ANNAPOLIS YACHT CLUB
Volume 64 Issue 5
38°58'25.831"N | 076°29'8.325"W
The Club's mission is to encourage and support a wide range of boating activities and to maintain facilities for the recreational and social use of its 2,300 members.
AYC PHONE NUMBERS
Clubhouse
Clubhouse Fax
Activity Center
Accounting/Membership
Accounting Fax
Dockmaster
Junior Fleet
Race Office
(410) 263-9279 (410) 269-8905 (410) 777-8728 (410) 263-9147 (410) 267-6153 (410) 320-4304 (410) 263-9267 (410) 858-4964
OFFICE/SHUTTLE/FITNESS CENTER HOURS
Please note: the Main Club is closed Monday.
Administration Office
Clubhouse Front Desk
AC Front Desk
Fitness Center
Shuttle Bus
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm Tues-Sun, 9am-close Mon, 2:30pm-close Thurs-Sun, 2:30pm-close Mon-Sun, 5:30am-9pm Tues-Sat, 5pm-close
DINING HOURS *Hours may change - see website
Main Club | Tues-Sat
Lunch: 11:30am-3pm
Lite Fare: 3-5pm
From the Commodore Christopher Bell
“To some, it’s just water — to me, it’s where I regain my sanity.” The origin of that quote is a bit murky, but the sentiment is right on. With May roaring in, a sense of renewal is starting to return along with warmer days and sunny skies — not to mention bottom paint and spring repairs.
The May calendar at AYC is packed with exciting events. The Wednesday Night Series is set to kick off April 23 with a huge fleet, including 10 of our Club-owned Sonars.
The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series returns May 2 with more than 240 entries across six divisions. AYC will be running three of the circles, including drop marks, a river course, and distance racing. On May 10, we’ll join Tred Avon Yacht Club in hosting the Spring Race to Oxford, our first point-to-point race of the season — a great warm-up for the fast-approaching Annapolis to Newport Race. Also on tap: North U’s American Sailing Performance Race Week, an intense training event hosted by AYC that covers every aspect of competitive sailing.
Dinner: 5-10pm Spa Creek Galley Mon: 5-9:30pm Thurs: 5-9:30pm Fri-Sat: 5-10pm Sun: 4:30-9pm *closed Tues & Wed
Main Club | Sun
Breakfast: 9am-2pm
Lite Fare: 11:30am-4pm Dinner: 4-9pm Spa Creek Galley Café Thurs-Sat: 8:30-11:30am *closed Sun-Wed
*Burgee Bar
Wed-Mon: 4pm-close *closed Tues
FLAG OFFICERS
Commodore Christopher Bell
Vice Commodore Ted Kaczmarski
Rear Commodore Gary Jobson
Fleet Captain Cedric Lewis
Secretary Eric Keitz
Treasurer Stephen Palmer
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
P/C Timothy Cusack
Scott Parker
Andrew Davis
Eliot Powell
AYC Racing
IG: @annapolis.yachtclub FB: Annapolis Yacht Club IG: @aycracing FB: Annapolis Yacht Club Regattas
Scan QR code to view The Smoking Lamp online with links.
Our summer junior program is set to launch June 6 with a kickoff barbecue. With more than 470 young sailors and a team led by Bobby Lippincott, Hollis Barth, Arthur Blodgett, Mitch Powell and over 30 seasonal coaches, this program continues to be one of the best in the country. While many classes are full, a few spots remain — it’s not too late to sign up and make a difference in a young sailor’s life.
May also brings the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3 — wear your best hat to the Burgee Bar for a chance to win a prize. The Blue Angels return May 20–21, and there’s no better place to watch than from our dining decks with lunch and a front-row seat.
The Cruising Fleet heads to Eagle Cove mid-month, the pool is opening soon, and our Semi-Annual Meeting is May 5 at 6pm in the Skipjack.
One of the most anticipated occasions is our Memorial Day Blessing of the Fleet Celebration, a deeply meaningful tradition at AYC. This ceremony is a beautiful and patriotic tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also honor Club members who have passed in the previous year, ensuring their legacies live on. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear. This very moving event brings our community together, reinforcing the respect, gratitude and unity that define AYC.
