2025 Spring Blinker by Chicago Yacht Club

Live Boldly, Retire Confidently

Bill Bloom President, Bloom Financial

Communications

Sara

Billy

Michael

Amy

Tatia

Matt

David

Betsy

Robert

Ray

Sara

Amy

Maggie

David

Robert

Barry

Stephen

Plumm

CYC

Bridget

Hannah

Sonny

Rose

New

Michael

Anna

Abbie

Kenn

Photo taken by Hannah Gromen.

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

FLAG OFFICERS

Charles E. Anderson, Commodore

Laura Sigmond, Vice Commodore

Martin Sandoval, Rear Commodore

Randall Schmidt, Secretary

Chris Thomas, Treasurer

PAST COMMODORE

Lisa Curcio Gaston

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alex Abell

Diane Foote

Michael Gillian

Ian Fisher

Jeffrey Mills

Erin Mitchell

Eric Oesterle

A. David Radomski

Whitney Towey

CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Keith Brennan • General Manager

MEMBERSHIP

Melissa Czyz • Membership Director

Jennifer Muir Member Relations Manager

COMMUNICATIONS

Abbie Wilson Communications Director

Hannah Gromen • Digital Content Specialist

ACCOUNTING

Jessica Jacobs • Controller

Karen Gonzalez • Assistant Controller

MONROE FOOD & BEVERAGE

Larry Asher Executive Chef

Michael Blankner Catering Director

Oscar Barrera • Catering Assistant

Alana Soogrim • Food & Beverage Manager

John Bandel • Bar Manager

BELMONT FOOD & BEVERAGE

Aléjandra Medina Food & Beverage Director

Danny Vale Assistant Food & Beverage Director

Michael Ramos Executive Chef

ON THE WATER

Chuck Nevel On-the-Water Director

Patrick Burks • Regatta Manager

Kate O’Donnell • Youth Program Manager

Alberto Olivo • Head Singlehanded Coach

FRONT DESK

Betsy Myers • Member Services Manager

Carrie Toda • Member Services Associate & Retail Merchandiser

FROM THE HELM

DEAR CLUB MEMBERS:

We are approaching the very best time of the year for boaters, Harbors Opening! Since CYC offers something for everyone, boater or not, the club is here for us all.

Our on-land and on-the-water boating education; rental watercraft (with its new reservation system); regattas and rallies; and parties and social events at both our Belmont and Monroe Stations are ongoing. Speaking of parties, the Pirate Ball––the flagship event of our 150th Anniversary––is approaching, and I look forward to seeing you there in your best buccaneer outfits.

We’ve already been celebrating the 150th with a series of “Top Talks from Those in the Know” on subjects such as the Heart of America campaign and the Club’s historical involvement with the U.S. Naval preparedness, and there are more to come. These events complement our Nautical Education Series, which has featured sessions on buying and selling your first boat, diesel engine maintenance, and ocean racing.

I hope that you didn’t miss our recent attention-getters. Chef Larry’s kitchen and bar have sustained us through the nonboating months with international wine dinners, and appetizer specials. The Women’s Committee featured Olympic sailor and CYC Foundation Executive Director Maggie Shea with a sold-out crowd on International Women’s Day and is looking forward to the Annual Ladies’ Luncheon on May 2. Of course, there have been other reasons to come to the Club, including the return of the popular Kids Zone in the Monroe tent.

This issue of the Blinker is a keeper. It lists upcoming events at the Club, from early-season and upcoming onshore activities to our calendar of regattas and power navigation rallies. The second annual Commissioning Weekend combines our traditional Memorial Day observance (including the Flag Raising Ceremony) with Fleet Review. There is also a full slate of “seasonopening” events over Memorial Day Weekend.

The Club’s signature event, the Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust, is approaching its 116th year. The traditional Warning Gun Party at Monroe is on Thursday, July 17, and in honor of the Club’s 150th Anniversary, first-time skippers will receive $150 off their race registration. The Cruising Fleet starts the race on Friday, July 18, and the Racing Fleet leaves on Saturday, July 19. Race spectators should head to the Island for the Porch Party on Sunday at the Grand Hotel and the Sailors Celebration on Tuesday at Mission Point Resort. This year, the rare “Ultra Mac” will run. Teams race the Bayview Mackinac Race starting July 12 from Port Huron, Michigan, to Mackinac Island and then continue down Lake Michigan to finish in Chicago.

In August, we will host the prestigious North American Cruiser Association’s North American Invitational event. Power boat cruiser navigation rally champions from throughout North America, plus the prior year’s NAI winner, gather to determine the “best of the best.”

Finally, we couldn’t do any of this without you, and we do it all for you. Please invite your family, friends, and colleagues who share your passion for the water to join us in enjoying our home on the lake. Invite them to future Prospective Member Receptions and introduce them to Membership Director Melissa Czyz and me. We can also be contacted at Membership@chicagoyachtclub.org and Commodore@chicagoyachtclub.org. I look forward to seeing everyone on land and water at Belmont and Monroe!

Sincerely,

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

A LETTER FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

BY MELISSA CZYZ

FULL SAIL AHEAD INTO SPRING!

As we raise our sails for the 2025 season, I’m thrilled to report that Membership momentum is strong! We’ve already welcomed 23 New Members aboard this year, and as I write this, we have 10 more Prospective Members navigating their way through the enrollment process. The energy and enthusiasm from our newest additions has been nothing short of inspiring—it’s clear that the winds are in our favor!

