2023 September Grosse Pointer

COMMODORE'S CORNER

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PERSON(S) OF INTEREST

Enjoy the Ride

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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UP YOUR ALLEY

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LOOKING AFT

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A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB

Shock hshock@gpyc.org

Aaron Wagner Commodore Brian Fish Secretary Bruce Knapp Past Commodore James Ramsey Past Commodore Gary Gonzalez

Ending Summer with a splash!

This month’s cover photo, taken by John F. Martin Photography, is from the GPYC Doggie Splash Day. Over the last few years, this tradition helps close out the summer season with a splash. We invite all members to bring their dogs to come have some fun and let them swim in the pool on the last day it is open. Even if you don’t have a dog, feel free to come watch on the Binnacle Terrace or the Pool Deck.

It seems as though just yesterday we were starting our busy summer season. Now, many of our seasonal staff and members children are going back to school and it is getting quieter around the Club. Although the warmer days are numbered, the pool and splash pad as well as the Gazebo Bar will be open (weather permitting) for the next few weekends. Let’s enjoy what is left of summer!

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Officers

Brian L. Fish, Commodore

William J. Dillon, Vice Commodore

Robert V. Weiland, Rear Commodore

David M. Schaden, Treasurer

Bruce G. Knapp, Secretary Directors

Joseph Backer Jr.

Peter G. Beauregard

Christopher Izzi

Richard J. Lueders

Kurt J. Saldana

Michael J. Sobolewski

William S. Turner

Fleet Officers

Michael D. Riehl, Fleet Captain Power

Yan T. Ness, Fleet Captain Sail

Walter A. Schmidt, Fleet Chaplain

Peter T. Gleason, Fleet Measurer

Thomas A. Stephenson, Fleet Quarter Master

Dr. Gary G. Bill, Fleet Surgeon

Front Desk (313) 884-2500 frontdesk@gpyc.org

Editorial

Information for this publication should be submitted to:

Marketing Director – Jennifer Benoit jbenoit@gpyc.org

Staff Emails

General Manager – Aaron Wagner awagner@gpyc.org

Assistant General Manager – Sean Brown sbrown@gpyc.org

Chief Financial Officer – Jim DeMasse jdemasse@gpyc.org

Membership Director – Alexa Coole acoole@gpyc.org

Marketing Director – Jennifer Benoit jbenoit@gpyc.org

Graphic Designer – Heather Shock hshock@gpyc.org

Human Resources Director – Gregory Martini gmartini@gpyc.org

Food & Beverage Director – Heather Aldrich haldrich@gpyc.org

Executive Chef – Eric Voigt evoigt@gpyc.org

Harbor Master – Alex Turner aturner@gpyc.org

Catering Director – Maria Dallas mdallas@gpyc.org

Catering Coordinator – Cassandra Kinna ckinna@gpyc.org

Catering Coordinator – Mary Primak mprimak@gpyc.org

Bowling Director – Gordy Woods gwoods@gpyc.org

Sailing Director – Christina Noland cnoland@gpyc.org

Security Director – Mike Lee mlee@gpyc.org

Athletic Director – Peter Wendzinski pwendzinski@gpyc.org

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club © 2023 - all rights reserved. This publication is the property of the GPYC, for member use only. No unauthorized use, sale or dissemination of information herein shall be made for commercial, personal or other purposes without the written permission of the GPYC.

Commodore's Corner

What a great summer we have had so far! So many weekends with great weather and events at the Club. All the wonderful amenities we have built or improved over the past few years have shown continuous growth and usage. With us now into September, we have our final stretch of summer to enjoy. I have enjoyed this year as Commodore immensely and plan to close out the last summer days cruising on the boat and enjoying time with my family and friends.

On the Club’s administrative side, we have been tracking favorable to budget and finished an epic deal that was months in the making to convert our Cell Tower Leases to cash that will be invested to provide a revenue stream to our operations for many years to come. These efforts to manage and improve our Club are the product of countless hours of work by our staff and member volunteers. Much of this work is not seen by the general membership but I assure you there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I hope that in November when we have our Annual Meeting we have a great turnout so that we can recap a lot of these projects, recognize the people who put in so much hard work and review in greater detail the financial results of the year.

Keep enjoying the Club and invite your friends to see what we have to offer. I have met so many new members this year who joined after just one visit to the Club. Until next month, I hope to see everyone on the docks and enjoying our Club.

