Grosse Pointer Summer 2022

GROSSE

Editor

Heather Shock hshock@gpyc.org

Publisher

Towar Productions

19803 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 313.882.0702 www.towar.com

Advertising Director

Kim Towar kim@towar.com

Art Director

Stephanie Lortt stephanie@towar.com

Writers

Past Commodore Kevin B. Granger

Past Commodore Sloane R. Barbour

Past Commodore James Ramsey

Dr. Larry Stephenson

Lady Melissa Bodmer

Heather Shock

Photographers

John F. Martin Photography, Inc.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

G P C Y

Established 1914

788 Lake Shore Road

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 (313) 884-2500 FAX: (313) 884-7956 www.gpyc.org

The Grosse Pointer (USPS 576-940) is published four times a year under contract with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Subscriptions are $75 per year to members. Periodical postage paid at Detroit, Michigan. Postmaster, send address changes to: The Grosse Pointer, 788 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club ©2022—all rights reserved. This publication is the property of the GPYC, for member use only. No unauthorized use, sale or dissemination of information herein shall be made for commercial, personal or other purposes, without the written permission of the GPYC.

Table of Contents

Welcome Aboard New Members 4-5

Art of the Club 6-10

Bluenose Regatta 11-13

10 Year Anniversary with Kids on the Go 14 Summer Day Camp 15

GPYC Swim Team 16-17

In Harbor Rendezvous and Father’s Day Weekend 18-21

Old Club Dinner Cruise 22

4th of July 24-27

Catawaba Rendezvous 28

Havana Nights 30-31

Buoncristiani Napa Wine Dinner 32

2022 Up North Rendezvous to Bay Harbor 34-35

Fleet Review 2022 Vegas Weekend 36-39

The Great Gucci Shopping Event 40-41 Snaps 46-47 Looking Aft 48

June

Not Pictured

Christina Allen

Basile

Dempsey

Not Pictured

Chris Krasnicki & Jennifer Joseph Krasnicki

Mary and Jack Lawless

JulyAustin and Sarah Petitpren

Anne Maxim

Melissa & Noah (Not Pictured) Dittmer

Chelsea Prush William & Annette Royce

Paul & Robyn Stanford

Mariam Iskandarani

August

Giff & Natalie Tripp William & Dr. Kathleen Schaefer

Reception, Main Entry Hallway, Rotunda, East Lawn Entry, Spinnaker Addition

By Larry Stephenson, M.D.

Coming through the Main Entry to the GPYC, the first painting one is likely to see hangs behind the reception desk: “The Passenger Steamer City of Cleveland”(1) painted in 1886 by Seth Arca Whipple (1866-1901).Whipple was a local artist who was born in New Baltimore, MI, and lived in Detroit.

A second Whipple painting, “Passenger Steamer Northwest” (2) hangs just beyond the reception area, on the same side. The Northwest was built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and launched in 1867. This painting was completed in 1883 and both are on loan from the Detroit Historical Society collection.

Continuing along that north wall, one finds the iconic painting “The Roaring Forties”(3), a treasure of the GPYC. Donated in 1965 by Past Commodore Mervyn Gaskin, Canadian artist Jack Gray depicts a sailing ship circa the 1880s battling heavy seas in an area off the southwest coast of South America known as the Roaring Forties. Here, southwesterly winds around latitude 40 degrees S are known to sailors as among the most treacherous in the world. The single painting on the south wall of the entry hall is yet another Whipple, “Steamer State of Michigan” (4), an oil on canvas painted in 1893. It is also on loan from the Detroit Historical Society.

The Rotunda contains three sculptures, the most prominent of which is “The Three Muses”. This water fountain features three water nymphs, or “muses” as they were known in Greek mythology, who were meant by artist Wheeler Williams to represent inspiration, science and the arts. Two smaller sculptures representing the east and

west winds, also from Greek mythology, flank the stairway to the Ballroom. Wheeler accepted the commission for these sculptures from GPYC member Charles Ayres, who intended his donation to the Club to be in place at the opening of the Clubhouse on July 4, 1929, when he would be serving as Rear Commodore. Unfortunately, they

were not finished until several months later, and by the time they were installed the Great Depression had already begun.

The East Lawn Entry contains three paintings, all on loan from the Detroit Historical Society and hanging on the north wall. From left to right, the first is by F. Muller entitled “The Battleship USS Michigan

LOOKING AFTART

1908”(5). The ship was launched in that year and served in the Atlantic Ocean during World War I.

The identity of the artist of the second painting, “Steamship SS Chicora”(6), is somewhat unclear.

The signature appears to be Henry Simpson, but research done by the DHS suggests Detroit native Walter Simpson is most likely the artist.

The Chicora was built by the Detroit Dry Dock Company and launched in 1892 to carry both passengers and freight on the Great Lakes. The painting depicts the Chicora passing through the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie. Note the logs on the sides of this early version of the locks.

The final painting is “The CF Bielman”(7), a Great Lakes freighter built in West Bay City, Michigan, launched in 1892. Artist Howard Sprague painted her in 1893. During his short career, Sprague lived in both Detroit and Cleveland before tragically succumbing to tuberculosis in 1899 at age 28.

As of August 2022, there is a new addition to the art in the Spinnaker. Hanging on the wall between the fireplace and the bar is a painting entitled “5:30 P.M. Departure” depicting the steamer Greater Detroit (8) backing away from a dock in the Detroit River with the Ambassador Bridge in the background. The ship was launched in 1923 with a passenger capacity of 2,127, a crew of 300 and an automobile capacity of 103, and operated between Detroit and Buffalo, New York. At its launch, Greater Detroit, along with sister ship Greater Buffalo, were the most costly sidewheel steamships in the world, and carried more passengers than many ocean-going steamers of their day. Artist Charles Stobar is listed in 1930s Detroit city directories as a model maker and sculptor for General Motors. This painting is on loan from the Detroit Historical Society.

