Fleet Review

A FLEET REVIEW TO REMEMBER By Amy Schwartz

2020 is a year that will be remembered for so many reasons, a pandemic, civil unrest, a change in how we commune. Chicago Yacht Club members will remember 2020 as the year that Fleet Review brought us together.

The mayor had just approved the city to move to the next phase, which meant boats could enter the harbors, and people could dine outdoors. Fleet Review was scheduled for the normal time slot in June, and with approximately three weeks notice, our fantastic staff, supported by our Flag and Committee Chair, managed to pull things together to allow a socially distant and safe event.

The first step was assuring people that we had a safety plan. This meant compliance with the orders from the mayor and governor: limitations on crew size, wearing of masks, six feet of distance, limitations on the size of gatherings, table size, number of tables, and ensuring health and well-being of staff and members prior to entering the club. Communications were key to getting the word out and allowing members to have their concerns addressed.

The second step was determining the events for the weekend. Sadly, we had to cancel the Associates’ Dock Party. Happily, we were able to run the Lady Skipper Race, a Navigational Rally, and a Dragon Force race - all precursors to Fleet Review. We could allow outdoor dining or people could take to-go orders onto their boats. On the day of Fleet Review, we facilitated a socially distant dressing of the boats and champagne toast on the docks. Finally, we had to hope that people could get their boats off the hard and onto the water and/or down to the club. Many boats were up north or across to the east when Chicago harbors were closed and not allowing boats to come into the docks.

Fleet Review was our first event of the season; the Flag Raising Ceremony on Memorial Day was virtual, the Spring Frostbite season was canceled the NOOD Regatta was canceled, the Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac had just been canceled, our summer racing season was in limbo and our club events were on hold. The excitement that we could actually get on the water, enjoy a casual race, and commune at the club was palpable! All in all, our season opener came off without a hitch. We had wonderful weather for the weekend; the Lady Skipper Race had ten participating boats, 26 boats were participating in Fleet Review, and there would have been more if not for issues with timing and getting boats splashed. People enjoyed dining on the patio for the first time this year. Fleet Review 2020—not just another year of tradition and ceremony—but a year of gratitude and appreciation for our community.

Stay safe. Be well. And remember, the water is calling!