Chicago Yacht Club Commodore Louis Sandoval inducted into the LMSRF Hall of Fame

Lou Sandoval © Karma Sailing group

Chicago Yacht Club is pleased to announce that Immediate Past Commodore, Louis Sandoval, has been nominated and accepted into the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation Hall of Fame.

For Over three decades, Lou has devoted his life to the betterment of the sport of sailing on both a professional and volunteer level. He is passionate for all things on the water and for creating pathways for those less fortunate to gain access and enjoy the water. From his own Eagle Scout career to his contributions as VP of the Boy Scouts and to rebuilding of the Sea Scout program, his accomplishments in both his professional and volunteer career are stellar.

Professionally, Sandoval was instrumental in the formation and development of the Beneteau First 36.7 and 40.7 fleets on Lake Michigan. He served in leadership positions and as the Lake Michigan dealer for the brand actively promoted the growth of the fleets which are in active existence to this very day.

Aside from his service to the sport, Sandoval is a skilled sailor who has navigated over 30,000 nautical miles in such storied offshore races as the Transpacific, Vic-Maui, Newport to Bermuda and 21 Historic Chicago to Mackinac races. He has won "The Mac" an unprecedented nine times in 19 attempts with eight of those on his boat KARMA. He has competed in numerous Buoy Races (NOODs, Verve Cup) with similar success and travelled to compete in several North American Championships. Commodore Sandoval shares his passion for the water with his two daughters, wife and family bringing along the next generation of Sandovals in the sport.

"I am truly humbled to receive this distinction in a sport that we all love so much" said Sandoval. "I hope that it serves to inspire generations of sailors who like myself did not grow up in the sport, and I am honored to share this distinction with my home club".

The Chicago Yacht Club Executive Board nominated Commodore Sandoval for his numerous contributions to the sport, his seamanship and for serving as a mentor and inspiration to youth in Sailing. Sandoval has been a tireless marine industry advocate for diversity in boating. Lou serves on the nominating and diversity, equity, and inclusion committees for US Sailing-the governing body of the sport. It is here that he has been instrumental in writing the strategy for making the sport more inclusive.

"The Chicago Yacht Club Flag Officers and Board of Directors could not be prouder to bestow this honor on our fellow member for over three decades of outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport." said Nicholas Berberian, commodore, Chicago Yacht Club. "He has made tremendous advances in leadership, expertise, and devoted countless hours to this sport, all for the growth of sailing."

Commodore Sandoval will receive his induction later in the year at the Club's annual honors ceremony.