In March, we kicked off our first New Member Orientation of the year, which was a fantastic way to introduce new Members to our team, answer questions, and get them excited about Club life. Afterward, we cruised down to join the fun at the St. Patrick’s Day Member Mixer, where the band, the food, and the lively atmosphere made it a night to remember.

If you missed it, don’t worry! Our next orientation will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Belmont Station, followed by our festive Cinco de Mayo Member Mixer that same evening. Be sure to check the Club Calendar for full details. We’d love to see you there!

Looking to share the CYC experience with a friend, colleague, or crew mate? Invite them to one of our upcoming Prospective Member Receptions:

• Thursday, May 1 | 6–8 p.m. | Monroe Station

• Thursday, June 12 | 6–8 p.m. | Belmont Station

These receptions are a great opportunity for guests to explore the Club, meet current members, and learn about the benefits of joining our vibrant community. Just shoot me an email, and I’ll be happy to RSVP your guest!

Even better: we’re offering a 2-for-1 Initiation Fee promotion through September 30! Perfect for attendees of our receptions, Learn to Sail participants, Women on the Water (WOW) sailors, and Crew U grads, this Dual Membership Invitation allows two individuals to join together and split the initiation fee (or one fee covers both!). It’s a fantastic way to set sail on your CYC journey together.

REFER A NEW MEMBER Through September 30, 2025

✶ Sponsor a Regular Member and get a $250 CREDIT for food and beverage

✶ Sponsor an Associate Member and get a $100 CREDIT for food and beverage

NEW MEMBERS: 2-FOR-1 April 1 - September 30, 2025

✶ Join with a partner or friend and receive 50% OFF both initiation fees

And in case you haven’t heard, the Membership team has dropped anchor in a new location! You can now find Jennifer Muir and myself downstairs in the former Catering office. Our door is always open, and we encourage you to stop by to say hello or let us know how we can support your CYC experience.

Here’s to new faces, fresh breezes, and a fantastic season ahead. See you at the Club soon!

Warm regards,

Melissa Czyz Membership Director membership@chicagoyachtclub.org

LOOKING BACK AT 2024

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

as of April 1, 2025

REGULAR

Mark & Christy Gallagher

Chicago, IL

ASSOCIATE

Michaeline Dougala

Chicago, IL

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB: ROSTER OF THE OLD GUARD 2025

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

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

Wallace J. Stenhouse, Jr.

Gene McCarthy

Charles Bidwill

John Buenz

Deane Tank

James Bouma

Thomas Munizzo

Samuel Wm. Sax

John Mannion Jr.

Patrick Ryan

Jerome O′Neill

Richard Van Mell

Donald Bensing

Louis Cosentine

John Massey

Peter Thornton

James Considine

Lars Wilhelm

Thomas Carr

Barry Sears

Dirk Lohan

Thomas Mason

Bernard Wiczer

Walter Vartan

Stephen Schiller

1944 / 1957

1956 / 1958

1948 / 1959

1960 / 1964

1963 / 1963

1959 / 1965

1965 / 1965

1966 / 1966

1966 / 1968

1968 / 1968

1969 / 1969

1955 / 1971

1958 / 1970

1961 / 1970

1971 / 1971

1972 / 1972

1962 / 1972

1968 / 1972

1974 / 1974

1972 / 1974

1974 / 1974

1975 / 1975

COMMISSIONING WEEKEND

Time-honored events including the 79th Annual Fleet Review, our Memorial Day Ceremony, and new events to celebrate the opening of our 150th Anniversary season!

Friday, May 23

WELCOME BACK BITES & BREW

4 - 7 p.m. ✶ Belmont RED RIGHT RETURN PARTY

6 p.m. ✶ Monroe

Saturday, May 24

COMMISSIONING BRUNCH

10 a.m. ✶ Monroe

COMMISSIONING & FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

10:30 a.m. ✶ Monroe

FLEET REVIEW PROCESSION

1 p.m. ✶ Monroe

Sunday, May 25

FAMILY DAY: PUPS ON THE PATIO, KIDS ACTIVITIES, & INDY500 WATCH PARTY

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. ✶ Belmont

Monday, May 26

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY & BRUNCH

10 a.m. ✶Monroe

MEMORIAL DAY BBQ

4:30 p.m. ✶ Monroe

SUMMER 2025

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

BY PLUMM DE LA CRUZ

I have had a busy start to the new year. On January 23, I had a huge milestone in my life…more on that later. Sailing first! Priorities!!

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in early February. I am sailing at Key Biscayne Yacht Club this season with Coach Pedro Mascarenhas, Caio Gerassi, and for a brief time Amaya Escudero. Transitioning to a new team and new place is never easy.

On February 24 I flew back home because my Aunt Sue who was my best friend passed away and she was the biggest support to all of my sailing, flying, and my life. I always knew when I needed advice, a laugh, or a warm embrace she was there for me. Going to sailing and not being able to call her after has been one of the hardest things to get used to. I will miss going to her house after school and telling her all about my day. I will always carry her memories with me. It is never easy to go on with life after things like this but you learn to carry their memory as a part of who you are as a person.

I did Miami Sail Week at Coconut Grove. After Miami Sail Week, I felt like I had sailed and slammed into a wall, figuratively speaking. It’s learning how to pick yourself up after feeling like that and how to manage when your plate is overflowing. I am learning to move forward and stop looking back at the past and dwelling on it. Things might be over, but it’s not over until you say it’s over. You can lose again, again, and again, but it’s how you choose to deal with it and what

you do to become better and overcome it. When working towards a goal, you need the “why.” If you don’t have it, then what are you doing? I had to start asking myself, “What am I doing?” I found that improvements needed to be made in my life. When picking who you surround yourself with, it is important to know that true character is not measured by words alone but by actions. In the end, some peopleʼs actions spoke to me in loud volumes.

