FROM THE HELM

Nick Berberian, Commodore Lisa Curcio Gaston, Vice Commodore Raymond Groble, Rear Commodore Laura Sigmond, Secretary Michael Kovacs, Treasurer

PAST COMMODORES

Lou Sandoval Leif Sigmond

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elizabeth Barrett Steven Dorfman Steven Knoop John Leahey Kurt Lentsch James Murray Scott Sims Nancy Synder Samuel Veilleux

CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Jim Williamsen – General Manager

MONROE STATION STAFF

Melissa Czyz – Membership Director Stacy Friedman –Communications Director

Abbie Wilson –Design & Social Media Specialist Jennifer Muir – Member Relations Manager Keith Brennan – Controller

Jessica Jacobs – Assistant Controller

Karen Gonzalez – Billing Manager Larry Asher – Monroe Executive Chef Michael Blankner – Catering Director Oscar Barrera – Catering Assistant Nolan Sanchez – F & B Director

Alana Soogrim – Floor Manager John Bandel – Monroe Bar Manager Betsy Myers – Member Services Manager

BELMONT STATION STAFF

Chuck Nevel – Regatta Manager Katie Tinder – Education Director

Hector Guzman – Head Coach

Flor Cerutti – Single-Handed Coach Michael DiPlacido – Dockmaster

Marc Anderson – Belmont F & B Manager Raul Polidario Jr. – Belmont Executive Chef

DEAR CLUB MEMBERS:

What a wonderful 2022 season on and off the water, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our Club’s Committee Chairs, the volunteers serving on those Committees, and our Club’s dedicated staff. The depth and breadth of activities that took place at the Club would not have been possible without the enormous time and hard work devoted by these individuals. Thank you to everyone! As a result of those efforts, our major regattas fully returned, including the 113th Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust with restored docking capacity for most boats on Mackinac Island. That made possible a truly exceptional Sailors Celebration filled with a massive number of highly energized participants at Mission Point after facing the challenges of the Race. The excitement of the Verve was also significantly enhanced this year with the addition of the Blue Angels appearing at the Club to join the celebration. At the beginning of the season, we helped support the inaugural Chicago SailGP hydrofoil races. Presentations were made by competitors and others at the Club each night. At the end of the season, we hosted the J/88s North American Championship. The Chicago Regatta presented by Wintrust also raised more than $162,000 for children’s causes this year. Our traditional events kicked off with the 76th Annual Fleet Review, followed by our In-Water Tech Show, fleet cruises throughout Lake Michigan, Community Outreach Cruises, Navigational Rallies, Wednesday Night Skyline Series, Sail Fast Thursdays, Match Racing, and the Women on the Water Friday night series. Our Sailing School, Crew U, and Adult Education programs were sold out. The Club’s fleet of Sonars and Tom28s were extensively utilized, and a 25’ Sea Ray Power Boat was added for member rental along with a Duffy Electric Boat. On land, our Nautical Education Series expanded to 15 different programs. We had a wonderful series of speakers as part of the WOW Leadership Series, as well as several Membership Mixers, and the always favorite Special Events and Dinners at Belmont and Monroe, including the Wine Dinners. There was something for everyone all season long. Thanks to your efforts through our member referral program, we also added more than 120 new members who share our passion for the water. They are in addition to the record-breaking number of 140 new members last year. The new Belmont facility is underway with the construction of the base barge commencing last June. Delivery is expected this spring to be ready to thereafter build the stucture on top. The last two years emerging out of the pandemic have been challenging, but thanks to your commitment and support together with all the Club has to offer, the Club remains strong, and the future is bright. That’s especially true as we look forward to the leadership of the Club’s first woman Commodore Lisa Curcio Gaston. Having served closely with her over the past two years, there is no doubt in my mind she will be absolutely terrific! Nancy and I continue to look forward to seeing all of you on and off the water. Sincerely,