2024 Winter Blinker by Chicago Yacht Club

Experience Transcendent

Enter a world of exquisite comfort and ease connected to the iconic 5-star St. Regis Chicago hotel. The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago will captivate you with awe inspiring views, exceptional ﬁnishes, and bespoke amenities. Live high above it all, right in the middle of it all.

To schedule your personal tour, please contact Leila Zammatta with the Magellan Marketing Group at +1 312 517 2177.

lakefront residences, from 1,097 SF pieds-à-terre to full ﬂoor, 6,800 SF, 360°-view penthouses. One-to-ﬁve-bedroom

from $840,000 to $18,500,000. 363 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601 | srresidenceschicago.com

Abbie

Communications

Amy

Tatia

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS

David

Betsy

Adam

Allison

Mark

Plumm

Han

Diane

Sonny

Eric

Eileen

Sara

Mark

Amy

PHOTO/IMAGE

David

Betsy

Patrick

Barry

Scott Castelein

Chicago

Allison

Plumm

CYC

Hannah Gromen

Hannah

Sara

Sailing

Abbie

Peter

Photo taken by Abbie Wilson.

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

FLAG OFFICERS

Charles E. Anderson, Commodore

Laura Sigmond, Vice Commodore

Martin Sandoval, Rear Commodore

Randall Schmidt, Secretary

Chris Thomas, Treasurer

PAST COMMODORE

Lisa Curcio Gaston

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alex Abell

Steve Dorfman

Diane Foote

Jeffrey Mills

Eric Oesterle

A. David Radomski

Winn Soldani

Whitney Towey

CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Keith Brennan • Interim General Manager / Controller

MEMBERSHIP

Melissa Czyz • Membership Director

Jennifer Muir • Member Relations Manager

COMMUNICATIONS

Abbie Wilson Director of Communications

Hannah Gromen Digital Content Specialist

ACCOUNTING

Jessica Jacobs • Assistant Controller

Karen Gonzalez • Billing Manager

MONROE FOOD & BEVERAGE

Larry Asher

• Executive Chef

Michael Blankner Catering Director

Oscar Barrera Catering Assistant

Alana Soogrim Food & Beverage Manager

John Bandel Bar Manager

BELMONT FOOD & BEVERAGE

Aléjandra Medina • Food & Beverage Director

Danny Vale • Assistant Food & Beverage Director

Michael Ramos • Executive Chef

ON THE WATER

Chuck Nevel On-the-Water Director

Will Howard Sailing School Director

Patrick Burks Regatta Manager

Kate O’Donnell Youth Program Manager

FRONT DESK

Betsy Myers Member Services Manager

Carrie Toda Member Services Associate & Retail Merchandiser

FROM THE HELM

DEAR CLUB MEMBERS:

When the boats are put away and the days get shorter, we reflect on everything we enjoyed on and off the water this year. Let’s also thank Club committee chairs and members, volunteers, and our dedicated staff. None of what we do at CYC would be possible without every one of them.

2024 was a year of change: We held our first Commissioning Weekend and launched a new Strategic Plan; we are actively engaged in hiring the next General Manager and look forward to our 150th Anniversary in 2025. What hasn’t changed is the opportunity for camaraderie at the Club, our high level of competitive sail racing and navigational rallies, parties too numerous to list, and many ways for new and experienced boaters to get out on the water.

On the water, the 115th Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust remained the signature event of our racing season and focused on first-time racers; we also saw a new race record set. In addition to the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta and the Offshore and Inshore Verve Regattas, we welcomed the T-10 North Americans and three Match Race events: Grade 3, US Women’s Match Race Championships, and the Chicago Cup Grand Slam.

Members enjoyed the Wednesday Night Skyline Series, Sail Fast Thursdays, Women on the Water Friday Nights, spring and fall Frostbiting, and DragonForce 65 remote-controlled sailing. The Power Fleet had another successful season of Navigational Rallies, during which skippers manage wind and weather conditions with expert knowledge of their vessels’ capabilities. The Power Fleet and Cruising Sail Fleet visited destinations around the lake and hosted popular Community Outreach Cruises. The Chicago Regatta presented by Wintrust raised $75,000 for three charities this year: The CYC Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chicago, and One Family Illinois.

Off the water, our Nautical Education Series kept us engaged, thinking about boating during the winter. We learned about the racing rules of sailing and explored diesel engines handson, among other topics. CYC hosted the prestigious National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, featuring Gary Jobson as emcee and speaker. The Smelt Party and Oktoberfest at Belmont were smash hits. The Women’s Committee celebrated International Women’s Day, hosted a “Sips, Stories, and Shops” lunch, and held a baking workshop with Pastry Chef Faith. Their holiday party, along with all the other traditional end-of-season celebrations and awards ceremonies, rounded out the year in a festive manner with the Club's elegant New Year’s Eve Party still on deck.

Finally, we will celebrate the Club’s 150th Anniversary celebration in 2025. Save the date for the Pirates’ Ball: April 26, 2025!

I wish you, your families, and friends a special holiday season, and look forward to seeing you around the Club and on the water in 2025. Thank you for being with us this year.

Sincerely,

Chuck Anderson Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club commodore@chicagoyachtclub.org

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB: ROSTER OF THE OLD GUARD 2024

THE OLD GUARD IS COMPOSED OF THE 25 MEMBERS WITH THE MOST SENIORITY

The first date is when the Member joined the Club. The second is the election into Regular Membership.

Wallace J. Stenhouse, Jr.

Gene McCarthy

Charles Bidwill

John Buenz

Deane Tank

James Bouma

Thomas Munizzo

Samuel Wm. Sax

John Mannion Jr.

Patrick Ryan

Jerome O′Neill

Richard Van Mell

Donald Bensing

Louis Cosentine

John Massey

Peter Thornton

James Considine

Lars Wilhelm

Thomas Carr

Barry Sears

Arthur Wong

Dirk Lohan

Thomas Mason

Bernard Wiczer

Walter Vartan

1944 / 1957

1956 / 1958

1948 / 1959

1960 / 1964

1963 / 1963

1959 / 1965

1965 / 1965

1966 / 1966

1966 / 1968

1968 / 1968

1969 / 1969

1955 / 1971

1958 / 1970

1961 / 1970

1971 / 1971

1972 / 1972

1962 / 1972

1968 / 1972

1972 / 1972

1974 / 1974

1972 / 1974

1974 / 1974

1975 / 1975

A LETTER FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

BY MELISSA CZYZ

As we set sail into another exciting year, I’d like to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season! I'm excited to kick off 2025 with this vibrant and passionate community that I’ve come to cherish so deeply. Reflecting on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. It has been a joy to serve as your Membership Director and to witness the many ways our members contribute to the spirit and legacy of Chicago Yacht Club.

One of the standout moments for me in 2024 was the thrill of being part of the 115th Race to Mackinac. Seeing our members come together for this world-renowned tradition—whether as sailors, supporters, or volunteers— was inspiring. This race is a cornerstone of our Club’s history, and your dedication ensures it continues to shine as a premier event in the sailing world.

Another highlight was the continued success of our Prospective Member Receptions. These gatherings offered a perfect opportunity to introduce new faces to our community and showcase the unique camaraderie that defines Chicago Yacht Club. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Membership Committee, we welcomed a remarkable number of new members last year, further enriching our Club’s diverse and dynamic culture.

In this issue, you’ll find a list of our newest members who joined us in the latter half of 2024. Please join me in extending them a warm welcome to their “Home on the Water.”

As we look forward, there is even more to celebrate. 2025 marks Chicago Yacht Club’s 150th Anniversary! This milestone is an incredible testament to the generations of members who have shaped the Club’s history, and we are planning a year filled with extraordinary programming and celebrations to honor this legacy.

To kick off the excitement, I’m thrilled to announce the Pirates’ Ball: 150th Celebration on Friday, April 26th, 2025!