By Past Commodores Kevin B. Granger and Sloane R. Barbour

The Club’s second-oldest sailing competition rounded another mark in its storied history on September 24 when sailboats from around the DRYA (Detroit Regional Yachting Association) met on Lake St. Clair for the 84th time in as many years for this end-of-summer shootout. As usual, participation was among the highest on the DRYA calendar.

The very first Bluenose began as summer ended in 1939. The U.S. economy was finally pulling itself out of the Great Depression and the Club had recently emerged from bankruptcy. With the Club doors open again, a celebration was called for by Com. George Slocum, including a long-distance sailboat race.

The late-summer race was the inspiration of Com. George Slocum, founder of Automotive News, who led the Club out of receivership in 1939.

The race course began in front of the Club, extended across the freighter channel all the way to the Belle River buoy in Canada, then came back to finish at GPYC, a distance of some 40 miles. The weather in late September in those days was apparently brisk enough to turn one’s nose blue. Hence the name “Bluenose.” But that isn’t the only possible origin of the name. Back in the 1920s and ‘30s, there was a famous ocean race contested by fishing schooners from New England and Nova Scotia. The boat that frequently won was named Blue Nose. Her winning record was such that a Canadian dime with the image of Blue Nose was minted in her honor. Com. Slocum, an accomplished sailboat racer himself, was undoubtedly aware of the event. And in the beginning, the name of our race was spelled as two words, “Blue Nose,” just like the winning Canadian schooner.

Whatever the circumstances, the name stuck. The Bluenose Regatta has been an annual Club event ever since and remains one of the highlights of the yacht racing season. As the last race of the DRYA series, it often determines the season’s champions among the various racing classes.

Although yacht racing has declined in popularity in recent years, the Bluenose Regatta enjoyed rock star status among sailboat racers – and still does. At its peak, the race drew more than 200 competitors, prompting sportswriter George E. Van, who wrote extensively about sailboat racing in the 1960s, to report:

“That armada-like turnout of 347 starting boats in the July [GPYC Summer] regatta, the biggest ever on Lake St. Clair, followed by 230 in the annual Bluenose fleet, makes the [Grosse Pointe Yacht] club the most prestigious sailing organization in the Detroit River [Regional] Yachting Association this year.”

The Bluenose Regatta, still blowing strong after 84 years How the race came to be. And how it got its funny name

GPYC boats have been frequent Bluenose winners. Brandilee , owned and campaigned by member Steve Nadeau, is one of them.

Regrettably, the July Summer Regatta, originated by our club in 1929, that Mr. Van was referring to is discontinued, but the mighty Bluenose sails on. At one point, its entry list was populated with boats from GPYC with legendary names such as Apache, Gypsy, Belle Aurore, Sassy, Roulette, Aggressive, Hotspur and Valkyrie. And even to day the event is steeped in history, spawning bar top tales of intrepid sailors and immortal boats battling stubborn seas and falling temperatures.

A bit of sail racing esoterica here: From the beginning, the Bluenose was conceived to be a long-distance, point-to-point race; but over time

those points changed. For many years, the course points were the start/finish line near the Club, the St. Clair Light and the Thames River Light. The boats were sent in either a clockwise (marks to starboard) or a counterclockwise (marks to port) direction, depending on the direction of the wind. (In setting a race course it is always preferable to get as close to an upwind leg as possible; so whichever direction will give the sailors the best chance for an upwind leg is usually selected.)

But as traffic on the lake grew, the Coast Guard became increasingly concerned over the potential problem of sailors and freighters navigating the

same marks. Then, with 9-11 border closures, racers were no longer allowed to cross to the Cana dian side of the freighter channel. As a result, the Bluenose course was amended into two shorter configurations: a long course of 19.12 nautical miles for the bigger boats and within it a short course of 12.51 nautical miles for smaller craft. Both are confined to U.S waters.

Just as the Bluenose race course has changed with time, so have the awards for Bluenose winners. What was once the (GPYC) Commodore John R. Sutton, Jr. Perpetual Trophy that was awarded for the best corrected time in Class A, B and C

Less than a month after the official end of World War II, the victorious crew of Rambler 4th celebrates the 1945 Bluenose with Com. E.B. Thomas.

has since been rededicated to honor the most outstanding Junior Sailor program. Likewise, the William P. Fisher Trophy for the best corrected time in Class A (originally won by the famed boat Apache under first owner T.K. Fisher and then W.D. “Toot” Gmeiner) has been rededicat ed to honor the annual Yachtsman of the Year at GPYC. The award is respectfully presented along with Member of the Year honors at the Club’s Annual Dinner.

While the format and popularity of the Blue nose have changed since the “good old days,” the Bluenose event is still a prestigious mark on sailors’ resumes and still a proud tradition at GPYC. If you’ve ever stood along the East Wall of the harbor in early fall and watched the sails filling against a threatening gray horizon, you know exactly what the name is all about.

DosMas, owned and skippered by Past Com. Gary Gonzalez, was a top competitor in the Bluenose.

Legendary Bluenose competitor and winner, Gypsy , with GPYC member/owner T.K Fisher (one of the famed Fisher Brothers) at the helm.

