Blinker Spring 2018

CYC HONORS CEREMONY WE TIP OUR CAPS

CRUISING WITH THE POWER FLEET

Exploring Lake Michigan’s Harbors

FOUNDATION NEWS

Creating Sailing Opportunities for Chicago’s Youth

WIZARDING WORLD OF THE WAREHOUSE

Keeping Our Fleets In Top Shape

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Communications Chair, Amy Schwartz Rose Mills Nancy Snyder Jane Vartan

MANAGING EDITORS

Spring 2018 Upcoming Events

Tracy Gladden Nicole Richardson

Fresh Faces

COMMODORE Leif Sigmond

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS Dan Burns Grant Crowley Ed Falkenhayn Jay Kehoe Collen King Rick Lillie Pat & Nancy Marek Avraham Mor Michael Platzke Maggie Shea Laura Sigmond Leif Sigmond Scott Sims

PHOTO/IMAGE CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Chris Albanis Eric Moore Chuck Nevel Amy Schwartz Maggie Shea Laura Sigmond

ON THE COVER Vanda III, J 109 Owner, John Toliver

Wizarding World of the Warehouse

From the Helm

Exclusive Boat Rentals & Charters for Members

CYC Honors Ceremony Hard Work Pays Off

CYC Is the Place to Be Cruising Sail Fleet Upcoming Events

Creating Sailing Opportunities for Chicago’s Youth

Cruising With The Power Fleet

Blinker Magazine Publication information. Blinker (USPS 104020). issue number 410, is published tri-annually (Spring, Summer, Fall) by the Chicago Yacht Club Communications Committee, 400 E. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603-6493. The subscription rate is $25 annually, available only to Club members.

Copyrighted by The Chicago Yacht Club. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

Publication policy. We publish articles about club activities and members and their participation in competitive and recreational sale and motor yachting. Our purpose is to recognize those who contribute to the organization and operation of the club and its activities, and to promote member interest and participation in club functions, as well as civic and military affairs. Members are invited to contribute to the contents of the magazine.

Getting to Know Lloyd Karzen

Regatta Calendar CYC Presents the Remote Controlled Iceberg Series

Power & Sail In-Water Technology Showcase

2018 Offshore Fleet Championship Series

CY-Scene

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Women’s Committee Annual Ladies Luncheon (M)

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Island Goat Dinner (M) Rickover Regatta (B) WOW Lecture Series (M) WOW Come Sail Away (B) Yacht Owner’s Association Annual Meeting (M)

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Belmont Season Opener Petals & Prosecco (M) Mother’s Day Brunch (M) Mother’s Day a la carte (B) WOW Come Sail Away (B) New Member Third Thursdays’ Happy Hour (M)

18 – 20 Women’s Match Racing Clinic/ Regatta (B) 18 Howl at the Full Moon (B)

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CSF Discussion & Dinner (M) CSF 3rd Saturday Local Cruise (M) Auto Show Brunch (M)

24 Fleet Review 25 – 27 Grade 3 Match Race Regatta (B) 27 Thunderhead Party (B) 28 Memorial Day Flag Raising Brunch & BBQ (M) 31

WOW Come Sail Away (B)

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Power & Sail In-Water Tech Show (M)

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6 – 10 Helly Hansen NOOD Regatta (M)

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8 – 10 PF Cruise to Michigan City, IN 9 Belmont Steaks (B) 12 PF Sight Impaired

Cruise for Youth (M)

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Big Smoke I (M) WOW Come Sail Away (B)

12 –17 Neill Clinic (B)

Sailing School Welcome BBQ (B)

4th of July Celebration (M) All Club Dock Party (M)

7 – 8 All Club Cruise to Hammond, IN 11 68th Old Guard Race (B) 12

WOW Come Sail Away (B)

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Remote Control Boat Regatta (M)

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Mac Taste of Chicago (B)

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Warning Gun Party (M) Mac Cruising Start (M)

15 –17 CSF Cruise to Kenosha, WI

Sailor Send Off Party (M)

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Father’s Day Buffet & BBQ (M)

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PF Special Needs Cruise (M)

Mac Racing Start (M)

Ashore Thing (Navy Pier)

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New Member Third Thursdays’ Happy Hour (M) WOW Come Sail Away (B)

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Grand Hotel Porch Party

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Sailors’ Celebration on Mac Island

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WOW Sunset Cruise (M)

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Family Activities On The Water Night (B)

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CSF Ladies’ Skipper Race (B) Associates Dock Party (M) 72nd Annual Fleet Review Brunch & BBQ (M) Dragon Force Regatta (M) PAL’s Charity Cruise (M) CrewU Graduation (M) WOW Chef Series (B)

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(M)= Monroe (B)= Belmont All dates are subject to change.

