Regatta Named After Chicago’s Oldest Sailor

It’s not easy to get an entire regatta named after you; however, if anyone deserves the honor, it’s Edward B. “Ed” Stein — a staple in the Windy City sailing community who, at 100 years old this April, is known to many as “Chicago’s oldest mariner.”

This fall, Chicago’s Columbia Yacht Club (CYC) will honor Stein by hosting the inaugural Commodore Stein Regatta, a buoy race set for September 10, 2017.

Stein has been a sailor for nearly his entire life. He grew up in Beverly, Illinois, and started sailing in his teens. He was drafted during WWII and was recruited to maintain a small fleet of new sailboats in New York’s Finger Lakes region for recovering injured officers. After the war, he owned a series of boats — his most recent named the Dog House IV. All of his boats were named Dog House, given that’s where he was due to his extensive sailing.

Over the years, Stein did not keep his love of sailing and the water to himself. He has been a member, sat on the board of directors, and held the position of Commodore for both the CYC and the Chicago Yachting Association. In 1989, CYC named him “Yachtsman of the Year.”

Stein has also been a strong advocate in sharing the benefits of sailing with others. He was one of the first leaders of Chicago Sea Scouts, an organization that has grown over the years and introduced countless kids to the sport of sailing. In 2011, Stein received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Boy Scouts of America for his efforts. A new Sea Scouts boat at CYC will be renamed Edward Stein to honor his contributions to Sea Scouts.

The Commodore Stein Regatta will also include a post-race party and an awards ceremony party. Competitor docking will be available on the CYC dock.

Photo Courtesy of the Stein Family