LETTER FROM THE OTW DIRECTOR

A LETTER FROM THE ON THE WATER DIRECTOR

BY SKIP DIEBALL

WE’RE OFF TO A GREAT 2022 SEASON

As we enter the end of June, I find myself reflecting. First, I can’t believe that we are already through June. Then, I think of all the areas of the waterfront that have had so much going on that it feels like they’ve had a full season already. Nevertheless, this is the time of year where the days are long, the sun is bright and spending time on the water is what we enjoy and dream about when the snow flies. So please get out onto the water and ENJOY! I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my gratitude for the amazing job my staff has done through an ultra-busy spring. We have accomplished so much and it is in large part to the dedication to CYC’s professional waterfront staff and volunteers.

This winter we overhauled our approach to our docks. We hired Mike DiPlacido and he’s done an incredible job of recruiting fun, competent dockhands and organizing the controlled chaos around our events. With Mac Race on the horizon, the docks will be vibrant and Mike’s team will look to deliver great service at both Monroe and Belmont.

Our Education staff has been busy fulfilling programs for both youth and adult. Katie Tinder has recruited an incredible youth sailing staff for our sailing school. They are already into Session 2 (of 4) and introducing more and more to the wonders of sailing and boating. Ivan Sagel has been filling all his adult education programs from power to sail. Similarly, Ivan has a great team of instructors that help deliver a quality learning environment. On the performance side, our Head Coach Hector Guzman has been all over the USA helping our various teams perform at a high level. Singlehanded Coach, Flor Cerutti, has been on the road a bunch as well and continues to help grow our popular Opti and Laser programs. Speaking of Lasers…stay tuned for more fun as the CYC fleet gets commissioned after Mac Race. Nothing happens without the careful eye and craftsmanship of Cam Borkowski. As the fleet grows and the days fly off the calendar, Cam is always there to make sure that all of our vessels are in top shape. I can’t overstate how big of a job Cam has and how he continues to stay in front of our fleets’ needs. Our Regatta Office is really doing an outstanding job. Chuck Nevel is really benefiting from a full year of CYC activity and has done an amazing job of making sure our events are professional, fun and well run. With the Mac Race a few weeks away, the excitement for the 113th edition grows. 2022 will go down as a year of transition for the Mac Race. The very heart of our annual event is the registration and scoring systems. The Mac Committee made a difficult decision to revamp the Mac Race systems. Those that have lived through difficult implementations know that patience and communication are key. I extend my gratitude to Tom Falck, Jen Steffler and Chuck Nevel for their constant attention to the needs of the participants. The number of hours will never be calculated, but I have seen their dedication first hand. THANK YOU for your commitment to Chicago Yacht Club. ✶