2018 CHICAGO YACHT CLUB VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

From the Helm

FLAG OFFICERS Leif Sigmond, Commodore Lou Sandoval, Vice Commodore Nick Berberian, Rear Commodore Rick Lillie, Secretary Martin Sandoval, Treasurer

As I write this, spring is in the air and plans for the summer season are well underway.

Our Club is bustling with activity.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We have a very busy regatta schedule with the annual NOOD, Mac and Verve to name a few. I am particularly proud of our volunteers and staff for planning two world championships and a North American Championship, all within 30 days of each other in September and October. During that time, we will be hosting the Etchells North Americans, M32 Worlds and Farr 40 Worlds. I know that during those days we are going to show the boating world what our Club can accomplish.

Cyd Archer William Bloom Sandy Curtiss Bruce Danly Ian Fisher Michael Frerker Elizabeth Newman Kenneth Nordine Sarah Renz Louis Rosenthal Amy Schwartz Christopher Thomas Walter Vartan

But that’s obviously not all for this summer - we have much more planned. The Power Fleet and Cruising Sail Fleet have numerous activities and cruises planned for the summer, the In-Water Technology Show being just one great example. And I invite every member to participate in the Club’s Annual Cruise the weekend of July 6. This year we are cruising to Hammond where we have fun planned for all as we join in their Venetian Night Celebration. You can get there a number of ways - race, power, sail or even drive. I hope to see you there. There are literally too many activities both on and off the water for me to mention here, so please check the Club calendar and read Dock Lines for a complete list of fun activities.

PAST COMMODORES Greg Miarecki Gerald Bober

CHICAGO YACHT CLUB STAFF General Manager, Dwight Jenson, CCM

MONROE STATION STAFF Controller, Kelly McGuire Membership Director, Emily Giaimo Food & Beverage Director, Kristin Aleshire Catering & Events Manager, Melissa Harkenrider Communications Director, Tracy Gladden Monroe Executive Chef - Larry Asher Human Resources Supervisor, Daisy Aponte Assistant Controller, Daniel Post Sous Chef - Silvestro Salgado Communications & Design Specialist, Nicole Richardson Member Services Manager, Mark Schaeffer Dockmaster, John Porter

BELMONT STATION STAFF On the Water Director, Jay Kehoe Sailing School Director, Julia Melton Belmont Chef & Manager, Jill Dedinsky Keelboat Director & Belmont Dockmaster, Chuck Nevel Regatta Manager, Elizabeth Dust Sailing Director, David Gerber Belmont Assistant, Sarah Collonge

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about one other event that I hope you all participate in. On September 8 we will be hosting the Chicago Regatta for the second time. There will be various forms of racing, a poker run, auctions and the best party on the Lake. Not only is it fun, but it raises substantial funds for three great children’s charities, one of which is the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. Among other great causes, the Foundation provides a spectrum of experiences for children including activities oriented to Lake Michigan ecology, commerce, recreation and more. They are providing activities such as Kid’s Cruises, Adventure Sailing School, Inland Seas Sailing, etc.

I’d like to welcome new members who have joined the Chicago Yacht Club family during the off-season. I invite our members to meet and welcome them at our New Member Happy Hours which will take place on the third Thursday of every month.

Again, please check the Club calendar.

You will notice that this edition of the Blinker has a new contemporary design and inside you will find stories from our members about their experiences at the Club during the winter months. There’s much to recap as you read about various Club events including the CYC Honors Ceremony, the Power Fleet’s preparation for the 2019 National Predicted Log Contest, and how the Women’s Committee wintertime events provided an opportunity to be part of the camaraderie that makes CYC the place to be.

We have many exciting events planned in the coming months both on and off the water. I am truly proud of our Club. It is a great honor to serve another year as your Commodore.

Respectfully,

LEIF SIGMOND, COMMODORE sigmond@chicagoyachtclub.org Blinker | Spring 2018

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Daniel Post, Assistant Controller Daniel Post started with Chicago Yacht Club in October 2017. Daniel attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2016.

