Blinker Fall 2018

FALL 2018

HIGH PERFORMANCE YOUTH CLINIC ON M32s

CYC Foundation Provides a New Level of Fun for Chicago Area Youth Sailors

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE CHICAGO REGATTA

Over $100,000 in donations raised in 2018!

WOW!

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Our members return each year as faithfully as the tides.

Situated on 2,500 acres of unspoiled paradise, Ocean Reef provides a long list of unsurpassed amenities to its Members including a 175-slip marina, two 18-hole golf courses, tennis facilities, state-of-the-art medical center, K-8 school, private airport and more.

There are only two ways to experience Ocean Reef Club’s Unique Way of Life – as a guest of a member or through the pages of Living magazine. Visit OceanReefClubMagazine.com or call 305.367.5921 to request your complimentary copy.

P R I VAT E • A U T H E N T I C • U N I Q U E

1 Blinker | Fall 2018

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

MANAGING EDITORS Sara Proctor Nicole Richardson

COMMODORE

From the Helm

5

Fall 2018

4

6

Getting to Know Gene McCarthy

Fresh Faces

Leif Sigmond

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS Nick Berberian Dan Burns Rob Cardenas Alina Dix Raymond Groble III Rick Lillie Greg Miarecki Eric Moore Robert Moorman Mike Platzke Amy Schwartz Leif Sigmond Laura Sigmond Nancy Snyder Jamie Sunderland Dustin Toale Tatia Torrey Jane Vartan

PHOTO/IMAGE CONTRIBUTORS Drew Malcom Ian Roman Onne van der Wal

ON THE COVER

Race to Mackinac Winners

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12 9

Annual Cruise

Don Wilson’s Convexity at the 2018 M32 Worlds Photo by Drew Malcom

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Membership

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WOW!

Verve Cup

Junior Sailing

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16 15

Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Cruise

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Associate Membership

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Have Passport…

Will Travel

Cruising Sail Fleet

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23 21 26 27 28 29 Foundation News

Chicago Regatta

Offshore Fleet

A Special Race to Mac

Race to Mac Recap

Race Committee

Dragonforce 65 Fleet

CY Scene

Blinker | Fall 2018

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chicagoyachtclub.org | (312) 861-7777

VISIT US! AT THE CHICAGO

BOAT SHOW FROM JANUARY 9 - 13 AT MCCORMICK PLACE! TWO LOCATIONS AT MONROE AND BELMONT HARBORS ON THE WATER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY SAILBOAT, PADDLE BOARD AND KAYAK RENTALS EXCLUSIVE FOR MEMBERS RECIPROCITY WITH 900 YACHT CLUBS NATIONWIDE

Follow us! @chicagoyachtclub

Make sure to check out our new booth location, #S100 near the power boat section.

3 Blinker | Fall 2018

EXTRA INCENTIVES TO JOIN BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS! Contact Membership Director, Emily Giaimo, membership@chicagoyachtclub.org | (312) 861-7761

2018 CHICAGO YACHT CLUB VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP FLAG OFFICERS Leif Sigmond, Commodore Lou Sandoval, Vice Commodore Nick Berberian, Rear Commodore Rick Lillie, Secretary Martin Sandoval, Treasurer

PAST COMMODORES Greg Miarecki Gerald Bober

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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

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, Carly Kirschner Communications Director, Sara Proctor 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, Melissa Harkenrider Dockmaster, John Porter

BELMONT STATION STAFF On the Water Director, Jay Kehoe Regatta Manager, Sydney Symons Keelboat Director & Belmont Dockmaster, Peter Hoglund Belmont Chef, Michael Ramos Belmont Dining Room Manager, Candace Towery Adult Sailing Education Director, Dave Gerber Belmont Administrator, Ellen Schwartz

From the Helm Dear Club Members and Race to Mackinac Participants: Before I took the helm of Chicago Yacht Club, Past Commodore Greg Miarecki told me that serving as Commodore is like sailing in 80 knots: There is no way to know what it’s like until you’ve done it yourself!

Greg couldn’t have been more accurate, and with just a few months to go in my second and final year as your Commodore, I find myself looking back with both fond memories and a few lingering regrets.

I suppose everyone in this position always thinks he or she could have done more with just a little more time, and I truly regret that we couldn’t wrap up every pending project before my term ends. Fortunately, Lou Sandoval and the 2019 Flag and Board are supremely talented and dedicated, and I have no doubt at all that they and their team will get the job done and represent the membership well. Along with our excellent staff, Lou and his team will continue to carry Chicago Yacht Club to a bigger and better future.

The fond memories will carry me along for some time; there is simply so much to be proud of here at CYC. Our members define the nature of our club, and so many of you have gone above and beyond your duties in order to provide outreach to the community and be good citizens. I’m massively proud of members across various fleets. For example, our Power and Cruising Sail Fleets provided on-water experiences for over FOUR HUNDRED individuals over the past year through their cruisers for Special Needs, Visually Impaired, PALS, Boys/Girls Club, Veterans, and SOS Children’s Villages. The Chicago Regatta Presented by Wintrust raised over $100,000 to benefit Comer Children’s Hospital, SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation. The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is doing amazing things for kids, with more programs this year than ever in history! And of course, our Learn-To-Sail Program and racing teams are as strong as ever.

Our members continue to shine in sailing events around the world, building Chicago Yacht Club’s international reputation with their remarkable feats. Members Stephanie Roble and Maggie Shea continue to march up the standings in the Sailing World Cup as they pursue the Tokyo 2020 Olympic berth. Member Taylor Canfield became one of just three sailors in history to win his fourth Congressional Cup, beating New York Yacht Club America’s Cup team leaders Dean Barker and Terry Hutchinson in the process. Our Optimist sailors are all over the world representing CYC: Peter Barnard, Christian Pendergast, and Annie Samis have filled more pages of their passports this year than most of us will do in a lifetime! Multiple members represented the club at the J/70 Worlds in Marblehead (Matt Clark, Mark Renz, Taylor Canfield, Jim Pendergast, Sarah Renz and Pam Rose), while Malcolm Lamphere continues to shine in the Laser Class with another win at the Laser Nationals. Chicago Yacht Club’s racers continue to be amongst the worlds best!

We’re also proud to be known as one of the world’s best racing venues, and 2018 was a busy year for major championships. The Beneteau 40.7, J/88, and Etchells fleets all sailed their North American Championships with CYC, while the ultra-high profile M32 Catamarans held a very successful 2018 World Championship at the Club. As I write this we are preparing to host the Farr 40 World Championship and later the champion of the prestigious US Match Race Championship will also be crowned at our club in 2018.

Cooler temperatures will descend on the Lake now, but the action inside heats right up! Our numerous Clubhouse activities typically sell out quickly, so be sure to make your reservations soon. All of our events are fun and exciting, including signature events like the CYC Honors Ceremony, Commodore’s Open House, Children’s Holiday Parties, Candlelight Dinner, and of course the always-popular New Year’s Eve celebration.

I’d like to thank all of our Club Volunteers and Staff for their incredibly hard work in 2018 and already doing the tough work of planning for 2019. Finally, I would like to thank my wife Laura for her tireless work at the Club. I am amazed at how much she and her team have accomplished. She is truly an amazing member of the Club and I have not thanked her enough!