REFER A NEW MEMBER

Through March 31, 2025

✶ Sponsor a Regular Member & get a $250 credit for food & beverage

✶ Sponsor an Associate Member & get a $100 credit for food & beverage

REINSTATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

December 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025

✶ $1,000 for Regular Members

✶ $500 for Associates

FOR NEW MEMBERS

Janaury 1 - March 31, 2025

✶ 50% off the initiation fee

This will be an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter, and swashbuckling adventure. While more details are on the horizon, I encourage you to mark your calendars, dust off your pirate gear, and prepare your parrots for an evening to remember!

To all our sponsors and advocates who have introduced friends and family to the Club, thank you. Your enthusiasm for Chicago Yacht Club helps us grow stronger each year, and I encourage you to continue sharing our mission with those who share your passion.

Here’s to another year of community, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. I look forward to seeing you around the Club soon.

Wishing you fair winds and smooth sailing in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Melissa Czyz

Membership Director

membership@chicagoyachtclub.org

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

REGULAR

Jacinto Dizon, MD

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

M. Clare Doyle

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Jeff Mills

Betsy Ivancsits

Spouse: Peter Ivancsits

Chicago, IL

Boat: “Drifter”, 33’ Endeavour (CS) Harbor: Monroe

Laura A. Burman

Spouse: Craig A. Burman

Chicago, IL

Retired

Jay & Marsha Henry

Northbrook, IL

Boat: “Sundance”, 27’ Abbott CS Harbor: Belmont

JUNIOR

Peter Barnard

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Jeff Mills

Zulfiqar Bokhari & Paulita Pike

Wilmette, IL

Boat: “Ocean Drive”, 25’ Cobalt Harbor: Wilmette

ASSOCIATE

William Bowater

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

Nicholas DeRosa Snow

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

Edward W. Olewinski

Westchester, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

Jake Vogt

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

Adelaide Ferguson Holz

Spouse: William Holz

Chicago, IL

Luke & Lauren Marker

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Andrea Krasinski

Rock Zhang

Naperville, IL

Sponsored by: Jeff Mills

Yijun Zhou

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Jeff Mills

Christine Cornellier

Chicago, IL

Sponsored by: Jeff Mills

Gunnar Meyers

Chicago, IL

SAVE THE DATE:

2025 COMMISSIONING WEEKEND

BY AMY SCHWARTZ

This past year we introduced Commissioning Weekend to honor our long-standing traditions and introduce new traditions. Memorial Day weekend 2024 was filled with great weather, ceremony, and fun!

We will be continuing Commissioning Weekend as a timehonored event in 2025, where we will also be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of our beloved Chicago Yacht Club. We would like to encourage everyone to Save the Dates for Commissioning Weekend 2025.

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Welcome Back Bites and Brews at Belmont and Monroe stations. Splash your boat and come by the club for halfprice appetizers and drink specials.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Monroe Station: Commissioning of the Club at Monroe Station to open the season, which includes the raising of the Club Burgee and our commemorative 150th flag and honoring our Current Flag, Board, and Past Commodores for their service with a presentment of recognition. Our 79th Annual Fleet Review procession and Welcome Aboard toast follows; and finishing out the day the Red Right Return party will celebrate our 150 years. Brunch and Bevvies will abound.

Stay overnight at the docks where you can view the first of the season fireworks at Navy Pier. Don’t have a boat? That is ok! You can enjoy prime viewing from the patio.

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Belmont Station: Puppies on the Patio and Family Day returns. Kids can compete in a rain gutter regatta, try out a DF65 remote control sailboat, have a knot tying competition and more – it’s all part of the fun filled day.

Monroe Station: Enjoy the Hair of the Dog Breakfast and Bloodies and watch the Indy 500 race.

Take advantage of the club’s on the water assets at both Stations, and enjoy the start of the season.

MONDAY MAY 26

Monroe Station: Our Memorial Day ceremony at Monroe Station will pay respect to our naval history honoring those that have sacrificed in service to our country. One of our long-standing traditions with a flag raising of the national ensign, a blessing/sermon by Monsignor, an inspirational presentation by a local military officer, and a laying of the wreath on the water. A ceremony of recognition, respect, gratitude and solemnity.

Chef Larry’s amazing Memorial Day brunch and late afternoon BBQ to close out Commissioning Weekend, will keep your mouth watering.

We hope to see you during Commissioning Weekend 2025! Stay tuned for more details. ✶

COMING INTO OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

BY BETSY BARRETT

With 2025 right around the corner, the 150th Anniversary committee has been busy! We will begin celebrating the Club’s momentous anniversary at the Commodore’s Open House on December 15, 2024, kicking off a year of commemorating CYC and its 150-year long history. Our most impressive event will be the Pirates’ Ball, which will be held at Monroe Station on April 26, 2025. This fêted tradition began in 1921, when Commodore Sheldon Clark introduced the idea of the Pirates’ Ball. It was notably the talk of the town, covered by the press and anticipatedly awaited by the city’s partygoers. With costumes required, people took their festooning seriously, wearing tricorn hats, bustier gowns, eyepatches, and the like. Commodore Clark even recommended that gentleman stop shaving for a week before the Ball to better fit the “ruffian role”, and we of course recommend the same respite from the razor! An event often imitated but never duplicated, the 150th Anniversary Pirates’ Ball will be one for the books, to be sure!

In addition to the “crown jewel” celebration for the 150th, we are introducing a series of social evenings called Top Talks from Those in the Know. These evenings will include panel discussions led by experts on the following topics: the Heart of America’s History and Crew Reunion, CYC and the Super Mac (which has not been run since 2000), the Predicted Log Competitions and the CYC, Safety at Sea,

the Impact of the CYC Junior Program, CYC’s Trophies, the History of the Clubhouses and their Architectural Influence on the Lakefront, and Sailor Stories. These Top Talks will give members a chance to break bread over lively discussions of the CYC and its traditions, history, and impact throughout the years.

We are also working with various committee members and the CYC’s unparalleled staff to put the 150th mark on our scheduled On-the-Water and Off-the-Water events throughout the year. We have a very active OTW calendar this year, with five Match Races (including the Women’s Match Racing Worlds in September) and the Super Mac, and we can’t wait to see CYC’s prowess and athleticism on display.

In all, the 150th Anniversary is an opportunity to capture our history, promote old and new traditions alike, and ensure member involvement and enjoyment with every event.

The Chicago Yacht Club has a well-earned reputation as one of the top clubs in the nation, and these traditions and athletic successes only cement CYC amongst the crème de la crème. In times past, CYC had a lively membership song book, and it’s wonderful that the Chicago Yacht Club Chorus still rings true:

Shout the song and let it echo Far and wide, in accents clear;

Give a cheer, boys – make it hearty

For the Club we hold so dear.

Breezes blow, while sails are swelling, In our fancy, all the year;

How it makes the red blood tingle, Sailing days will soon be here.

2025 will indeed be a year to remember, as we celebrate 150 years of CYC history, and toast to 150 years more. ✶

Need some costume inspiration? Don’t Fret! Don a tripoint feathered cap! Gents, let your razor rest a week! Ladies, boots and belts and petticoats abound! Come ye merry and debonair to the Pirates’ Ball, ready to celebrate like Captain Blackbeard!

ALETTER FROM THE SAILING SCHOOL DIRECTOR

BY WILL HOWARD

Hello CYC Members! My name is Will Howard, and I’m thrilled to have joined the Chicago Yacht Club as your new Sailing School Director. Since starting in August, I’ve been inspired by the energy, talent, and dedication of our sailors, coaches, and staff. Watching the final weeks of the 2024 Summer Sailing School was a fantastic introduction—I was blown away by the teamwork that brought over 550 young sailors to Belmont under the expert leadership of Youth Program Manager Kate O’Donnell. Kate elegantly wears many hats and we are all grateful for her effectiveness and prowess at the helm of Sailing School.

As we entered the most mild Fall season on record, our race teams excelled across a range of classes: Optimists, Lasers, 420s, and Sonars. Highlights included Saint Ignatius College Prep representing our club at the High School Girls National Championship in San Diego and hosting two

invitational Optimist clinics, the High School Great Lakes Championship and the Halloween Spooktacular at home. With over 120 sailors from seven schools, our scholastic program is one of the largest in the country.