After graduating, he returned to NIU for his MBA. During this time, he studied abroad in Rome, Italy at Sapienza Università di Roma for six weeks to attain a second master’s degree in International Management. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys playing and watching baseball and soccer.

David Gerber, Sailing Director Dave Gerber lives in Traverse City, Michigan and has six kids, with Jessica, who all sail. He is an experienced sailboat racer, who won the 2012 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship with Flash Gordon, owned by Club members Helmut and Evan Jahn. They are the current Farr 40 North American Champions, which CYC hosted in September/October 2017. Dave also races extensively with Commodore Leif Sigmond on his sailboats and the J/111 team Kashmir. Dave has coached for Traverse Area Community Sailing and says he’s looking forward to working with Chicago Yacht Club.

John Porter, Monroe Station Dockmaster John Porter has worked in the marine/service industry since 1998 and currently is renewing his 100 Ton Captains License to its Third Issue. John’s boating career started as a deckhand at Navy Pier on a 600-passenger vessel now called the “Mystic Blue”. He moved from Captain to Dockmaster in 2013. When John is not roaming the docks at Monroe in the summer or gel coating boats at the warehouse in the winter, he can be found chasing his two kids around the house and attempting to accomplish home DIY projects.

Matthew Peter, 420 Head Coach Matt Peter is from Boston, Massachusetts. His extensive coaching experience began at Cape Cod Sea Camps with their learn-to-sail program in 2009. He then founded the sailing team at Emmanuel College, where he studied graphic design and communications. After graduating, he took over the role of Head Coach for his alma mater, in addition to coaching for the Wentworth Institute of Technology Sailing Team and the Boston Latin School Sailing Team.

He has coached for the Harvard Sailing Center as well as the Crimson Sailing Academy in the New England area. In recent years, he worked in California at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, as their Head Coach. At Corinthian, Matt worked closely with the travel race teams in addition to coaching the high school program.

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CYC Honors Ceremony This ceremony honors Chicago Yacht Club members who have made significant achievements in boating in 2017.

Group shot: (Left to right) Maggie Shea, Commodore Leif Sigmond, Don Wilson’s daughter (accepting on her fathers behalf), Commodore Nick Berberian, Phil Dowd, Jay Kehoe, Will Holz, Peter Barnard, Evan Jahn, Annie Samis, Fred Hagedorn, Laura Sigmond, Commodore Walter Vartan, Will Curtiss, Sarah Renz, Peter Thornton

MALCOLM LAMPHERE

Winning a Continental Championship in an Olympic Class at the Laser North American Championship held in Vancouver, Canada

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HELMUT JAHN AND EVAN JAHN

4-Time Farr 40 North American Champions

PETER BARNARD

US Optimist National Team & representing US at South American Championship

BRYON EHRHART 1st Place PalermoMontecarlo Race

US Sailing Team 49erFX & Bronze Medalists at Aarhus Test Event

JAY KEHOE

Endeavor Final Regatta Hobie Waves at America’s Cup

PHIL DOWD

Farr 40 Corinthian North American Champion

STEPH ROBLE & MAGGIE SHEA

On-Water Operations Manager at the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda

ANNIE SAMIS & PETER BARNARD

SARAH RENZ

TAYLOR CANFIELD 2nd Place Match Cup Race Sweden

FRED HAGEDORN

Island Goat Society Freshwater Sailor of the Year & Secretary General of the Pan Am Sailing Federation

WILL CURTISS

2nd Place Corinthian J-70 North American Championship

MATT CASSIDY

ORACLE TEAM USA

COMMODORE WALTER ‘GIBBY’ VARTAN Chicago Yachting Association Yachtsman of the Year

PETER THORNTON TEAM IL MOSTRO

World Sailing Speed Record Chicago to Mackinac Island Distance Record

4th Place Chicago Grand Slam

LAURA SIGMOND ACEA on Water

DON WILSON

Corinthian World Champion M-32 (4th overall) & M-32 North American Champion

WILL HOLZ

Chicago Grand Slam Grade 2 Winner Blinker | Spring 2018

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Wizarding World of the Warehouse

By Jay Kehoe

What is a Wizard? Webster’s defines it as “a man with

bottom paint to each Sonar. This job takes about 30 man

magical powers…” that definition rings true with our team in

hours per boat to complete and with a fleet of 11 sonars,

the Warehouse at 933 North Cicero Ave! Our in-house Wizards

it all adds up.

are Jose, Channel and John Porter, with help from Chuck Nevel, have totally updated and repaired our on-water fleet.

