Great Lakes Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta 2025 in Chicago - Preview
by Storm Trysail Club 4 Sep 18:08 UTC
6-7 September 2025
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta © Storm Trysail Club
The Storm Trysail Club and Columbia Yacht Club are proud to co-host the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (GLIOR) this weekend on Lake Michigan.
Fourteen teams representing colleges from across the Midwest and East Coast will compete in a fleet of J/105s and Tartan 10s (T10s), bringing the energy of collegiate sailing to the big-boat racing scene in Chicago.
"Getting college sailors out on the water in Chicago has always been a goal each year," said Event Chair Nick Zomer. "This regatta is about more than competition—it's about creating opportunities for student-athletes to experience offshore sailing and connect with the wider sailing community. We couldn't do it without the generosity of local boat owners who lend their boats, and our partners Skyway Yacht Works, Helly Hansen, the Midwest Collegiate Sailing Association, and Dimension-Polyant."
This year also marks the debut of the Callisto Cup, a new trophy created by Storm Trysail Club to link GLIOR with its Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (IOR) held annually in Larchmont, NY, which draws more than 40 teams.
"Thanks to a generous donation from STC Member Jim Murray and his wife Kate, we are able to tie these events together with a trophy for the best combined performance across both regattas," said Storm Trysail Club Rear Commodore and Chicago native Matt Gallagher. "As we look to expand IOR events across the country, this initiative aligns with our club's mission: to grow offshore sailing and create pathways for college sailors to transition into big-boat racing. The IOR is just one way to give these athletes the experience and exposure they need."
2025 GLIOR Participating Schools:
- Western Michigan University*
- Ohio State University*
- University of Michigan*
- Michigan State University*
- University of Vermont*
- University of Wisconsin
- Northwestern University
- Miami University (Ohio)
- United States Naval Academy*
- Marquette University
- College of Charleston*
- Indiana University*
- Purdue University
- Brown University*
(*
denotes teams also competing at the Larchmont IOR and vying for the Callisto Cup)
The GLIOR continues to grow in stature as a cornerstone Midwest event that connects college sailing with offshore competition, reinforcing Storm Trysail Club's national vision to foster the next generation of offshore sailors.
You can follow along on YachtScoring.com, as well as Facebook and Instagram.