On March 21, I visited University of Miami. They have one of the prettiest campuses I have seen so far. We did a self guided tour where I was able to see all the new dorms they were building, the library, and the law school! And yes they have a sailing club.

Here is the milestone I promised to share. I had my first solo flight at DuPage airport, in my Cessna 172. I am so thankful for every one of my instructors who helped me and guided me. A special thank you to Jacob Grossman who guided me through all of my pre-solo checks, always answered my phone calls, and took the time to sit with me and go through hours of ground work. On the day of my solo flight I was a little nervous in the beginning but Jacob made sure I was ready and prepared which meant a lot to me and my confidence went up right away. P.S. while flying alone in the plane, in my mind I was also sailing the skies. I mean, can it get any better than that. Sailing the skies.

Lastly, I would like to thank my parents who give up so much to travel with me sailing, support me, and hold me up. They always give me unconditional love, support, and unlimited sailing gear and equipment, which I will be forever grateful for. I would also like to say a thank you to Tarkan Bolat who has helped and mentored me through many things since I started in the Laser, and I could not be more grateful for his guidance.

In mid-May I will be returning home to CYC. I hope everyone has a strong finish to the spring season and an amazing start to the summer on the water! Sail fast! ✶

DF 65 ICEBERG SERIES

DECEMBER 7 - MARCH 1

SPRING FROSTBITING

MARCH 23 - APRIL 27

MISSA ICE BREAKER

MARCH 29 - 30

MISSA SW BAKER PRE-QUALIFIERS

APRIL 12 - 13

MISSA TIER 3

APRIL 26

SAFETY AT SEA

MAY 3 - 4

CREW U

MAY 13 - JULY 1

MONROE SKYLINE SERIES

MAY 14 - SEPTEMBER 24

NAVIGATION RALLY #1

MAY 17

RACING YACHT FLEET

MAY 31 - AUGUST 20

HELLY HANSEN SAILING

WORLD REGATTA SERIES

JUNE 6 - 8

NAVIGATION RALLY #2

JUNE 6

WINDY CITY TEAM RACE

JUNE 14 - 15

2025 Calendar

US MATCH RACING QUALIFIER

JUNE 21 - 22

NAVIGATION RALLY #3 & #4

JUNE 21

ASSOCIATES REGATTA

JUNE 28

RED HORSE REGATTA

JUNE 28 - 29

USODA GREAT LAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

JUNE 28 - 29

CHICAGO JUNIOR RACE WEEK

JUNE 30 - JULY 2

OLD GUARD REGATTA

JULY 11

116TH RACE TO MACKINAC PRESENTED BY WINTRUST

JULY 18 - 19

NAVIGATION RALLY #5 & #6

AUGUST 2

100 BOATS ON A BEER CAN AUGUST 5 - 6

VERVE OFFSHORE CUP

AUGUST 8 - 10

CHICAGO GRAND SLAM

AUGUST 15 - 17

NORTH AMERICAN CRUISER ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

AUGUST 20 - 23

VERVE INSHORE CUP / J/109 NORTH AMERICANS

AUGUST 22 - 24

CHICAGO REGATTA

SEPTEMBER 6

NAVIGATION RALLY GIOVAN CONTEST

SEPTEMBER 6

SHELDON CLARK REGATTA

SEPTEMBER 13

WOMEN’S MATCH RACING WORLDS

SEPTEMBER 16 - 20

FALL FROSTBITING

SEPTEMBER 27 - NOVEMBER 8

MCSA MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 3 - 5

US MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 9 - 12

MISSA GREAT LAKES CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 18 - 19

SPOOKTACULAR

OCTOBER 25 - 26

INTRODUCING CRUISING SAIL FLEET 2.0: A FRESH START FOR 2025!

BY MICHAEL ROACH

Ahoy, fellow Chicago Yacht Club Members! The Cruising Sail Fleet (CSF) is back and excited for 2025 season. Our goal is for CSF 2.0 to be your gateway to sailing fun, social events, and a season full of memories on Lake Michigan. Cochair Billy Oakes and I, along with the rest of the committee, are working hard to create an engaging experience for everyone. Though the calendar is still being fine-tuned, we’re gearing up for a season you won’t want to miss!

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2025?

This year, we’re bringing fresh energy to the CSF with a mix of tradition and new experiences. As in years past, we’ll be collaborating with the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation for the Bilge Auction at Belmont, where you can donate boating gear, with proceeds benefiting the Sea Scouts and other incredible programs organized by the Foundation.

We’ll also be partnering with the Foundation and One Family Illinois, an organization that serves kids in care, for an annual cruise. During this event, we’ll take children from the program out for an afternoon sail. It’s a heartwarming experience that combines sailing with giving back to the community.

GET READY TO PARTY: WHO’S IN CRUISIN’ DOCK PARTY!

Planning has already begun on our first-ever “Who’s in Cruisin’” dock party to kick off the season. Expect a funfilled event with plenty of chances to mingle, tour some boats, meet new people, and get excited for the season ahead. More details will be coming soon, but trust us, this is one event you won’t want to miss!

CRUISES COMING YOUR WAY!

We’re planning some fantastic adventures for the season. Expect to see organized cruises for the fireworks, trips to nearby ports within the Chicago Harbor system, and maybe even a few longer destination cruises on beautiful Lake Michigan. We’re just getting started, so keep an eye out for more!

