The perfect atmosphere for partnership and collaboration — setting sail on Lake Michigan aboard the Sic Parvis Magna. Wintrust was thrilled to be able to partner with the Chicago Yacht Club to help bring nautical education programs and, for some, first-time boating experiences — ensuring more people have the chance to enjoy the beauty Chicago has to offer.

“Very few people generally have access to the lake, which I consider the city’s greatest resource,” says Ian Burns, vice president – assistant general counsel at Wintrust Financial. “The best view of the skyline is on the water, and the boat serves as a great platform to share with people what we love about the lake and the sport.”

Partnering with several local nonprofits and charity organizations, Burns was able to do just that. Guests helped raise the sail, toured below deck, drove the boat, and sailed through the Playpen, past Navy Pier, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, the Chicago River lock, and Monroe Harbor before heading back north to Belmont Harbor.

A few new boaters even expressed interest in summer jobs with the Chicago Yacht Club. Burns is always delighted when first-time boaters are inspired to learn more. “Kids, and adults as well, can’t find out they enjoy something if they’ve never done it,” he says. Whether people merely enjoyed their ride and the lovely lake breeze or they’ve uncovered a new love of sailing, our Sailing 101 initiative has been a wonderful experience.

Chicago Yacht Club’s Special Needs Cruise

Wintrust volunteers, the Sea Scouts (a youth service organization), and residents from St. Mary of Providence.

Big Shoulders Fund

Highlights from the kids:

“To look back at the city from the water was incredible! I never knew it was so big!”

“I loved driving the boat! I never did it before, but I realized I was really good at it!”

“For our students to be on Lake Michigan exploring the city they call home was truly a memorable experience! Ian from Wintrust was an incredible coach and answered students’ questions, taught them about the weather, and shared the basic mechanics of sailing. They had not been boating or had access to a sailboat, so this opened their eyes to something completely different.”

– Kristin Ziemke, Big Shoulders Fund Innovation Leader

One Family Illinois

From left: Delphine Rankin, CEO, One Family; Ian Burns, Vice President – Assistant General Counsel at Wintrust Financial; Christie Richardson, Deputy Director, One Family; and Francesca Sigmond, Program Director, Chicago Yacht Club Foundation.

“Summer in Chicago is always a special time, but it becomes truly extraordinary when you bring together partners like Wintrust and the Chicago Yacht Club, who care deeply about the community. Through their generosity, we’ve been able to provide unforgettable sailing experiences for young people and their families, fostering connection, adventure, and growth.”
– Delphine F. Rankin, CEO of One Family Illinois

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana

“Five Ronald McDonald House families were thrilled to receive an invitation to join Captain Ian out on beautiful Lake Michigan! To have a chance to step away and take a break amid the long, challenging days at the hospital is truly such a gift.”
– Allie DiFrancesca, Director, Community Engagement, Ronald McDonald House Charities®

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

“We had such a great time with Ian! Seeing the members’ faces as they got on and off the boat was a picture perfect moment.”
– Hilda V. Arias-Crispin, Club Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

St. Nicholas of Tolentine

For more information, visit wintrust.com/in-the-community.

Banking products provided by Wintrust Financial Corp. banks.

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