10th Anniversary with Kids On the Go & GPYC Tennis

When the nice weather arrives in Michigan each spring, it is typically when many children and teens in our area fill up their calendars with commitments to various sports and recreational activities that provide them with skills and the chance to socialize with friends.  However, it is difficult for children and teens with special needs to find programs that can adapt to their learning styles and provide a safe and nurturing environment.

Thanks to Dmitri Diakonov and his assistant pros at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, children and teens with special needs who are interested in tennis can participate in a six-week program where lessons are modified to accommodate their needs.  2022 marks

the tenth summer Diakonov has worked with Kids

On The Go ( a program founded by member Kristy Schena) to offer this program at the GPYC and generously shared his time and talent with some of the most special members of our community.

One of the draws of tennis is that it is an accessible sport that can be enjoyed at any age. Children and teens who participate in this program are learning new skills that promote social and physical activity they can use throughout their lives.  Diakonov uses his energetic and knowledgeable manner to provide participants with an understanding and appreciation for the game so that, like their neurotypical peers, they feel a sense of confidence and belonging associated with participating in a program.

Each summer, there have been around twelve children or teens participating in this program. Since 2012, Diakonov has impacted the lives of over 100 individuals with the gift of being a part of the game of tennis!  Diakonov shared, “KOTG at the Yacht Club has been a special and incredibly enriching experience for me.  What Kristy has achieved with KOTG is amazing, and it’s been a total honor to be a part of it—the joy of the kids experiencing this beautiful sport over the years has been priceless to me.”

Kids On The Go is very proud of this partnership with Diakonov, the GPYC, and The Ralph Wilson Legacy Grant and thankful for the community that is so supportive of our joint efforts!

Kids on the Go participants

August

Campers

from 4-12 years old attend a new entertainment theme each week with coinciding daily crafts and activities led by energetic counselors.

In addition to crafts, campers swim, attend tennis lessons, bowl, take boat rides, and play on the playground and splash pad.  In addition, each week has a special event planned, such as science shows, pony rides, petting zoos, fitness classes, and magic shows.  Another highlight of day camp is the cooking classes held by the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Executive Chef, Eric Voigt, and his incredible team, providing daily lunches and snacks for campers.  According to camper Marnie Schaden, the meals at camp are “epic.”

One of the most treasured traditions of the Summer Day Camp is the celebration of holidays.  A fan favorite is always trick-or-treating around the club, where each department contributes to

Day camp smiles

decorating, playing music, passing out treats, and sharing smiles and laughter.  The campers’ joy radiates throughout the club, reminding us all of those simpler times of childhood summers.  Other favorites are the Christmas in July celebration, Ice Cream Socials, and the highly anticipated Summer Olympics to end the season on a high note!

While camp is full of adventurous games and activities, the heart of the camp is undoubtedly the relationships formed between the campers.

This enriching program is perfect for children to unwind and form authentic friendships.  With a picturesque landscape, state-of-the-art facilities, and a passionate staff, children create memories that last for many years at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Summer Day Camp.  In the words of camper, Emmalyn Mason, “Camp is a 10/10!”

The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Summer Day Camp offers a unique opportunity for children to spend their summer exploring their endless curiosity.

Halloween parade

Halloween Trick-or-Treating in the Ballroom

A Season To Remember!

Under the coaching staff of Head Coach Jimmy Singelyn, Assistant Head Coach Bill Thompson, and Assistant Coaches Elizabeth Bourke, Genevieve Boutrous, Brennan Rogowski, Tory Roth, Nicole Sceglio, and Hannah Wheatley, the GPYC Sailfish finished 5th out of 14 teams at the Michigan Inter-Club Swimming Association (MICSA) finals held at the Birmingham Athletic Club July 29th through July 31st. In addition, they won the Corsan Challenge by raising over $8000 for the YMCA Detroit Swims Program.

Much fun was had through the season, from poster making to pizza parties to our Corsan Challenge Swim Event, where the Sailfish had the opportunity to swim and learn from the DeLoof Sisters. All three sisters are GPYC veterans, former University of Michigan, and most recently, Team USA Swim Team Members, with Catie having just won a bronze medal at last year’s Tokyo games!

Life in the Fast Lane was the 2022 MICSA Finals Theme, and the GPYC Sailfish took this to heart, with top 12 finishes to make it back to the finals. The top 12 swimmers from the preliminary events made it to the finals and received medals. The top 6 finishes were accomplished by many of the GPYC swimmers.

The GPYC Sailfish had some strong relay finishes. The Girls 200-meter Freestyle Relay, the team of Campbell Shore, Maria Melhem, Eleanor Early and Avery Beal finished 2nd . The mixed 8 & Under 100-meter medley relay, the team of Evie Melhem, Claire O’Connor, Daniel Early and Griffin Early finished 2nd. The Girls 200-meter medley relay

with the team of Gabriella Mannino, Hannah Wheatley, Betsy Ropke and Isabella Zuk finished 6th.

In the breaststroke events, Clair O’Connor finished 3rd, and her sister Colette finished 5th in the Girls 8 & Under 25-meter breaststroke. For the Girls’ 9-10 50-meter breaststroke, Isabella Zuk finished 5th. In the Boys 9-10 50-meter breaststroke, Liam Zvirbulis finished 2nd, and Charles O’Connor finished 6th. Campbell Shore finished 5th in the Girls’ 13-14 50-meter breaststroke, and Avery Beal placed 6th in the Girls’ 15-16 50-meter breaststroke.