Looking ahead, the momentum only builds. Our youth racers are gearing up for winter circuits in Florida and California, training and competing against the nation’s best. These experiences provide invaluable opportunities for skill development and personal growth—cornerstones of our mission to build confident, resilient sailors.

In 2025, we’re excited to expand our offerings with two new programs:

Sonar Swashbucklers: A week-long camp for 5-7-year-olds, introducing the joy of sailing through exploration and play on Lake Michigan.

Varsity Bootcamp: A preseason training program to sharpen skills and build camaraderie for our scholastic sailors.

We’re also staying at the forefront of sailing by introducing more youth to foiling and keelboat racing. This fall, 30 sailors took their first steps in wing foiling, and we plan to expand opportunities in both Waszp/Skeeta foiling and youth keelboat teams like the J/70. These programs ensure our sailors not only excel on the racecourse but also grow as versatile, well-rounded yachtsmen and women.

At the Chicago Yacht Club, we’re proud of our history and excited for our future. Together, we can ensure that the Sailing School remains a leader in youth sailing and a source of pride for our club. And if there are youth in your orbit who might love being out on the water, please send them our way—we’d love to welcome them to our community.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you on the water! ✶

PLUMM ABOARD: THAT ’ S JUST THE WAY I SEA IT

BY PLUMM DE LA CRUZ

It’s so hard to think about how fast the summer season and the fall season went by this year. During this past summer, I sailed on the CYC Laser Race Team and trained with Peter Barnard at my second home Belmont Station. I enjoyed my time training with Peter this summer and learned a lot from him. We also had fun sailing the Skeeta and in the 420s. I wrapped up the summer season with two regattas.

On August 2, 2024, I sailed with Alice Martin on Painkiller for the CYC Junior Commodore’s Cup. I had the opportunity to be at the helm and work with my junior tactician Stefan Kondic. I enjoyed working with the rest of the juniors who were on the boat. On November 9, 2024, at CYC Monroe was the offshore awards celebration. Stefan and I were able to see our names engraved on the trophy for winning first place at the CYC Junior Commodore’s Cup. I want to say a special thank you to the entire Painkiller crew for being so welcoming to me and teaching me so many new things and thank you to Ted and Alice for being the best mentors and giving me so many opportunities.

The day after the Commodore’s Cup my family and I drove to Kingston, Canada for Canadian Nationals and raced with the CYC Laser Race Team. The regatta was four days long and the conditions were fair each day. On the last day, it was raining and pretty windy. I didn't want to sail since the day before another boat had collided into me and their bow hit my leg causing some pain that day. I decided to sail and as many know any races missed can cost you. It ended up not being as windy as I thought, and I am glad I sailed.

I know for the past few articles I have incorporated a lesson from the season. This article is all about breaking barriers. For me when I don’t break the barrier, the barrier breaks me. I’ve learned that it’s alright to ask for help when breaking a barrier. For me it was sailing in higher winds while in the radial. It is, oh so important to be at the edge of your skill level and then employ a new skill to take you just beyond your barrier. Good fortune can favor the bold but going too far beyond your ability could mean catastrophe.

Moving into this fall season, I sailed with the CYC Laser Race Team with my coach Mark Davies at Belmont and I did 420s at Columbia Yacht Club for my high school. This past fall, I had the opportunity to foil with Will Huerth in a clinic at CYC. During fall season, I took two trips and celebrated my Sweet 16 Birthday. For my birthday, I celebrated at CYC Monroe and we all had a very nice birthday lunch. A huge thank you to all the staff who helped and Alana for helping us plan. I had 20 friends for lunch on the patio and Chef Larry had all the lunches at one time all perfect, nothing but compliments about the food. After my birthday, at the end of September, we took a trip to Portland, Oregon. While there I toured University of Portland and Portland State. I liked the

schools a lot and they both had very nice campuses. After Portland a few weeks later we went to Denver, Colorado where I toured University of Colorado Denver. I was also able to visit and get a tour from my former teammate Cadet Logan Smith at the United States Air Force Academy. I was able to see the campus, dorms, and many other things along my tour.

Before I end my article, I would like to acknowledge Kate O’Donnell who is always there to help everyone, who does remarkable work and has a huge dedication to the sailing school at Belmont Station. After the fall season, I received some sad news that Mark Davies my coach and Hector Guzman the head sailing coach are no longer coaching at CYC. I will miss both of them. Mark always made sure our boats had everything, he always had water for us at regattas, and was overall a caring coach. Hector was a permanent fixture for me and I have known him since I started sailing at 10 years old. I can't imagine seeing all the other coaches and not seeing Hector on Mighty Mouse. I am now looking forward to sailing in Florida for the winter season. I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a wonderful new year. ✶

LOOKING BACK AT OUR MARATHON YEAR

BY CHUCK NEVEL

2024 was our “Marathon” year, and 2025 promises to be an “Iron Man” for our club, members, race committee volunteers, and staff. As we wrap up the year and reflect on the fantastic summer we enjoyed on the water, I eagerly look forward to the 2025 season, much like a child anticipating the joy of opening a present.

Looking at this past season, the first thing that comes to mind is our fantastic Race Committee volunteers who executed an unbelievable season; a special thanks goes out to the Steering Committee, led by Tom Sublewski. and Jen Dorsch, formally known as Jen Steffler. I am incredibly grateful to each of our volunteers for the hard work and dedication you poured into every event! And let’s not forget Patrick Burks and Martin Heft—your extraordinary regatta manager and marine assets manager—whose tireless efforts make everything on the water not just happen but happen seamlessly. Their dedication and expertise are the heartbeat of every successful event!

April and May kicked off with six weeks of frostbiting the Sonars, the annual Icebreaker High School Regatta, US Sailing Safety at Sea, Monroe and Belmont Skyline Regatta Series, the In-Water Tech Show, and the inaugural Commissioning Weekend.

As we geared up for June, our classes were in full swing, the sailing school summer sessions began, and both stations buzzed with energy. June’s regatta calendar was packed with the US Match Racing Championship Qualifier (won by CYCs’ own Christian and Jimmy Prendergast), Junior Safety at Sea event, and the Red Horse Regatta at the month’s end, with everyone preparing for the big “RACE.”

In July, as we moved past the excitement of NASCAR, the club was abuzz with anticipation for the highly awaited Race to Mackinac. Only Mother Nature knew how spectacular the race would be. The Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, a tradition of speed and endurance, did not disappoint. Sanford Burris, William and Ward Kinney, plus Team Maverick set a new elapsed time record, breaking Roy Disney and Team Pyewacket’s 22-year-old record by over an hour. However, the race wasn’t without its challenges. Storms on Saturday night forced several boats to head for shore, with three losing their masts. One sailor fell overboard but was rescued by the Madcap team.

US Sailing Safety at Sea

Race to Mackinac presented

Okay, let’s take a deep breath and pause for a minute because, with all that excitement in July, August on the water gets a bit zany. As Patrick and I quickly returned from the island, we had a moment to watch our two Olympians compete in Marseille. The thrill of the Olympics was amazing, and it was inspiring to see Steph and Maggie perform on such a grand stage. The US Women’s Match Racing Championship started alongside the Olympics, adding excitement.

But that was just the beginning! The following three weeks and weekends were packed with thrilling events: the Junior Commodore’s Cup, 100 Boats on a Beer Can, the Offshore Verve Cup (during the magnificent Air and Water Show), the Chicago Grand Slam, a World Tour Match Race Event. I must say, witnessing Peter and Will Holtz and their team clinch victory was a highlight—what an incredible achievement! The last week of August was no less exciting, featuring the T-10 North American Championships and the Inshore Verve Cup.

Don’t forget September and October. As high school sailing ramped up and the regatta schedule continued on the water, unfortunately, the Chicago Regatta was not sailed this year due to a massive storm, ending the big boat racing with the Sheldon Clark Regatta.

Running straight into October’s frostbiting series, off the water, the club was proud to host the National Sailing Hall of Fame inductee ceremony, emceed by Gary Jobson. And back on the water, we ended the month with MISSA Great Lakes Championships. As I peek into 2025 and our 150th

anniversary, we have added even more events including the Women’s World Match Race Championship, NACA North American Invitational Navigation Rally Championship, and much more!

