F R O M T HE HE LM
2022 CHICAGO YACHT CLUB VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP FLAG OFFICERS
DEAR CLUB MEMBERS:
Nick Berberian, Commodore Lisa Curcio Gaston, Vice Commodore Raymond Groble, Rear Commodore Laura Sigmond, Secretary Michael Kovacs, Treasurer
On behalf of the Chicago Yacht Club, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all participants and fans of the 113th running of the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Presented by Wintrust. This iconic 333- mile race attracts sailors from all over the world
PAST COMMODORES
as well as families who have raced together from one
Lou Sandoval Leif Sigmond
generation to the next. It is a Race that truly provides extraordinary opportunities for comraderies and a lifetime of memories.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Barrett Steven Dorfman Steven Knoop John Leahey Kurt Lentsch James Murray Scott Sims Nancy Synder Samuel Veilleux
CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF
The Race fully returns this year after its cancellation in 2020 (for only the second time in its century old history) and following the removal of significant docking restrictions imposed on Mackinac Island in 2021, all as a result of the pandemic. The fact that the Mac is fully back only underscores the resilience and adaptability that got us through this pandemic. It is those same attributes of resilience and adaptability that are shared by all who participate in this Race and have a passion for the water. I wish all the very best in the Race, and most importantly, a safe trip to the Island. May this year be filled with many wonderful memories for all. I would also like to especially thank all who helped make this Race possible this year.
General Manager – Jim Williamsen
A special thanks goes to Race to Mackinac Committee Chair, Sam Veilleux, and his
MONROE STATION STAFF Membership Director – Elizabeth Haley Design & Social Media Specialist – Abbie Wilson Controller – Keith Brennan Assistant Controller – Jessica Jacobs Billing Manager – Karen Gonzalez Human Resources Director – Jeannette Jacques Monroe Executive Chef – Larry Asher Director of Events & Membership Engagement – Jennifer Muir Catering Assistant – Oscar Barrera F & B Director – Nolan Sanchez Floor Manager – Alana Soogrim Member Services Manager – Betsy Myers
planning the Race, along with the myriad of events surrounding it. Their massive
BELMONT STATION STAFF On The Water Director / Assistant General Manager– Skip Dieball Belmont Coordinator – Aléjandra Medina Belmont Executive Chef – Raul Polidario Jr. Belmont F & B Manager – Marc Anderson Keelboat & Adult Education Director – Ivan Sagel Regatta Manager – Chuck Nevel Education Director – Katie Tinder Head Coach – Hector Guzman Single - Handed Coach – Flor Cerutti
dedicated Committee members who worked tirelessly throughout the past year in 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, who has been a wonderful partner not only with respect to this event but also with the Club’s community outreach initiatives. 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 and executing 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. Nancy and I look forward to seeing you on and off the water. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Nick Berberian Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club commodore@chicagoyachtclub.org
Blinker ✶ Summer 2022
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