It has been a huge privilege and one of the great honors of my life to serve this wonderful Club as your Commodore. I hope to see you all at the Club and on the water.

Respectfully,

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

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GETTING TO KNOW GENE Mc CARTHY Gene McCarthy…

Talk about a dedicated Race to Mackinac sailor!

by Jamie Sunderland

As a new sailor preparing for only my second CYC Race to

looking back behind the boat because they were sure he had

Mackinac, I sat down for a chat with Gene McCarthy to get a few

gone under.

stories from a sailor who had “just a little more experience” with the classic Great Lakes race. It seems to me that Gene has just about seen it all when it comes to Mac races. He first raced in 1953 and 63 races later he is still competing. He tells me his longest trip to the Island was in 1955. After a reasonable start, the winds on the lake simply stopped. They had run out of food and had to drink lake water to stay hydrated, finally arriving at 2:18pm on the Thursday - just over 121 hours after the start. In contrast, on his fastest race they arrived at 10pm on Sunday night.

He has had other hairy moments too. In one race his boat was knocked over only a mile or so from the start after an accidental jibe. With the mast in the water, the T-10 started quickly filling with water as it poured though the companionway, that is until the boom broke and a shackle on the spinnaker also broke allowing the boat to right itself. After bailing many buckets of water, the crew lashed a bunk rail to the boom to reinforce it and continued with the race – remarkably arriving at Point Betsy in 1st place.

They later hit some wind shear near Beaver Island and ended up

He remembers 1970 as a tough race. Gene raced with the Spanjer

finishing in 4th place… but an amazing achievement after such a

brothers on a boat called “esbro”. The winds blew up the Lake

disastrous start.

at hurricane force (more than 70 MPH) for over 6 hours and huge waves built as they sailed between North Manitou Island and Gray’s Reef. There were 11 crew onboard, but 8 became deathly seasick. It was left to the remaining 3 crew including Gene, Don Hagenow and Herman Van Mell (who were also not feeling well) to sail the last 12 hours to the Island. The proportion of boats that retired that year was even greater than the recent storms of 2017 with almost half of the fleet unable to finish. In all 89 boats finished, 82 withdrew.

Gene has also had some personally scary moments. He went overboard in one Mac Race, trying to tie a sail on the bowsprit when the bow dug in to a wave and Gene could not hold on. This was in the days before jacklines and tethers were common. He tumbled over the front of the boat, but fortunately wrapped his arm around one of the steel guys holding the bowsprit in place.

It took a good four or five waves before he could pull himself up enough to see the deck, but what he saw was his crewmates 5 Blinker | Fall 2018

Gene crewed on a number of boats from 1953 to 1973 then in 1974 he chartered a C&C 39 with Peter Thornton. In 1974 he bought his own boat, a Cal 40 and did the ‘Race to Mac’ for the first time as an owner. Three years later he bought a Tartan 10, the first of 5 T-10s he would end up owning over the next few decades. He has also owned or co-owned a number of other boats including a C&C 43, an Ericson 46, a Nelson Marek 68 “pororoca” nicknamed “the sled” and now an Ericson 35 named “Eleven” because it is the 11th offshore yacht he has owned.

This dedicated sailor had only missed two ‘Races to Mac’ since 1953, those being 1968 and 2017. He has also competed in 31 Port Huron Macs, two Pineapple cups (Miami to Montego Bay), four Star World Championships, and 17 SORCs in Florida.

Gene was inducted into the Lake Michigan Sailing Hall of Fame in 2014.

Sara Proctor, Communications Director Originally from Howell, Michigan, Sara Proctor joined the staff of Chicago Yacht Club as the new Communications Director in September. Graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2005 with a BFA in Fine Arts, she has spent the last several years in various marketing and graphic design roles, most recently as the Marketing Director of a private jet sales and acquisitions firm based out of Annapolis, MD. Founding Sailfastphoto.com in 2010, Proctor has built a small business offering high quality regatta and event photography for dozens of racing teams, sailmakers, and maritime related businesses, and also served as the Farr 40 Class official Photographer and social media strategist from 2012-2017. Sara and her dog Fish are very excited to be here in Chicago.

Michael Ramos, Belmont Chef Chef Michael graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago in 2006 and shortly after began working as a Line Cook at Chicago Yacht Club, Belmont Harbor. In the following 12 years he continued to hone his Culinary skills under the leadership of previous Chefs, John Cummings & Jill Dedinsky. As a child, Michael developed his passion for the Culinary Arts as he cooked alongside his Mother preparing meals for his family. Starting a new chapter at Chicago Yacht Club, Michael is honored and excitedly looks forward to share his passion and continue to provide an exceptional dining experience for all members.

Sydney Symons, Regatta Manager Sydney was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. She graduated from Loyola Chicago with a degree in Environmental Science. Her passion for the environment has led her to intern at several conservation-based non-profits, including Food and Water Watch and Earth Share. Her love for the water began when she was young and led her to a job at Columbia Yacht Club. There, she learned how to sail and has since move to Chicago Yacht Club to focus on the racing side of sailing. She is excited to work alongside Race Committee and the rest of the On The Water staff.

Sarah Sullivan, Sailing Programs Coordinator Sarah Sullivan, joined Chicago Yacht Club in June of this year. A Chicago native, Sarah’s history with CYC began as a youth attending sailing school in the 70’s training in Flying Juniors. She graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep followed by Loyola University of Chicago. After a 25year career in the elder health care industry, Sarah hung up her suit coats to focus more on her family and wellness. Sarah is a Wellness Advisor teaching natural solutions for optimal health, a certified yoga instructor, and an avid stand up paddler. As the Sailing Programs Coordinator, Sarah brings her multitude of talents and experience to CYC working with the Sailing Director and On the Water Director to support all our youth programs throughout the year.

Candace Towery, Hospitality Candace recently moved to Chicago and began working with the Chicago Yacht Club in August.

She is from Joliet, IL, but moved to Chicago from Bloomington, IL after finishing her B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Illinois Wesleyan University. After a seven-month stint working for the City of Bloomington, she realized hospitality is her calling. While in college, she worked for a sushi and hibachi restaurant, although she has been in the restaurant industry since she was 16.

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JOINT MEMBERSHIP Joint Membership Off to a Strong Start We are very pleased to publish this list of 136 Regular and Associate Members and their spouses who are now Joint Members. The result has been as hoped with Joint Members now sponsoring and endorsing new members, offering their expertise to standing committees and taking time to share their vision with the Nominating Committee. Further, our Joint Members are continuing to volunteer for the 25 or more acting committees, as they have so generously done before. The increased engagement already shown and feelings of inclusion and mutual participation expressed are deepening friendships, making your club a more inviting place to belong.

To our Joint Members, a big thank you!

