filling up fast. Each registration includes pizza, as well as two raffle tickets for prizes such as a Meyerchien knife, Mermaid water bottles, T-shirts, and service coupons from Quantum Sails.

Not to mention, you’ll get to hear Matt Rutherford speak about his single-handed, nonstop trip around the Americas, as well as his upcoming attempt to become the first person to sail single-handed and nonstop around the Arctic.

Friday, Feb 20th - 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM CST
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 W Montrose Ave - Chicago, IL 60613

In 2011, Matt set out to do what no one had ever done before: sail solo around the Americas. His vessel was a 40-year-old, 27-foot sailboat named St. Brendan. What followed was a harrowing and awe-inspiring expedition through some of the most remote and unforgiving waters on the planet.

That historic voyage became the foundation for Matt’s next chapter: founding and leading the Ocean Research Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge of our oceans through hands-on exploration. By partnering with researchers and deploying small, crewed sailboats into under-studied waters, the Ocean Research Project collects critical data on marine ecosystems & climate change.

Join us as Matt shares gripping stories from the edge of endurance, lessons learned at sea, and how adventure-driven exploration can directly support meaningful science and conservation. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a sailor who embodies grit, humility, and a profound respect for the wild places that shape our world.

Register Here:
https://www.corinthian.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091...

Your registration donation includes the presentation by Matt Rutherford, pizza from Michael's and entry into our raffle drawing for prizes from multiple sponsors. All proceeds go toward the Cruising Fleet (we do not require dues) and help make it possible for us to host signature events like this each Winter.

The Corinthian Cruising Fleet invites you to an unforgettable evening with explorer Matt Rutherford.

Friday, Feb 20th - 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM CST
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
601 W Montrose Ave - Chicago, IL 60613

In 2011, Matt set out to do what no one had ever done before: sail solo around the Americas. His vessel was a 40-year-old, 27-foot sailboat named St. Brendan. What followed was a harrowing and awe-inspiring expedition through some of the most remote and unforgiving waters on the planet.

That historic voyage became the foundation for Matt’s next chapter: founding and leading the Ocean Research Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge of our oceans through hands-on exploration. By partnering with researchers and deploying small, crewed sailboats into under-studied waters, the Ocean Research Project collects critical data on marine ecosystems & climate change.

Join us as Matt shares gripping stories from the edge of endurance, lessons learned at sea, and how adventure-driven exploration can directly support meaningful science and conservation. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a sailor who embodies grit, humility, and a profound respect for the wild places that shape our world.

Register Here:
https://www.corinthian.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=845458&item_id=2794440

Your registration donation includes the presentation by Matt Rutherford, dinner from Michael's pizza and entry into our raffle drawing for prizes from multiple sponsors. All proceeds go toward the Cruising Fleet (we do not require dues) and help make it possible for us to host signature events like this each Winter.

The season is winding down, and we're all feeling a little boat-sick about it! The Cruising Fleet had our end of the season dinner at Monroe Harbor in late September, and now we're gearing up for more events this winter. Stay tuned for updates in the off-season, or we'll have to make you walk the plank!

The Cruising Fleet is still afloat! Last weekend Scout, Fifth Star, St. Marie and Amarylis sailed over to New Buffalo, MI on a ridiculously fun adventure. Who’s ready for even more glorious September sailing?

The SV Wanderer and Ragamuffin crew rocked the 2025 Crib Jog! ⛵️⛵️

CRIB JOG 2025!

Amazing day on the water for our Corinthian Cruising Fleet and a few members of the Columbia Yacht Club Cruising Fleet. Perfect winds and waves made for smooth sailing around three cribs!

What a wild ride the 2025 Cruising Fleet Dock Crawl was! Cocktails were flowing, friendships were formed, and the season began with a bang! Fair winds my fellow cruisers! ⛵️

2025 Gear Swap was a huge success. Lots of cool gear changed hands at the swap, including VHF radios, fuel pumps, auto pilots, life jackets, fenders, winches, and even old sails. We partner with Jibe Sail Craft to upcycle sails that are past their prime, and make them into nifty nautical gear bags.

This year we helped keep five sails out of the landfill. If you're ready to part with your old sails don’t throw them away. Please reach out to us. We will be happy to help you give them a second life.

Merch Drop! 2025 Cruisng Fleet T-Shirt. Pre-order yours today at our fleet shop. (I will reach out when we fufill the order to ask what sizes you need.)
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/chicago-corinthian-cruising-fleets-shop

Last night, Jerome Rand headlined our Corinthian Cruising Fleet Speaking Event, which drew over 100 sailors for an evening of inspiring stories about adventure on the high seas. Jerome's courageous and adventurous tales of sailing over 29,000 miles around the world captivated our cruisers! Corinthian Cruising Fleet Speaking Event - Jerome Rand