I look forward to seeing you at the Club!
Christopher Bell
Cover: AYC Foundation supports CRAB, giving more of the community access to sailing.
Photo courtesy of Will Keyworth Photography.
From the General Manager Brian Asch
As the spring breeze breathes new life into AYC, I’m excited to kick off another season by reconnecting with members and creating another year of unforgettable memories. From cheering on the fleet of 10 AYC Sonars chartered for Wednesday Night Racing to alfresco dining at the Main Club and Spa Creek Galley, spring is the perfect time to visit the Club and reconnect with fellow members, family, and friends.
As we eagerly anticipate the summer break just around the corner, excitement is building. The kids are preparing for a fun-filled season, and our summer programs will be in full swing—offering sunshine, outdoor activities, and plenty of swimming. Speaking of swimming, pool season is about to begin. The pool opens for a soft opening on May 17 and 18, followed by the Blue Angels Pool Party on May 21, and officially opens for the season at 3pm on Friday, May 23. We’ve made some exciting updates during the off-season, including replacing and adding chaise lounges around the pool deck—setting the stage for another fantastic pool season.
Don’t miss out on the new activities we’ve planned to enhance your member experience. Check out the Club Event Calendar for details. We’re excited to host various events, including a summer bartending class, a Greek wine tasting, and adult and kids cooking classes. These new activities are designed to add a fresh and engaging dimension to your time at the Club.
The 2025 FAQs have been published to answer any open-ended questions. I want to highlight a few notable updates, including changes to Burgee Bar hours and pool reservation policies. Please visit the FAQ section on our website for full details:
• The Burgee Bar will open at 11am when the pool opens, offering a variety of seasonal craft cocktails for our members to enjoy.
• No pool reservations are required. Please note the pool has a 250-person limit, and members are asked to reserve no more than three chaise lounges per family. Registration is still required when visiting the pool, and guest fee policies apply.
• Children are not permitted to sit at the bar at any time, in accordance with House Committee rules.
Based on feedback from the member survey, and to help better enforce House Committee policies, we are introducing a Rules and Reminders brochure. Copies will be placed at each facility and available on the website under Media > Club Documents. This brochure refreshes members on time-honored traditions and provides guidance for visiting yachtsmen. As we kick off a busy season, here are a few standing policies to keep in mind:
• Cellphones must be kept on vibrate and used only in designated areas in front of Club facilities and on the docks.
• Men may not wear hats or caps inside Club facilities.
• Acceptable dress attire must be followed, which varies by facility.
• Members, families, and guests are expected to uphold Club Bylaws and House Rules. If you have any concerns, please speak with a manager on duty—do not confront members or staff directly.
We understand parking can be challenging during the peak of summer. Our parking attendants are here to help—if you are double-parked, please leave your keys in the car. Also, a friendly reminder: dogs should not be left in vehicles or unattended outdoors while visiting the Club.
We’ve been discussing the employee experience and why it matters. It begins the moment someone hears about AYC, continues through onboarding, and lasts until their final day. I’ve always believed that a great employee experience comes down to making team members feel valued, empowered to innovate, and proud of their contributions to the Club’s success. Most importantly, it depends on strong communication between departments and recognizing team efforts. To enhance team communication, did you know AYC has a digital newsletter that comes out monthly?
As summer approaches, I look forward to your feedback. Your thoughts and suggestions are invaluable to us. Please fill out the digital comment card, email me, or stop by the Club to chat. Thank you for making AYC more than a club—it’s a community.
Cruise Fest '25...10 Resons to Take a Closer Look!
By Mike Sopchick, 2025 Cruise Fest Cruise Leader
CRUISE FEST ’25 AT FAIRLEE CREEK
Perhaps you’ve heard it mentioned around the Club—but do you actually know what it is? Maybe you’ve already dismissed it as “not really my kind of thing.” Or maybe you’ve never attended a cruising event and don’t know anybody who has. Perhaps you don’t even own a boat!? This definitely can’t be for you—right?