Rick Lillie

Secretary Membership Chair

William Abbott and Jeffrey Pelch

Peter and Nancy Dreher

William and Stephanie Loux

Bob and Margaret Rainone

Lee and Anne Edwards

Dwain and Lydia Lutzow

Sarah and Mark Renz

David and Megan Ainley

Byron and Lisa Ehrhart

Sean and Kristin Mackey

Lou and Sharon Rosenthal

Daniel and Sherese Armstrong

Kyle and Karen Ewing

Nicholas and Lauren Manusos

Ivan and Lynne Sagel

John and Nancy Arnold

Tom and Mary Falck

Pat and Nancy Marek

Steve and Trish Salk

Gregg and Debra Baldwin

William and Viviana Fanizzo

Laura and Tone Martin

Lou and Sonia Sandoval

Bonnie and Wayne Barski

Darin and Chelli Farcer

Rob and Cheryl Martucci

Martin and Diana Sandoval

Jeffrey and Susan Barton

Gary and Patti Feracota

John and Monica Masters

Randall and Kristin Schmidt

Simon and Vicki Beemsterbeer

Dave and Robin Finlay

Gene and Mary McCarthy

Jason and Carol Shilson

Donald and Linda Bensing

Ian and Gayle Fisher

Paul and Jennifer McCarthy

Leif and Laura Sigmond

Rob and Tina Benson

Carol and Robert Foley

Jeffrey and Louise McClimans

Scott and Stevie Sims

Nicholas and Nancy Berberian

Kevin and Diane Foote

Kevin and Angela Mehaffey

Vitaly and Elena Slobodsky

Richard and Cheryl Bischoff

Leonard and Karen Franks

Stanley and Barbara Mehaffey

Mike and Cynthia Smith

John Blackburn and William Gilmer

Michael and Allison Frerker

Laurens and Marilyn Mets

Timothy and Nancy Snyder

Thomas and Ginny Blasco

Stephanie and Mark Gaffin

Jamie and Megan Sunderland

Matthew and Emmy Gallagher

Greg Miarecki and Dr. Chris Albanis

Douglas and Linda Gifford

Jeffrey and Rose Mills

Chris and Noelle Thomas

Barry and Juraine Golin

George and Maureen Miz

Derek and Tatia Torrey

Fred and Beth Gorr

Eric and Marcia Moore

Ted and Whitney Towey

Kevin and Theresa Grant

Avraham and Rachel Mor

Alan and Lisa Haag

William and Amy Moster

Stuart and MarrGwen Townsend

Tom and Lisa Haenish

Jay and Cynthia Muller

Ben and Stephanie Van Vlerah

Frederick Hagedorn and Sarah Alger

James and Kate Murray

Gentre and Dot Vartan

Elizabeth and John Newman

Walter and Jane Vartan

David Hampe and Kathleen Capodice

Kelly and Jason Newton Ken Nordine and Janice Dale

Charles and Catherine Walgreen

Rob and Donna Hannah

Thomas and Mary O’Grady

Thatcher and Ellen Waller

Richard and Bess Gallanis Hayes

Thomas and Barbara O’Laughlin

Kent and Aimee Webster

Bruce and Jill Danly David and Patricia Daul

Ted and Carla Carstens Herr

Paulo and Daniela Oliviera

Lars and Felicia Wilhelm

Meta and Raphael Dawson

Ted Jones and Alice Martin

Raymond and Marcella Oral

Todd and Sarah Woelfl

Charles DeGraff and Joy Hajduk-DeGraff

Martin and Beena Joseph

Andrew and Shannon Page

David and Connie Yavitz

Michael and Kate Kennedy

John Day and Alison Hebling

Mark and Cora Passis

Richard and Joan White

Shaun and Bernadett Kim

Leon and Carol Delano

George and Ruth Pecherek

Kelly and Jesse Newton

Adriana and Jeremy Kissel

Thomas and Dina Demetrio

Mark and Susan Phelps

Dave and Laura Zeher

John and Jordan Leahey

Marty and Joan Dorow

Michael and Felicia Platzke

Jeffrey and Anne Levin

David and Robyn Radomski

Laura Zeman Martin and Tone Martin

William and Jude Bloom Gerald and Sandra Bober John and Tracy Bodenmann Karl and Amanda Brummel Jack and John Butler Sean and Rebekah Chatburn Anthony and Janet Close Daniel and Phyllis Collins Jeremiah and Nancy Connolly Colleen Coyle and Chris Economos Brian and Christine Crabb

7 Blinker | Fall 2018

Robert and BJ Taylor

Jane Westerhold and Ken Cull

NEW MEMBERS REGULAR

Nawaf Bitar

Ralph Blust

Thomas Dickson

Mark Eldred

Mattias Eriksson

Scott Etzler

Paul Foster

Donald Funk

John Kauffman

Robert Lueders

David Neenan

Edward Pagella

Scott Rickey

Frank Riordan

Maggie Zellers

Jennifer Babchuk

Steve Jacobs

Luke LeCoche

Sean Liu

Krystle Senires

Andrew Sims

CIO, Citadel Securities, LLC Spouse: Susan Sponsor: BJ Taylor Fleet: Power Boat: Nebula Harbor: Belmont

President, Etzler Consulting Spouse: Rebecca Sponsor: William Zeiller

Executive Vice President, International at Transunion Spouse: Criona Sponsor: Mike Newman Fleet: Race Boat: REALT NA MARA Harbor: Monroe

Insureon Spouse: JoAnn Favia Sponsor: David Hampe Fleet: Power Boat: Relentless Harbor: DuSable

President, PHF Enterprises Significant Other: Jan Keto Sponsor: Ray Groble Fleet: Power Boat: Kimosabe Harbor: New Buffalo, MI

President, Health Connection of Illinois Spouse: Michelle Sponsor: Trish Salk Fleet: Power Boat: Black Hawk Harbor: Harborside Marina

Owner, Pro Sports Marketing Spouse: Kristine Sponsor: Cdre. Greg Miarecki Fleet: Race Boat: Warlock Harbor: Montrose

Owner at Midwest Seed Spouse: Abby Sponsor: Peggy Snorf Fleet: Power Boat: Bright Star Harbor: Burnham

VP Base Maintenence, United Airlines Spouse: Gabriella Sponsor: Matt Gallagher

Managing Director, BDT Capital Spouse: Christine Sponsor: William Zeiller

Director, Auditing at CME Group Spouse: Sandy Curtiss Fleet: Power Boat Name: More Stuff Harbor: Belmont

Senior Vice President, HERE Spouse: Maria Sundqvist Sponsor: Gary Feracota Fleet: Power Boat: Allusion Harbor: 31st Street

President, Sunnyside Corporation Sponsor: Carl Salerno Fleet: Power Boat: Polaris Harbor: 31st Street

Founder/CEO at DMC, Inc. Spouse: Maureen Sponsor: Mark Weglarz Fleet: Power Boat Name: Riptide II Harbor: Belmont

Partner at Deloitte Spouse: Larry Salus Sponsor: Carrie Falkenhayn Fleet: Power Boat Name: It’s Deductible Harbor: Montrose

ASSOCIATE

David Alldian, Jr. Analyst at Stout Sponsor: Jeff Janicek

Matthew Lohr

Associate, Global Economics Group Sponsor: Mike Shields

Partner at Concitor Significant Other: Hannah Kasperzak Sponsor: Jeff Mills

Credit Risk Data Analyst, CIBC Sponsor: Cindy Boynton

VP Consultant, Charles Schwab & Co. Sponsor: Graham Sauser

Business Development Rep., Axiom Global Sponsor: Chuck Lampehere

Hannah Pustejovsky

Kristin Schultes

Kyle Stenzel

Robbie Stone

Michael Varraveto

President, Spring Brook Marina Sponsor: Ed Falkenhayn

Associate at Allstate Sponsor: Charles Cable

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Theodore Donnelley Caroline McClain Tristan Tucker

Program Expert, Government Sponsor: Ted Jones

Senior Business Project Manager, Deloitte Tax LLP Sponsor: Suzy Phelps

Physician, Riverside Medical Center Spouse: Dennis Sponsor: Amy Schwartz

Financial Advisor, William Blair Sponsor: CByron Ehrhart Fleet: Power Boat: Sea Flat Harbor: Diversey

Consultant at Deloitte Sponsor: Peter Roehmholdt

Regular to Vet I Robert Athey Elizabeth Barrett Glen Gordon Charles Lamb

VETERAN TRANSFERS

Veteran I - II William Schnell

Veteran II-III Commodore Leon Delano, Jr.

