L. Joe Schiller

How many skippers do you know who placed in section or overall 92 times in eighteen years (1970-1988)?  A true rarity belonging to Joe Schiller. 

Joe started his sailing career in Port Huron, Michigan as a youngster.  He served in World War II and moved to Muskegon, Michigan after the war.  He acquired a 30 Square Meter sailboat, served as a sailing instructor, started Saturday morning Junior sail races and served as the Race Committee for many years. He served the Flag line of Western Michigan Yachting Association, Dock and Yard chair for Muskegon Yacht Club, and Commodore of Muskegon Yacht Club. 

His sail racing included Mackinac races, a 100 Miler in Green Bay and every manner of races on the East shore of Lake Michigan.  He shared his expertise and philosophy with all listeners.

Joe sailed the 1978 Mackinac Race on the vessel, Aries. Well known Lake Michigan sailor Bill Tripp suffered a heart attack in the Straits of Mackinac and Joe handled the radio communications with the Coast Guard.  After the race the Coast Guard acknowledged his sophisticated handling of communications in the effort to save Bill’s life.

Many of the sailing community are thankful that Joe elected Muskegon area for his livelihood and recreation.  It is only appropriate that Joe Schiller is inducted into the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame.   

May 29, 2022

L. Joe Schiller was nominated by the Board of Directors of Muskegon Yacht Club.