Disclaimer

This guide is intended solely as an educational resource. It does not constitute legal, operational, navigational, maritime, safety, or professional advice. Black Yacht Weekend is not responsible for the operation, management, conduct, safety, compliance, or actions of any vessel, captain, charter company, passenger, or third-party service provider. Individuals assume responsibility for their own decisions and activities and should consult qualified professionals and appropriate authorities regarding specific boating, safety, or regulatory matters.

Weather Monitoring

Individuals are strongly encouraged to monitor:

NOAA Marine Forecasts
VHF weather alerts
Radar/weather apps throughout the day

Information Channels

Individuals may receive general safety advisories and weather updates through:

Social media updates
Group messaging platforms
Event communication channels where available

These communication channels are intended solely to support general situational awareness and informational updates during periods of increased vessel density and recreational activity.

Individuals should not rely exclusively on event communications for emergency response or navigational decision-making and are strongly encouraged to independently monitor weather conditions, emergency broadcasts, and applicable maritime safety channels at all times.

In the event of an emergency:

Dial 911
Use VHF Channel 16 for distress/emergency communications
Notify nearby public safety responders where feasible

General Event Information

Lake Michigan is an open public anchorage area utilized by hundreds of independent recreational vessels. Many attendees may independently choose to enjoy recreational boating activities in and around Lake Michigan during the weekend, but no exclusive event perimeter or reserved anchorage area exists.

Individuals should expect:

Heavy vessel traffic
Increased congestion
Delayed harbor access
Long departure times
Variable weather conditions
Limited maneuverability during peak density periods

Plan accordingly.

Transit Safety Recommendations

While Underway

Individuals are strongly encouraged to:

Avoid bow riding
Avoid sitting on swim platforms while underway
Keep passengers seated during transit
Maintain safe operating speeds
Use proper lookout at all times
Monitor wake conditions
Avoid reckless maneuvering
Maintain safe following distances
Operate cautiously near anchored vessels

Arrival and Departure Guidance

Individuals should plan for potential congestion during peak recreational boating periods and allow additional time for arrival and departure.

Individuals are encouraged to:

Arrive early
Prepare for congestion delays
Depart gradually rather than all at once

Anchoring and Rafting Reminders

Captains are encouraged to:

Anchor responsibly
Maintain reasonable spacing where feasible
Preserve 50 ft corridor access for emergency responders
Avoid obstructing navigation routes
Monitor anchor drift continuously
Avoid unsafe rafting conditions during deteriorating weather

Lifejacket & Emergency Preparedness

All vessels should maintain:

Properly sized lifejackets for all passengers
Throwable flotation devices
First aid supplies
Working communication devices
Emergency signaling equipment

Passengers should know:

Location of lifejackets
Vessel name/description
Approximate location within the Playpen
Captain/operator contact information

Charter & Captain Safety

Individuals utilizing charter services are encouraged to independently verify:

Captain credentials
Charter legality
Insurance coverage
Vessel condition

Where applicable, passengers may request to view a captain’s Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

Research Before Renting

Participants are encouraged to review boating safety resources before booking charter services.

Resource:

Chicago Harbor Safety – Research Before Renting

Black Yacht Weekend does not certify, inspect, approve, or verify charter operators, vessels, licensing, or insurance compliance.

Weather & Evacuation Guidance

Individuals should closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day.

Conditions that may warrant voluntary departure include:

Lightning
Strong winds
Heavy rain
Reduced visibility
Small craft advisories

Individuals should also consider conditions outside the immediate Playpen area, including:

Harbor congestion
Lake conditions during transit
Storm movement patterns

IF AN EMERGENCY OCCURS

Immediately:

Dial 911
Notify nearby responders/vessels
Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies/distress

Be Prepared to Provide:

Exact location
Nature of emergency
Number of persons onboard
Injuries or medical concerns
Vessel description/name

Clean Waterways & Responsible Boating

Individuals are encouraged to:

Properly dispose of trash
Avoid discharging waste into the lake
Respect surrounding boaters
Follow all federal, state, and local boating laws

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This advisory packet is informational in nature and intended to support general situational awareness and boating safety education.

Black Yacht Weekend:

Does not direct vessel navigation
Does not control public waterways
Does not supervise vessel operations
Does not guarantee emergency response outcomes
Does not inspect or certify vessels
Does not assume responsibility for independent vessel operations or onboard conduct

Black Yacht Weekend is not a party to any charter agreement and assumes no responsibility for services provided by third-party vessel operators.

Recreational boating activity occurring during the Juneteenth holiday weekend is independently organized and conducted by vessel owners, operators, charter companies, and members of the public. Black Yacht Weekend does not organize, sponsor, direct, manage, or control recreational boating activity occurring within the Chicago Playpen or other public waterways

All vessel operations, navigation decisions, onboard conduct, and compliance with maritime law remain solely the responsibility of each independent vessel owner, operator, charter company, and captain.