FROM THE HELM

FLAG OFFICERS

Nick Berberian, Commodore Lisa Curcio Gaston, Vice Commodore Raymond Groble, Rear Commodore Laura Sigmond, Secretary Michael Kovacs, Treasurer

PAST COMMODORES

Lou Sandoval Leif Sigmond

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elizabeth Barrett Steven Dorfman Steven Knoop John Leahey Kurt Lentsch James Murray Scott Sims Nancy Synder Samuel Veilleux

CYC PROFESSIONAL STAFF

General Manager – Jim Williamsen

MONROE STATION STAFF

Membership Director – Elizabeth Haley Communications Director – Sara Proctor Design & Social Media Specialist – Abbie Wilson Controller – Keith Brennan Assistant Controller – Jessica Jacobs Billing Manager – Karen Gonzalez Human Resources Director – Jeannette Jacques Monroe Executive Chef – Larry Asher Catering & Events Director – Taylor Sparrow Nesbit Catering Assistant – Oscar Barrera F & B Director – Nolan Sanchez Floor Manager – Alana Soogrim Member Services Manager – Betsy Myers

BELMONT STATION STAFF

On the Water Director / Assistant General Manager– Skip Dieball Belmont Coordinator – Aléjandra Medina Belmont Executive Chef – Raul Polidario Jr. Belmont F & B Manager – Marc Anderson Keelboat & Adult Education Director – Ivan Sagel Regatta Manager – Chuck Nevel Education Director – Katie Tinder Head Coach – Hector Guzman Single - Handed Coach – Flor Cerutti

DEAR CLUB MEMBERS:

The 2022 Season has begun! While there was a lot of activity at the Club during the winter months with the Nautical Education Series and other special events, it is now that wonderful time when the boats are beginning to go into the water, and you can sense enormous excitement all around the Club. The Club Calendar shows the result of the hard work of all of our Committees, the Flag, Board of Directors, and Club Staff who have planned numerous events that will take place on and off the water for the 2022 Season. This year, Club members will have even more opportunities to get out on the water. We have expanded our Club fleet this Season to include for member rental a brand new 25’ Sea Ray Power Boat and a 22’ Duffy Electric boat. These complement our existing fleet of Sonars and Tom 28s that are available for member charter. Paddle boards and kayaks will also be available at both Belmont and Monroe. The Sailing School has a whole host of educational programs for adults and juniors that will incorporate our latest addition of Lasers and two hydrofoil Skeeta boats to our extensive fleet of 420s and Optis. Classes in Power Boat operation will also be expanded. Chicago’s lakefront will for the first time host the SailGP U.S. Sail Grand Prix on June 18-19. The Club will be playing a significant support role and there will be many opportunities for members to join in the thrilling experience of watching these high-speed hydrofoil boats as they race in the waters between the Club and Navy Pier. Stay tuned for more details. The Club’s Regattas will also be back in full force including the 113th Race to Mackinac Presented by Wintrust on July 23, with the Cruising Division starting on July 22. After extensive discussions with the Mackinac Island City Council and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, we were able to secure the right to return to having boats rafted in the Mackinac Island Marina thereby enhancing the participation in the post-Race celebration. The Porch Party will again be at the Grand Hotel on Sunday afternoon, but the Sailors’ Celebration Party on Tuesday will move this year to open space near Mission Point. Even for those not participating in the Race, this is a great opportunity to cheer your fellow members on and enjoy Mackinac Island with friends and family. Finally, membership is the lifeblood of the Club and there is no better person to identify prospective new members than you--our current members. Last year we had a record level of more than 140 new members, thanks largely to member referrals. As reflected by the boating industry reporting record levels of demand, there is an increased focus on family oriented outdoor activities in response to the pandemic. If you know someone who shares your passion for the water and who you believe would be wonderful new member, encourage them to apply before our initiation fees increase on May 1. Contact our Membership Director, Elizabeth Haley, at membership@chicagoyachtclub.org to receive significant savings and other benefits before May 1st. Nancy and I look forward to seeing all of you on and off the water. Stay safe. Sincerely,

Nick Berberian Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club commodore@chicagoyachtclub.org