Blinker | Fall 2018

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11 Blinker | Fall 2018

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Successful Year for Chicago Verve Cup The Verve Cup had another successful year following the 2017 25th anniversary with 126 boats participating between the distance, offshore and inshore races. Boats came across the country for the J/88 North Americans, and some traveled internationally for the Farr 40 Worlds warm up. A special thanks to the J/24 and Etchells for traveling into town for the inshore Verve.

On top of running great on the water racing, the Verve Committee focused on off the water activities. That included events for the Farr 40s and J/88s up at Belmont, a new layout for the Verve Village at Monroe, and a taco menu for Saturday night.

Another focus for 2018 was to make the Verve Cup a more “green” regatta. To help reduce the amount of plastic used, Skyway Yacht Works sponsored reusable cups for the daily free poor. Plastic straws were reduced too by only providing them to those who requested a straw rather than including one in each drink.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors for this years successful regatta: Mt. Gay, Heineken, Gill/Team1 Newport, Luc

By Rob Cardenas

Bel-Aire Champagne, SkyWay Yacht Works, Quantum Sails, and of course Yeti for all of the great prizes for our winners!

As always, it was a very competitive regatta. Congratulations to all the winners and to the Beneteau 36.7 fleet for winning the first ever Elite Fleet award.

• • •

Offshore Verve Cup: Program - Earle and Kara Atwater (Beneteau 36.7) Beneteau 36.7 fleet for winning the first ever Elite Fleet award.

Distance Winner: Eleven-Gene McCarthy (Ericson 35)

The Verve Cup would not be as successful if it weren’t for the help from Race Committee, CYC Staff and our sponsors.

Be sure to save the dates for the 2019 Offshore Verve August 9-11 and Inshore Verve August 23-25. Also, the Verve Committee is always looking volunteers. If you would like to help with 2019 Verve Cup, please contact Rob Cardenas at cardenrc@gmail.com.

DIVISION

NUMBER

BOAT NAME

CAPTAINS’ NAMES

DIVISION

NUMBER

BOAT NAME

CAPTAINS’ NAMES

J80 North American Championship

USA 27

Hijinks

Laura Weyler

J105

USA 673

The Asylum

Jon Weglarz

USA 21

Banter

Ben Marden

USA 104

Vytis

Gyt Petkus

USA 35

Yonder

Douglas Newhouse

USA 404

DSealark

Clark Pellet

Farr 40

USA 60059

Plenty

Alex Roepers

USA 408

Convergence

Don Wilson

ITA 29141

Enfant Terrible

Alberto Rossi

USA 30475

Erica

Brian Kaczor

USA 60002

Flash Gordon 6

Helmut & Evan Jahn

USA 404

Diamond Girl

Amy & Rick Cermak

USA 368

Callisto

Jim Murray

USA 1313

Program

Earle & Kara Atwater

USA 310

Blackfin

Keith Eickenberg

USA 235

Tequila Mockingbird

Chris Duhon

USA 270

Vanda III

Jack & Jim Toliver

USA 60310

Soulshine

Jarrett Altmin

USA 47

Rowdy

Richard Witzel

USA 56810

Archimedes III

Joe Hummel

USA 115

Skeleton Key

Peter Wagner

USA 42934

Whisper

Thomas Barnes

USA 90

Utah

Bradley Faber

USA 1300

Alpha Puppy

USA 404

Mojo

Gary Powell/Scot Ruhlander

Dire Wolf

iD35

Jeff Janicek

USA 51377

Vayu

Ron Buzil

USA 39530

Hiwassee

Farr 395

Ian Fisher

GER 1979

Turning Point

David Hardy

Verve Distance Racing— ORR1

USA 35035

USA 60009

Badge

Beneteau First 40

Daniel Koules

USA 8955

Merlin

Chip Martin

USA 16615

Eleven

Ericson 35

Gene McCarthy

USA 38006

Eagle

Shawn & Jerry O’Neill

USA 97350

Free Agent

Shock 35

Miles DePaepe

USA 46892

Skye

Jeff & Jane Hoswell

Verve Distance Racing— ORR2

USA 6649

Providence

Ericson

Jerry & Greg Miarecki

Verve Distance Racing— PHRF Division

USA 131

Lucy

Melges 32

Jeremy Alexis

USA 52039

Jahazi

J120

Frank Giampoli

USA 50498

big meanie

Beneteau 42s7

James Prendergast

J109

J111

Beneteau First 40.7

ORR 1

Tartan 10

Beneteau First 36.7

ORR2

Rick Stage

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WOW! Time Flies When

You Are Having Fun

By Laura Sigmond I can’t believe that it has been almost two years since I was

themed happy hours and karaoke, the Makeup extravaganza,

first given the honor to Chair the Women’s Committee. There

networking and fundraising, and a beautiful sunset cruise.

have been many outstanding women who have come before me and there will many more to follow.

As the end of the year approaches I look back at all the wonderful times and countless hours I have spent at Chicago Yacht Club.

I’ve enjoyed many unforgettable times. Times full of fun, learning, laughter and excitement. I have come to meet and know many of you.

As I look back, I’m sure I could have done some things better, but I could not have done any of these or shared my interest

In these two years my work with the Women’s Committee

and passions with you, if it had not been for the incredible

has been focused on building and sustaining women’s

support of the Women’s Committee and Flag.

engagement in Chicago Yacht Club. The Committee has kept its commitment to providing a mix of educational and social happenings that align with the interest of the Women of Chicago Yacht Club.

The calendar scheduled with plenty of weekly dates on and off the water including, but not limited to: a women’s sailing program (WOW), cooking in the kitchen with Chef Larry,

13 Blinker | Fall 2018

I thank the Women’s Committee for believing in my ideas, for Chicago Yacht Club for giving me this opportunity and all of you for being a part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Laura Sigmond

Annual Cruise to Hammond, Indiana

By Nick Berberian All Fleets participated in this year’s Annual Cruise which was held on July 6-8 in Hammond, Indiana in conjunction with their Venetian Night. There was something for everyone during this fun-filled weekend.

The festivities started off with over a hundred people attending an all Club Dock Party at Monroe on Friday night with live music and fabulous food from Chef Larry.