JOIN THE CREW!

Want to help bring these events to life? We’d love to have you on board! Whether you’re an experienced sailor or new to the water, there’s always room for more hands on deck. Get involved and make 2025 the best year yet for the Cruising Sail Fleet!

Ready to set sail with CSF 2.0? We can’t wait to see you on the water! ✶

THE INTERCLUB COMPETITION COMMITTEE

BY RAY GROBLE IV

WHO WE ARE

Chicago Yacht Club’s Interclub Competition Committee (ICC) is a dedicated group of amateur sailors within the club focused on the highest level of Corinthian competition. The ICC originated as a grassroots effort to continue the fastpaced sailing formats favored in scholastic and collegiate sailing—short courses, borrowed boats, and team racing— and has since expanded alongside the nationwide team racing boom. We are a mixture of post-collegiate sailors and local racers of all ages.

WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE

Our goals as a committee and group of competitive sailors are twofold. First, we aim to compete at the highest level and win regattas we travel to. Whether participating in international competition or a team race on Lake Michigan, we strive to consistently deliver results that represent the club and demonstrate the breadth of our sailing abilities. Some regatta highlights include winning the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club’s Young Guns team race in our first appearance, followed by a second-place finish the following year. As we attract more sailors, we’ll be able to participate in more events.

Our second goal is to develop team racing on Lake Michigan. We practice out of Belmont Harbor, providing a cost-effective learning platform for those seeking additional sailing opportunities beyond their normal programs. Through team racing, we’re building a stronger talent pool of competitive sailors within the club. We’ve seen members progress from having no team racing experience to competing in events within just one year.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

There are many opportunities for members to get involved with team racing and interclub competition at CYC. We host practices on weekends during fall and spring, as well as on Tuesdays throughout the summer. This year, CYC is hosting the inaugural Windy City Team Race on June 14-15, inviting clubs nationwide for a two-day team racing event in the Tom 28s and Sonars. We’re seeking volunteers to help showcase our world-class hospitality to guests. Please contact Ray Groble IV or Adam Schaefer if you have questions about how you can contribute. We are also hosting a regatta party on Saturday, June 14 where members can mingle with sailors and learn more about our mission.

Our first event of the year is the Jackson Cup in Marblehead during the last weekend of April, followed by a full schedule of events where CYC sailors will compete both away and on home waters.

If you’re interested in learning more about our events, or want to join a practice visit our landing page on the CYC website. We look forward to welcoming new team racers and practicing passbacks on Lake Michigan! ✶

2025 CALENDAR

NAVIGATION RALLY CONTEST #1

MAY 17

FLEET REVIEW PROCESSION

MAY 24

IN-WATER BOAT & TECH SHOW

MAY 30 - MAY 31

NAVIGATION RALLY CONTEST #2

JUNE 6

POWER FLEET SHAKEDOWN CRUISE

JUNE 6 - 8

DEVELOPMENTAL DIVERSITY CRUISE

JUNE 17

NAVIGATION RALLY CONTEST #3 AND #4

JUNE 21

UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS

CLUBS OF CHICAGO CRUISE

JUNE 24

EXTENDED CRUISE - RACE TO MACKINAC

JULY 17 - 23

YOUTH SIGHT IMPAIRED CRUISE

JULY 29

NAVIGATION RALLY CONTEST #5 & #6

AUGUST 2

STAFF APPRECIATION CRUISE

AUGUST 11

NORTH AMERICAN INVITATIONAL NAVIGATION RALLY

AUGUST 20 - 23

CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND CRUISE

AUGUST 26

NAVIGATION RALLY GIOVAN CONTEST

SEPTEMBER 6

POWER FLEET ANNUAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 9

POWER FLEET HOLIDAY DINNER

DECEMBER 19

TIME MATTERS: 2025 NORTH AMERICAN INVITATIONAL NAVIGATION RALLY

BY KENN AND LOREN WOLF

This season will be an exciting time as CYC celebrates 150 years, and cruising navigation rallies have been a part of that history. In the early days, power boats from around the Great Lakes competed in “races” to various destinations in Lake Michigan. In 1905 a race from Chicago to Mackinaw was run under the American Power Boating Association rules–a first attempt in trying to solve the problem of handicapping power boats. At that time the rules were “…for cruising boats not exceeding in greatest deck length 50 feet and to either have cabin or substantial canvas sides with top.” Starting in 1908 the rules for the races were simple, slower boats started first. The winners were determined on how close they came to their predicted arrival time at the destination. Through the decades various ways of power boat “racing” have been tried. None have been successful due to the number of variables that exist among power boats (hull design, power, etc.).

In the 1940’s the CYC started running navigational rallies, then called Predicted Logs. Skippers were to turn in a log giving their estimated time of arrival after following a given course with a specified starting time. No time pieces or speedometers were allowed. The time of arrival was based on boat speed and the skipper adjusting engine RPMs to compensate for wind and sea conditions. In 1963 the Rhumb Line contest was started. This was a 330-mile course from Chicago to Saugatuck, Saugatuck to Milwaukee, with the final leg from Milwaukee back to Chicago. A Blinker article from 1967 talks about one of the many Rumb Line contests that took place during those early days. In 1974 28 boats from 10 Lake Michigan yacht clubs participated in the rally that ran through dense fog and 84 miles-per-hour winds. The basics of a navigation rally are much the same today as in those early days. It involved the precise calculation of the time in hours, minutes, and seconds to complete a predetermined course.