Well . . . let’s forget all that for just a moment. And linger instead on ten pretty good reasons why you might just want to rethink Cruise Fest ’25.
10. It’s got a cool name—even cooler when abbreviated to “CF25,” as in, “See ya at CF25?”
9. It’s a great long-weekend, end-of-May getaway at a gorgeous venue—accessible by boat or car, with on-site lodging. Come with friends, families, couples, or even solo. Any way you show up, you’ll meet other AYC members who are there for fun.
8. You’ll be an early adopter—attending an inaugural, rebooted, reinvented, first-of-its-kind v3 iteration of a long-standing tradition at the Club. All at a similarly refreshed and overhauled marina site—a hidden gem on the northern Bay, with management eager to have you as their guest.
7. There’s an optional Saturday morning bus trip to nearby Chester-
town, with its famous farmers market and opportunities to wander, browse, and admire this must-see, charming little historic town.
6. Enjoy a tropical beach party on a true sandy beach, with palm trees and tikis and food and drinks, live music, and lots of laughs. You can wear flip-flops and Jams if you want.
5. Maybe play a little golf on the 9-hole executive course—and you don’t even need to be any good to join in the fun. You can wear spiked golf shoes and Jams if you want.
4. Your kids are welcome—with deeply discounted under-12 menus, free snow cones, and activities to keep them engaged.
3. There’s a pool! There’s a beach! Beautiful grounds and perfect sunsets!
2. Dinner on Saturday evening . . . poolside . . . awesome live band . . . raw bar . . . excellent food . . . and then a pre-departure continental breakfast on Sunday.
1. And the No. 1, top reason for giving Cruise Fest ’25 another “think”? It will be a blast—and likely one of the highlights of your summer. So, see ya at CF25?
Want a closer look? Just open up the Cruisegram and browse the embedded links for menus and related sites. Use the PRINTABLE PDF button to print and share the Cruisegram with your crew. And then, press that REGISTER HERE button to sign up!
AYC Shines at 2025 USODA Team Trials
By Arthur Blodgett, Optimist Program Director/Head Coach
Two hundred fifty of the nation’s top Opti sailors gathered at Norfolk Yacht & Country Club for the 2025 USODA Optimist Team Trials, where the National, Development, and International USA Teams are selected. AYC qualified a record 21 sailors, representing the top 25% from USODA regional championships.
Held nearly a month earlier than usual, the team arrived five days ahead for intensive training with coaches Duncan Williford, Alfonso Garcia Bringas, Bryan Stout, and AYC Optimist Director Arthur Blodgett. Sailors logged five-hour practice sessions, honing technique, speed, and strategy.
The four-day event delivered varied conditions—including a final blustery 25-knot day—but AYC adjusted well. All boats passed measurement with no breakdowns and strong rig tuning throughout.
Seven AYC sailors reached Gold Fleet, led by Mason Keane in 13th overall at his final Opti regatta. Daniel Skutch Tyson, Trey Waters, and Morgan Rosenthal re-qualified for the National Team. In Silver Fleet, Colin Schwab closed with a 2nd and 1st, while Charlotte Stites and Georgia Knoepfle had standout races.
We celebrate our graduating sailors and thank all participants, coaches, and families. AYC proudly represented the Bay—on and off the water.
Poolside Dinner Site
Marina Overhead
Weather Backup Site
AYC Team Trials Team 2025
Frostbite Awards
By Clare Walters, Waterfront Coordinator
The Skipjack was packed Sunday for the Frostbite Awards trophy presentation. Thank you, Commodore Bell, for honoring all those who excelled during the First and Second Half of the 2024-25 season. Race Committee Co-Chair Dick Neville gave a special shoutout to Joe DiFranks, the deck captain for Frostbite and Wednesday Night Racing. Joe was presented at the RC Kickoff meeting in early March with the inaugural Wohlfarth Race Management Trophy.
