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 our understanding and effectiveness, we must increase representation and diversity of perspectives within Sail Chicago. We're grateful to those who have pushed us to do better — and we have more work to do to welcome, listen, learn, and act. We view our members' diversity as an asset and strive to build a culturally competent organization that reflects the Chicagoland community.
How do we do this?
With strong member support, Sail Chicago's Board of Directors formalized its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by creating the DEI Committee in 2020. Composed of members and Board representatives, the committee implements DEI initiatives and strategies.
Completed initiatives:
2020 members survey for diversity, equity and inclusion metrics
Designated two Board members as DEI contacts for the membership
Changed the name of Sail Chicago's monthly newsletter to be more inclusive
Updated the mission statement to incorporate DEI values
Created a new election process to promote more open and transparent Board elections
Ongoing initiatives:
Community Cruise Outings (CCOs) as an outreach program to communities underrepresented in sailing
Implementation of a new election process to promote open Board elections
Crew Class Scholarship program
where are we now
Our member survey in 2020 provided a look at the demographics of Sail Chicago.
Gender
Male: 75%
Female: 25%
Gender stats reflect
2026 membership
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"
Contact us with any questions or concerns, to report harassment or discriminatory behavior, or to learn more about our DE&I initiatives — including the Community Cruise Outing program for groups.