Navy Pier Marina's Randy Podolsky named Chicago Yachting Association Yachtsperson of the Year
by Navy Pier Marina 10 Nov 12:12 PST
Navy Pier Marina's Randy Podolsky has been named the 2025 Chicago Yachting Association Yachtsperson of the Year © Navy Pier Marina
Navy Pier Marina is proud to announce that project founder and developer Randy D. Podolsky has received the Yachtsperson of the Year Award from the Chicago Yachting Association.
This annual CYA award recognizes exceptional efforts and endeavors to enhance the boating experience for recreational boaters on Lake Michigan and beyond.
Randy is an entrepreneur, avid boater, and proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Navy Pier Marina has long been his passion project, developed to provide boaters with 5-star pleasure-craft docking and convenient access to dining, lodging, and entertainment in the Chicago area.
As one of the Chicago Yachting Association's highest honors, the Yachtsperson of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to boating and yachting in the Chicago area throughout the year. "The award honors Randy's Podolsky's leadership and service to the boating community; through his vision and dedication, Randy has created an accessible, premier tourist attraction in Navy Pier Marina, where visitors from all over can experience Chicago's lively city, beautiful lakefront, and rich culture," said James Caldwell, CYA Commodore.
The 2025 CYA awards were presented on October 19th at the organization's annual members meeting. "I could not be more humbled and honored to be recognized by the Chicago Yachting Association for this prestigious award," said Randy. "The members and directors of CYA are all proud and active Chicago boaters and represent significant yacht clubs and boating organizations dedicated to promoting the boating community and safety along Chicago's shoreline. Their selection of me as Yachtsperson of the Year is very meaningful to me."
In a single season, Navy Pier Marina has cemented Chicago's role in Great Lakes cruising, created a major stopover point for transient vessels and Loopers, and has enriched the integration of boating culture with urban life. Thanks to the marina's stellar first season, Chicago's waterfront experience has been undoubtedly elevated. Now, rather than simply passing by or docking far from downtown, recreational and commercial boaters can anchor right in a central, high-amenity urban location—hourly, overnight, or even seasonally.
Navy Pier Marina is also ideal for accommodating group rendezvous, wherein boat and yacht clubs, marinas and other businesses, or groups of boat-loving families and friends can dock together. Nowhere else can 10-50 boats moor together in the heart of Chicago! Designed by boaters, for boaters, this transient-focused marina brings convenience and world-class amenities to Lake Michigan's boating community; it has already established itself as the premier boating destination that offers flexible docking options, 5-star accommodations, and top-tier entertainment in the heart of Chicago.