Perpetual Trophy Winners:
Buck Smith – Makani and Chicken Little - Cal 25 Class
Commodores Cup – Dog House - J/105 Class
Frostbite Overall PHRF – Snow Goose - PHRF Class
Clark Memorial – Swiss Miss and Black Sheep - ORC Class
Trophy of the Month
By Brian Wiersema, History & Artifact Committee Chair
When it comes to sailboat racing, our Club has a long and distinguished history in race management. We’ve had members who were invited to run the America’s Cup back in the day (e.g., P/C Gaither Scott), stretching forward to the current day with members who are International Race Officers and Judges participating in the most prestigious events up to and including the most recent Olympic Games in Paris (well done, Sandy Grosvenor!).
Over the years, it has been seen as an honor being a member of the AYC Race Committee, as well as a special responsibility carrying on this tradition. It’s only fitting, then, that the Club should introduce a new award to honor outstanding members who make significant contributions to the Club’s race management efforts.
That award is this month’s featured trophy: the AYC Race Management Award. The trophy itself is a large, limited edition Waterford crystal vase, donated by the family of Robert Wohlfarth, a faithful and long-serving member of the AYC Race Committee who passed away December 1, 2022. It’s said that good racers make good Race Officers (and often, vice versa!). Older members will recall that Bob was a good racer as well as a good Race Committee member, having won CBYRA High Point and a North American Championship with his ¾-tonner, Kermit, in the 1970s.
The first recipient of the new AYC Race Management Award was presented to Joe DiFranks by Commodore Bell at the Race Committee Kickoff in March this year. Mr. DiFranks was selected for his direct responsibility in various race management activities, including his commitment as the Finish Deck Captain for Wednesday Night Races and the Frostbite Series, even delaying his hip replacement surgery to serve the Race Committee. Congratulations, Joe, and congratulations to all those who give of their time and talents to keeping the sport of sailboat racing alive and well at Annapolis Yacht Club.
Bruce Bingman, Joe DiFranks, and Dick Neville during the first presentation of the Wohlfarth Race Management Trophy at the 2025 Race Committee Awards Ceremony.
CELEBRATING SILVER, NOW GOING FOR GOLD
by Jacie Swenson, AYC Foundation Board
“The AYC Foundation is an idea that has grown into something truly extraordinary, and the impact has been immense. The passion, dedication, and generosity of the Foundation’s donors fuels dreams, builds confidence, and establishes a supportive community that believes in them.”
— AYC Commodore Chris Bell
The AYC Foundation is commemorating its silver anniversary this year. Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships and helped thousands of individuals in the local community experience the Chesapeake Bay. Behind the scenes, it supports 13 charitable organizations that focus on getting people on the water. Through programs like Warrior Sailing’s Basic Training Camp, 126 wounded veterans have experienced the joy and healing effects of the water.
Each quarter, the Foundation’s volunteer board reviews numerous applications for scholarships and grants. Knowing that such funds can be life-changing, the passionate discussions are usually lively before agreement is reached on which individuals and organizations are most worthy and the amount to be awarded. While the challenge is great, the reward is greater.
“On behalf of the Seafarers Foundation, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the AYCF and its board for your generous support in awarding scholarships to our youth for the 2025 Adventure Boating program,” wrote Alice Mahan, board member and program coordinator, Seafarers Foundation Inc. “We are thrilled that five of our youth (all now safe swimmers) have been chosen for scholarships to attend sailing camp at AYC. These scholarships will make a tremendous difference in their lives by opening doors to exciting opportunities, fostering their growth, and supporting their aspirations.”
At the Foundation’s biennial Fête & Auction fundraiser in March, guest speaker John Bertrand, an Olympic silver medalist from the 1984 Games, spoke about the value that sailing foundations bring to the sport. “Without the support of the St. Francis Sailing Foundation, I wouldn’t have made it to my first international regatta. Foundations [like AYCF] aren’t just about producing champions—they’re
about opening doors, building character, and investing in young people who will carry these lessons into every part of their lives.” He underscored why the AYC Foundation is so important to AYC, the Annapolis community, and the broader Chesapeake Bay by citing and paraphrasing a Lakewood Yacht Club post.
Foundations like AYCF pay for:
• those moments when a sailor wants to give up, but doesn’t;
• the opportunity to make lasting friendships;
• coaches who teach more than sailing—they teach life lessons;
• the opportunity to learn resilience, teamwork, discipline, and re spect;
• chances to fail, to learn, and to dream big;
• life skills to deal with disappointment;
• the realization that success takes hard work and time;
• an investment in the future.