The following events featured freestyle. Evie Melhem placed 2nd in the Girls 8 & Under 50-meter freestyle. Griffin Early placed 3rd in 8 & Under 50-meter freestyle and 2nd in the 25-meter freestyle events. In the 11–12 year-old 50-freestyle, Gabriella Mannino finished 2nd. Eleanor Early finished 1st in the 9-10-year-old 50-meter freestyle, and Maria Melhem placed 3rd in the 11-12 year-old age group. Campbell Shore placed 3rd in the 13-14 year-old age group event. Avery Beal placed 3rd

and Jacob Tomlinson 6th in the 15-17 year-old age group 50-meter freestyle events.

The backstroke events showed some strong GPYC Sailfish Swimmers with a GPYC record-breaking swim and a 1st place finish by Ronan Zvirbulis in the 9–10 year-old 50-meter backstroke. For the 8&Under Girls 25-meter backstroke, Evie Melhem finished strong in 1st place, followed by Claire O’Connor in 4th. Charles O’Connor rounded out the Boys’ 9-10 year-old backstroke event with a 6th place finish. The Girls’ 11-12 50-meter backstroke had Gabriella Mannino coming in 2nd. Butterfly also had a few great swims, starting with Daniel Early placing 4th in the 8 & Under 25-meter butterfly. 1st place finishes were accomplished by Eleanor Early and Ronan Zvirbulis in the 9-10 year old age group. In the 11-12 year-old age group, Maria Melham placed 5th overall; in the 13-14 year-old age group, Betsy Ropke finished 6th.

The individual medley (IM) had a GPYC recordbreaking swim and a 1st place finish by Liam Zvirbulis in the 9-10 year-old event. In the Girls

2022 GPYC Swim Team

9-10 year-old IM, Isabella Zuk placed 3rd. The season concluded with an awards banquet on August 3rd.

High Point Trophies were handed out to the swimmers with the most points during the duel meets.

The winners were:

8 & Under Girls: Evie Melhem Boys: Griffin Early 9 & 10

Girls: Eleanor Early Boys: Liam Zvirbulis

During the 2022 season, two GPYC records were broken. Ronan Zvirbulis broke the 10 & Under 50 Backstroke with a time of 37.78 and Liam Zvirbulis broke the 10 & Under 100 IM with a time of 1:24.46.

Perpetual Trophies included the Commodore Frank Couzens Award and the Commodore James Marks Award were given to the swimmers who scored the most points in the combined duel meets throught the season for 12 & under and 13 & Over Respectively. This year’s winners were for the 12 & Under Evie Melhem and Liam Zvirbulis. The 13 & Over winners were Campbell Shore and Vincent Maffesoli.

11 & 12

Girls: Maria Melhem Boys: Johnny Sceglio 13 & 14

Girls: Campbell Shore 15 – 17

Girls: Sophie Schuetze Boys: Vincent Maffesoli

The Dr. Jon Paulas Memorial Trophy is awarded to the girl and boy who obtained the highest points during the MICSA Championship meet. This year’s winners were Eleanor Early and Ronan Zvirbulis.

The Rookies of the Year for 2022 were Emma Topolinski and Johnny Peabody. The Coaches’ Awards went to Gabriella Mannino and Charles O’Connor

The Donna Vollmer Memorial Award was presented to Hannah Wheatley and Genevieve Boutrous.

The Fred Michalik Award went to Jacob Tomlinson. We look forward to next year. Please check out the swim team information on GPYC.org and reach out to the swim chairs with questions.

Sun, Fun & Swim

Swim Team Buddies

In Harbor Rendezvous Weekend

Com. Jason Grobbel, Wayne Wegner, General Manager Aaron Wagner

Harbor Dedication

Whenschool is out for the summer and summer solstice is near, what better place can you be than the GPYC? This year’s In Harbor Rendezvous opened on Friday night with a celebration that marked the opening of the Club’s newly renovated harbor. Commodore Grobbel was joined by members of the Board of Directors, Harbor Committee members, representatives from E. C. Korneffel, and officials from Grosse Pointe Shores. Commodore Grobbel noted the significance of the harbor renovation and thanked the members who, over many years, have contributed their time and energy toward this achievement. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Commodore Grobbel and Vice Commodore Fish toured the harbor by boat, greeting members along the way. Meanwhile, members who remained on the Terrace enjoyed an evening of dining and DJ music. At sunset, an assortment of kids’ inflatable flamingos and other floating toys took over the pool for a Dive-in-Movie night featuring Disney’s film, Encanto. Popcorn, cotton candy, and s’more mix were the bill of fare for Dive-In Movie goers.

Family Fun Activities

June 18, 2022

The Family Recreation Center was the center of Saturday’s action. Members enjoyed drop-in play for Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce Ball, and Cornhole games. Our racquet sports professionals hosted Pee Wee Tennis Clinics for different age groups. The clinics were well attended and sparked an interest in Tennis among the youngest members of the GPYC community. After a morning full of activities, members enjoyed spending time on their boats or enjoying the pool, Gazebo, and Harborside Grill for the rest of the day.

Commodore Jason Grobbel

Father’s Day

June 19, 2022

The annual Father’s Day Brunch was the perfect way to wrap up the In-Harbor Rendezvous weekend. The dads and grandfathers had fun and a lot of laughs celebrating their day. Members enjoyed Alex playing the guitar and singing in the background, creating a memorable experience during brunch. Many guests enjoyed the delicious food prepared by our expert culinary team. The buffet was filled to the brim with eggs, sausage, bacon, and the omelet station, which is always a favorite. The Donut Bar was a hit and satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth! It was a special day celebrating fathers for all they do!