On Saturday, the party moved to Hammond with a whole array of different ways for sailors, power boaters, and land cruisers to get there.

Sailors could either cruise down or decide to participate in the Gold Star Regatta to compete for the Hamilton Club Trophy, which this year was won by Defiance owned by Dale Smirl.

Power Boaters could also elect to participate in a Predicted Log during their cruise down. The winners of this year’s Predicted Log were Nick and Nancy Berberian, with second place going to Ed and Carrie Falkenhayn, and third place going to Stewart and Evelyn Pinsof.

The folks at Hammond Yacht Club who greeted all of us on Saturday could not have been more welcoming. After providing a wonderful buffet dinner for about fifty of us, we all joined in the Venetian Night activities centered in the harbor that included live bands, food trucks, and fabulous fireworks. Fun was had by all!

The next morning, we returned just a bit weary to the Hammond Yacht Club for a hearty breakfast and more mingling before making our way home. The clear consensus was “Let’s do this again next year!”

Blinker | Fall 2018

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Wrapping Up a Highly Successful Summer Season CYC Junior Sailing Program is in full swing this fall.

In addition to our summer program and racing schedule, CYC introduced a new program over the summer called Adventure Boating. This program is intended to get kids on the water and introduced to boating skills. The program introduces sailing and power boating, provides an overview of unique aspects of boating in Chicago like the Crib and the Locks and teaches basic safety and navigation skills. The program was completely full in its first season, with two sessions of 20 kids and we look to double the size of the program next summer to bring more exposure to boating in Chicago with CYC. The biggest news coming out of summer and heading into the fall program is that our racing program continues to grow.

Our High School program is flourishing. This fall we introduced a 5-day practice schedule to ensure the sailors are spending more time on the water. This fall season we added twenty one brand new 420Es, bringing our total fleet to thirty three 420s; allowing for sixty six sailors to be on the water at any time.

Our 5-day a week practice schedule hosts Junior Varsity practice on Mondays and Wednesdays and Varsity practice on Tuesday and Thursdays. On Fridays we host team racing and the teams have the opportunity to compete in regattas almost every weekend through the fall season.

15 Blinker | Fall 2018

By Tatia Torrey

We have already seen success this fall with Owen Patterson of Walter Payton and Nick Chambers from Latin advancing to the Cressy Single Handed High School Championships. We also have had a freshman, Jack Baldwin, from St. Ignatius win the Radial division to advance to the Cressy Single Handed High School Championship.

CYC has 5 Schools participating in the program: St Ignatius, Walter Payton, Latin, New Trier and Hinsdale Central. We also sponsor the Navy Rickover program through the CYC Foundation with practices on Wednesday and Fridays.

CYC is hosting several regattas through the fall, including the Midwest Interscholastic Sailing Association Girls Championship, where St. Ignatius advanced to the Girls High School National Championship in San Diego in November.

Our High School program wraps up the second weekend in November, following the Great Lakes Championship also hosted at CYC. We then look forward to an excellent winter schedule with twelve 420s, 8-12 Opti’s and Laser fleets already committed for Orange Bowl in December.

Associate Membership Thrives in 2018

By Dustin Toale

With the 2018 boating season coming to a close, the CYC Associate Membership is excited to have welcomed 23 new associate members so far this year. With these new additions, the associate membership is now 162 strong, a thriving group of membership within the club! However, it is often misunderstood who these 162 members are, so here is a breakdown:

Associate members are any member between the ages of 21 and 40, regardless of boat ownership. Within the membership, 36 have a boat registered with the club, made up of 21 power and 15 sail. Over the years, the Associate membership has been growing by close to 40 members a year, totaling over 30% of all new members in recent years and growing.

The associate membership, led by the Associate’s Committee, is chaired by Abby Artig and vice-chaired by Dustin Toale. The committee is responsible for recruiting, maintaining and integrating their membership through events, outreach, philanthropy and volunteering. Most notably, the Associates Committee hosts the Big Kahuna Party, Smelt Party, Tacky Sweater Party, Pink Pony Party, and more. But do not be fooled, any event hosted by the Associates Committee is always opened to the entire club membership!

Blinker | Fall 2018

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Looking back

at the 2018 CSF Summer Season By Eric Moore

Living up to its heritage, the Cruising Sail Fleet of course went on

As for upcoming events, we have our Year End Celebration on

a few cruises this year. Our first was up to Kenosha for its farmers

Saturday, October 27th. To honor our volunteers, our top three

market / art fair, museums and lighthouse tours. We topped

finishers of the Ladies’ Skipper Race, as well as celebrating

the event off Saturday night at the famous Hob Nob restaurant

another great cruising season. Lastly, we have our Christmas

overlooking beautiful lake Michigan. Our second major cruise

party on Saturday, December 1st.

was over to Holland, MI where Carol and Don Wolniak organized a beautiful weekend of events- not the easiest to do when the town is 5 miles from the harbor!

In closing, a special thank you goes out to my Vice Chair, Tom Falck and his wife Mary, for all their dedication to the Cruising Sail Fleet during these past two years of my chairmanship. Thank you.

Besides cruising, yes, the Cruising Sail Fleet does do some racing.

For the Ladies’ Skipper Race this year we changed things up by moving the event to the day before Fleet Review and opened the event up to boats outside of the Fleet. These changes brought approximately 3 times the boats to the line as compared to previous years. Thank you, Lydia Lutzow, for chairing.

The Cruising Sail Fleet held two charity events this year. The first being the PAL’s cruise in which kids with Downs Syndrome get the opportunity to be on the water. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for a sail, however, the kids still met at the club for camaraderie and dinner. A total of 90 kids and counselors participated; a thank you to Lars Wilhelm for chairing this event.

Our next charity cruise was for the foster kids and parents of the SOS Children Village. I want to thank my wife Marcia for planning a great event for the kids. Also, a huge thank you to Jerry Bober and the CYC Foundation for supplying dinner and a CYC Foundation hat for each participant of both charity cruises held.

The hats were a huge hit.

Blinker | Fall 2018

18

Chicago Yacht Club Hosts Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Youth Cruise

By Robert Moorman

For the second time in many months the Chicago Yacht Club hosted young adults from the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.

These young adults come to Chicago for a weeklong immersion experience where they learn to navigate their way in unfamiliar surroundings. Halfway through their training week, they were treated to lunch by the CHICAGO YACHT CLUB Foundation followed by a two-hour cruise along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront on Lake Michigan.

Lisowski), and Once Again (Evelyn and Stewart Pinsot) for hosting the kids on their yachts (and even letting them drive!), and to Past Commodore Gerald Bober and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation for providing a wonderful lunch to everyone along with the very cool CYC Foundation baseball style caps. The kids loved ‘em!!! Thank you also to boat hosts/ escorts Lauren Manusos, Lloyd Sargent, and Christi and Ray Meyer that rallied and coordinated the kids. Finally, thank you to the entire club staff that pulled everything together including Dockmaster John Porter, Design & Communications

This time around the kids were also treated to tours of three

Specialist Nicole Richardson and Catering Director Carly

vessels that keep the boating community safe on the water.