So, as I wrap up my article, I want to issue a heartfelt challenge to you: Get involved and be part of the action both on and off the water! The Race Committee and club staff eagerly seek passionate volunteers, families to host sailors, and dedicated members for several on-the-water and off-the-water committees. This is your chance to make a difference and contribute to the vibrant energy of our sailing community. Join a committee, lend a hand, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being an integral part of our incredible Chicago Yacht Club family. Together, we can finish 2025’s “Iron Man” year, create unforgettable moments, and continue to make our sailing scene something truly special.✶

US Women’s Match Racing Championship

2024 Offshore Verve Cup

MANY WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:

✶ Registering racers

✶ Setting marks & race courses

✶ Running start sequences

✶ Scoring

✶Timing & more! LEARN MORE ABOUT RACE COMMITTEE & GET INVOLVED!

115 TH RACE TO MACKINAC WINNERS

SECTION WINNERS

CRUISING 3

Cruising Division

Lynn A. Williams Trophy

3. Intangible - Tom Falck

2. Voyager - Roy Lamphier

1. Fuzzy Logic - Daniel M. Emery

CRUISING 2

Cruising Division

Edward M. Mills Trophy

3. Runaway - Tom Gorey

2. Vogue - Morgan Tilleman

1. Roxy - Don Condit

CRUISING 1

Cruising Division

John D. Kinsey Memorial Trophy

3. Dakota - Steve Sickler & Ray Groble

2. Eagle One - Timothy Lariviere

1. Seaquel - Thomas Paine

DOUBLEHANDED

Doublehanded Division

Commodore George Warrington Trophy

3. McQueen - Justin Acker

2. Banter - Ben Marden

1. Exile - Andy Graff & Scott Eisenhardt

SECTION 10

Mackinac Cup Division

Jack Ritchie Memorial Trophy

3. Underdog - Cameron Paine

2. Providence - Jerry & Greg Miarecki

1. TFWB Relentless - George Petritz

TARTAN 10

Mackinac Cup Division

Fred A. Price Memorial Trophy

3. Mutiny - John Schellenbach

2. Minister - Blane Boynton

1. Erica - Brian Kaczor

SECTION 9

Mackinac Cup Division

Little Sable Trophy

3. Gwhiz - Geoffrey Davis

2. DeTour - Chuck Stormes

1. Fast Tango - Tim Prophit

BENETEAU 36.7

Mackinac Cup Division

James R. Offield Trophy

3. Adventure - Scott & Melissa Conger

2. Joie De Vie - Donna Hastings & Jim Clouser

1. Veni Vidi Veatchi - Jason Veatch

J/105

Mackinac Cup Division

Ogden Trevor McClurg Memorial Trophy

3. Good Lookin’ - Mark Denuyl

2. Sealark - Clark Pellett

1. Nyctosaur - Mark Fruin

SECTION 8

Mackinac Cup Division

Thomas W. Neill Memorial Trophy

3. Titan - Mike Schultes

2. Rambler - Benjamin Wilson

1. Courageous - Ray Douglas & Kristine Maybach

J/109

Mackinac Cup Division

Thomas H. Webb Trophy

3. Bull - Michael Hendrie

2. Smee Again - George Miz, Peter Dreher, Mark Hatfield & David Neenan

1. Full Tilt - Peter Priede

SECTION 7

Mackinac Cup Division

Theodore M. Dunlap Memorial Trophy

3. Blondie - Tod & Heidi Patton

2. Big Meanie - James Prendergast

1. Sleeper - Joseph Kurta

BENETEAU 40.7

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Chicago-Harbor Springs Trophy

3. Clear Air - Rossi Milev

2. Spanker - Boyd Rice & Rollin Pierce

1. Sociable - Robert C. Arzbaecher

SECTION 6

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Harold L. Ashton Trophy

3. FUNTECH - Charles Hess

2. Eagle - Jerry & Shawn O’Neill

1. Hot Ticket - Michael & Bob Kirkman

SECTION 5

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Schooner Trophy

3. Evvai - Matthew Songer

2. Chico 2 - Jim Weyand

1. Elbow Room - Douglas Evans

J/111

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

David W. Howell Memorial Trophy

3. No Quarter - Colin Caliban

2. nosurprise - Scott Sellers

1. Terrier - George Golder

SECTION 4

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Lindy Thomas Trophy

3. Cheep N Deep II - Randy Kuhn & Jim Richter

2. Renegade - Thomas Papoutsis

1. Eagles Wings - John J Gottwald

SECTION 3

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Past Commodore’s Trophy

3. Ghost - Michael Jones

2. Sufficient Reason - Mitchell Padnos

1. Callisto - James Murray

SECTION 2

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Col. R.H. Morse Trophy

3. Sin Duda! - Lindsey Duda

2. Madcap - John & Marian Hoskins Hanson Rescue Award presented by US Sailing

1. Trompe Le Monde - Mark Teborek & Andrew Groh

SECTION 1

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

James O. Heyworth Trophy

3. Maverick - Sanford Burris & William Kinney

2. Ohana - Tor Hough

1. Medicine Man - Rick Hennig

GL 52

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

George Owens Clinch Trophy

3. Katana - John Huhn

2. Mockingbird - Chris Duhon

1. Natalie J - Philip & Sharon O’Niel III

OVERALL WINNERS & MAJOR TROPHIES

FASTEST INAUGURAL ENTRY

Mark H. Baxter Trophy

Cruising Division

1st Place Cruising 1

Seaquel | Thomas Paine

Double-Handed Division

18 Degrees | Joe Turns

Mackinac Cup Division

1st Place J/105

Nyctosaur | Mark Fruin

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division

Hooligan | John Evans & Trey Sheehan

CLARK-DEROY TROPHY

CYCRTM + BYCRTM Lowest Corrected Time

Mockingbird | Chris Duhon

CRUISING DIVISION

Third Overall Cruising Division 1st Place Cruising 1

Seaquel | Thomas Paine

Second Overall Cruising Division 2nd Place Cruising 2

Vogue | Morgan Tilleman

First Overall Cruising Division

Whitehawk Trophy Recipient 1st Place Cruising 2

Roxy | Don Condit

FIRST TO FINISH TROPHIES

First to Finish Cruising Division

Ile Aux Galets Cup Recipient

Whitehawk | Peter Thornton

First to Finish Racing Monohull Divisions

Royono Trophy Recipient 3rd Place Section 1

Maverick | Sanford Burris & William Kinney

New Race Record: 22 hours, 24 minutes, 23 seconds

MACKINAC CUP

Third Overall Mackinac Cup Division 3rd Place Tartan 10

Mutiny | John Schellenbach

Second Overall Mackinac Cup Division 2nd Place Tartan 10

Minister | Blane Boynton

First Overall Mackinac Cup Division 1st Place Tartan 10

Erica | Brian Kaczor

CHICAGO-MACKINAC TROPHY

Third Overall Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division 3rd Place GL 52

Katana | John Huhn

Second Overall Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division 2nd Place GL 52

Mockingbird | Chris Duhon

First Overall Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division 1st Place GL 52

Natalie J | Philip & Sharon O’Niel III

SPECIAL EDITION OF RACE TO MACKINAC ON

TAP FOR CYC’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

BY ADAM COLLINS

With the Chicago Yacht Club celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2025, the 116th Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will be commemorated as a special edition no racer will want to miss.

Highlights include the new Baxter Memorial Trophy for inaugural entries, discounted entry fees for first-time racers, the running of the rare “Ultra Mac,” and a post-race fireworks display on Mackinac Island.

Race Chairman Winn Soldani noted that even for a race that is on the bucket list of sailors worldwide, the 116th running will stand out from the rest.

“We’ve designed this year’s race to be unforgettable and we hope to welcome sailors to a special running of one of the greatest races in the world in July 2025,” said Soldani. “Whether you’ve competed in the race before or you’re thinking about trying it out for the first time, this is the year to do it, and we want to do everything we can to help you get to the starting line.”

NEW, SIMPLER RACE REGISTRATION PROCESS

Registration for the Race has been streamlined, making the process much simpler. First-time racers will no longer be required to request an invitation. Instead, every racer new or returning can simply enter the race at www.cycracetomackinac.com.