This August the Chicago Yacht Club will host the North American Cruising Association (NACA) annual North American Invitational (NAI) Championship. The participating captains have earned their place by being their respective yacht club’s best competitors in Navigational

Rallies nationwide. The rally here in Chicago will be a 30- to 35-mile course, taking 3-4 hours to complete. Contestants will plot the course and calculate the headings and distances to various marks. Participants will have only fourhours to calibrate a randomly chosen boat to determine its handling characteristics and speed at various RPMs. Only a compass can be used to set headings. No chartplotters are allowed! All this is not an easy task when you are not allowed any time pieces or speedometers and only have a tachometer to adjust your speed.

On the day of the rally, contestants will submit a form to the Race Committee with their predicted time to each mark. Race Committee members will be onboard with a stopwatch to record the time that the contestant calls at each mark on the course. The winner is the contestant with the lowest percentage of error between their predicted and actual time for each mark. The winner of the North American Invitational (NAI) Championship usually has less than a two percent error in their overall predicted time!

Help us welcome NACA and everyone participating in the NAI to Chicago in August! Anyone interested in finding out more about navigational rallies is welcome to join us on one of our many rallies this season by contacting Kenn Wolf at kwolf@hfsmaterials.com ✶

ALL EYES ON THE 2025 RACE TO MACKINAC

BY ADAM COLLINS

All eyes are on Lake Michigan as the snow and ice melt in Chicago, and the countdown to the 116th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust is on!

For the first time in several years, more than 300 boats have registered for this year’s Mac Race. The growth in participation comes as the Chicago Yacht Club celebrates its 150th anniversary and as the Mac Committee has worked to make the race more inviting to competitors new and old.

“The Race to Mackinac is a bucket list race for sailors worldwide, and we are excited to welcome so many racers to the course in 2025,” said Race Chair Winn Soldani. “Whether you’re an old goat or a first timer, we’ve worked hard to make this Mac Race truly unforgettable.”

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME WAY TO VIEW THE RACE TO MACKINAC

With interest in the Race on the rise, and to honor the Club’s 150th anniversary, the Mac Committee has announced an addition to the traditional course: a new five nautical mile leg, dubbed the “Skyline Sprint,” which will see the fleet race along Chicago’s north lakefront to a mark just off of Montrose Beach offering fans and the public unprecedented viewing opportunities.

This new “Lakeshore Legacy mark” will be placed .6 miles east of the Wilson Avenue Breakwater Light, bringing the fleet of over 300 participating boats along Chicago’s scenic lakeshore for the first time in Mac Race history.

For 2025 only, family and friends of racers will be able to line the Lake Michigan shore to snap pictures and cheer on their loved ones as they race north in the best freshwater distance race in the world. For CYC members, prime viewing will be off Montrose Point, conveniently near our Belmont Station.

The one-time course change follows similar changes for prestigious races in recent years. The Newport Bermuda Race and Fastnet both altered their courses for better experiences, and the Bayview to Mackinac Race also adjusted their course in 2024 in celebration of its 100th running.

“For the entire history of our great race, the only way to really see any of the action was to participate in the race yourself or to be on Mackinac Island as the boats finish,” said Soldani. “We wanted to make the race more accessible to people. And who knows, there may be a few people on shore looking out at the race boats who decide they’d like to try out this sport we all love so much.”

Of course, the sport of sailing always faces the whims of Mother Nature and weather can be highly unpredictable. Solandi noted the mark can be removed from the course by an RC signal should conditions warrant.

With this special running of the Race to Mackinac, there is a lot to be excited about. For those participating in the race, the next few months will be spent preparing and launching boats, racing, and strategizing for the buildup to the pinnacle of the season. And now, for 2025, friends and family have a way to get a little closer to the fun being had out on the water. ✶

MATCH RACING: A TRADITION OF STRATEGY AND SKILL

BY NOELLE THOMAS

A RICH LEGACY OF HEAD-TO-HEAD SAILING

Match racing is an exhilarating, highly strategic form of sailboat racing in which two boats compete head-to-head in a tactical battle. Unlike fleet racing, where multiple boats race simultaneously, match racing is a one-on-one competition requiring precise positioning, aggressive boat handling, and rule-based strategy. The format emphasizes close-quarters competition, featuring dramatic pre-start duels and tight mark roundings, making it one of the most thrilling disciplines in sailing.

Match racing dates to the 17th century in England and the Netherlands, where wealthy shipowners raced for prestige and wagers. A notable early race took place in 1661 when King Charles II competed against his brother, the Duke of

York, on the Thames, fostering organized yacht racing. This led to the formation of clubs like the Royal Yacht Squadron in the early 19th century.

Modern match racing took shape with the America’s Cup in 1851, establishing rules and traditions that define the sport today. Over time, it has expanded beyond elite events to include club competitions, international circuits like the World Match Racing Tour, and grassroots programs that develop future competitors.

MATCH RACING IN CHICAGO

Chicago’s match racing history is relatively recent. In 2009, Don Wilson and Bill Hardesty founded the Chicago Match Race Center (CMRC) to bring world-class match racing to Lake Michigan. The center provided a dedicated facility

2025 MATCH RACING EVENTS AT CHICAGO YACHT CLUB

US MATCH RACE QUALIFIER

JUNE 21 - 22

The season kicks off with top sailors competing for a shot at the national championship, setting the tone for the summer.