Kirschner along with her team of experts, such as club famous

The Chicago Police Department was on site with Marine

customer service expert Ernie, as well as many other staff

#2, along with the Chicago Fire Department’s big fireboat,

members that worked to make this a special and memorable

the Christopher Wheatley, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s large

day for these kids! Thank you all!!!

rescue fast boat. After touring these vessels and checking out their lights, horns and sirens while enjoying Chicago Yacht Club ‘s world famous burgers on the patio, the flotilla of boats set sail from Monroe Harbor under ideal conditions (sunny, 78 degrees F) on a two-hour cruise.

The kids really enjoyed the Chicago Yacht Club’s hospitality and the ability to board the three vessels that came together on our dock to add a special feel and excitement to this day and regarded it as the highlight of their visit to Chicago! Thank you again to all who made this awesome experience possible

Many thanks to the CPD, and the USCG for their support in

and to Shelle Hamer, Director of the Chicago Lighthouse for

making this a great day for these kids, to the Captains and

the Blind, for your help in coordinating this event.

crew of Lakehouse (Ed Falkenhayn), Mirage (Walter “Sonny” 19 Blinker | Fall 2018

Have Passport…

Will Travel

By Alina Dix

It all started mid-May with the Vice Admiral’s Cup in Cowes,

After a week in Italy, it was back to the UK. Thankfully, I

UK. It was your typical 3-day regatta with multiple race

didn’t roll immediately into another regatta, but instead

circles of keel boats. An atypical aspect of this event, for

got to explore Southampton, Portsmouth, and London.

me, was the tide. You don’t appreciate Lake Michigan until

However, my tourist excursions were short lived and it was

you’ve traveled to where the tide can rise and fall several

time for another weeklong regatta.

feet over an hour! As pin boat and markset, it was a drastic learning curve to always have extra line handy for the buoys.

The IRC European Championship was a challenging week for both race management and competitors. We had days

After that first weekend, there was no downtime and I was

with gale-force breezes and those with none. Current and

off to Lake Garda, Italy for the GC32 World Championship. If

tide changes were constant influencers in course setup.

you’re unfamiliar with the GC32, the boat is modeled after

However, we always got the course set! In the end, it was a

the foiling America’s Cup catamarans. However, at only 32

phenomenal event that undeniably tested everyone’s skillset.

feet and with a larger foil system, these boats are more stable when foiling and able to foil in lighter wind conditions. The

And after a whirlwind five weeks, I was back in Chicago.

event was simply amazing!

Blinker | Fall 2018

20

High Performance Youth Clinic on M32s A first for the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation

By Jane Vartan and Raymond Groble III participated in trimming the sails and steering the M32. Each participant was in control and getting a full ride, which is something most amateur sailors never get to experience.

They sailed at speeds five times greater than their 420 sailboats usually go!

Alighting from the boat, Izzy Cox exclaimed, “I can’t stop smiling – I really can’t. I drove it, which was exciting because people on my team usually don’t let me drive 420s. I was told I reached the top speed of 23 knots.” Noah Barton talked about the ride, “The boat was very fast and I got to drive it Your CYC Foundation directors are always leaning forward to accomplish their mission of promoting the nautical arts to youth in the Chicago area. Directors Raymond Groble and Michael Belsley identified a possibility and put together a Clinic that would give youth the opportunity to ride on, crew, and steer an M32 high performance catamaran. Only a limited number could participate, so in order to choose 16 enthusiastic youth sailors from the area, Misters Groble

and it was really responsive. I thought it would be scary when I was driving, but I felt more in control than I expected I would be. It was a really neat experience with a group of super good sailors.” Alexis Chigas said, “It is really cool to be out there especially in these conditions were you are flying really fast, healing and down, controlling lines and center board was really fun. It was such an amazing experience, the coach and crew were great at answering questions.”

and Belsley asked those interested to write a short essay

Coach Sally Barkow, who guided the clinic participants

about why they were a good fit for this clinic and what they

through the process said, “We are giving these sailors

expected to get out of it. The content of the essays were

experience with what these boats are all about.” The

evaluated and sailors were chosen. They included youth

eminently qualified clinic coach was Sally Barkow, assisted

from sailing programs at the Chicago Yacht Club, Columbia

by crew Elodie Mettraux. Sally sailed in the 2012 Volvo Ocean

Yacht Club, Sheridan Shores Yacht Club, and the Lake Forest

Race with SCA, an all-women team, and in the 2017 Volvo

Sailing School.

Ocean Race with Team Brunel. Sally was the Collegiate

Prior to the start of the clinic, as the sailors suited up in foul weather gear, the air was almost palpable with excitement from the clinic participants. Seamus Scott commented, “This is a once in a blue moon opportunity which requires more strength than the boats I am used to sailing.” Caroline Sandoval said, “I am expecting windy conditions and it will be really exciting.”

The youth sailors enjoyed the breezy and wet conditions, and saw boat speeds in excess of 20 knots. All of the sailors 21 Blinker | Fall 2018

Women’s National Champion and a three-time All American at Old Dominion University, the US Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year in 2005 and 2007, and Women’s Match Racing World Champion in 2004 and 2005. Elodie Mettraux is a Swiss native who also sailed in the last two editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, has competed in the Tour de France a la Voile, and currently sails the M32 circuit.

The experience brought a new level of fun to sailing for Chicago area youth sailors, and gave all of them a goal to which they can aspire.

Your Chicago Yacht Club Foundation sponsored and supported nautical activities for youth this summer.

Here is a ‘snapshot’ of some of those events.

SOS Foster Children Village with the Cruising Sail Fleet took 40 people for a sail.

PALS Handicapped Cruise with the CYC Cruising Sail Fleet provided a unique experience for 60 people.

Vision Impaired Youth with the CYC Power Fleet put 25 young people on the water, most for the first time.

Boys & Girls Club with the CYC Power Fleet provided 90 youth with an opportunity to be on the water.

Special Needs Cruise with the CYC Power Fleet filled the patio with 125 people who enjoyed lunch and a boat ride.

Inland Seas Voyage gave eight girls getting hands-on experience and experiential learning activities over five days, sailing aboard a traditionally rigged tall ship schooner in Lake Michigan.

Neill Advanced Sailing Clinic challenged 56 accomplished high school sailors with intense, high quality sailing instruction by top collegiate coaches.

Blinker | Fall 2018

22

Another Successful Year for the Chicago Regatta

By Greg Miarecki

Can Chicago Yacht Club host a major regatta, have to cancel virtually all of it due to weather, and still have it be a success? YES! On September 8, the Club hosted the Chicago Regatta, presented by Wintrust. Forecast conditions called for 30 knot winds and 12-foot waves, forcing cancellation of most on-water events. The only on-water activity came from the Club’s growing Dragon Force 65 fleet managed to complete six races inside the Monroe Harbor breakwater.

After racing concluded, the Club hosted a Sweet Home Chicago Dock Party, which featured great food, a rocking blues band, and a silent auction. More than 300 members and guests attended the event, representing boats of all kinds. Chef Larry and the Club staff put together a fantastic spread, and all were treated to some spectacular blues tunes, with fellow Club member Gary Feracota taking the lead on the vocals. Feracota also serves as President of the Pinnacle Foundation, a major Chicago Regatta sponsor.