Race registration opened on December 2, several months earlier than in years past to help give racers more time to prepare. But with interest in the special edition of the Race expected to be high, the maximum number of entries has been capped at 325 and early entry is highly recommended.

NEW RESOURCES, DISCOUNTED ENTRY FEE FOR FIRST TIME RACERS

To celebrate the Chicago Yacht Club’s 150th Anniversary, new entries may qualify for $150 off their entry fee to help offset startup costs to enter the race for the first time. New competitors should complete their entry, and the Race selections committee will review requests.

Racers considering competing in the Mac Race for the first time can email regattamanager@cycracetomackinac.com and be connected with a veteran Mac Racer who can assist them through the entry process.

NEW BAXTER MEMORIAL TROPHY, RECOGNITION FOR INAUGURAL ENTRIES

Named for the first Mac Race chairman, Mark Baxter, the new Baxter Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the fastest corrected time finish for an inaugural entry in each Division.

Additionally, all inaugural entries will receive a commemorative boat plaque. All first-time racers will also receive an exclusive pin and an invitation to our Inaugural Entry & First Timer Brunch on Mackinac Island.

RETURN OF THE RARE “ULTRA MAC”

For only the second time this century, the Ultra Mac will be run in 2025. The race begins with the Bayview Mackinac Race on July 12, 2025, and continues down Lake Michigan to finish in Chicago. Details on the race and entry process for the ultimate, long-distance Great Lakes challenge will be published soon.

NEW POST-RACE FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Always a highlight of the Club’s calendar, the event programming for the 116th Race will be spectacular – both in Chicago before the boats break lines and on Mackinac Island after the race. It will all culminate in a celebratory fireworks display in honor of Chicago Yacht Club’s 150th Anniversary.

“The Race to Mackinac is a bucket-list race for sailors across the country and around the world, and we want to bring as many competitors together to celebrate this special running of our iconic race in honor of the Chicago Yacht Club’s legacy,” said Soldani.

The 116th Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will begin on Friday, July 18, 2025 for cruising fleets and Saturday, July 19 for performance fleets. ✶

MATCH RACING AT CYC

BY EILEEN O'NEILL

Match racing has a history in Chicago, beginning with The Chicago Match Race Center (CMRC), founded in 2009 and operating until 2016. CMRC was not just a venue, but an educational hub that taught members about match racing. The center also hosted prestigious international events, including the Alpari World Match Racing Tour and Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

When CMRC ceased operations in 2016, the Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) took over, introducing match racing to its members and fleet of Tom 28 boats. Like many sports, match racing and the World Match Race Tour were significantly disrupted by the pandemic. However, the discipline has since made a strong comeback, with events playing a crucial role in its resurgence.

These events attract top sailors from around the world, and the complex skills required for match racing arguably produce some of the most elite sailboat racers in the sport.

This past summer Chicago Yacht Club had the privilege of hosting three Match Race events: Grade 3, US Women’s Match Race Championships, and The Chicago Cup Grand Slam. These events brought teams from all over the country as well as Australia, France, and Ireland. CYC members graciously hosted teams coming in to compete in various events. Teams were welcomed to guest rooms, finished

basements, air mattresses, couches, and everything inbetween. Since teams typically have limited budgets, the generosity of members lending their space is critical.

Match Racing events at the Chicago Yacht Club are a community-wide effort, involving on-the-water staff, volunteers, and hosts who welcome visiting sailors and umpires. To those wondering why we host such events: Thank you for your curiosity!

Chicago has a rich legacy of match racing, a sailing discipline that encompasses nearly all aspects of competitive sailing— strategy, tactics, boat handling, and intense head-to-head competition. This format challenges sailors to perform at the highest level, requiring exceptional skill and teamwork.

As a result, top sailors from around the world are drawn to compete at the Chicago Yacht Club when we host these events. This not only raises the profile of match racing but also provides invaluable exposure and inspiration to our youth and adult sailing programs, helping to nurture the next generation of skilled sailors.

“We’ve hosted three different teams over the past few years with the most recent being an Australian team visiting and competing in the U.S. for the first time. All the teams have been very friendly and self-sufficient. They’re so grateful to

2024 Chicago Grand Slam

have a home to stay in and quickly feel like family. We’ve really enjoyed sharing in their excitement and post-race analysis each day. We didn’t know anything about match racing before hosting and now we follow some of their racing careers and Olympic tracks on social media,” says CYC Member Clyde Ainley.

This summer CYC member, Peter Holz, chaired the U.S. Women’s Match Race Championships (USMRC).

“[It was a] tremendous event, showcasing the amazing and continuously developing talent of female US Match Racers. The racing featured some familiar faces to the circuit along with a lot of new talent (including some college talent match racing for the very first time).

“Continuing to build talent across age groups, genders, and geography is critical to the future growth of the sport and competitiveness on global match racing circuits.

“Match racing as a sailing discipline is a phenomenal tool to refine keel boat skills, teaching skippers and crew alike the the skills of boat handling, boat speed, quick decisions in high pressure situations which transitions across other sailing disciplines and improves performance in fleet and team racing,” Holz noted.

The story of match racing in Chicago is more than just a chronicle of competitive sailing; it’s a testament to the power of community, passion, and continuous learning.

From the early days of the Chicago Match Race Center to the current efforts of the Chicago Yacht Club, this sailing discipline has consistently demonstrated its ability to bring

together sailors from diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and geographies. By nurturing talent, providing opportunities for growth, and maintaining a spirit of hospitality and collaboration, Chicago has become not just a host of match racing events, but a beacon for the sport’s future. As young sailors continue to be inspired, skills continue to be honed, and international connections continue to be forged, match racing in Chicago promises to remain a vibrant, dynamic, and essential part of the sailing world.

The 2025 Race Schedule at CYC is robust and we will need the help of members to volunteer at the events and host teams and umpires coming in for the events. If you are interested in volunteering, joining the Match Race committee, or hosting, please reach out to Ray Groble at groble@mohangroble.com. ✶

2024 US Match Racing Championship Qualifier

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CHICAGO REGATTA

BY ERIC OESTERLE

The Chicago Regatta, one of the largest on-the-water fundraisers on Lake Michigan, happened on September 7, 2024. Racers were geared up to race, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Heavy winds and big waves forced the cancellation of all racing. That, however, did not deter the party-goers for the evening’s party.

The Sons of Chicago, sponsored by Pinnacle Yachts, entertained the party crowd, and motivated many to dance. The powerboats that braved the conditions put on an amazing lighted boat display. (A big shout-out goes to Ed Falkenhayn for putting that together.) A rotating photo booth also entertained the crowd.

For the past 12 years, the Chicago Regatta has raised money for children’s charities of Chicago. This year we partnered with the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and One Family Illinois.

Thank you to all of you who donated money, or raised money through the leaderboard. We raised over $75,000.

And a huge thank you to Wintrust for its presenting sponsorship. Because of our incredible sponsors, 100% of every dollar donated went to the designated charities. We are very thankful for and proud of this.

The Chicago Regatta Committee thanks the club staff for all their work and support to make this event one of the best of summer. We hope to see everyone at next year’s regatta! ✶

THANK YOU SPONSORS & MEDAL DONORS

CYC POWER FLEET’S FAVORITE ANCHORAGES CLOSE TO HOME

BY DAVID CLYDE AINLEY

While the CYC Power Fleet likes to encourage our members to explore all the incredible cruising destinations on both sides of Lake Michigan, the unfortunate reality is that most of our boating season is spent much closer to home. But even with the limitations of time and distance, there are several options for a perfect day on the hook. Here are some of our favorites places to enjoy:

BEACH FRONT ANCHORAGES

These all carry the caveat that they are best when the wind is coming out of the northwest through the southwest.

Wilmette: The beach just south of the entrance to the Wilmette Harbor and in front of the Bahá'í Temple is a popular North Shore anchorage due to its lack of swim buoys allowing anchoring as near shore as your boat’s draft will allow. Watch the depth over the sand bar though. It gets shallow quick.