Ryan, Nicole, Luke & Lidia Ermanni and Robyn & Paul Stanford

Alex Shier

GPYC FEATUREPERSON OF

The Backer family

The Lang family

Commodore Vreeken & family

The Ahee family

The Fox family

Bumpy cake cupcakes were enjoyed by all.

The Old Club Dinner Cruise

TheOld Club Dinner Cruise is one of GPYC’s most popular and highly attended events. The afternoon was beautiful as 20 boats filled The Old Club Harbor, ready to experience a fun relaxing night among old and new friends. Guests declared that The Old Club had never looked better!

GPYC members met for a cocktail hour, enjoying spirits before a delicious plated dinner by the Club’s fantastic chef. The dinner was excellent, and all the GPYC members were impressed with the hospitality. Many stayed long after, and some members spent the night. The dinner cruise was a huge success, and members can’t wait for next year!

Marilyn Stephenson and Elyse Trupiano

Greg and Diane Gallagher

The Evola family

Dr. Rob & Vanessa Hubbard and Paul & Mary Ellen Kelly

Dr. Wendy Lucid

Jack Sullivan

Philip Trupiano

Diane and Bob Farris

4th of July

Monday, July 4

Did you know that July 4, 1929, was the grand opening of the GPYC’s Clubhouse?

Continuing with tradition fourth of July has always been an exciting and fun time at the Club. It was and still is a day of great fanfare and has added great activities such as the Pet Parade, Bocce Tournament, and spectacular firework display.

The Pet Parade was a Huge Success! The Pet Parade has become a favorite activity among members. Since its debut in 2003, this friendly competition has allowed participants to answer questions about their pets and show off their unique tricks or good looks. In years past, the Pet Parade had all types of animals, such as snakes, horses, and even a fishfly.

This year over 40 pets entered the parade. Some pets wore their best patriotic outfits; others did fun tricks to wow the crowd. It was a beautiful day, and members enjoyed fresh coffee and other beverages enjoying the morning as much as the pets did!

Congratulations to all the winners; we can’t wait for next year!

The Westerman family

Canines dressed up in their 4th of July best

were on their best behavior.

MEMBER

Erika and Annalise Page

Marney Ramsey

The Jozefiak Family

The Roth family

Valentina Izzi and Stella

Bocce Tournament Fun

The Bocce Tournament has become one of the members favorite activities on the Fourth of July. Held at the Family Activity Center, members used the Bocce lanes with friendly competitive play. Members had fun competing for prizes and warming up for the evening activities.

Well, the adults may have been having fun playing Bocce Ball, but, the kids were having a blast competing in pool games. The annual pool games are always a highlight activity with lots of prizes. The races are fun but competitive, and you are guaranteed to see many smiling faces at the pool.

The Hohlfeldt family

Renee Ciaramitaro, Holly Abessinio, Greg Gallagher and Luke Ciaramitaro

MEMBER

The 4th of July Famous BBQ

After a fun-filled day of games, members headed to the famous BBQ put on by our Executive Chef Eric. Members enjoyed a pig roast along with many other fabulous choices. In addition, pastry Chef Christina set up a beautiful patriotic sweets and treats table for everyone to enjoy.

An Amazing Fireworks Display

To end the evening at dusk, everyone was ready in different parts of the Club, such as the East Lawn, MAC, Gazebo Bar, and their vessels, to watch the spectacular fireworks display. There were many oohs and ahhs as the fireworks lit up the sky over Lake St. Clair. It was a perfect day and night for members to enjoy the time-honored Fourth of July traditions at the Club!

MEMBER SCENE

Catawba Rendezvous

July 8-10, 2022

The Catawba Club Rendezvous is a popular and enjoyable rendezvous members are excited to attend. Boats began to arrive in the harbor on Friday with a pleasant forecast of light and variable winds on Lake Erie, perfect for a day of boating. Many members without boats joined in on the fun, drove, and stayed at the hotel accommodations at the Club, too. Even with a few raindrops, the members gathered for a Welcome Reception on the Pavilion Side Deck, and it did not spoil the friendly atmosphere and camaraderie. That evening members planned for activities the next day.

Members enjoyed the pickleball courts on Saturday morning in a round-robin event that included Catawba Club members and guests. Then they headed off to enjoy the mimosas and Bloody Marys at the Patio Bar with the rest of the group. The day was windy but sunny, and the members enjoyed an afternoon of golf and a trip to the Owen Winery.

Members also enjoyed the pool and the waterside Beach Bar during the day. Finally, the group wrapped up the fun day and gathered in the Chart Room for a delicious seasonal dinner. Commodore Jason Grobbel opened with sharing. Our host, Mr. Stouffer, sliced and served the beef, a annual tradition members look forward to experiencing.

On Sunday, many members brunched and then departed back to the GPYC to get some rest after a fun-filled, busy weekend.

The O’Connor family

Amy and David Schaden

Paul & Mary Ellen Kelly and Mary & Bob Weiland

Edward & Taffany Van Rossen and Dr. Kevin O’Brien and Connie Buffa

Havana Nights

Friday, July 21

The Marine Activity Center was transformed into old Havana, Cuba. Members enjoyed a very exclusive Rum tasting & cigar pairing event. In addition, Executive Chef, Eric Voigt, prepared an extraordinary stroll thru authentic Cuban cuisine that was nothing short of spectacular.

On the lower floor of the MAC, a live steel drum band set the mood while members were greeted with a tumbler of premium Plantation XO reserve rum to sip. Under the tropical plants and Cuban flags, Kishor manned an antique chrome sugarcane press, making fresh cane juice to mix into fresh juice Daquiris that, without a doubt, Hemmingway himself would have approved.