WOMEN’S ADVANCED CLINEGATTA

JULY 25 - 27

A training opportunity for female sailors preparing for the Women’s Match Racing Worlds. Led by legendary coach Dave Perry, emphasizing race tactics, positioning, and boat handling, ensuring high-caliber sailors fine-tune their skills.

CHICAGO GRAND SLAM

AUGUST 15 - 17

A Grade 2 international match racing event featuring elite skippers competing in Tom 28 boats. This highstakes regatta includes intense one-on-one battles and exclusive social events fostering camaraderie among sailors and fans.

WOMEN’S MATCH RACING WORLDS

SEPTEMBER 16 - 20

The crown jewel of the summer, showcasing the best female match racers in Tom 28 boats. Expect tight mark roundings, split-second decisions, downwind luffing battles, tacking duels, and world-class officiating in a battle for the title.

MCSA MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 3 - 5

Showcasing the sport’s future, testing tactical prowess and performance under pressure. Top collegiate teams vying for a qualification spot at the College Nationals.

US MATCH RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 10 - 12

The season finale gathers the nation’s best match racers competing for the prestigious Prince of Wales Bowl. This championship will push sailors to their limits in a highstakes showdown.

with Tom 28s and Elliott 6ms, attracting international sailors. CMRC hosted its first event in June 2009, marking the start of organized match racing in the city. The program’s success continued with CMRC winning the bid to host the U.S. Match Racing Championship in 2014, followed by the Chicago Yacht Club securing the bid in 2021.

Since 2021, Chicago has remained a premiere venue for match racing, continuing to annually host the Chicago Grand Slam (Grade 2) as part of the USA Grand Slam series and a qualifier for the US Match Racing Championship (Grade 3) in addition to the US Women’s Match Racing Championship in 2024. These competitions attract top sailors, solidifying Chicago’s reputation as a world-class destination for match racing.

A SUMMER OF UNMISSABLE COMPETITION

The Chicago Yacht Club is set to host an electrifying lineup of world-class match racing events this summer, featuring top competitors and umpires from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, an enthusiastic spectator, or new to the sport, don’t miss this thrilling season of match racing!

BEYOND THE RACING: COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABILITY, & MEDIA

EXCLUSIVE SOCIAL EVENTS

CYC will host dinners, networking events, and celebrations, connecting sailors, club members, and guests. The Chicago Grand Slam will feature special events that make match racing about camaraderie as much as competition.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

CYC will implement environmentally responsible practices aligned with World Sailing’s sustainability standards, including recycling programs, a no-idling policy, and junior sailor involvement.

MEDIA COVERAGE & LIVE STREAMING

Fans worldwide can enjoy live streaming, press conferences, and Q&A sessions with top skippers across social media platforms, offering behind-the-scenes insights and expert analysis.

JOIN THE ACTION!

With elite competition, world-class coaching, and impactful social and sustainability initiatives, match racing at CYC this summer promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The Match Race Regattas Committee is seeking members to host teams and umpires (housing) and take spectators out on the water for a front-row view of the action.✶

COMMITTEE CONTACTS

Ray Groble, Chair groble@mohangroble.com

THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS ARE UNDERWAY!

BY BETSY BARRETT

On the evening of March 21, CYC members were treated to a stand-out event with the 150th Anniversary Committee’s first Top Talks from Those in the Know. The event was spearheaded by Nancy Sindelar, who was on the board of the Heart of America team, featuring ESPN sailing journalist Gary Jobson, attorney Jordan Peters, and Captain John Stanley. They were joined by a veritable who’s-who of sailors, hearing from from Heart of America crewmembers such as Andreas Josenhans, Stu Argo, Richie Stearns, Bill Ruh, Paulo Shaffer, Bill Chamberlaign, Chris Sheppler, Jane Crowley, and more. The 1987 Heart of America challenge came instantly back to life as we were treated to the story of how it came to be, told by those who made it happen.

The sold-out evening was a delightful mix of hearty Australian cuisine and fascinating presentations; a perfect start to our Top Talks from Those in the Know series. A dozen more Top Talks focus on topics such as CYC’s legacy of Naval Preparedness, our impressive trophy collection, CYC’s Junior Program and Olympian History, the history of the Race to Mackinac, and more.

We are also thrilled to announce some changes made to the CYC website for the 150th Anniversary. Navigate to the “Celebrating 150 Years” page, and you will see a number of exciting additions. We have updated the timeline, filling previous gaps through extensive research, and added

multiple video interviews with members of the Old Guard. We are also posting Sailor Stories, which are brief personal narratives about what sailing and CYC have meant to members throughout the years. You will be able to submit your own stories as well!

We look forward to a year-long celebration of our worldclass yacht club, making new memories as we honor our history and traditions. ✶

UPDATE FROM OUR ASSOCIATES

BY BILLY OAKES

The Associates’ Committee has had an exciting start to 2025, building on the momentum from last year with even more events and engagement. Since our last update, we’ve hosted several successful gatherings and are looking ahead to a jam-packed summer season filled with opportunities to get on the water, socialize, and enjoy all that the Chicago Yacht Club has to offer.

WINTER & SPRING SUCCESSES

We kicked off the year with a huge Pink Pony Party at Belmont Station on February 1, marking its return to its rightful home. The energy was electric as members dressed in pink, enjoyed signature cocktails, and celebrated six months until we’re back in Mackinac. The event’s overwhelming success reaffirmed its place as a must-attend annual tradition.

In February, we also launched what we hope will become a new annual tradition—the Super Bowl Party at Belmont. This was the first time we transformed Belmont into the ultimate game-day destination, and the response was fantastic. With great food, plenty of drinks, and an electric atmosphere, it was the perfect way for members to come together and enjoy the biggest game of the year. We gathered feedback from attendees and are already planning ways to make next year’s event even bigger and better—if that’s even possible! If you missed it this time, make sure to join us in 2026 when Belmont will once again be the place to be for the Super Bowl.

A SUMMER FULL OF EVENTS

With warm weather ahead, we’re gearing up for a full schedule of summer events designed to get Associates out on the water and involved in club activities.

✶ Associate Saturdays: A new addition this year, Associate Saturdays will provide an informal way for members to meet up on Saturday mornings at Belmont and take full advantage of the Club’s many assets. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, heading out on the water, or catching up with fellow members, these mornings are a great way to start the weekend.

✶ Associates Regatta, June 28: One of our signature events, this regatta is a perfect chance for Associates of all skill levels to get involved in racing, whether on the water or enjoying the post-race party.

✶ Racing Watch Parties: Throughout the summer, we’ll be hosting watch parties for some of the Club’s biggest races, bringing members together to cheer on the action.

✶ Big Kahuna, September 13: Our favorite end-ofsummer celebration returns! This Hawaiian-themed party following the Sheldon Clark Regatta is always a highlight, featuring tropical drinks, great music, and a lively crowd.

As always, we’re looking for ways to grow our events and bring even more members into the fun. If you have ideas or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out!

2025-2026 ASSOCIATES CHAIRS

✶ Chair: Sara Oakes

✶ Vice Chair: Henry Markarian

✶ Communications Chair: Billy Oakes

✶ Events Chair: Abby McFadyen

✶ On-The-Water Chair: Nick Florian

We can’t wait to see you at one (or more!) of our upcoming events this summer! ✶

2025 CALENDAR

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE 2025 TRADITIONAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 2

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4

LADIES LUNCHEON (M)

BAKING CLASS (M)

EVENING WITH WINTRUST (M)

WOMEN’S COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY (M)

WOMEN-ON-THE-WATER (WOW) SOCIAL SAILING SERIES

Traditional Friday evening on-the-water experience consisting of six weeks of social sailing led by CYC OTW staff, from 6-8 p.m. at Belmont Station

FRIDAY, MAY 16 - FRIDAY, JUNE 20

FRIDAY, JULY 11 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

SESSION 1 (B

SESSION 2 (B)

*No class on Friday, July 18

COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETINGS

Every meeting will be followed by a social experience. The meetings are open to all women. Come for the insights, stay for the camaraderie!

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

WAYS TO GET ON THE WATER (M)

CRAFT COCKTAIL CLASS (B)

WINE TASTING (B)

SUSHI-MAKING CLASS (B)

TBD

INSIDE THE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY: WHAT WE’RE BUILDING TOGETHER

BY ROSE MILLS

As we proudly celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Chicago Yacht Club, I’m both honored and deeply grateful to continue leading our Women’s Committee and vibrant Women’s Community. Our mission has always been to uplift, connect, and create meaningful experiences together—and this year, that commitment is stronger than ever.

We began the year by launching two powerful tools to help keep our community engaged and connected:

✶ A monthly email newsletter, delivered the first Monday of the month with everything you need to know

✶ A new Women’s Community page on the CYC site to help you plan ahead and stay involved

Thank you to the Communications Department for helping bring this vision to life—we’ve seen amazing engagement and heartfelt feedback so far.

We opened our season with a moving celebration for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, spotlighting two-time Olympian and Chicago Yacht Club Foundation Executive Director Maggie Shea. Her story of purpose, perseverance, and leadership was inspiring and reminded us why our community matters.

Now, we’re preparing for one of our most anticipated traditions—the Annual Ladies Luncheon. This year’s theme, “Women of the Chicago Yacht Club: Anchored in Legacy,

Sailing into the Future,” will honor the remarkable women who have shaped—and continue to shape—the legacy of CYC.

Looking ahead to summer, we’re excited to continue building community on-the-water through Women-on-theWater (WOW), our Friday night sailing experience. New this year: a U.S. Keelboat Certification course designed for women who want to learn to sail, combining classroom learning and on-the-water training with CYC instructors.

I couldnʼt do any of this alone. Iʼm deeply grateful to the women who are serving as committee leaders this year:

Meg Ainley, Felicia Platzke, Judy Gray, Betsy Ivancsits, Cookie Merens, Molly Bowater and Christine Cornellier.

If you’re curious about getting more involved, we’d love to have you! Start by joining a monthly meeting. We like to say, “Come for the insights, stay for the camaraderie!”

Check the Women’s Community website page and the Club Calendar of events. With so much happening, this is the year you don’t want to miss anything. I hope to see you at Monroe and Belmont soon! ✶

LT PETER BIED RECIPIENT OF OLMSTED FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

BY ROBERT BIED

CYC Member LT Peter Bied has been selected as the Coast Guard’s recipient of the prestigious Olmsted Foundation Scholarship. The Olmsted Scholar Program challenges young military officers to learn a foreign language and pursue graduate studies in that language at a university abroad. LT Bied will be pursuing his graduate degree in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation was established in 1959 by General George Omsted, an American general, businessman, and philanthropist. The Olmsted Scholar Program is a transformative two-and-a-half to threeyear educational experience, which includes full-time graduate study at a foreign university in the host country’s native language. Scholars are expected to fully immerse themselves in the culture, living and traveling within the host country.

