During the rough Chicago winter of 1891, the city’s heartiest sailors met at the home of the Division Street bridge tender for a bit of camaraderie. Born at this gathering was the inspiration for a downtown yacht club named “Columbia”. In 1892, a charter was obtained from the state and a site selected at the foot of Randolph Street.

Enthusiastic members built a small barge topped by a shed to serve as Columbia’s original “clubship”. In 1927 the club purchased the 193-foot Pere Marquette #4, a wood and iron-plated steamboat that was towed to the foot of Randolph Street. In 1936 the lake steamer Florida was purchased as a replacement. After 45 years of service, the Florida was replaced by the stately 372-foot Canadian icebreaker and ferryboat Abby.

On the longest Columbia Yacht Club cruise to date, members brought Abby from Pictou, Nova Scotia to Chicago from April 5-14, 1983. Originally christened the Abegweit, 45 club members sailed her to Chicago. On June 14, 1997 the vessel’s main bridge was reopened after having been refurbished by the club members. This area now provides the CYC members with one of the most unique views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront.