Smooth Sailing
NOVEMBER 2024
MEMBERSHIP NEWSLETTER ~ ABBREVIATED EDITION ~
Mission Statement: The St. Petersburg Yacht Club provides preeminent yachting and social experiences for members, their families and guests, and honors the Club’s rich yachting heritage in a welcoming environment.
Private Yacht Club Publication produced by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club © 2024
CONTACT & Connect With Us
General Manager - Bruce Furman, CCM (727) 823-1219 | gm@spyc.org
Chief Financial Officer - Colleen Finney, CHAE (727) 823-1061 | controller@spyc.org
Waterfront & Club Communications Director - Corey Hall, CMO (727) 822-3113 | Waterfront-director@spyc.org
Membership Department (727) 892-6888 | Membership@spyc.org
Facilities Director - Steve Partridge (727) 892-6892 | facilitiesmgr@spyc.org
Food & Beverage Director - Jason Hooper (727) 892-6896 | FBDirector@spyc.org
Executive Chef - Christian Mayrhofer (727) 892-6889 | executivechef@spyc.org
Catering Director/Clubhouse Services Manager Shannon Nylander, CPCE ,WSET2 (727) 892-6882 | catering@spyc.org
Catering Assistant - Caroline Stehr (727) 892-6897 | cateringinfo@spyc.org
Executive Pastry Chef - Natalia Nunez Torres (727) 822-3873 ext. 223 | pastrychef@spyc.org
Beverage Manager - Pierre Dumaine (727) 892-6891 | pierre@spyc.org
Member Services/Marketing Coordinator - Leah Wieter (727) 892-6893 | member.services@spyc.org
Pass-a-Grille Clubhouse Coordinator - Delora Croteau (727) 360-1646 | Pag@spyc.org
Harbormaster, Chase Hudspeth & Dockmaster, John Toberman (727) 822-3227 | harbormaster@spyc.org - dockmaster@spyc.org
Youth Sailing Director - Todd Fedyszyn (727) 896-8101 youthsailingdirector@spyc.org
Housekeeping - Stacey Darlington (727) 892-6894 | housekeeping@spyc.org
Downtown Clubhouse: (727) 822-3873
Pass-a-Grille Clubhouse: (727) 360-1646
Snell Isle Marina: (727) 895-8142
Downtown Marina: (727) 822-3227
Sailing Center: (727) 822-3113
Business Office: (727) 892-6883/892-6884 | www.SPYC.org
HOURS of OPERATION
DOWNTOWN CLUB:
OPEN: Tuesday - Sunday CLOSED: Monday
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
Open 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
FRIDAY
Open 7:30 am - 11:00 pm
SATURDAY
Open 8:30 am - 11:00 pm
SUNDAY
Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 - 9:30 am Saturday: 8:30 - 10:45 am Sunday Brunch Buffet: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (Brunch reservations strongly suggested)
GRILLE 1909 ~ Fall Hours
5:30 - 9:00 pm (Wednesday - Saturday) 5:30-8:30 pm (Sunday)
Dinner Service: 5:30 - 9:00 pm (Wednesday - Saturday)
1909 Entertainment: Wed., Thurs., Fri., & Sat. Smooth Piano ~ 6:00 - 9:00 pm 5:30 - 8:30 pm (Sunday)
HERITAGE LOUNGE
Lunch Service: Tues. - Sun. 11:30 am - 5:30 pm (Express Lunch Buffet every Wednesday & Friday 11:30 am -2:00 pm)
Dinner Service: Tues. - Sat: 5:30 - 9:00 pm Sun., - 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Late Night Menu: 9:00 -11:00 pm (Friday & Saturday)
LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT
Friday & Saturday: 7:00 - 11:00 pm
FINAL FRIDAY MUSIC every month in the lounge! Enjoy a new, local, fun band.
TIKI BAR ~ Fall Hours
Tiki Menu Available Thurs., - Sun. Tues. & Wed.: 5:00 - 9:00 pm (drinks only) Thursday: 5:00 - 9:00 pm Friday: 5:00 - 11:00 pm Saturday: 1:00 - 11:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 - 7:30 pm (LIVE Music on Saturday from 7:00 - 10:00 pm & Sunday from 3:00 -5:00 pm)**
PASS-A-GRILLE CLUB Temporarily CLOSED (Pool closed)
** Denotes a recent change was made to the hours of operation for a specific outlet or location. (Times are subject to change)
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
• NO Sunday Brunch on - November 10th
• Due to the popularity of the Commodore's Ball, reservations are now WAIT LISTED.
• Please read the important information below for this event:
The Downtown Clubhouse will ONLY be open for the Commodore's Ball on Saturday, November 9th.
The Lounge & Tiki Bar will be used as part of this event. Thank you for your understanding.
COMMODORE’S LOG CHAPTER ONE
Hello fellow members...
As I am writing my first column to all of you, the excitement of a new year has been undercut by the devastation we have all felt, first from Hurricane Helene and then Hurricane Milton. In the short time following the aftermath, much progress has been made to overcome the obstacles Mother Nature has thrown at us.
I am humbled to assume the role as your Commodore, never imagining that my first month would be spent helping to manage a crisis. We have 115 years of history, and I am confident that working together and helping each other, we will all be able to overcome these obstacles.
I must first thank Commodore Scott Boyle for his dedication and leadership this past year. It was an “unusual” year, and he remained a strong skipper, guiding us through the challenges faced and building on successes accomplished.
We welcome our new General Manager, Bruce Furman and look forward to his leadership. His first day on the job was October 8th, and he arrived and jumped right in the preparations for Milton. For the past six months, our interim GM and CFO, Colleen Riley-Finney gave selflessly of herself in performing both jobs, and with the help of our management team, has continued to provide all of us with a quality member experience. Words cannot describe how I have now seen both of them transition and build a team approach among senior management.
The efforts of our management team and our working staff before and after the hurricanes were amazing. Many stayed late preparing for the storm and arrived at first opportunity to help re-open. They are committed to service for all of you. I ask you all to join me in thanking her and them when you see them.
My priority this year is to improve communication to all of you. To that end, I announce I will be starting a regular event to be known as “Coffee with the Commodore.” The dates are to be announced in the coming weeks. You can come and discuss any topic related to the Club. I can’t promise I will have all the answers, but I do promise to listen and bring your thoughts and ideas to our GM, the Flag, and our Board of Directors.
I remain committed to the Master Plan unanimously adopted by the Board. We may not all agree on how to complete this plan, but these storms emphasize the need to prepare for the long-term stability of our Club. My message is that we work together in moving forward toward that goal. I intend to call focus groups, request an updated survey and special membership meetings, providing open communication as this plan is implemented.
We have a great Club, committed to our yachting heritage, and it is my privilege to serve as your Commodore.
Cordially,
Joe DiVito, Commodore
NEW FLAG OFFICERS
Board Members & Executive Committee ~ 2024-2025
From Left to Right: Joe DiVito, Commodore; Christian Bergstrom, Vice Commodore; Kevin Cross, Rear Commodore; Mary Hacker, Treasurer
Board of Directors Executive Committee
DR. JODY ABRAMS
FRED BICKLEY, Jr.
JAMES DEININGER
BRAD DeMINT
CHRIS FRASER
FRANK FRAZE, IV
VERONICA HICKEY
FREDERICK HIGHAM, Jr.
ROB MATTHES
JEANNIE O'GRADY
GEORGE PENNINGTON
WILL REED
DEBBIE STOREY
PAST COMMODORE, SCOTT BOYLE
KATE CLARDY ~ SECRETARY
House & Grounds ~ Kevin Cross
Finance ~ Mary Hacker
Membership ~ Christian Bergstrom
Long Range Planning~ Laura Bryant
Legal & Bylaws ~ Mike Magidson
Port Committee ~ Harvey Ford
FCYC ~ Chuck Goes
Regatta General ~ Dr. Jody Abrams
Ocean Racing ~ Joe Toth
Junior Activities ~ Mike Funsch
Power Boat Racing ~ Bill Waters, II
Yachting Information ~ Trisha Birkenstock
Fleet Captain ~ Debbie Storey
Salty Sisters ~ Beverly Smoak
Entertainment ~ Andrew Tsunis
Sailing Center ~ Walter Fuller
Govt/Coast Guard ~ Joseph Kefauver
This October, our community faced the powerful impact of two devastating storms—Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. These back-to-back storms brought widespread challenges, affecting not only our members and team but also causing varying degrees of damage to each of our properties.
As we continue the recovery process, we wanted to provide a visual recap of the resilience displayed by our Club, our team members, and the community at large. From wind-swept rooftops to waterlogged areas, each property faced its own unique set of obstacles, and through it all, our collective strength has shined. Here’s a look at what each of our properties endured as we work together to rebuild and restore the spaces we cherish.
Stay tuned for more updates as we forge ahead with repairs and recovery. Your continued support means the world as we navigate this unprecedented storm season.
THE DOWNTOWN CLUBHOUSE IS FULLY OPERATIONAL AND OPEN WITH OUR NORMAL CLUBHOUSE HOURS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AROUND THE CLUB!
WAdult Yachting Recognition AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT
Please join us on Tues., November 12th at 5:30 pm
We will be honoring those members who have distinguished themselves and brought honor to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in yachting!
Cocktails, then Presentation to follow
e are excited to officially welcome Bruce Furman as the new General Manager of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club!
Mr. Furman brings over 25 years of club management experience, having most recently served as the General Manager of the Venice Yacht Club for the past six years. His distinguished career includes leadership positions at both the Peninsula Yacht Club and River Dunes in North Carolina. He also holds the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation, along with certifications in Strategic and Tactical Leadership from CMAA. We welcome Bruce, along with his wife Tracy and their three children, to our SPYC family. He officially began his role as GM on Monday, October 7th, and was introduced to members at the Annual Meeting & Annual Member Appreciation Event last month on October 27th.
PASS-A-GRILLE CLUBHOUSE
Thursday, November 28th
Thanksgiving at SPYC
Downtown Clubhouse Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thanksgiving Buffet Feast: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (Reservations Required)
»Tiki Hut: CLOSED
»Grille 1909 Open: 2:00 pm - Last reservations at 7:00 pm (Reservations Required)
»Lounge & Regatta Room Open: 11:00 am - Last orders in the kitchen 7:00 pm (Lunch & Dinner Lounge Exclusive limited menu- No Turkey)
Thanksgiving
» $70/adults
Buffet
Feast ~ Ballroom
» $38/ages 13-17 - & - $30/children ages 4 - 12
» Ages 3 & under are complimentary (prices include service charge & tax)
Buffet Feast Includes Bloody Marys & Mimosas!
Enjoy the usual Brunch items including Omelets made to order and Waffles! Lunch items galore including carved Slow Roasted Turkey & carved New York Strip and of course, Chef Natalia’s AMAZING Dessert Selections!
Grille 1909 Reservation Required:
Call Jason (727) 892-6896 | FBDirector@spyc.org
Buffet Reservation Required:
(727)892-6882 or 6897 | catering@spyc.org
Please, make reservations ONLY at the number above. DO NOT leave messages with the Front Desk or any other extension. Cancellations honored until Tuesday, November 26th by 2pm. If cancellation is received after this time, your original reservation will be charged.
MENU 1909
Soups & Starters
Entrees
Recurring Events & Dining Info
DATES
Downtown
» Wed., Nov. 13th · 6:00 pm
» Thurs., Nov. 14th · 6:00 pm
» Wed., Dec. 18th · 6:00 pm
» Thurs., Dec. 19th · 6:00 pm
Downtown Prix- Fixe Wine Society Dinners
Thurs., November 14th & December 19th · 7:15 pm
Reservations required - Call (727) 822-3873
This is open to ALL members of the SPYC . You do not have to be a Wine Society member to enjoy the Prix-Fixe Wine Society Dinner.
Downtown
SATURDAY
November 6th & December 4th
6:00 pm | Includes Dinner
$30/pp ~ RSVP: www.spyc.org or (727) 892-6882
*Price is inclusive of service charge & tax WEEKDAY BREAKFAST
Every Saturday Morning
8:30 - 9:30 am
$8/per session, per person
RSVP Online: www.spyc.org
Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Sunday - 3:00 - 5:00 pm (during football season)
Pass-a-Grille Downtown Lounge, Regatta & Tiki
Tuesday - Friday 7:30 - 9:30 am Saturday 8:30 - 10:45 am
$11.25++/pp (members)
$13.50++/pp (non-members)
$5++/per child ages 4-12
$5.50++/per non member child ages 4-12
Reservations not required
2nd Tuesday of the Month
Nov., 12th: From Russia With Love Dec., 3rd: Feast of the 7 Fishes (on the 1st Tuesday for December)
From 5:00 - 9:00 pm
$31.50++/pp
$15++/per child ages 4-12
Dinner Reservations Online or call (727) 822-3873 ext 211
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
$31.50++/per adult
$15++/per child ages 4-12
Reservations strongly suggested: (727) 892-6882 or 6897
Every Wednesday & Friday
From 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
$15.50++/pp (member)
$18.50++/pp (non-member)
$7++/per child ages 4-12
(Reservations Not Required)
PLEASE NOTE: Pass-a-Grille is temporarily CLOSED
Tuesday, December 3rd 1:00 - 7:00 pm Downtown Clubhouse
Boutique is
sponsorships
Etiquette Classes Fall Series
Classes limited to 24 students only
Downtown Clubhouse
Price: $90/per child
(inclusive of service charge & tax)
Reservations Required:
www.spyc.org
catering@spyc.org 727-892-6882 or 6897
INCLUDES: Classroom Materials, Refreshments & Instruction
Sunday - November 17th All
Aboard! The Polar Express
Thanksgiving at Home
Thursday, November 28th
Let us take care of the cooking... Just pick-up & enjoy in the comfort of your own home!
▯ Meal #1 Small Turkey (feeds 6-8 people)
$360 (includes service charge & sales tax)
Session 1: 2:00 - 3:30 pm (ages 4-8 yrs.)
Session 2: 4:00 - 5:30 pm (ages 9-12 yrs.)
*Cancellations honored until 11/3*
Pick-up on Thursday, November 28th ONLY
Please specify pick up time: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, Noon or 1:00 pm (Please arrive at your scheduled pick-up time)
Pick-up location: Circular drive off Central Avenue
Please remain in your vehicle so we may better assist you.
Includes: 1 Quart Each ~ Country Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Garden Veggie Medley, Gravy, Homemade Sage Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce; 6 dinner rolls & 1 pie - *Choose Pumpkin, Apple or Pecan
▯ Meal #2 Large Turkey (feeds 10-14 people)
$450 (includes service charge & sales tax)
Includes: 2 Quarts Each ~ Country Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Garden Veggie Medley, Gravy, Homemade Sage Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce; 12 dinner rolls & 2 pies - *Choose Pumpkin, Apple or Pecan **Additional Pies & Sides : $15/per quart or pie (inclusive of service charge & sales tax)
Quantities are limited ~ Don’t wait, make your reservations today! (727) 892-6882 or 6897 | catering@spyc.org (online reservations not available)
Gingerbread House Decorating
Friday, November 29th · 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Downtown Clubhouse
All houses are pre-built, $75/per house (2 people each house), Additional persons at $4/each
Get in the Holiday Spirit with this SPYC tradition. Come to the club for lunch and then make your way upstairs to get creative, (Light refreshments included)
Please confirm how many houses are needed and the number of people attending. Reservations Required via Email or Phone: catering@spyc.org | 727-892-6882 or 6897 *48-Hour Cancellation Policy in effect*
FSU UF Watch Party
Saturday, November 30th · Time TBA
Downtown Clubhouse ~ Heritage Lounge
While there’s no championship on the line, come join us to watch the Gators take on the Seminoles. The drink specials and fun will surely be better than our records this year. Stay tuned for details.
Reservations not required | Seating is first come, first serve
Complimentary to attend for members & their guests
(An Entertainment Committee Event)
Children’s Christmas Parade Viewing Buffet
Saturday, November 30th · 5:00 pm
Downtown Clubhouse
Kids Buffet Pricing: $15/pp (inclusive of service charge & tax)
Reservations Not Required - First come, first served
Come down to the Club for a great view of the Annual Santa Parade. The 1909 Patio will have a bar and will be available for parade viewing only (no dining). PLUS a Kid Friendly Buffet set up in the Regatta room.