Each year, all six branches of the U.S. military nominate young officers for the Olmsted program. Candidates are selected based on their performance, aptitude, and potential for future senior leadership roles. The Coast Guard is awarded only one scholar per year.

After two years of cultural immersion, Scholars gain invaluable intellectual growth, develop a broader perspective, and begin to think more critically, anticipating diverse viewpoints and challenging assumptions. These experiences cultivate a new mindset that prepares them for leadership challenges in various environments, whether in the military or the private sector.

“The greatest leaders must be educated broadly.”–General George Olmsted

Bravo Zulu LT Bied!✶

THE 2024 SEA SCOUT

LONG CRUISE

BY WALTER “SONNY” LISOWSKI

It’s the Sea Scout high adventure and the Sea Scout version of the Race to Mackinac. It is the scouts’ highlight of the summer! It’s the Long Cruise.

One question that is asked by many—adults and scouts alike—is “What is the long cruise?” All throughout the year from fall to spring the Sea Scouts spend many hours in the classroom at their schools. Saturdays, at their monthly meetings, they also continue to learn, mostly about nautical topics. They learn the many different aspects of boat management including sail theory, marlin spike, navigation, first aid, and maritime traditions. They also attend many activities to build teamwork skills and comradery.

Once spring arrives the anticipation of another sailing season brings excitement for the scouts, as it does for most of the Chicago boating community. The scouts spend numerous weekends preparing the boats for the summer, being responsible for minor maintenance, sanding, painting, and waxing/buffing with the upcoming Long Cruise on their minds.

Planning begins for the passage to St. Joseph and South Haven, Michigan, in June. The scouts will sail on two boats and buddy sail across the lake in late July, departing either midnight or early morning before sunrise. They will plan the

food, water, and supplies needed for a one-week passage. They review navigation, bearings, and courses, along with weather predictions for the week. Once the boats are brought together at Burnham Harbor and loaded for the voyage, the scouts meet one last time to discuss the sail plan for the trip. They have some rest, then the adventure begins!

The scouts manage both boats using all the skills learned during the year. Everything will be put into practice: watch standing, helming, navigating, sail trimming, teamwork, and radio communication between the two boats. Upon arrival at the destination harbors, maintenance, cleaning, and meal prep are done by the scouts. They are as selfsufficient as possible, bringing everything needed for the week’s voyage. They are also free to explore the different towns and beaches, always staying together and building lifelong memories. Swimming, sunbathing, campfires, and shopping are all on the agenda. Following all the fun in port, final planning for the return trip is made and another long cruise is logged in the journal.

Many adults help make this possible from the scout leaders, parents, and Chicago Yacht Club members supporting the program. We are making future leaders and giving great life experiences. ✶

CYC FOUNDATION: MORE SAILORS, MORE PROGRAMS, MORE POSSIBILITIES

BY MAGGIE SHEA

As we look ahead to this summer, we are most excited by the traction we see among participants in our programs. We have dozens of youth returning this summer across multiple programs from all over the city, with many young boaters transitioning from our fun-based camp programs, like Adventure Boating at Belmont, into more structured sailing school classes to develop their skills. Retention is a key metric for us—it demonstrates the lasting impact of our programs and reinforces our commitment to being a meaningful presence in these youths’ lives for months and, hopefully, years to come.

The program’s momentum to date is a testament to the relationships and trust cultivated by CYC Foundation’s Program Manager Francesca Sigmond with our community partners, the thoughtful planning and youth-centered approach of Community Sailing Manager Caroline O’Malley, and the unwavering energy, dedication, and efforts of our Board members.

“When I first started with the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation almost two years ago, I met so many of these kids as they were just starting out,” says Sigmond, who was the Foundation’s first full-time employee when she was hired in

2023. “Last summer at Belmont, we had our very first group of returners—seven sailors who wanted to continue their journey. This year, two of them are returning for their third summer, and we’ve got nine more coming back for one or more sessions at CYC’s Sailing School in Belmont Harbor.

One of the highlights of my summer last year was watching one of these sailors earn the CYC Sailing School Coaches Award—it was such a proud moment. It’s been such a joy to see these kids grow and return season after season. Their excitement to come back year after year shows just how special this program is.”

While nearly every existing CYCF program is experiencing growth in 2025, we are also evaluating which initiatives have the greatest impact and how they can be scaled sustainably. We are committed to directing resources toward programs and partnerships that provide lasting benefits for youth in an economically efficient way. The next phase of CYCF’s growth will focus on leveraging our unique assets to maximize our impact on Chicagoland youth.

This spring, we are launching the City Sailing League of Chicago, an after-school program at Monroe Harbor designed for high-school students. This new program will

feature sailing sessions on CYCF’s two J/100 keelboats— the perfect environment for teens to enjoy a new experience with friends, stay dry (most of the time!), and learn the fundamentals of sailing in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Expanding touch points throughout the year for high school-aged youth is essential for us to leverage the InSPIRE Scholarship Fund. We hope that continued engagement beyond summer camps will lead to deeper connections and meaningful outcomes.

We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead and deeply inspired by the number of returning sailors. Most importantly, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and stakeholders. Your support enables us to expand access, create new opportunities, and ultimately help kids fall in love with our lake and the sport we cherish.✶

DOES YOUR EMPLOYER HAVE A MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM?

Corporate financial matching programs may double—or even triple—a personal donation to the CYC Foundation. Ask your employer about its specific requirements and ways to use its matching program. Many companies also match gifts made by spouses of employees and those retired from the company. Learn more about the many ways to support Foundation programs at www.chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org/donate.