The auction raised $101,000, which will fund the Foundation’s 2025 programmatic needs. Every dollar raised will go directly to need- and merit-based sailors and nonprofit organizations like Warrior Sailing and Seafarers Foundation to deliver life-changing programs to members of our community. In parallel, the monies raised further protect the financial health of the endowment established last year by the Velocity Campaign. Keeping the endowment unencumbered by operational funding requirements will enhance its continued growth.
Many distinguished members of the broader sailing community recognize the AYC Foundation as one of the top yacht club foundations in the country. “The AYC Foundation is one of several prominent American groups working to encourage and improve young sailors,” offered Gary Jobson, world-renowned sailor and AYC rear commodore. “All of us in Annapolis can be proud watching our sailors improve and thrive.”
The Foundation is inextricably linked to Annapolis Yacht Club and its Platinum Clubs of the World designation. “The Club has served as a wonderful venue to host many dignitaries and stewards of the Naval Academy over the years,” offered Chet Gladchuk, director of athletics at the United States Naval Academy. “We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation [for AYCF] by contributing to the advancement of your most worthy cause. I would like to congratulate
[the Foundation board] and all those who have been instrumental in grants to charitable organizations that address underserved people on the water each year and provide scholarships for our youth to learn to sail and compete in various regattas.”
As the Foundation board reflects on the silver anniversary of a simple yet powerful idea born 25 years ago—that every child, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy of being on the water—the board members felt it was time to revisit its mission and ensure it’s on a solid course for the future.
In January, the AYC Foundation partnered with Guidehouse Consulting to develop a three-year strategic plan. To create a sound plan, the board has engaged members of the AYC community to provide invaluable input on the effectiveness of the Foundation’s mission and programs and obtained best practices from other premier yacht club foundations.
Much work is underway, including community listening sessions and an AYC strategic alignment workshop that began last month to cap-
ture feedback on drafts of the Foundation’s mission, vision, and goals. This work will move AYCF in a direction to improve operations and board governance, enhance its partnerships, and cultivate a more extensive donor base. Early anecdotal evidence is prompting the board to revise its mission and vision for the future—one that makes the water accessible to all through sailing and other maritime activities. The energy is palpable. And the hard work is putting the Foundation on a lifted tack—one that could establish it as one of the top yacht club foundations in the world. Lofty goal? Yes. Achievable? 100%!
“Countless young sailors have not only discovered a new life sport but also found purpose, self-confidence, and perhaps an otherwise unavailable connection to the water,” imparted Commodore Bell. “In essence, we are touching lives, shaping futures, and ensuring a bright horizon ahead.”
A sea change is underway. For more information about the AYC Foundation, compelling stories about those it supports in our community, and how you can get involved, make a meaningful impact in the Annapolis community, and continue the legacy of AYC, please visit aycfoundation.org.
Veterans participating in Warrior Sailing's Basic Training Camp.
Photo courtesy of Will Keyworth Photography.
The first step for Seafarers to to get on the water is to get in the water and learn to swim.
Adam Okedeyi, one of the Box of Rain's Grant recipients gearing up for High School Sailing practice at AYC. Photo courtesy of Muhammed Okedeyi.
Dive Into Summer: Pool Policies
The pool season grand opening will be Friday, May 23 at 3pm and is open for the season through Labor Day, operating Wednesday through Monday, 9am-8pm (closed Tuesdays). Adult Swim is offered each day from 9–10:45am, with an additional 15-minute Adult Swim at the end of every hour, except at 7:45pm. On Mondays, Junior Fleet swim tests take place from 9am-2pm. Water aerobics is available Wednesdays at 10am for a drop-in fee (not included in Fitness Package).
All members must sign in upon arrival, and for safety reasons, pool capacity is capped at 250 guests. Children must pass a swim test for deep-end access and wear a wristband. Proper swimwear is required—no street clothes allowed—and guests must dry off and wear shoes when entering the Activity Center or Flex Space.