Annual Ugly Sweater
Christmas Party
Friday, December 6th ~ 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Join us for a fun Holiday Party at the Downtown Clubhouse!
Located in the Commodore Lounge ~ Enjoy Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktail specials along with LIVE DJ music!
Participate in the White Elephant Gift Exchange by bringing a wrapped gift, valued at $25 or under.
(An Entertainment Committee Event)
Reservations Highly Recommended: www.spyc.org | catering@spyc.org 727-892-6882 or 6897
Kid's Buffet: Chicken Fingers, Mac & Cheese, Fresh Fruit Salad, Cheese Pizza, Broccoli, Grilled Chicken Breasts, Christmas Cookies, Lemonade & Water (No regular Kid's menu on this day & Kids Eat Free is not valid). There will be an exclusive Lounge menu on this night.
Ho-Ho-Hoedown Country Christmas!
Thursday, December 12th · 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Downtown Clubhouse ~ in the Club Corral (aka Ballroom) Early Bird Rate! $55/pp ($65/pp if you RSVP after 11/30) (inclusive of service charge & tax)
Presented by the Woman’s Club at SPYC This event is open to ALL SPYC Members!
Down Home Dinner Buffet featuring: Fried Chicken, BBQ Beef Brisket, Fried Alaskan Cod, Country Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Mac & Cheese, Southern Style Green Beans, Variety of Salads, Cherry Cobbler, Strawberry Shortcake & MORE!!
Live Music by “Fat Tracks”
Prizes for BEST single costume & BEST couple costume!
Reservations Required: www.spyc.org | catering@spyc.org | 727-892-6882 or 6897
*Cancellations honored until Tuesday, December 10th by 6pm. If cancellation received after this time, your original reservation will be charged
Reservations Required: catering@spyc.org
727-892-6882 or 6897
(online reservations not available)
Please specify Santa Sunday #1 or #2 when making reservations.
*48-Hour Cancellation Policy in effect*
Santa’s Sunday Brunches
Santa Sunday #1: December 15th · 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Santa Sunday #2: December 22nd · 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pricing: $62/adult | $31/ages 4-12 | 3 & Under are Complimentary
(inclusive of service charge & tax)
ACTIVITIES:
» Face Painting: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm » Balloon Artists: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
» Santa Claus: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
We checked our list, and thought we should do it twice... Best behavior is encouraged!
*All activities are included in the Brunch price. If you are dining elsewhere in the club or just coming for the activities, there will be a fee of $15++/per child.
*Reservations are required & you will need to check-in upon arrival.*
Brunch Buffet includes: New York Strip, Omelets, Iced Seafood, Waffles, Amazing Salads, Delectable Holiday Desserts PLUS Kid friendly foods & MORE!!!
Getting Organized & Sorting out the Clutter to “Tell Your Side Of Your Life Story”
Thursday, January 9th · 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Downtown Clubhouse
Pricing: $15/pp (inclusive of service charge & tax)
Light Hors d’ Oeuvres & No Host Bar
Presented by the Woman’s Club of SPYC This event is open to ALL SPYC Members!
Reservations Required: www.spyc.org | catering@spyc.org 727-892-6882 or 6897
Whether you write it, record it, or videotape it, telling your side of your life story can be a challenging process. Don't have the time? Don't know where to start? Or if you ever thought your story is not an important one. Mix and mingle with one another and meet our guests Michelle Passoff and Joel Woodlief. They will be there to shed some light on why your story matters and ways you can get organized to get it out there.
Join us as we kick-off the new year with Dinner at the Club and then an evening of Broadway at the STRAZ Performing Arts Center....
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that makes MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feelgood show.
Sunday · February 2, 2025 Prix-Fixe Dinner 4:00 pm · Showtime 7:00 pm
$258/pp
(Inclusive of service charge & tax)
Package Includes: One Ticket to the show (seating in Orchestra level only)
Prix-Fixe Dinner & Drinks at the Downtown Clubhouse... PLUS Round-Trip Shuttle Bus Transportation!
Reservations Required: Contact SPYC Member Services to RSVP at (727) 892-6893 or member.services@spyc.org
Deadline to RSVP is December 1st by 5:00 pm
*Please do NOT call Catering to reserve.*