Visiting GPYC from Miami, the Cuban-born Fernando set up an impressive display. He handrolled cigars for members to pair with fine rums while enjoying the best possible place to be on a warm midsummer night, feeling the breeze in our beautiful MAC perched on the lake.

Upstairs, guests were treated to a panel of premium, and rare rums at a sit-down tasting presided over by Saylor Frase and Andrew Keene that reviewed flavors and the heritage and provenance of the rums and distilleries.

The beautiful night was further punctuated by introducing a new Grosse Pointe Yacht Club tradition: the “Splicing of the Main Brace” for new members. New members were presented with historically correct replicas of the ½ Gill cups, engraved with our GPYC burgee and year to commemorate.

This tradition has a long deep-rooted maritime history. The story of the British Royal Navy rum ration might seem bizarre but remember that at many points in history, water was not always available or safe to drink. This was especially true on long voyages at sea when water supplies could turn rancid. To avoid this, beer was the original rationed drink for sailors, but it too could spoil quickly at sea. Around 1655, many ships switched to a rum ration of two 1/2 Gill cups (about 2.5oz each) a day instead. Rum did not rot inside barrels and didn’t take up as much room as beer, freeing precious space for cargo. In 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon faced not only the worry of dysentery from bacteria in the water but also scurvy by the lack of Vitamin C on long trans-Atlantic voyages and introduced a concoction of watered-down rum mixed with lime juice. This “grog” prevented illness and hydrated the crew. And yes, this is where we get the term “groggy” and the namesake of our very own Harbor shop.

Lady Melissa Bodmer, Kishor Oza & Iris Frank

Dr. Dean Kim, Kevin Killebrew, Tom and Diane Beard

A beautiful evening at the MAC

Hand rolled cigars by Fernando were impressive

Taffany Van Rossen, Joanna Izzi & Lady Melissa Bodmer

Thomas Beard

Chris Izzi

Kristi Lowenthal & Marianne Mikhail

Maureen and Pete Gleason

Cuban inspired food was a treat for members

Greg Gallagher and Gardner Martin

Buoncristiani Napa Wine Dinner

TheNapa wine dinner occurred in the Venetian room, beginning with Decoy Sparkling wine paired with lovely hor d’oeuvres, and featured wines from Buoncristiani, located in the Soda Canyon caves of Napa Valley. Buoncristiani Family winery was begun in 1999 by four brothers born into a wine-loving family of Italian descent.  The youngest brother, Jay, is the winemaker and has been described by Robert Parker as one of the “up and coming” winemakers in Napa Valley.  The brothers learned from their father in the vineyard he tended, and that experience reinforced their desire to follow in his footsteps to produce highly sought-after wines in Napa Valley.

Executive Chef Eric, Chef Matthew and Pastry Chef Christina paired the elaborate dinner showcasing the Buoncristiani Rosato, Chardonnay, Malbec, OPC (Ol Pa’s Cuvee), and Cabernet Sauvignon. From the first course of Sea Bass Ceviche paired with a Napa Valley 2019 Vintage Rose to the fifth course of Chocolate Magic paired with a 2018 Vintage Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, members were delighted with the variety of pairings they received.

The wines were presented by Art Lokar, Sommelier and Wine/Spirits consultant, who brought these beautifully produced wines to Woodberry Wine in 2006 from Napa Valley to distribute in Michigan.

Their following has continued to grow, and the members who attended this dinner will contest that they will help expand the footprint of these decadent wines at the GPYC and our community!

Maureen Gleason and Deborah Champion

Guests enjoyed samplings of different wines

Buoncristiani Napa Wines

Refreshing hors d’oeuvres

2022 Up North Rendezvous to Bay Harbor

The Up North Rendezvous is one of the great boating traditions at the GPYC, and while the destination changes each year, the experience is always unforgettable. This year our boaters returned to Bay Harbor Village. 23 boats made the trip and included families of all ages. The first day of the event was a little chilly with wind and grey skies, but that didn’t stop the “Docktail” Party. Locally renowned musician Dave Cisco performed under the dock gazebo, and the group enjoyed passing small plates. Commodore Grobbel welcomed everyone to Bay Harbor and officially kicked off the Rendezvous with a toast that climaxed with Lady Melissa smashing a champagne bottle to thunderous applause! The group the Lake Michigan town of Charlevoix on day 2, featuring a visit to The Earl Hotel, owned by members Paul and Jennie Silva. The Silva’s recently completed an addition of a rooftop deck complete with a bar and amazing 360-degree views. The Rooftop was booked exclusively for GPYC members that day, and everyone was treated to a wonderful lunch with live music. The weather was picturesque all day, and many members ended it watching the sunset at Charlevoix Beach adjacent to the iconic South Pier Lighthouse. Day 3 was another gorgeous day. Dinghy rides were happening all afternoon around the Bay, and those that were land lubbing were visiting the shops in Bay Harbor Village. Later that day, members were shuttled to nearby Lavender Hill Farm. This Certified Naturally Grown Farm’s mission is “To create a beautiful sensory experience in rustic elegance to share with guests and the community.” The seemingly endless rolling hills of lavender were only matched by the beautifully

decorated old barn where the party took place. The Farm featured a boutique shop with lavender honey, organic soaps, candles, and treats, and the farm personnel was welcoming and informative. The party started with a tasty buffet from local favorite Stiggs BBQ and finished with dancing to the Yankee Station Band.

