Douglas “Doug” Vaccarello

Douglas Vaccarello is the kind of sailor and racer who is honest, fair, respectful, and a gracious loser while working to grow the sport in the Kenosha, Wisconsin and Lake Michigan region.

Since becoming a member of the Kenosha Yacht Club on June 1, 1972, Doug has served the club by participating in activities and serving as a member of the Board of Directors, including his term as Commodore from 1984-1986. He continues in leadership to the club as the Dockmaster, Master of Ceremonies for the annual Blessing of the Fleet, and Past Commodore’s Installation Dinner. He has led events like Kenosha Yacht Club hosted Tall Ships Festivals.

Doug is very knowledgeable about the sport of sailing, sail racing, iceboat sailing, and serves as a leader in the area of water safety. His dedication to sail racing has been unwavering and dependable. He is highly respected, a valued friend to all club members and is always available to lend advice and a helping hand.

He is an organizer and participant in Kenosha Yacht Club’s racing program, competing on his C&C 33 Sirocco, on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. He reaches out to the sailing community to share the great opportunity sail racing offers and encourages their participation. He welcomes new sailors and offers friendly advice for improvement and performance.

With Sirocco, he also has a vast array of awards from the Chicago Race to Mackinac, in over 30  Racine HOOK Races, including a second in section in 2022, the South Shore Yacht Club Queen’s Cup Race, and the Lake Michigan Singlehanded Society 2022 Doublehanded race, in which he boasts a second in Class in 2017.

When the water turns hard in the off season, one will often find Doug on the ice of Kenosha County inland lakes with his iceboat.

Working to grow Kenosha Yacht Club’s racing fleet, Doug welcomes others to join him aboard Sirocco to race and sail. He is patient with beginning racers, yet challenges those who have been out there for a while. In spite of his feisty reputation and competitive spirit, he is the first to invite others into his crew for local races while following the rules of boating and water safety. He respects other boaters and holds others accountable to perform in the same manner.

A Club member wrote the following about Doug, “I have sailed and raced with Doug for over 30 years. He has been the glue that holds our fleet together. In past years we have seen many fleets shrink in numbers. The Kenosha fleet has grown to eighteen boats on the line. Due to Doug’s work as dockmaster and crane operator, he is always helping all of our fleet members. He keeps the mood light and fun for all. He is always available to help make repairs for our members. Doug always has a smile and a joke for all.  Doug is dedicated to the sport of sailing and enjoys all aspects of the sport.”

An endorsement like this is a notable exception to the norm.

Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation is heartily welcomes inductee Douglas Vaccarello into the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame.

October 19, 2025

Douglas Vaccarello was nominated by the Board of Directors of Kenosha Yacht Club.