Our fleet of 16 RIBs also went through an overhaul.

Each boat was cleaned, batteries charged, oil and plugs

In fall 2016, we rented a closed warehouse, big enough to

changed, small parts changed, bottoms painted, epoxy

store our entire fleet which allowed us to work in all weather,

sealers applied and now they are ready for the season.

stock supplies and leave areas set-up to complete multiple

The warehouse allows us to maintain the fleet better and

repairs over time. With 100 boats to inspect, fix and clean,

we really gave the Ribs the care and love they need.

the warehouse is helping keep our precious fleet of sail and power boats in top shape. The process starts late fall, when we transport all the RC boats (save Carrier), Sonars and Ribs to the warehouse. It takes about 10 days to get them all inspected and situated. We then go boat to boat and make a list of repairs and tweaks needed (a little like Santa’s X-mas list). We divide up the jobs, procure the materials and get to work!

After so many hours of use running races our dependable RC boat, Argo, had a huge delamination in the bow.

Repair quotes came in close to $3,000. However, our own Warehouse Wizards went to work, replacing the wet balsa core, reinforcing the windlass, and we now have an almost new bow and an overall stiffer boat. Without the warehouse and amazing staff, we would not have been

This winter our Wizards were able to:

able to complete that job. Next time you see Chuck, John,

Complete the epoxy bottom sealing on the fleet of Sonars.

Jose and Channel thank them, they are saving the Club a

We sanded all the paint off to gelcoat, applied 3-4 coats

considerable amount of money with their Wizard skills and

of Inter-protect 2000 to the bottoms, then three coats of

dedication to excellence in our fleet!

WAREHOUSE SUPPLIES BY THE NUMBERS:

• 12 Gallons of Inter-protect epoxy bottom kote • 10 Gallons of West Epoxy • 2 Gallons of primer and topcoat

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• 60 Gallons of new oil for all the outboard oil changes • 55 Gallons of used oil dumped • 36 Spark plugs • 24 Gallons of Bottom paint

• Countless yards of fiberglass cloth • 2000 discs of sandpaper • Countless rollers, tyvek suits, paintbrushes

Chicago Yacht Club members have a passion for getting out on

making your reservation, mention you are a Chicago Yacht

the water, but almost 40 percent don’t own a boat. However,

Club member to receive exclusive pricing.

there are several companies owned by your fellow Chicago Yacht Club members that offer boat rentals and captained cruises and are offering exclusive rates for our members. Take advantage of these opportunities and then stop by the Club for lunch, dinner, or a glass of wine after your cruise. As part of this cooperative arrangement, Chicago Yacht Club committees will also have an opportunity to book specialty cruise events at discounted rates through these member companies. When

Your boating week can be filled with these special offerings; Barton & Gray offers their member special on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Pinnacle’s special is Wednesday evening with fireworks, Chicago Sailing has Thursday cruises, and Chicago Yacht Works offers power boat rentals that might be best enjoyed on Saturdays or Sundays.

Visit chicagoyachtclub.org/rentals for more details.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

• Chicago Yacht Club members may book 2-3 hour captained cruises for up to six people on a 40’ Hinkley power boat departing from Monroe or Belmont Harbor • Opportunity to be a B&G member for a half day • Initiation fee discount and fuel credits

BARTONANDGRAY.COM | (617) 728-3555

THURSDAYS

• Departing from Monroe or Belmont Harbor, Chicago Yacht Club members may book 2-3 hour captained cruises on a selection of power boats and sailboats including a Benetau Oceanis 352 (Bangarang), Catalina 400 (Alize), Frers 53 (Bumblebee), or 1935 Grebe (Naida) • Additional discount for Chicago Yacht Club members across all offerings on classes, rentals and charters

CHICAGOSAILING.COM | (773) 871-7245

• Offering Chicago Yacht Club members discounted pair fireworks cruises on a 2015 44’ Jeanneau (Eclipse), departing from Monroe Harbor • Discounted full boat evening charter for Chicago Yacht Club members • Waived initiation fee for Chicago Yacht Club members who join Pinnacle Yachts by September 15, 2018

PINNACLEYACHTS.COM | (800) 285-7495

7 DAYS A WEEK

• Offers Chicago Yacht Club members exclusive discounts on rental and charter rates of power boats (RIBS and runabouts) departing out of Belmont Harbor.