Kathy Osterman Beach: My personal favorite along the stretch from Montrose to Loyola University due to the generally uncrowded north half, clear water, and western distance from the north south boat wakes. Easiest set and forget anchorage and the visibility allows for a quick snorkel over to check the anchor bite.

63rd Street Beach: Southside option just north of Jackson Park Harbor offers some south breakwall protection and great views of the tree lined shore.

Northwest Indiana: From the popular Hammond Lakefront Park Beach just west of the marina to Boaters Beach at the western end of the Indiana Dunes National Park, there are large sections of beachfront without swim buoy restrictions. Calm on southeast wind days as well.

BREAKWALL PROTECTED ANCHORAGES

Sometimes behind a breakwall is the only option when winds are from the northeast to the southeast.

Anchorage Area “C” (a/k/a The Playpen): Deserves its reputation as a literal boating catastrophe on weekend afternoons. However, a fine weekday and morning weekend option. Generally, less weeds to foul the anchor on the western side.

South Monroe Inner Harbor: A historic mooring field until a few years ago, this is the best all-around anchorage offering protection and fantastic skyline view. Deeper in the middle so plan on letting out plenty of rode and be prepared for the higher possibility of pulling something up from the cluttered bottom.

For tips on anchoring or on power boating in general, please contact Clyde Ainley, Power Fleet Chair, at dainley@katzstefani.com or simply come to one of the Power Fleet Committee meetings as listed on the Club Calendar. ✶

2024 Yachting Honorees

~

Wall of Fame ~

CHRISTIAN & JIMMY PRENDERGAST

USMRC Grade 3 Qualifier - First

PETER & WILL HOLZ

Chicago Grand Slam Grade 2 Match Race - First

LINDSEY DUDA

J/88 North American Championship - First

DAVID DENNISON & SAM FOULSTON

J/88 North American Championship - First

PETER BARNARD

US Sailing Youth Match Racing Championship, Rose Cup - First

MAISA Singlehanded Qualifiers - First

ILCA 7 Nationals - Fourth

DON WILSON

Melges Worlds - First

RICHARD WITZEL

J/70 Italian National Cup - First

J/70 World Championships - Fourth

JAMES MURRAY

Cowes Week - Fourth overall IRC Class 0 and winning the NYYC Challenge Cup Cowes Week Trophy

Inaugural J/70 Nationals - First

BRYON EHRHART

Palermo-Montecarlo Race - First

Aegean 600 - Line Honors

Rolex Middle Sea Race - Second

AVERY BALDWIN

ILCA Gulf Coast Championship - Third

2024 Snipe Junior World Championship - First

~ Hall of Fame ~

LLOYD KARZEN

Lifetime Achievement Award

STEPHANIE ROBLE

Two-time Olympian

HELLE GETZ

Lifetime Achievement Award

MAGGIE SHEA

Two-time Olympian

~

Wallace J. Stenhouse Jr. Trophy ~

BRYON EHRHART

Exceptional sailor but also a dedicated champion of the Corinthian spirit—a spirit that represents the heart of friendship, sportsmanship, and the love of sailing.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE: AN IMPACTFUL YEAR

BY ROSE MILLS

It’s so hard to believe that we are in the midst of the holiday season and heading into winter!

As we close out 2024, I couldn’t help but reflect on the overall impact our women’s community made this past year. Our goal from the start was to bring the passion, dedication and commitment of our previous Women’s Committee Chairs, as inspiration to uplift our women’s community; fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging so that every woman of the Chicago Yacht Club felt welcomed, supported and excited to be a part of our fabulous community. I’m just so proud at how it was front and center at each meeting and each off-the-water and on-the-water event!

We began by celebrating our women’s community on International Women’s Day with a celebration of all women on this very special day in March.

This was followed by our annual Ladies Luncheon, “Sips, Stories and Shops” where inspiring stories were shared over a fabulous French-inspired lunch, and concluded with a beautiful curated shopping experience from local, femaleowned boutiques.

We also tried something new this year. Our community wanted a reason to get together more often, to get to know one another and spend some quality time with each other. So not only would we hold our monthly Women’s Committee Meetings the first Thursday of the month, we would create a fun experience for all of us to enjoy at the end of the meeting!

This summer we had some super fun events at Belmont after our meetings; a wine tasting event by Assistant F&B Director Danny, and a craft cocktail making class with Belmont bartender, Taylor. We also celebrated another successful summer of WOW sailing!

And in early November, we held our very popular Baking Class with Pastry Chef Faith, where we made our choice of a homemade apple, pecan and sweet potato pie. They were delicious!

We’ll be closing out our calendar of events with our annual Holiday Party; a fabulous holiday event filled with cocktails, conversation, cookie decorating, and a holiday experience

with the Color Bar™ by Kendra Scott.

I couldn’t end without sharing the amazing OTW accomplishments and successes by our women’s community:

Aimee Smith, Lindsey DeVar, Ann Logue, and Sonja Veilleux, represented our Women’s Committee and took 2nd place in this year’s Inter-Committee Challenge

We had a number of women who competed in this year’s CYCRTM and received well-deserved recognition at the Sailors Celebration

Scarlet Begonias, led by Diane Foote, placed 1st in this year’s Lady Skippers Race.

We had our very own Olympians at the 2024 Paris Olympics representing the U.S.A; Steph Roble and Maggie Shea! Phew! What an incredible year for our community! And it’s only going to get better as we continue on our journey as a community making an impact; plan, organize, hold and attend events that are for women, by women, creating experiences that we look forward to being a part of!

It has been a true honor and the greatest privilege to serve as your Chair of the Women’s Committee this past year, and I’m excited to continue in this very special role in 2025.

If you are interested in being more involved in our planning, please reach out! I can’t wait to see what we will do together again next year!✶

THE ASSOCIATES ARE THRIVING

BY SARA OAKES

The Associates’ Committee, representing adult membership under the age of 40, had a very successful 2024. We were excited to welcome many new Associate members this year, and create opportunities for these members to get connected with the Chicago Yacht Club community. The Associates Committee achieved our objectives of bringing fun and engaging events to the Club, fostering connections for Associate members with all CYC members, and supporting and growing the club through Associate participation at all Club events.

Before the Race to Mackinac, the Associates hosted a Masters watch party at Belmont Station, participated in Commissioning Weekend, and saw a return of the Associates Regatta. As part of the Associates Regatta, the Associates also utilized the Club’s Sea Ray so non-participants could enjoy a personal watch party of the Regatta.

Following the Race to Mackinac, the Associates resumed programming and continued some traditions. In September, the Associates had a very successful Big Kahuna Party following the Sheldon Clark Regatta at Belmont Station. There were Hawaiian-inspired food and drinks, decorations, dancing, and fun for all those in attendance. It was a great

way to celebrate a successful regatta, and also expose racers and non-Chicago Yacht Club members to our Club.

In October, in conjunction with the Membership Committee, the Associates hosted the Oktoberfest party at Belmont Station. We were able to create our own version of Munich at Belmont. Those in attendance were able to dance and enjoy the music of Paloma, enjoy German beer specialities and snacks–and enjoy traditional German dancing and Prost. With the success of both the Big Kahuna Party and Oktoberfest, both events will be continued in 2025. Please save the date to join us for these Belmont parties.

In November, the Associates hosted a Wine Tasting event–with a wine pairing and coordinated snacks to match. Thanks to a curation from Chef Larry and John and serving and knowledge from Danny. We welcomed twice the amount of people we were expecting, and we look forward to continuing to present similar programming in the future.

To close the year, the Associates are hosting Football Club on select Sundays in December & January–please see the Club Calendar for specific dates. Taking the success of the Thursday Night Football in the Mac Bar in 2023, the Associates will be watching Sunday Football in the Monroe tent. Couches and a relaxing football environment will be created, and members can cheer on their favorite teams as all Sunday Ticket eligible games will be shown.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Associates are busy planning for a full calendar of events. We are incredibly excited to announce that the Pink Pony Party will be back at Belmont Station on February 1, 2025. Based on feedback and old traditions, we are excited to pack the barge in our pink attire

and bring the tradition back to Belmont! Based on feedback of attendees and the support of CYC Staff, we cannot wait to be back at Belmont for this event. Come celebrate six months until we’re back on Mackinac Island!