Why was it a success? Despite the adverse conditions,

presenting sponsor, as well as the Club’s Women’s

this event generated more than $100,000 in donations,

Committee and Power Fleet Committee, which played a

benefitting our three Chicago Regatta charities -- University

leading role in raising funds for all three Chicago Regatta

of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, SOS

charities. The Club’s Cruising Sail Fleet also played a major

Children’s Villages Illinois, and the Chicago Yacht Club

role this year, hosting a “pre-event” on Thursday, August

Foundation. Special thanks go to Wintrust, the event’s

30th, for 30 kids at SOS Illinois Villages. Our guests from SOS enjoyed dinner at the Club, courtesy of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, hosted by CSF skippers.

We hope to see you at next year’s Chicago Regatta. And with some good weather, we’re looking to raise the bar in 2019!

23 Blinker | Fall 2018

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Blinker | Fall 2018

24

Offshore Fleet Junior Nav Race

By Mike Platzke

It was a busy and successful year for the Offshore Fleet, one

A second Crew Finder Meet & Greet in August showcased

that kicked off with the Crew Finder Meet & Greet on March 4th.

CYC members Kevin and Raymond Teborek discussing their

Over 125 people showed up for the Spring edition of this event,

Chicago-Mackinac Trophy win.

which was orchestrated by committee member Rick Reed.

Perry Lewis of North Sails gave a lecture on Heavy Weather Sailing and skippers and crew had an opportunity to connect.

Both editions of the season-long Offshore Championship came down to the final regatta of the series, the Sheldon Clark. Rough sea state threatened to make it a tough day,

Starting in May, the Skyline Series kicked off at both

but PRO Rick Lillie and his race committee waited through

Monroe and Belmont stations. Monroe did their customary

a few postponements and came out with a first class event.

combined racing with Columbia Yacht Club, managing 14

Flash Gordon 6 was the overall winner in the buoy series

evenings on the water, and extended the season with a

and Dire Wolf came out on top in the distance series. Racers

Lighthouse start. Belmont mostly did the windward-leeward

wrapped up a great day of racing by partying into the night at

course outside of Belmont harbor in addition to 3 evenings

the Big Kahuna party.

racing on the Corinthian circle. Racing wraps up at both stations at the end of September.

The season will wrap up on Saturday, November 17 with the Offshore and RYF Awards Dinner at Belmont Station. Offshore

The NOOD Regatta in June was a highlight of the racing

Championship series winners will receive their blue blazers and

season with 140+ boats and tight competition. Kashmir from

the top five buoy and distance racers will receive flags. Keep an

the J/111 class was judged the overall winner, congratulations

eye on Dock Lines for notice that registration has opened.

to CYC members Karl Brummel and Mike Mayer.

Meanwhile, the committee will be meeting starting in

July brought the Hamilton Cup, won by Dale Smirl and

October to plan the 2019 Offshore Fleet sailing season.

the crew of Defiance, and which was held this year in

Please feel free to contact Committee Chair Michael Platzke

conjunction with the Gold Star regatta and the annual cruise.

(michael.platzke@gmail.com) with any suggestions for the

And in August, 16 juniors had the chance to flex their big boat

2019 season.

muscles in the Commodore’s Cup Junior Night Navigation race. Liam McClimans and Ryan Bening came out on top on Past Commodore’s Greg Miarecki’s boat, Providence.

25 Blinker | Fall 2018

A SPECIAL RACE TO MAC ds.

By Rick Lillie

All members. All frien

Part of being a skipper is the recruiting, selection and

the north, fog, heavy seas, rain; a recipe for seasickness, fatigue

training of crew. Family, friends, Facebook, Crew U and

and mechanical issues. The crew sailed competitively and

Wednesday Beercan participants are familiar sources.

successfully finished the race, even towing a follow competitor to

When found, some participate for many years while some

docking after finishing the race.

last barely a season. Our T-10 Water Works had the unusual additional dimension this year of being an all Chicago Yacht Club member crew. We did not engineer it to be so but the confluence of racing interest, a high level of participation in club activities and club-based friendships were catalytic, leading to this highly enjoyable outcome and a truly memorable Race to Mac. Fellow Chicago Yacht Club members on the crew consisted of: Rob Cardenas who chairs the Keelboat Committee, serves as Verve Vice Chairman and on Associates Committee; Elizabeth Wolniakowski who serves on Keelboat and

While the race is the backdrop of this story, the real story

Membership Committees; Skip Harsch who serves in Crew U

has to do with inspiring others to: learn new skills, develop a

and Entertainment Committee; Adam Daniels who serves on

sense of teamwork and become involved in their community

Keelboat Committee; Mike Shields who serves on Crew U, and

with a sense of selflessness and a desire to see others

Verve Committee; Emily O’Connor who serves on Crew U and

succeed. It is with heart and soul that Water Works has

won the 2018 Ladies’ Skipper Race; and Rick Lillie who serves

welcomed many onto her deck and into her cabin to explore

on Crew U and Membership Committee. All Water Works crew

their passion for racing.

have also served on Race Committee as marksetters, boat drivers or Race Officer. Ground support this year came from Mary Ann Lillie who, after 21 Mac races, stepped aside for a younger member to sail their first Race to Mac.

There is never a requirement that a crewmate join the club as a member; however, encouraging someone to join a community in their own right is an act of empowerment.

The Chicago Yacht Club is rich in tradition and deep in its

Water Works was especially determined to finish the Race to Mac

breadth of opportunity for those wanting to race. Having

this year, after having retired before finishing in the last two years

a crew of all Chicago Yacht Club Associate members was a

due to crew illness and safety concerns. The weather at the start

powerful testament to cultivating loyalty, determination and

of the race was presenting as a repeat of 2017 with a wind out of

shared focus to achieve a common goal.

Blinker | Fall 2018

26

Race Committee Is Closing the Books On Another Racing Season

By Amy Schwartz

Our Race Committee Chair of the last three years, Nancy Arnold, will be handing over the reins to a new Chair, Alina Dix. Nancy has served as Chair during some of our busiest racing seasons, where multiple regattas were run on a single day, and we had a waxing and waning volunteer bench. A new Regatta Manager, Sydney Symons, joined us after our beloved Libbi Dust departed for a job on land. We wish Libbi well; she has been an integral part of our racing community and hope to see her on the race course. We are very excited to have Sydney’s passion, energy and organizational ability. Additionally, the club was fortunate to have an amazing intern this year – Maggie Carroll. We would not have made it through the season without her hard work and positive attitude. Chicago Yacht Club gained a new club race officer (CRO) and some of our club race officers became Regional and National Race officers (RRO and NRO).

Beginning in Spring with Frostbite Racing Series our volunteers suit up to ensure our sailors have courses to race and safety on the water. It takes a little bravery to suffer the cold water, winds of the Spring Lion and bumpy seas in the early part of the season.

The Race Committee opens the season with an Annual Refresher that welcomes back our volunteers to dust off the cobwebs of Winter and practice their skills, learn new techniques and/or new positions and meet new people. With an open invitation to all the local yacht clubs’ race committees, there is hope of cultivating a depth and breadth, across the lake front, of experienced race committee.