• Complimentary orientation on power boat rentals

CHICAGOYACHTWORKS.COM | (312) 666-6670 Blinker | Spring 2018 12

CYC Is the Place to Be!

By Laura Sigmond

When it’s cold in Chicago, too cold to be out on the Lake,

by all as Mac Bar Manager Jackie Kirby taught us the art of

there is still plenty of great activity at Chicago Yacht Club. It’s

the perfect drink.

a terrific time to reconnect with friends, discover something new and prepare for the warmer months on the Lake.

The Women’s Committee events during the colder months provide an opportunity to be part of the camaraderie that makes Chicago Yacht Club the place to be! With over 30 dates on the calendar, we have your favorite events with new themes and topics as well as a few surprises. For those who joined us previously, you know that once you

Back by popular demand, the Wine and Paint Happy Hour brought out the inner artist in for all who attended. This time we painted the beautiful Chicago Lighthouse.

Centered around these events is the Winter WOW Series: The Water is Calling. This series meets every other week, from February to May. It is designed to inform and connect us and prepare us to go out on the water for the upcoming season.

are at the Club you can’t help but feel relaxed, engaged

The months ahead have plenty more events scheduled to

and excited to come back again.

fit your preferences and schedule. So mark your calendars

Chef Jill and bartender Marc Anderson launched the first Women’s Committee event for 2018. Our Chef Series is designed to get your culinary creativity flowing. Sushi and

and come join the fun. If you have any questions about the events, you know where I’ll be. See you at CYC because there is no place I would rather be!

Poke lessons were complimented with a delicious cocktail

• Annual Ladies’ Luncheon & Makeup Extravaganza

concoction.

• Happy Hour- DragonForce65 Racing

The second Chef Series, Masterful Mixology, was enjoyed 13 Blinker | Spring 2018

• WOW: Come Sail Away May-Sep

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Hard Work Pays Off

By Maggie Shea

Roble/Shea Sailing USA at the Miami Sailing World Cup We started the year off with a bang - an 8th place finish at the

of work to do. We couldn’t have made this progress without

Sailing World Cup Miami and a medal race win!

the generosity of our sponsors, especially Kilroy Realty, and

Miami Sailing World Cup brought 21 teams from 12 countries to Biscayne Bay for a great week of racing. The medal race stage was set with 22-26 kt winds, sunshine and a fleet of

supporters like the Chicago Yacht Club community. We are so grateful for your continued support and we hope to make you proud.

spectator boats. We were hungry for redemption after a

Looking ahead, we start our European season of training

few capsizes earlier in the week, and we wanted to give it

in Portugal, then we compete in five regattas in Spain and

everything we had left in us. We had incredible boat-handling

France throughout the spring leading up to our biggest event

and speed around the course that allowed us to gain 5 boats

yet, Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark August

on the first downwind leg, and we maintained the lead from

1-10, 2018. The Worlds in Denmark will be the first chance to

there. It was our first medal race win and gives us some great

qualify our country for a berth at the Olympic Games in Tokyo

momentum and confidence moving forward!

2020. Full steam ahead!

The good moments that week have allowed us to appreciate

Please follow our journey and join our team!

Facebook: Roble/Shea Sailing USA Instagram: @RobleSheaSailing

that our hard work is paying off and we’re heading in the right direction. However, we have a long road ahead of us and lots

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Cruising With The Power Fleet

By Ed Falkenhayn

Over the winter months, the Power Fleet committee planned some exciting events for the upcoming 2018 season. This year, the Power Fleet began hosting educational happy hour events.

These social gatherings are a terrific way for members to catch up with other members while learning valuable boating information. Our February event covered which mobile apps were best and most efficient to use for navigation.

program to make crossings along with experienced cruisers.

The first cruise will take place on June 8-10 to Michigan City, Indiana where we will we will explore the beautiful beaches, the city zoo and the farmers market. The second cruise takes place on August 10-12 to Saugatuck, Michigan. Saugatuck is a beautiful city rich with character and culture where we will have a fun day exploring the local winery.