In addition to those events that are hosted by the Associates Committee, a continued focus for 2025 is to partner with other committees to collaborate on programming and other club traditions. We’d love to participate collaboratively with you and/or share Associate feedback for programming. If you are interested in collaborating on an event or would like Associate participation, please connect with the Associates Committee Chairs, who can distribute the information to Associate Members.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the Associate-hosted events during 2025! Besides the Pink Pony Party, please join us for a Perch Patio Party in addition to the other Associate events that you have grown to know and love.

2023 - 2024 ASSOCIATE CHAIRS

• Chair: Ivy Williams

• Vice Chair: Kristin Schultes

• Communications Chair: Sara Oakes

• Events Chair: Abby Winkler

• On-The-Water Chair: Taylor Dunphy

The 2025 - 2026 Associate Chairs are to be elected in December. ✶

A YEAR ON THE CYC SEA SCOUT SHIP PRIVATEER

BY MARK CORTER, SONNY LISOWSKI, ALLISON CORTER, AND HAN DANIELSON

“What are the Sea Scouts and what do they do?” is a question I’m asked often by the boating community.

My name is Mark Corter, and I’m the Skipper aboard Sea Scout Ship #5870 Privateer, affiliated with the Chicago Yacht Club. The Chicago area hosts several different Sea Scout “troops,” referred to as “ships,” and I am just one of many adult leaders involved with the program. Each ship takes a unique approach to their respective programs, but today we’d like to explore what the Chicago Yacht Club’s program offers its scouts throughout the year.

First, a brief history. The Sea Scouts organization has existed in the United States for more than 100 years and has held a charter through CYC for nearly as long. While its membership has fluctuated over the last century, in the past few years the Privateer team has built a well-rounded program and currently boasts 20 active scouts. The Sea Scouts operate as a division of the Boy Scouts of America, but the program is designed as a co-ed youth leadership experience for ages 14-21. We focus on passing down age-old nautical traditions, while instilling qualities such as accountability, adaptability, self-confidence, perseverance, self-reliance, and teamwork.

Sea Scout Ship #5870 utilizes sail and power boats of all sizes, with the primary vessel in the Chicago area being a 40-foot ketch named Reflections III (owned by the BSA Pathway to Adventure Council). Many different Sea Scout Ships use this vessel throughout the year, though our scouts are the primary caretakers.

A year for the CYC Sea Scouts begins in October, when we hold yearly elections for different leadership positions within the Ship. Our scouts give brief speeches to campaign for the positions they are interested in, such as bo’sun, storekeeper, yeoman, etc., and a vote is held. The scouts represent themselves to their peers, and only the scouts present at the meeting are allowed to participate in the campaigning and voting process. This requirement provides a valuable lesson for our scouts in accountability and self-confidence.

October also marks the end of the annual boating season, when the Sea Scout chartered boats come out of the water. Rain or shine, scouts sail the boats from harbors all over the city to Crowley’s Yacht Yard, off the I-90 near the Indiana border. We celebrate the end of the season with a bonfire and corn maze for all the scouts, leaders, and parents in the Chicago area, which is a great time to get together and socialize with other members of the organization.

November is when we perform maintenance on the boats at Crowley’s in preparation for the winter lay-up, but we also take this time to honor the life of Captain “Santa” Herman Schuenemann and his crew. Captain Schuenemann’s ship, the Rouse Simmons (popularly known as the “Christmas Tree Ship”) was lost with all hands during a winter gale on November 23, 1912, off the coast of Point Beach, Wisconsin. Scouts visit and clean the captain’s cenotaph in Acacia Park Cemetery, paying respect to those who have come before them.

The Christmas Tree Ship didn’t end its service with the sinking of the Rouse Simmons, however.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw continues this legacy, making an annual appearance every December as she transports Christmas trees from Michigan to Navy

Pier. Sea Scouts help with the offloading of the cargo, as well as providing a tent and refreshments to the volunteers, military, and staff (plus the occasional dog!). This instills in our scouts the importance of service to others.

January through April are quieter months, though we keep busy offering a variety of classes in boating safety, first aid/CPR, sail theory, and navigation; as well as organizing group museum visits.

Spring brings the promise of fair winds and following seas, as we begin preparing the boats at Crowley’s Yacht Yard for the new season. May is our time to get underway with different activities at CYC, from the introduction of new bridge officers at the Memorial Day ceremonies, to Fleet Review weekend.

One of our biggest service days comes with the Wintrust/ CYC Developmental Diversity Cruise (formerly known as the “Special Needs Cruise”) in June. The scouts assist in managing the 20+ yachts in operation, as well as the 200+ adults with special needs and chaperones for a fun day spent on Lake Michigan. Many of the scouts attest that this is “one of the best parts of the program.” June is also when we begin our weekly night sails, where we watch the fireworks over nearby Navy Pier.

Throughout the summer boating season, the scouts put into practice everything they have learned throughout the year. They begin to translate their knowledge into realworld experience and are exposed to new equipment and technology such as Sonars, powerboats, and larger sailboats.

The Long Cruise occurs in July and is one of our biggest activities of the year. It’s our own “Race to Mac,” where Privateer scouts and leaders set sail on a one-week voyage

to St. Joseph and South Haven, Michigan. Our increase in membership over the last few years now requires that we take two boats and buddy sail across Lake Michigan. Everything that the scouts have been learning to this point is put into practice on this trip: They plan, load, chart, navigate, and manage both boats at once. They also must learn how to live, sleep, and work together in close quarters, as we are all confined to two boats for the duration of the trip. Adult leaders are present but assist mostly as advisers.

On our most recent Long Cruise in 2024, we had 18 scouts and leaders in total. The scouts enjoy spending time with each other and working as a team and get to experience the adventure of sailing to different harbors and exploring Lake Michigan. It is a trip that we all look forward to and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

By August and September, the scouts begin to return to school, although they still sail with us or participate in powerboat exercises when their schedules allow.

This concludes a full year for our CYC Sea Scouts. These valuable activities and opportunities for growth wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations from the Club members and the CYC Foundation, which funds almost all our program. We are also grateful for the many adult leaders who volunteer their time and talents to the program. Sea Scout Ship #5870 Privateer wouldn’t be what it is today without all our volunteers, as well as those at the CYC who value our organization as helping to create a strong foundation for the future of our community.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sea Scouts or CYC Ship #5870 Privateer, you can visit us at our Facebook page “Sea Scout Ship 5870,” our Instagram @seascoutship.5870, or at seascout.org ✶

GET TO KNOW MAGGIE & STEPH

BY MARK REID

Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea concluded a memorable chapter in their storied 49erFX and sailing careers in Marseille, France during the Paris Olympic Games this past summer.

Under the sponsorship and support of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation’s Competition Fund their campaign will be remembered not by how they started or finished, but the way they competed on and off the water.

Forget the “follow the leader” memes, Roble and Shea made everyone proud of their efforts and hoping for more in LA in 2028 whether that will come to pass or not.

Roble and Shea finished their medal race in 10th place ending their Olympic Games in 10th overall. While it was not the result the pair was hoping for, they enjoyed their time in the medal race and reflected on all the lessons learned over the last two Olympics.

Roble grew up in Wisconsin sailing scows and dinghies on Lake Beulah starting at age 5. Shea grew up sailing with her family on Lake Michigan. They have been campaigning together since fall of 2016 and represented the USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where they finished 11th.

Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST ENDURING MEMORY OF THE OLYMPIC CAMPAIGN AND MARSEILLE?

S: “A very special memory from Marseille was seeing all of the spectators on the seawall everyday as we left and entered the harbor. Our family and friends (including Chicago Yacht Club members Laura Sigmond and Eileen & Casey Gioielli) were gathered waving the American flag and cheering for us. It was something we have never experienced in sailing and made the whole Olympic experience so special.”

M: “The most enduring memory of our Olympic campaigns is a deep sense of gratitude that we could dedicate our whole lives to our mission of achieving Olympic excellence. During training camps and regattas, the rest of the world would just fade away, and we often couldn’t tell you the day of the week.”