In the spirit of planning ahead, the Club announced the 2023 location of the rendezvous so that those in attendance could be the first ones to register. Next year Up North Rendezvous will be in Ontario at the Killarney Mountain Lodge July, 31-August 3. Before we close the books on this year’s event, I want to send special thanks to Amy Krueger Malow.

Amy Chaired this year’s event and spent months planning and coordinating the events and activities, which ended with flawless execution. Be sure to sign up now for next year’s rendezvous! The Boat Slips are already going fast.

Members enjoyed delicious desserts

The traditional group picture

Guests enjoyed live entertainment

Taffany Van Rossen, John Martin and Edward Van Rossen

A gorgeous view from the patio

Andy and Ian MacLachlan

Saylor Frase, Iris Frank and daughter Ayvee

Mary & Robert Weiland, Graham Korneffel, and Amy & David Schaden

Fleet Review 2022 Vegas Weekend at the GPYC

By Lady Melissa Bodmer

Inaugural Fleet Review Regatta

August 17

The 2022 Annual Celebration kicked off Wednesday with the first ever Inaugural Fleet Review Regatta with a great amount of enthusiasm and teams participating. Excitement brewed as members, friends, and family watched with eager anticipation from the Gazebo Bar where a celebratory post-race party and awards ceremony was held. Flags were awarded to First, Second, and Third place winners, and inaugural Regatta flags were presented to participants.

Family Fun Night & Boat Decorating

August 18

Thursday night, smiles abounded as kids of all ages turned out for Family Fun Night which featured a dunk tank, campout movie night, and lots of fun and games. Prizes raffled off this year included a paddleboard, guitar, remotecontrolled car, gift cards, and much more! Boat and dock decorating commenced, and Members did not disappoint. The Las Vegas Hotel themed decorations and lights were evident throughout the harbor. New this year, the Marine Activity Center was turned over to Social and Non-boating Members as they turned the MAC into the “Tropicana!”

August 17-21

The kids enjoyed playing Quarterback Toss

Mr. Paul Lang with his grandchildren

Erika Page and daughters enjoyed dressing up for the Dock Parties

Inaugural Fleet Regatta

MEMBER

Fleet Review Dock Parties

August 19

Friday night Dock Parties, attendees strolled and partied at “Vegas Hotel-Casinos.”

Beginning with Oysters Rockefeller at Caesars Palace, attendees moved to the Luxor, where they kept cool as “Fans” of Sphinx-Commodore Grobbel. Members enjoyed Coney Dogs at the The D, while dirty martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives flowed at the glitzy Flamingo. Members visited Treasure Island for a swashbuckling good time, and Circus-Circus displayed Commodore in full red tuxedo tails as their “Ringleader.” At the Sands you would have thought Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were hanging out on Eastwall. As for the Tropicana? The Socials and LakeView Dock did themselves proud as everyone danced the night away to our In-house “DJ Nick” as he kicked out tunes on the new GPYC DJ lighting and sound system!

Members enjoyed participating in the “Las Vegas Hotel” Dock Party themes

The vessels lit up the Harbor

Members had fun on the docks with friends

OnSaturday afternoon, Fleet Review was well underway with the traditional parade of boats. Canon shots were fired, and Commodores and their Ladies saluted and waved from the balcony of the MAC. Thank you to all the boat owners who participated. It was a magnificent show of boats and a truly impressive fleet!

Fleet Review Gala

Saturday’s Fleet Review Gala began on the East Lawn for the Cocktail Party and entertainment by the Detroit Circus featuring an aerial cirque show, stilt-walker, and juggling act. The rain held off just in time as both members and performers moved into the Ballroom to continue the festivities. Members enjoyed a fabulous dinner prepared by our Executive Chef Eric Voigt as the Cirque du Soleil entertainment continued with both aerial hoop and stage performances.

At 8 p.m. the award-winning twelve-piece band “Your Generation in Concert” took to the dance floor and got the party started. Their amazing talent and energy did not disappoint! At 8:30 p.m., the brass stanchions with red velvet ropes were removed from the entrance to the Main Dining Room, revealing the “Cirque-Casino.” Gambling tables with professional dealers exchanged poker chips for vouchers. The true casino experience was felt by all as they played Blackjack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette. Players played for prizes generously donated by GPYC members.

Thank you to everyone who participated. It was a fun and memorable Vegas Weekend at the GPYC!

Congratulations to the following Fleet Review Regatta, Dock Party, Casino Night Winners:

Best Power Boat - Ed Van Rossen

Best Sailboat - Dr. Mariann Channell

Best Dock - MAC: Tropicana Casino (Social Members)

Fleet

The Frase family

The Baer family

Tina Seely, Jane Curcuri and Marianne Mikhail

Members having a great time singing and dancing

Commodore Jason Grobbel, Lady Melissa Bodmer, Vice Commodore Brian Fish, Nancy Fish, Rear Commodore Bill Dillion and Jennifer Winckler

The acrobats put on a exciting show for members.Elegant decor in the Ballroom gave the perfect ambiance for the night.

Jugglers entertained the guests.

Guests enjoyed dancing to “Your Generation in Concert” Band late into the night

Chris and Bruce Knapp

The Great GUCCI Shopping Event

Thursday, August 25

TheGPYC put a new twist on shopping by hosting an exclusive GUCCI pop-up event for members in the Spinnaker. The evening was exceptionally well attended, and members enjoyed shopping the season’s best of GUCCI! Hats, sunglasses, wallets, purses, and select clothing items were displayed to order exclusively that evening.