To keep the pool area safe and enjoyable, no outside food, drinks, or glass containers are permitted. Food and beverage service is available at the Snack Bar and Burgee Bar. Lifeguard instructions must be followed at all times.
Guests are welcome with a member for a $15 fee (charged to a member’s account or credit card). Grandchildren under 21 may join at no cost. Children aged 14–20 are allowed without a parent. Adult guests (21+) pay the regular fee.
Caregivers must be registered with the Club. A $250 seasonal pass grants weekday access to the pool only when supervising member children. Caregivers may not bring guests, consume alcohol, or use the Club outside their duties.
For safety, diving into shallow areas, roughhousing, and running on the pool deck are not allowed. Swim aids require direct adult supervision, and only small flotation devices are permitted. Swim diapers (available at the Front Desk) are required for non-toilet-trained children.
Before your visit, review the full rules and policies online/oulined in our Activity Center FAQs or scan the QR codes at the pool.
AYC's Vision 2030
By AYC Board of Governors and Strategic Planning Committee
Input from the All-Member Survey, Board Survey, Club Management Survey, and other sources has informed AYC’s Vision 2030 document. The Board of Governors has endorsed this living document, which is available on AYC’s website under Media > Documents > Strategic Planning > Vision 2030. You can also visit the digital edition of The Smoking Lamp for direct links.
This living document provides the framework for the Board of Governors to chart a course toward enhancing the member experience at the Club. To accomplish the desired improvements, the Board, committees, and staff will be engaged in implementing tasks aligned with the goals outlined in Vision 2030.
As you’ll see in the member survey results, members expressed strong satisfaction with the Club experience and facilities. The message came through loud and clear: maintaining our facilities with excellence is key. This is achieved through continued attention and investment, which will remain a focus at the Semiannual and Town Hall meetings.
We look forward to sharing more about Vision 2030 at the Semiannual Meeting on May 5 and the Town Hall on June 26.
STRATEGIC PLAN VISION
Implementation of an effective, holistic strategic plan that ensures AYC's long term viability for future generations of Club members.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
1. Maintain and expand the value of AYC's membership for current and future members.
2. Ensure that AYC remains first and foremost a yacht club, focused on our boating heritage and committed to excellence in support of the Club's mission.
3. Ensure that AYC remains sustainable, financially strong, and successful for future generations of boaters.
STRATEGIC PLAN PILLARS
Employee of the Month
Avery Brathwaite
1/2 Price Wine (btl)/*MC Happy Hour
*MC Happy Hour
*MC Happy Hour
*MC Happy Hour
*MC Happy Hour
$6 Bloody Marys and Mimosas
Enjoy weekly sake pairings for our sushi specials at MC.
*MC Happy Hour - MC Bar Only - 3-6pm
$6 Bloody Marys and Mimosas Rose Special Main Club Activity Center
Please join us in congratulating Avery Brathwaite, Employee of the Month!
Avery has been with us for the past seven months as a dedicated server. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, he works on the Third Deck, ensuring exceptional service for all committee and board meetings.
Avery takes great pride in his role and truly values the connections he builds with members, colleagues, and managers. He is a self-motivated, positive individual who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic. His message to others is simple yet powerful: “Think positively!”—a mindset that truly makes a difference.
1/2 Price Wine (btl)
Ask your server about our monthly wine specials at the Main Club and Activity Center selected by our Beverage Manager & Sommelier Adam Seguin.
We hope you will consider AYC as the host for your next special event!
Our experienced and professional event planners are committed to creating an event that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
Contact Events Team to discuss your event: EventsTeam@annapolisyc.org or (410) 263-9279.
Cocktails with a Story
Each month, we’ll feature a historical cocktail inspired by a memorable moment in AYC’s past. Handpicked with the help of History & Artifacts Chair Brian Wiersema, these special drinks will bring a taste of Club history to your glass!
For May, enjoy "Regatta Bullet"— a nod to May's history of major One-Design regattas.
Bulleit Rye, Germain, B&B, Angostrua Bitters, and Peychaud Bitters.
Originally from the DMV area, Avery now resides in Annapolis. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and has recently embarked on a fitness journey, which he shares on YouTube.
