LETTER FROM THE OTW DIRECTOR

A LETTER FROM THE ON THE WATER DIRECTOR

BY SKIP DIEBALL

2021, A YEAR TO CELEBRATE

I know what you are thinking, “…a year to celebrate?!?” I’ll admit, we are still steering a course that has the pandemic on our minds, albeit approaching the rearview mirror. However, here in the On-the-Water Department we couldn’t have asked for a better summer. We offered programs and you came out in record numbers to enjoy the water and all that boating on Lake Michigan can offer. Our boating season has a few twists and turns, but largely resembles years’ past in that we start the season with scholastic and frostbite and then move into our summer sailing school, adult sailing, Crew U and WOW. Then, the bigger regattas before finishing up with scholastic and frostbite in the fall. In 2021, however, we found new ways to expand within the confines of the limited summer and that allowed us to provide more instruction and deliver more fun to more sailors. This couldn’t have happened without our professional waterfront staff.

Speaking of staff, it is the perfect time to give a shoutout and remind you of their expertise and how they can assist.

Katie Tinder is our Education Director. She oversees the youth programming and the instruction of our seasonal coaches and educators. She makes sure we deliver world-class instruction.

Ivan Sagel is our Adult Education and Power Director. Ivan has been cultivating our adult programming for several years and has grown our offerings into the offseason as well (Captiva anyone?). Adult learn to sail, learn to power and performance keelboat training is in his wheelhouse. Chuck Nevel is our Regatta Manager. He is involved in nearly every event that the OTW team manages for CYC. He’s busy, to say the least! From Mac Race to frostbite. Do you have an idea of an event that CYC could host? Let’s get it on the calendar early. Cam Borkowski is our Marine Assets Manager (Bosun). He’s the craftsman that takes care of all the boats and equipment that the club offers for our programs. Many of the boats in our fleet are used EVERY SINGLE DAY. Preventative and off-season maintenance has commenced, and he’s got a project list that would turn heads!

Hector Guzman is our Head Coach. Hector is a sailing rock-star and shares his knowledge and passion with 100’s of sailors each season. Looking to up your game? No better place to get advice then from the Head Coach. Flor Cerutti is our Singlehand Coach. Our singlehanded fleet includes Optis, Lasers, and the Skeeta Foilers. Though traditionally a youth position, Flor is expanding in 2022 and offering singlehanded instruction for adults in both the Laser and the Skeeta. Oh, did I mention that Flor is an Olympian? She can help you become a better sailor too.

I’m proud to lead these professionals. 2022 will be bigger and better and we look forward to serving you all and doing our part to grow the sport and provide easy ways for you to get out on Lake Michigan next summer.

Please watch Docklines and Mainsheet for announcements and registration information for all of our 2022 programs. You’ll want to act fast as they typically sell out pretty fast. ✶