The season feels long as everyone anxiously awaits the big regattas, such as NOOD and Race to Mac, then before you know it the season is almost over as we close out with Chicago Regatta, Fall Frostbite and the Club Inter-committee Challenge.

During the season, the Race Committee is on the water working races almost every weekend. There are racing series – Skyline/ Beer Cans, RYF, CASRA; Match Racing; Junior and High School Racing; North American Championships; World Championships and Special Regattas. The resources required to run races are significant and include assets such as boats, personnel, equipment and of course the knowledge, skills and passion of the volunteers.

Especially exciting this year was our ability to host and serve the Etchells North Americans, M32 Worlds, Farr 40 Worlds, as well as the US Match Racing Championship. The DragonForce65 Remote Control Racing was also a big draw and you guessed it – needs Race Committee volunteers!

For anyone interested in joining the Race Committee, please check out the Club website under Passion. We are always excited to have new volunteers. We encourage all of our club members to try it out for one day. The site of spinnakers heading downwind toward the mark and finish line is breathtaking and there is no better way to see it than out on the course while working the race.

The Chicago Yacht Club’s Mission - TO ENCOURAGE, PROMOTE, AND DEVELOP KNOWLEDGE, PARTICIPATION, AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL ASPECTS OF YACHTING – is core to the development of our Race Committee volunteers.

Fair Winds and Following Seas! Sail Fast, Sail Safe, Have Fun! 27 Blinker | Fall 2018

The 110th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac: America’s Offshore Challenge™

By Nancy Snyder The 2019 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac®, presented

by Wintrust, will be remembered for decades as truly being America’s Offshore Challenge™. The race was one of extremes, from tragedy and punishing weather to the fleet being becalmed.

camaraderie of its sailors, that keeps competitors coming back year after year.

The sailing community mourned the death of fellow sailor Jon Santarelli, a crew member aboard the TP52, Imedi. Jon had more than a decade of racing experience and is remembered for his sense of adventure and his passion for sailing. Our thoughts will forever be with his family and teammates.

We extend our congratulations to all who competed in this year’s race. The winner of the Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division was Challenge, an S&S 50 owned by Kevin and Ray Teborek of Chicago Yacht Club. This division included the smaller boats in the fleet, in Sections 6-10, Beneteau 36.7, J105, J109, and Tartan 10.

As the race began, the fleet faced winds from the north at 15-25 knots, and seas of six-to-eight feet. These extreme conditions lasted over 24 hours and lead 66 boats to retire from the race.

This weather system was then followed by a weak high-pressure system that left most boats nearly becalmed. As this system settled in, a light breeze filled in to take the competitors to the finish, and nearly 100 boats finished between 1 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

The Mackinac Cup Division was won by Equation, a Santa Cruz 70 owned by Bill Alcott and Tom Anderson of Bayview Yacht Club. This division included the larger boats in the fleet, in Sections 1-5, Beneteau 40.7, Farr 40, J111, J120, and Turbo.

Race conditions were remarkable not only for the intensity of the weather, but also because most of the 288 teams faced upwind conditions for the entire race. Most boats never had a chance to deploy a spinnaker or even a reacher, and were beating to windward for the entire length of the race. Jerry O’Neill, a veteran of 47 races, remarked, “Never do I remember conditions that didn’t allow us to have a chute up for at least part of the race.”

Said Race Chair Sarah Renz, “The race was incredibly challenging, with unparalleled support from the sailors, the organizers, and so many people in Chicago and on Mackinac Island. I’m very proud to be a part of this community.

Congratulations to all who raced, and have memories to cherish for years to come.”

The Race to Mackinac is iconic not only for its varying weather conditions, but also for the unsurpassed beauty seen from start to finish of the race. Competitors see landmarks that stand the test of time—the Chicago lighthouse, Point Betsie light, Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Manitou and Fox Islands, Grays Reef, and of course the Mackinac Bridge. No other offshore race in the world offers a more beautiful course. It is this beauty, along with the

Congratulations to this year’s winners.

The winner of the Cruising Division was Broderi, a Beneteau owned

by Robert, Brooke and Josh Kolar, representing Chicago Yacht Club.

The winner of the Royono Trophy, awarded to the first monohull to cross the finish line, was Il Mostro, owned by Peter and Chris Thornton of Chicago Yacht Club.

We want to extend a big thank you to each of our sponsors.

Without them it would not be possible to bring America’s Offshore Challenge™ to the thousands who participate each year. We are grateful to our presenting sponsor, Wintrust, and to the many other sponsors who provide such strong support to our sport and our race.

Starting in 1898 with a mere five boats, Chicago Yacht Club’s Race to Mackinac has evolved into a world-class sporting event, with over 300 registered boats. Over its 120 years many things have changed about the race, yet so much has not. Each year is the same, but different. It can be sunny, or stormy, or both.

It can be chilly, or very hot, or both. It can be boring and tiring, or exhilarating and exhausting. This year, the 110th running, provided almost all of these experiences. The race holds a special place in the hearts of all sailors who have done it, and it will continue to provide the challenge that sailors relish.

Blinker | Fall 2018

28

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By Dan Burns While the DragonForce 65 is not the primary choice of yachting during the short summer months here in Chicago, we managed to have a few great regattas this summer! These short six race regattas followed big boat racing towards the end of the day during the after parties. An article was written about our fleet in Sailing World during the 30th Anniversary NOOD Regatta and a video on the website showcasing

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our fleet. We had some great wind and an impressive 24 boats registered. There were quite a few spectators and a lot of positive feedback about how much fun both sailors and spectators had. This was probably our largest crowd of spectators to date.

The DragonForce 65 Fleet also had our second annual Verve Inshore Regatta in August.

The wind was light, but we managed to do six races with 18 boats registered. We saw the leaderboard change quickly with the shifty wind conditions, but a lot of fun was had by all.

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The only fleet that sailed during the Chicago Regatta was the DragonForce 65. High winds and a rough sea state forced the big boats to stay at the docks. We were able to set a course on the North end of the docks and we had skippers and spectators on the sea wall and the docks. Everyone had a great time and Dave Gerber provided excellent commentary that included an explanation of what we were doing to people passing by and stopping to watch.

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Our more active season is just beginning with the Fall Frostbiting series beginning October 14 until November 18 and in December, we start our winter Iceberg Series.

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29 Blinker | Fall 2018

While it is sad to see summer go, the DragonForce 65 fall and winter sailing is just around the corner.

PORCH PARTY

WARNING GUN PARTY

SPECIAL NEEDS CRUISE

Blinker | Fall 2018

30

CSF CRUISE TO HOLLAND

FARR 40 WORLDS M32 WORLDS

31 Blinker | Fall 2018

PALS CHARITY CRUISE

YAPPY HOUR

HIGH SCHOOL SAILING

SIGHT IMPAIRED CRUISE FOR ADULTS

Blinker | Fall 2018

32

NEILL CLINIC

WOW SAILING & EVENTS POWER FLEET CRUISE TO SAUGATUCK

33 Blinker | Fall 2018

U.S. SAILING OFFSHORE SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR WITH HANDS ON TRAINING

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Spring Dates for Safety at Sea will be announced shortly.

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Photos by Jane Vartan