The Power Fleet has planned two cruises for the summer that offer opportunities to explore different harbors around Lake Michigan. Each of these cruises includes a happy hour, community breakfast and a special dinner for everyone attending. For new cruisers, we will be creating a mentor

Over the past two years, the Power Fleet has been increasing the presence of Predicted Log/Navigation Rallies on Lake Michigan and we are excited to make 2018 a banner year, hosting five contests throughout the summer. In 2019, the Club will be hosting the National Predicted Log Contest which will bring captains from across the country to compete on our lake. Join us on May 12th for a Predicted Log training session and happy hour. Sponsored by member, John Vignochi, this event will provide valuable details on the what, where, when and how of Precision Navigation Rallies.

John will lead the group on how to calculate times and show us what it takes to be a winner.

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Creating Sailing Opportunities for Chicago’s Youth

By Grant Crowley

Those of us who are boaters because our parents gave us this

The CYC Foundation partners with the Rickover Naval Junior

legacy received a huge gift. It prompted us to achieve a greater

ROTC Academy, to promote the nautical arts. Last year

understanding of the world and developed skills necessary to

twelve of their students attended CYC’s Spring and Fall high

live a productive life. The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation brings

school sailing programs, and six of their young women sailed

awareness and appreciation of the nautical arts and traditions

for a week on the tallship schooner Inland Seas. The written

to the Chicagoland community and broadens horizons for our

and verbal testimonies given by these students reveal the

youth through nautical training and boating activities.

life-changing impact sailing provided them.

Here are stories from two inner-city kids, who had no family

Many kids in Chicago have never been on a boat or even

boating influences, but sailing and the Chicago Yacht Club

been to the Lakefront. The CYC Foundation is partnering

became a major aspect of their lives. Gary Comer said “as

with the Union League Club’s Boys and Girls Clubs to give

a freshly minted teenager, I met sailors from the local yacht

them a program about the Great Lakes, provide hands-on

club who took me under their wing and taught to me to

experience with buoyancy calculations, and take them out

sail in exchange for my services as a bottom sander and

for their first ride on a boat.

scrubber. It eventually led to having my boat.”

In addition, the CYC Foundation creates opportunities

Arthur Wong, points to his proudest sailing award, the

for today’s youth through its support of various sailing

Rainbow fleet Best Skipper of 1949 trophy which sits in his

programs. Youth may apply for sailing school

office. He and his older brother, Warren, had walked from

scholarships and regatta grants by visiting

their home in Chinatown to Burnham Harbor a few summers

chicagoyachtclub.org/foundation.

earlier and had gotten hooked on sailing.

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Getting to Know Lloyd Karzen

By Colleen King

When you mention Lloyd Karzen in our sailing community, it’s a rarity that someone doesn’t recognize his name. Whether that be for his island coordination skills during the Mac Race, his involvement on various committees, you’ve sailed on one of his boats, or have just had a nice chat with him in the Mac bar. Lloyd has been a dedicated member of Chicago Yacht Club for more than 50 years and has made himself an integral part of our Club.

He learned how to sail in high school, through his wife, Judy. Her aunt had a 1939 Hinckley mahogany. He worked on the boat and even sailed it in some Fleet Reviews. Now, he has six grandsons that he looks forward to teaching how to sail and he continues to share his love of being out on the water.

Lloyd has raced in all kinds of boats and even charters his J 70 out to help encourage younger sailors to get out on the water more. He is passionate to get people more involved with the club and is a dedicated member of multiple committees, presently on the Mac, Membership, and Race committees.

He is also a very active member with the Christmas Ship and Santa Clause committees during the holidays which helps to provide Christmas trees to homes that have never had them and puts smiles on children’s faces. Lloyd helps with setting up the CYC booth at the boat show every year, getting there early and working with all the trades to pull off a seamless booth. He has been the fastest goat up to the island for the last 17 years for the Mac race. He has been the Island Coordinator since 2000, getting up to the island a week early preparing for all the sailors.

His goal is to continue to give back to the Club what it has given him - happiness and experience. He is a dedicated sailor, spirited personality, and an undeniable presence when he walks into any room. Lloyd considers the members to be the true backbone of what makes this Club special. The camaraderie and atmosphere have cultivated a great community.

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Chicago Yacht Club Presents the Remote Controlled Iceberg Series

By Dan Burns

By now you may have seen a tiny boat or two without crew buzzing about the harbor. That’s a DragonForce 65 (DF65) and there is crew, but he/she is on land with a remote controller in hand. What started off as a fun pastime after racing and in the offseason has grown. When the big boats aren’t racing the interest quickly diverts to these small boats. The sailing has even started to get quite competitive for these remote control yachts.