Guests sipped on complimentary champagne when they arrived, a delicious charcuterie board was offered, and appetizers were delightful throughout the evening. Members truly appreciated the opportunity to shop at this exclusive shopping event and look forward to another one in the future.

Members enjoyed shopping the exclusive GUCCI items

Chris Knapp, Amy Schaden and Nancy Hauck

Lady Melissa Bodmer and Marita Grobbel

Members picked out their favorite GUCCI purses

Members enjoyed a complimentary glass of champagne to start the night of shopping

MEMBER

Spencer Hamilton is a newly ranked First Officer with SkyWest Airlines.

Snaps

Spencer Hamilton is a newly ranked First Officer with SkyWest Airlines. He earned his BS in Aviation Flight Science in 2021 and completed his CFI, CFII, and MEI instructor ratings shortly after graduation. To continue his aviation experience as a flight instructor, building his hours to reach ATP training and FAArequired endorsements.

Now based in Boise, Idaho, Spencer supports Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines on regional routes west of the Rockies and up & down the West Coast. Spencer is officially living his lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot and says he “can not imagine life in any other career”! Safe and blue skies Spencer!

Rosie Clare Zeiger was awarded and has accepted both the Presidential Scholarship and the ChangeMakers Scholarship for attendance at Elon University. She has additionally accepted the River Valley Credit Union (Grand Rapids, MI) College Scholarship. Rosie was also awarded a senior class medal from her high school, American Heritage School (Florida), for her 1,005 hours of community service.

Rose Clare Zeiger

It has been a busy summer for David Szymanski, son of members Jackie and David Szymanski. In late June, he played in the Michigan Amateur Golf Championship, over 120 holes of golf over five days in searing heat to advance to the semi-finals before tasting defeat. A week later, he shot his fourth hole-in-one. He followed those exploits by taking the Michigan Bar Exam (graduating from MSU

Law in May). He then found himself in a playoff for the Greater Lansing Amateur Golf Association championship, finishing second. Immediately following that three-day tournament, he made the cut for the Golf Association of Michigan Championship. David also has started working with the law firm Fahey, Schultz, Burzych, and Rhodes in Okemos and is looking forward to a bright future.

David Szymanski

Diane Dossin Math Department

Snaps

Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales receives exciting achievement awards!

Erik Krueger (JBYS vice president) and Ron Silvia (JBYS vice president of sales and Princess brand manager) recently attended the global Princess Yachts Dealer Meeting in Plymouth, England and were presented with two prestigious achievement awards. Ron earned the #2 Princess sales rep award (and was VERY close to earning #1) and JBYS earned the #2 Princess dealership award!

Member Hosts Fundraiser forGuardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

These are tremendous accomplishments by Ron and the JBYS crew. Ron has worked tirelessly over the years cultivating the brand and creating wide recognition of Princess Yachts throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. In doing such, JBYS has delivered a world-leading product to boaters resulting in many happy Princess owners. “It is a true collective effort, made by our team of genuinely dedicated professionals, and from all departments, which has allowed us to accomplish such accolades. I am beyond proud of every member of our group,” states Amy Krueger Malow, JBYS president.

LOOKING AFT

Interesting people, places and events from our past.

How The Harbor Began

By Past Com. James L. Ramsey

Therecently completed renovation of our harbor, after decades of dispute, litigation and anticipation, prompts a retrospective on the original structure. How was it built? When? What was it like back in the day?

The GPYC boat harbor was the first man-made structure on Club property and was a cooperative effort between us and the then-Village of Grosse Pointe Shores. It preceded the clubhouse and grounds because -- well, there were no grounds to speak of -- at least not above water. Prior to 1927, the undeveloped parcel with 160 feet of lakefront frontage at the corner of Lake Shore and Vernier was at best a wetland: marshy and mostly underwater. A vastly different scene from what it is today.

But then construction crews with steam-powered shovels and dredges arrived to transform the site. First came the removal of the 1,000-footlong Shores Municipal Pier, the end of which would define the east wall of the harbor. Next the machines began to scoop up the lake bottom and pile it nearby. Doing this would deepen the water for member boats, thus forming the basin of the harbor. Then the excavated lake bottom, or “spoils,” would be used to form a large adjacent island on which the clubhouse could be built. A seawall was hammered into the ground to protect the excavation, and as the machines deepened the lake bottom, the “island” began to take shape. Once the water had drained from the soil, the deposited ground was solid enough for human traffic. But not solid enough to support the immense weight of the intended clubhouse. The solution

came in the form of oak pilings the size of telephone poles, over a thousand of them, sharpened and driven deep into the ground to serve as the foundation of the building. (At this point the question may arise: Wasn’t this a bad idea -- wouldn’t the wood rot after a few years? The answer is no, because the submerged pilings are not exposed to air, they remain today as solid as the day they were installed.)

Harbor construction proceeded steadily next to the clubhouse, and both were ready for the Grand Opening on July 4, 1929.

The 425’ by 550’ harbor that was built east and north of the clubhouse was a fraction of the harbor footprint today. To the south, the harbor we take for granted didn’t exist, and the seawall by today’s Grog Shop marked the southernmost boundary of the Club. If you wanted to go for a swim, you jumped off that seawall into the open lake because there was no swimming pool then. There was no fuel dock, either. There was no pump-out because holding tanks didn’t exist. And there was no harbor office – a wooden tower on the east lawn served to monitor harbor traffic. Boat slips numbered less than two dozen.

The footprint of the original harbor would last until the 1970s, when additional land was purchased along Lake Shore, thus allowing creation of the South Harbor. Joined together, those two harbors formed the footprint of the GPYC as we know it today.