sailing for everyone
means everyone.
Sail Chicago actively ensures that sailors feel comfortable and have a sense of belonging regardless of gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, class, age, or any other perceived difference.
Our committment
To improve in our understanding and effectiveness, we must increase representation and the diversity of perspectives in the Sail Chicago organization. We are thankful for the women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC advocates who have pushed us to do better. We have much more work to do to welcome, to listen, learn and act to make our organization better and more effective through partnership and action. We view the diversity of our members as assets and strive to create and sustain a diverse and culturally competent organization that reflects Chicagoland.
10.4% identify as LGBTQIA+
15.6% report a disability
How do we do this?
With strong support from the Sail Chicago member community, the Board of Directors formalized our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and created the DE&I Committee in 2020. Composed of an array of members and Board of Directors representatives, the committee works to put into action DE&I initiatives and strategies.
Ongoing initiatives:
Community Cruise Outings (CCOs) as an outreach program to communities typically underrepresented in sailing
Implementing new election process on an ongoing basis to promote more open and transparent Board elections
Crew Class Scholarship program
where are we now
Our member survey in 2020 provided us with a look at the current demographics of Sail Chicago. We will continue to value transparency in our shared work as a community and plan to update member demographic information each year.
Gender
Female: 14%
Male: 86%
Race
White: 87%
Black: 4.5%
Asian: 4.5%
Hispanic/Latinx: 1.5%
Other: 2.5%
Age
25–34: 9%
35–44: 17%
45–54: 14%
55–64: 24%
65+: 36%
For all respondents, 10.4% identify as LGBTQIA+ and 15.6% report a disability
Learn about diversity in sailing
US Sailing - Diversity & Inclusion
Rainbow Races (Chicago)
Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (Chicago)
Jackson Park Yacht Club's "Diversity Call to Action for Chicago Boaters"
Please feel free to reach out to us If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to report any harassment or discriminatory behavior related to Sail Chicago activities, or if you would like to learn more about any of DE&I initiatives, including if you represent or participate in a group that would be interested in our Community Cruise Outing program.