There are many compelling reasons as to why boaters are becoming interested in the DF65. From their low cost of entry to the ease of rigging and launching the boat; the reasons vary for each sailor. For some, it’s the opportunity to drive their own boat, which isn’t something everyone has the chance to do when competing on a bigger race boat. Some like the change in perspective and seeing from an outside point of view how the wind and conditions truly affect your sailing technique.

Of course, there is also the group that enjoys the idea of sailing a boat while not having to leave the comfort of the indoors when the outdoors is less pleasant.

We now have over 100 DF65 yachts in our fleet! For each race day, we anticipate 20-30 boats on the line. We saw a great turnout for our inaugural Iceberg Series during the winter months and hope for an even better turnout during the upcoming Spring Frostbiting.

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2018 Offshore Fleet Championship Series The Chicago Yacht Club Offshore Fleet is proud to announce the 2018 Championship Buoy and Distance series, culminating with the awarding of the prestigious Chicago Yacht Club Blue Blazers at the Offshore/RYF awards ceremony in the fall.

The Buoy series consists of the Helly Hansen Chicago NOOD, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Racing Division, the Verve Cup Offshore and the Sheldon Clark regatta. Each member of the Offshore or Cruising Sail Fleets that races in a minimum of three events and starts the Mac race will be entered into the Bouy series.

The Distance series consists of the Helly Hansen Chicago NOOD Distance race, the Hamilton Club Trophy Distance race, the Chicago Regatta Offshore Distance race, the Chicago Yacht

By: Scott Sims and Michael Platzke

Club Race to Mackinac Racing or Cruising divisions, the Verve Cup Distance race and the Sheldon Clark Distance race. Each member of the Offshore or Cruising Sail Fleets that races in a minimum of four events and starts the Mac race will be entered into this series.

At the conclusion of each Chicago Yacht Club regatta the Offshore Fleet will publish standings in the buoy and distance series through the Offshore Fleet email updates, Dock Lines and through Chicago Yacht Club social media outlets. Be sure to select your opt-in group on the Club’s website to verify that you are registered in either the Offshore or Cruising Sail Fleets. Separate registration for the Championship series is not required. The Offshore Fleet Championship Buoy and Distance series Notice of Race will be published in the spring.

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Power & Sail In-Water Technology Showcase

By Pat & Nancy Marek

2018 marks the 7th Annual Power & Sail In-Water Technology Showcase. From its modest beginnings in 2012 this event held at Monroe station has grown over the years to become a major Club event. This family friendly FREE show will once again highlight the latest technology, style, design, and construction features available from various manufacturers of distinctive styles of power and sail yachts in the Great Lakes market.

Representatives from the participating dealers and manufacturers will be present to answer questions and discuss the features of the vessels that are open for touring during all event hours. In addition, attendees enjoy daily seminars on topics relevant to all boaters during the show along with exhibits in the main dining room.

Last year’s event drew over 600 invitees who enjoyed touring over 30 yachts from 13 participating dealers, free drinks and appetizers, live music, seminars and exhibits as well as a hands on safe boating demonstration for the whole family. Special thanks go to Wintrust as major sponsor for their generous support of this showcase.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 1st from 2:00 to 9:00 pm and with new extended hours on Saturday, June 2nd from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Over 13 dealers with 30 to 40 new yachts are participating along with various exhibitors and seminars.

Music will once again be provided by the Buffet cover band South of Disorder a show favorite. Visit the Wintrust display while you’re there to check out their offerings. What better way to spend a day or two at the Club!

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COMMODORE’S OPEN HOUSE

CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PARTY

29 Blinker | Spring 2018

NEW YEAR’S EVE

MAC AWARDS

POWER FLEET HOLIDAY PARTY

Blinker | Spring 2018

30

PINK PONY PARTY

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT

31 Blinker | Spring 2018

CHILI COOKOFF

ORANGE BOWL REGATTA

INTER-COMMITTEE CHALLENGE

ROSE BOWL REGATTA

Blinker | Spring 2018

32

HALLOWEEN PARTY

FUN FAVORITES

33 Blinker | Spring 2018

Blinker | Spring 2018

34

35 Blinker | Spring 2018