Double the Impact in Chicago!
For the second year, Spectrum Sailing hosted two camps in Chicago, welcoming sailors at Montrose Harbor and Burnham Harbor. With so much demand and support from the local community, we were grateful to once again create more opportunities for autistic youth and families to experience sailing.
Across our two Chicago camps, 40 autistic youth had the chance to sail and meet friends from their own community. Sailing along the Chicago skyline was a favorite part of camp and something many of our sailors had never experienced before! On day 1, stepping onto the sailboat was a big first. By the end of camp, sailors were steering, working with their crews, and seeing Chicago from a whole new point of view.
Our sailors also had the chance to talk with Harry Melges and Anna Weis from the U.S. SailGP Team. They shared what it takes to work together on one of the fastest boats in the world and reminded our sailors that every person on a crew has an important role to play.
Thank you to Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and Corinthian University for hosting at Montrose Harbor, and to the Chicago Park District for hosting at Burnham Harbor. We are especially grateful to our presenting sponsor, Camp Out for Kids, for supporting our Chicago camps for the second year in a row and helping us double the impact once again.
A special thank you to the many sailing coaches and volunteers from the community who showed up across both locations. Chicago continues to surround Spectrum Sailing with incredible energy and support, making it possible to serve twice as many sailors and double the impact in this community!
Spectrum Sailing in the News
Spectrum Sailing Returns to Lake Michigan
By Fox 32 Chicago – June 18, 2026
“It is great if our sailors leave here remembering ‘port’ and ‘starboard’. It is much more important that they are learning life lessons that they can use in the future” – Scott Herman, Founder & Executive Director
Thank you to our hosts of Spectrum Sailing Chicago 2026!
For the second year in a row, Spectrum Sailing was able to offer two Chicago camps, giving more autistic youth the chance to get on the water and experience sailing in their own community. We are thankful to Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and Corinthian University for welcoming sailors at Montrose Harbor, and to the Chicago Park District for making our Burnham Harbor camp possible!
Spectrum Sailing Chicago Partners
Support Spectrum Sailing
Spectrum Sailing creates opportunities for autistic youth to experience sailing in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through hands-on learning designed to support each participant’s success, sailors build confidence, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections with peers.
Because our camps are offered completely free for families, community support plays an essential role in making these experiences possible.
Watch our story to see the impact of Spectrum Sailing!