Congratulations, Avery, and thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to AYC!
5 Stars
Andrew Frazier and Claudia Dominguez
Please join us in congratulating two outstanding team members who have been recognized as 5-Star
Andrew has been a bartender at the Main Club for the past seven months and has quickly earned praise from members for his exceptional service and welcoming smile. Known for his attention to detail, Andrew ensures the bar is always perfectly prepared to deliver a top-tier experience. He currently resides in Annapolis with his fiancée, daughter, and Chocolate Lab, Chip. When he’s not behind the bar, you’ll likely find him enjoying the outdoors—whether at the beach, out fishing or kayaking, or playing in a local lacrosse league.
Claudia has been a valued member of our housekeeping team for nearly eight years. She is known for her unwavering dedication, reliability, and consistently positive attitude. Claudia approaches every task with professionalism and a genuine commitment to excellence. Her work ethic sets a high standard and serves as a source of inspiration for her entire team.
Please join us in congratulating Andrew and Claudia on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful for their hard work, commitment, and the many ways they elevate the AYC member experience every day.
AYC Wants to Celebrate Your Family's Graduate!
Congratulations to all Club members and their children or grandchildren who are graduating from high school or college!
AYC would like to honor graduates in the June edition of The Smoking Lamp!
Submissions are due by May 12, 2025.
Please use the The Smoking Lamp QR code on page 2 to access the digital version where you can submit the form electronically through this page! Alternatively, stay tuned to Thursday's ePort for more submission information.
Please note that due to limited print space, we may be unable to include information about the graduate’s next school if we receive a high volume of submissions.
Top Gun Revisited: A Special Gathering of Naval Aviators
A group of Navy and Marine aviators recently welcomed a very special guest—Christine Fox, who served as the real-life inspiration for the character portrayed by Kelly McGillis in the iconic film Top Gun. Christine shared behind-the-scenes stories about her involvement in shaping the movie’s theme, working closely with scriptwriters and producers during its early development.
In addition to offering an insightful look into the making of a cultural phenomenon, Christine and her husband, Alan Brown, were also welcomed as new members of the Club.
This gathering offered a unique opportunity to reconnect with the legacy of naval aviation and celebrate the newest additions to our community. Aviators who are not yet on the group’s mailing list are encouraged to reach out to Ward Anderson at w123anderson1@ gmail.com to stay connected.
Upcoming Events
May Events
Saturday, May 3 | 5pm
Monday, May 5 | 6pm
Thursday, May 8 | 5pm
Thursday, May 8 | 6pm
Sunday, May 11 | 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Tuesday, May 13 | 5:30pm
Friday, May 15 | 5pm
May 20 & 21 | 11:30am
Wednesday, May 21 | 12pm
Monday, May 26 | 12pm
June Events
Friday, June 6 | 6pm
Saturday, June 7| 4pm
Thursday, June 12 | 6pm
Sunday, June 15 | 10am
Tuesday, June 17 | 5pm
Thursday, June 19 | 6pm
Monday, June 23 | 1pm
Thursday, June 26 | 6pm
Kentucky Derby Hat Comp.
