Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club was founded on a Sunday in October 1934, when the gaff-rigged schooner Gaviota sailed into the new harbor at Montrose.
She was from New England and had been built for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Roosevelt had a great affection for the sea and often explained that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely on White House briefing books.
At the request of the Chicago Park District, the owners of Gaviota, Richard J. Frankenstein and William S. Ahern, transferred their mooring from the over-crowded Belmont Harbor to the new, empty harbor facility at Montrose. Both Frankenstein and Ahern later became commodores of CCYC.
Frank Heyes, their first mate, also played an important part in the formation of the new club. He acted as secretary in the framing of the club constitution and the original bylaws. He also designed the CCYC burgee: The "Y" of the burgee symbolizes the three branches of the Chicago River while the two stars represent Sail and Power. The "Y" is called a municipal device and can be found throughout Chicago, often hidden in the architectural ornament gracing many buildings and bridges.
These founders of CCYC received a permit from the Chicago Park District to erect and maintain a club facility adjacent to the harbor, which would serve the boating citizens of the Chicago area. Construction of the club house started in 1936.
Through volunteer efforts, the membership has continued to maintain and improve the club's facility at no cost to the City of Chicago. The club constitution of CCYC specifies the promotion of sailing and instruction in proper small boat handling. That proud tradition, which started with the Dinghy Fleet, has continued through the development of the numerous fleets and Crew School that CCYC offers today.
In 2021, CCYC celebrated its 87th anniversary. The club membership has grown to over 800 regular and crew members, and the club house and its surroundings continue to evolve with improvements aimed at making CCYC the most comfortable, relaxed and inviting yacht club in Chicago.