Chicago Shipmasters: Community, Safety, & Tradition on the Water

The Chicago Shipmasters gathered on First Lady on October 14, 2025, for a meeting that underscored the chapter’s commitment to safety, camaraderie, and maritime tradition. It was an evening of important reports, inspiring guest introductions, and meaningful charitable action.

Honoring Tradition and Fellow Mariners

The meeting began with a prayer offered by Robert Lund, setting a tone of shared purpose, asking God to guide the discussion and “watch over us when we leave and return to the sea.” A key focus of the evening was the upcoming 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

 

• Edmund Fitzgerald Commemoration: An event is being hosted on November 1st at St. Paul’s Church in Pilsen around 6:00 PM. The event will include a ceremony, a service by Father Mike Enright (as it is also All Souls’ Day), live music, and short presentations.   This is a powerful reminder of the Great Lakes’ history and the sacrifice of mariners.
• Scholarship Winners: The chapter proudly announced two scholarship winners (including our friend Luis G. Vecchio), supporting the next generation of maritime professionals.

 

Updates on Navigation and Safety

Several critical updates were shared by the Safety and Navigation Committee, keeping members informed on local regulations and infrastructure.

• Noise Ordinance: A proposed noise ordinance for Chicago waters is currently under review and revision. The original proposal, which would have limited amplified sound past 100 feet, could have significant negative impacts on many waterfront businesses. Work is being done to address this broad blanket approach.
• Chicago Lock Closure: Mariners should note a temporary full closure of the lock for pin replacements, scheduled from November 3rd through the 6th, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. (PLEASE CONFIRM if traveling through the Locks on these dates)
• Winter Lay-Up: The official lock closure for the winter season is November 16th, with a planned reopening on April 14th.
• Personnel Transition: A significant announcement was the upcoming retirement of Lockmaster Tyrone (Selwyn Valley) on November 18th, a long-time supporter of the Shipmasters. Want to attend his retirement party? It’s by invitation only!

Supporting the Coast Guard During Shutdown

In a remarkable show of solidarity and community support, the membership unanimously voted to allocate funds to assist currently unpaid U.S. Coast Guard members and their civilian counterparts at MSU Chicago and Station Calumet during the current government shutdown.

The chapter plans to provide Visa gift cards for food to the roughly 50 service members and civilians impacted. This action is not only an act of goodwill but also a way to express gratitude for the incredible support they provide to the boating community throughout the year.

Get Involved: Leadership and Tradition

The chapter is looking to the future with elections and traditional events.

• Board Elections: Elections for two open board seats (First Vice President and Second Vice President) will take place in December. The current President, Gabriel Argumedo, who will step down at year’s end, strongly encouraged younger mariners to get involved, noting that many logistical functions are already well-established to facilitate an easier transition.
• Christmas Tree Ship Fundraiser: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises will host the annual Christmas Tree Ship fundraiser on Saturday, November 22nd– with FIREWORKS!
• The official tree delivery ceremony is scheduled for Friday, December 5th, followed by a VIP Donor Reception at the spectacular Chicago Yacht Club. The ceremony and tree distribution take place on Saturday, December 6th. Donations for tree decorations and stands are also being collected at the November meeting to benefit local families.

Next Meetings:

October 22: Chicago Harbor Safety Committee hosted by the Columbia Yacht Club

November 4: Chicago Shipmasters hosted by Anita Dee

Thank you to our incredible First Lady hosts, and THANK YOU, Shipmasters, for another successful and productive meeting celebrating community, action, and the enduring spirit of the Chicago maritime industry!

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