FROM THE HELM

2021 CHICAGO YACHT CLUB VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

FLAG OFFICERS

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

Nancy Arnold Elizabeth Barrett William Bloom Steven Dorfman Michael Frerker Matthew Gallagher Steven Knoop Kurt Lentsch James Murray Scott Sims Sam Veilleux

CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

General Manager – Jim Williamsen

MONROE STATION STAFF

Membership Director – Elizabeth Haley Membership Assistant – Alejandra Medina Communications Director – Sara Proctor Design & Social Media Specialist – Abbie Wilson Controller – Keith Brennan Assistant Controller – Jessica Jacobs Human Resources Director – Eric Hecksel Clubhouse Manager – Kristin Aleshire Monroe Executive Chef – Larry Asher Catering & Events Director – Taylor Sparrow Nesbit Assistant F & B Manager – Nolan Sanchez Member Services Manager – Betsy Myers

BELMONT STATION STAFF

On the Water Director – Skip Dieball Belmont Director of Operations – Candace Towery Belmont Chef – Michael Ramos Adult Education Director – Ivan Sagel Regatta Manager – Chuck Nevel Education Director – Carla Chick Head Coach – Hector Guzman Single - Handed Coach – Flor Cerutti

Dear Club Members and Race to Mackinac Participants:

On behalf of the Chicago Yacht Club, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all participants and fans of the 112th running of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Sponsored by Wintrust. This iconic 333- mile race attracts sailors from all over the world as well as families who have raced together from one generation to the next. The cancellation last year only adds special significance to this year’s Race.

The Race has only been cancelled twice in its century old history – 1918 and last year, 2020. The fact that the Mac is back only further demonstrates the resilience and adaptability that got us through the other side of this pandemic and back to being able to fully enjoy being on the water. Those qualities of resiliency and adaptability are shared by all who participate in this Race as well as all those who share passion for the water. May we all take a moment this year to appreciate the extraordinary opportunities this Race provides for comraderies and a lifetime of memories. I wish all the very best in the Race and most importantly a safe trip to the Island.

I would also like to especially thank all who helped make this Race possible this year. A special thanks to Race to Mackinac Committee Chair, Martin Sandoval, and his dedicated Committee members who worked tirelessly throughout the past year in planning the Race and the myriad of events surrounding it in the face of enormous uncertainties created by the pandemic. Their massive efforts were part of a team that included our wonderful Race Committee and Chicago Yacht Club Staff both on and off the water. The countless hours devoted by this team was then financially supported by all of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Wintrust. My heartfelt thanks extends to this entire team and our sponsors as well as all participants this year in making this extraordinary event once again possible.

As you will see from this edition of the Blinker, the boating season at Chicago Yacht Club is in full swing. All of our Committees and Fleets have been hard at work planning a full slate of events including numerous opportunities for members to utilize the Club to give back to the community. We also have more opportunities than ever to get out on the water even if you do not have a boat, including Sonars, Tom 28s, a Duffy Electric Boat, and a Power Boat together with paddle boards and kayaks. Everyone at the Club has the common bond of sharing passion for the water and we have much to celebrate this season.

Please join Nancy and me on and off the water around the Club.

Sincerely,

Nick Berberian Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club berberian@chicagoyachtclub.org