Mark “Wes” Wessel

Mark Wessel has developed as a skilled sailor, racer and leader from his youthful roots in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to experience all over the Great Lakes.

He competed as a Sheboygan Ship 50 Sea Scout, in the Lightning fleet, and the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet.  He has a lifetime of sailing experience. In addition to thousands of miles on the Great Lakes, he also has made a Trans-Atlantic Crossing. He has sailed more than 30 Chicago Race to Mackinacs and over 25 Bayview Mackinac Races as a crew member of the Great Lakes 70s Cynosure and, later, Evolution, with multiple overall wins. He is an inducted member of the Island Goat Sailing Society of Chicago and the Society Of Mackinac Island Old Goats of Detroit.

Mark and his crew on their Olson 25 Vanishing Point were frequent fixtures on the Sheboygan Yacht Club podium before upgrading to the J/92 Runaway about 2018. They achieved a first overall finish in the 2019 HOOK Race, in addition to many more successful finishes to this day.

Not only does Mark compete, he’s also a committed Sheboygan waterfront organizer. He has dedicated long hours to Sheboygan Yacht Club, Sail Sheboygan, and the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center.

Mark served on the Sheboygan Yacht Club Board of Directors for 10 years, including a term as Commodore from 2018-2020. His leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic ensured the viability of the club through a difficult time. He worked quickly to solve problems. He continues service to the club as its current Measurer.

His dedication to the sport of sailing and racing was evident with his long standing service to the Board of Directors of Sail Sheboygan, including a term as Board President, concurrent with his time on the Yacht Club Board. He was deeply involved in the organization of the 2014 Lightning North American Championship and countless regional, national and international Women’s Match Racing events.

Further, Mark helped manage the equipment for the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center. He served as a member of its Board of Directors as well.

His years of service to the Sheboygan sailing community and as a participating regional competitor puts Mark notably apart from most others.

Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation is honored to induct Mark Wessel into the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame.

October 17, 2025

Mark Wessel was nominated by the Board of Directors of Sheboygan Yacht Club.