Semi-Annual Meeting
Yappy Hour
Book Club
Mother's Day Brunch
Knotty Girls
Meet Our Somm
Blue Angels at MC
Blue Angels at AC
Memorial Day Blessing of the Fleet
Junior Sailing BBQ
Summer Fest
Book Club
Father's Day Brunch
Meet Our Somm
Pinot & Pearls
AYC B-Day Cake Cutting
Town Hall Meeting
Membership Report
Eric Keitz, Secretary
New Members
Brent Allen (RG) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Company President Boating Experience: Powerboating, Cruising
D Jacques Smith (RG) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Attorney
Spouse: Cindee
Boating Experience: Sailing, Cruising, Fishing
Jaimie Martin (JR3) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Engineer Boating Experience: Sailing
Samuel Bruce (JR2) from Annapolis, MD Occupation: Research Assitant Boating Experience: Sailing, Racing, Cruising
Les Spanheimer (RG5) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Executive Director
Spouse: Michelle Reid Boating Experience: Sailing
Bennet Heussler (I4) from New York, NY
Occupation: Senior Associate
Spouse: Madeline Brady
Boating Experience: Sailing, Racing, Cruising, Powerboating
Mark Frazier (RG3) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Retired Boating Experience: Sailing
Charles Collins (RG1) from Owings, MD
Occupation: Engineer
Boating Experience: Cruising, Racing
Michael Drum (RG2) from Annapolis, MD Occupation: Civil Engineer
Spouse: Carol Boating Experience: Sailing, Cruising, Racing
Jack Holland (JR3) from Arlington, VA Occupation: Strategy & Management Consultant Boating Experience: Sailing, Cruising
Adam Bosma (RG) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Pilot Spouse: Sarah Boating Experience: Cruising, Racing, Sailing
Kurt Allen (RG) from Annapolis, MD
Occupation: Company President Boating Experience: Powerboating, Cruising
Rules Corner
Additions to Fleet Roster
inTIDEled
41' Pursuit
Kurt Allen
BINGO!
36' New York 36
Brent Allen
Pilar
35' Marlago
Brent Allen
DOVE
30' J/105
Jaimie Martin
Optionality
34' Cobalt
D. Jacques Smith
Aisling
30' Chris Craft
Brooks McFeely
Tonic
42' Leopard 44
Charles Collins
No Name
22' Grady White
Michael M. Drum
No Name
34' Tiara 600 HP
Mark Frazier
No Name
11' Boston Whaler 20
Mark Frazier
Blue Heeler
20' Alerion Express
Les Spanheimer
Tern About II
25' Boston Whaler Vantage
Jack Holland
New Applications
To Absentee
Andrew Adler - RG
Resigned
Sally Kramer - CT
Edith Edson – CT
Lee Garrett – AB
Robert Clark – RG
John Lowe – Life
To Half Mast
To Continuing Dorothy Whitcomb
Lucinda Hoshall
Eileen Liedholm
C. Page Hatcher
Deborah Carski
Dorothy Whitcomb – RG
William Liedholm – AB
Bill Hoshall – RG
Jessica Brooks Hatcher – RG
Thomas Carksi – RG
Daniel Laughlin – RG
Susan Meredith, Membership Committee Chair
James McCord - Junior
Sponsor: Robert Katz
Sponsor: Daniel Laughlin
Jordan Wendell - Regular
Sponsor: Mairead O’Reilly
Sponsor: Clifford Walzer
Russell Stokes - Regular
Sponsor: Narric Rome
Sponsor: Andrew Emerson
Nicholas Salvesen - Junior
Sponsor: Fredrik Salvesen
Sponsor: Cedric Lewis
Darryl Waskow - Regular
Sponsor: Ric Crabbe
Sponsor: Sandy Grosvenor
Dan Tinker - Regular
Sponsor: Aden King
Sponsor: Jim Corckran
Jennifer Lighthizer - Spousal
Sponsor: Dorothy Saunders
Sponsor: Peter Accinelli
Nominating Committee Seeks Input
The Club is always on the lookout for the future leadership of AYC. As you might know, the purpose of the Nominating Committee is to identify and select potential Flag Officers, General Board Members, Membership Committee Members, and Nominating Committee Members for a Slate to be presented and voted on at AYC's Annual Meeting.
So often, the people who make the best leaders are the ones who don’t seek the job. So, we ask you, our members, to help identify potential leaders who have the experience, skill set, the vision, and the commitment required to help steer a course for AYC into the coming years.
If you know a member who you feel would contribute to one of our elected positions mentioned above, please submit that their name to Robert Shapiro at rss@totallysmart.com.
Business use of Dining Rooms (s)
The use of the Skipjack, Main Bar, The Bridge, The Commodore’s Room, and the Activity Center Dining Room are for the enjoyment of the membership. No Business papers may be displayed in these areas during dining hours. Papers directly related to Club work may be permitted on an occasional basis. Members who wish to entertain groups where papers or other documents will be displayed will apply to the Club office for the use of a private room.
Robert Shapiro, Nominating Committee Chair