“Our drive to improve and learn was insatiable, and I will never forget that clarity of mission. Furthermore, we had the enormous privilege of representing our country and the Chicago Yacht Club on the world stage, which was only possible because of the many generous individuals who supported us.”

M: “One morning during the Olympics in Marseille, on our sail out to the racecourse, I looked around and felt a swell of pride and excitement come over my body. I couldn’t wait to get on the starting line with Steph. I took a moment to appreciate the picturesque backdrop of the French Calanques.”

“Knowing that we did everything we could in preparation for the Olympics, I felt a peaceful eagerness to get on the racecourse. I gave Steph a huge hug, we fist-bumped, and we got back to work!”

Q: BIGGEST CHALLENGE OR OBSTACLE ON THE WATER DURING RACING; A TURNING POINT OR RACE THAT SET THE TONE FOR THE REMAINING RACES?

S: “There is so much energy and emotion during the Games. A big challenge is just staying present and taking everything one moment at a time and sticking to your processes. This applies on and off the water.”

“We entered day three of racing six points off the podium and ready to stick to our plan of counting to attack the line and course one moment at a time. We rounded the first mark of race one in first in conditions in which we typically don’t have a speed edge.”

“On the second beat the wind completely changed and shut off on our side of the course and the fleet had a full inversion. Unfortunately, from there we had a tough time getting in sync with the wind and had three high scores for the day. That night we discussed that we still had three opportunities (races) the following day and anything can happen.

“We focused on putting all of our energy into sticking to our processes and resetting rather than getting in our own heads.”

M: “Marseille’s sailing conditions were challenging for the whole fleet. After training in strong Mistral winds all summer, the wind was much lighter for racing. On the really light air days, the spectator and motorboats churned the choppy water in the bay up like a washing machine and reminded us of light-air days in August on Lake Michigan.”

Q: DID YOUR PERFORMANCE MEET EXPECTATIONS? IF NOT, WHY?

S: “Simple answer is no. We trained for eight years to win a medal and didn’t accomplish that goal. I think it’s hard to walk away feeling satisfied unless you win a medal. However, we set tactical & strategic goals as a team before the event and we accomplished those goals.”

“So, there is a lot to be proud of from the week and also from the entire campaign. Eight years of training culminates into one week of racing and you can't let one week define your Olympic career.”

M: “Unlike most world cup events, the Olympic racing format features only four days of fleet racing, and a much smaller fleet of 20 total boats. The racing days flew by, and it felt like the whole fleet was racing within inches of each other.”

Q: DESCRIBE THE MEDAL RACE. THE GOOD & BAD. YOU BOTH SAILED A GREAT RACE!

S: “We went into the medal race in 10th place overall with no chance to win a medal. We set a goal to race hard and leave it all out there. We really wanted to start at the pin and go left but so did the rest of the fleet. We found a great gap in the middle of the line and had a killer acceleration.”

“We ripped out to the left side of the course and rounded the first mark very tight in 3rd/4th. We found a great mode and pressure on the second beat to solidly put ourselves in second around the last mark. As we approached the finish line we, along with others in the fleet, had some confusion about the finish line. Unfortunately, this meant that we didn’t finish the race in second. It was a tough ending after sailing such a beautiful race and leaving it all out there.”

M: “The coolest moment of the Olympics was the first time we sailed past the break wall and heard roars from the crowd as they were clapping, waving American flags, and cheering U-S-A! Feeling such love from the spectators onshore was a totally new experience because spectators were not allowed to travel to Tokyo due to Covid. It was so meaningful that our friends and family traveled all the way to France to support us.

Q: WHAT’S NEXT?

S: “We have both been enjoying some time off and time at home with friends and family. It’s been nice to slow down and not have a lingering pressure of “am I working hard enough or doing enough” to achieve my goal in the background. What’s next is still pretty in the air but definitely taking a long, if not permanent break from 49er sailing.”

M: “We went into the games aiming for medals, along with most teams at the Olympics. Falling short of that performance goal obviously causes some heartbreak, but we hold our heads high, knowing that we did our best in the preparation and while racing on the water in Marseille.”

“We are proud of the team we built, the discipline we maintained throughout the many years of working toward this goal, and the grit we needed to compete twice at the Olympics. Most of all, we are so grateful for the people who made it possible for us to throw ourselves completely into this sport that we love so much.” ✶

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION POISED FOR HISTORIC 2025

BY DIANE FOOTE

With help from our dedicated supporters, the CYC Foundation made enormous strides in 2024: We tripled the number of kids who learned to swim; we began the InSPIRE Post-Secondary Education Scholarship Program; and we launched a new Community Sailing Program in Monroe Harbor. We continued to build on our bedrock offerings, including 11 week-long boating camps; sailing school scholarships to programs up and down the lakefront; community outreach cruises with CYC’s Power Fleet and Cruising Sail Fleet; nearly 70 after-school STEAM sessions; the Lead HER Ship week-long cruise for yong women; and Judd’s Camp, a summer-long boating experience for young people with physical disabilities. All of what we do is made possible by contributions from the prior year.

As 2024 draws to a close, so does the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation’s Annual Appeal. Every dollar we raise in 2024 will support our mission “to bring the joys and benefits of boating to all, with a primary focus on youth from underrepresented communities,” in 2025. Our 2025 goals are ambitious:

1. Double the size of our Monroe Community Sailing Programs;

2. Serve more than 2,000 youth;

3. Increase swimming education support by at least 50%;

4. Begin the development of high-school sailing programs;

5. Develop a “best-in-class” community sailing event for Chicagoland youth;

6. Increase the number of after-school programs by 50%;

7. Double the number of full sailing school scholarships for youth in financial need.

To this end, and to ensure these robust programs and offerings continue to grow and thrive, the Foundation has hired its first-ever Executive Director! Maggie Shea began serving in this role on December 2, and our campaign goals are necessarily as ambitious as our service goals. Maggie, an Olympic competitor, two-time Pan American Games medalist, and member of the U.S. Sailing Board of Directors, brings extensive sail racing, leadership, and organizational experience to our small but mighty staff and volunteers. Look for her smiling face around the Club and

help us welcome her home—she herself is a product of CYC’s youth sailing program and we’re excited to have her back in a new capacity.

“I’m honored to join the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and pursue our mission to bring the joys of boating to all, especially the youth of Chicago,” says Maggie. “Boating, either leisure or racing, is a transformative sport that creates leaders, develops resilience, and builds confidence. Unfortunately, our sport is inaccessible to many children in Chicago. We need to lessen the barriers to entry and foster their love of being on the water.”

In addition to the aforementioned staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Foundation couldn’t do any of this without our highly valued educational and community partners. In 2024, we served more than 1,500 kids via our work with the following organizations:

BUILD; Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago; One Family Illinois; My Block, My Hood, My City; KEEN, UCAN, South Loop Elementary School, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, Oak Park Education Foundation, Youth for a Better Future, PALS, St. Paul Catholic Church, UChicago Charter School, Bartlett J. McCartin Boys and Girls Club, Inland Seas Education Association, Columbia Yacht Club, Columbia Chester Kuttner Foundation, Sea Scout Ship Privateer, and Chicago’s Christmas Ship.

Daniel Burnham said, “Make no small plans.” We at the Foundation say, “Let’s do big things. Together!”

The Foundation seeks to raise $400,000 in 2024—the largest goal in Foundation Annual Appeal history. Earlier this fall, the Foundation received an extraordinary gift of $100,000 from the Captain Dave’s Foundation, named for dedicated Foundation supporter Dave Truitt who passed away earlier this year. Further, a consortium of donors has already committed $100,000 to match donations received during the fourth quarter. Every dollar you contribute will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. Donating is very easy at chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org/donate, or scan the QR code below.

“We are extraordinarily proud of the progress we’ve made to date,” says CYC Foundation President Greg Miarecki. “We are looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, and are excited about our future potential with Maggie on board and support from all of our stakeholders.”

All donors making gifts of $1,000 or more in 2024 will be invited to the Foundation’s Annual Donor Appreciation and Scholarship Dinner in May 2025 and have their names inscribed on our annual donor recognition board at Monroe Station.