All the best!

Brian Fish Com90

2023 Committee Chairs

Strategic Planning – Director Michael J. Sobolewski

Finance – Michael A. Page

House – Vice Commodore William J. Dillon Facilities – Richard T. Shetler

Membership – Paul J. Licari

Harbor – Peter T. Gleason

Yachtsmans – Gregory D. DeGrazia

Membership Activity – Taffany C. Van Rossen

Member Satisfaction – Dr. Kevin M. O’Brien

Heritage – Joseph P. Schaden

Communications – Catherine W. Champion

Legal – Past Commodore Carl Rashid, Jr.

Athletics – Anthony Ventimiglia

From the Boardroom

We hope you are enjoying our feature, "From the Boardroom." This monthly feature will help members stay informed about important actions, policy developments, and special projects that were addressed at the most recent Board of Directors meeting. As Commodore Fish has stated to Club members, his goals for the year include increasing transparency and making sure members understand the many social activities that are taking place at the Club. We also would like members to know what is happening with Club finances. We hope “From the Boardroom” will spark member interest, lead to suggestions for improvements at the Club, and provide information that members find useful.

1. Person (s) of Interest -

a. Alex provided the Board with a Harbor update as to employees, planned maintenance, fuel pricing changes, open well postings, and general comments.

b. Marcus provided an update related to the trash and compactor area.

2. Membership Report - Rear Commodore Weiland

a. Membership report was reviewed noting 8 new members, 4 resignations and 6 transfers

3. Treasurer’ s Report - Treasurer David Schaden

a. For June 30, 2023, the Club Operations continue to be better than budget by approximately $87,000.

b. ERC monies were received including interest in July 2023

c. The $112,000 of State of MI Grant money has been approved. Expected to receive in September / October time frame.

d. Cell Tower deal expected to close in 15 - 30 days. The plan is to park those funds in a money market account in the short term. We will develop a longer term strategy for protection of the funds.

4. Member Experience - Director Lueders discussed the member survey results. Director Saldana discussed survey respondents and the composition of those responses.

5. Harbor - Treasurer Schaden addressed the proposed changes to the vendor policy. Regular vendors from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Emergency boat repairs can be an exception.

The BOD accepted the Harbor Committee proposal.

Bruce G. Knapp Secretary

Notes from the Manager

We Heard You

The Grosse Pointe Yacht Club has been fortunate to have earned many prestigious accolades. These awards have come from many sources like BoardRoom Magazine (named an Iconic Club and a Distinguished Yacht Club), Platinum Clubs of the World (rated as one of the top yacht clubs in the world), and even the Grosse Pointe News as the best Private Club of any type in our area. These are all fantastic things to celebrate but the feedback and appreciation we covet the most comes from our membership. Each year, we send out a Membership Survey in order to gain valuable feedback on the things we are doing well and some things that might require some improvement. It also allows us to identify what things are and aren’t important to our members. Finally, we are able to set our operational and capital budgets to support these needs. I am pleased to report that member satisfaction and and several other categories saw a significant improvement. However, we are going to highlight some of the items we will be working on and with your help, can improve! It was vital that we moved the survey date from September to June so that we have the maximum amount of participation. This strategy worked well in that we had over 100 more members answer/complete the survey. I hope you will find this first installment of three Survey Feedback Articles helpful. The only thing I would ask is that you please keep me updated on the progress. Your feedback is so valuable in that process. I would like to send special thanks to Director Rick Lueders and Director Kurt Saldana for their work on this project as well.

Smooth sailing,

Aaron Wagner General Manager

2023 Member Survey Recap: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

This article is the first of a three-part series which will provide feedback from the recently completed 2023 member survey.

Results of the 2023 GPYC member survey are in - and both management and the Board would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the more than 500+ survey participants! This level of participation is 23% higher than the 2022 level and demonstrates once again that our members are engaged and interested in helping the club on its continuous improvement journey. In addition, participants took the time to provide more than 1300 separate comments, many containing several observations and suggestions. For 2023 the blend of active versus social was more balanced, with both groups in the mid-40 percent range.

A Word About Timing

Before getting into an overview of the data a word about timing is in order. (Several comments noted that the survey has been typically administered later in the year.) Timing of the 2023 survey was purposely accelerated in order to provide member input to the Club’s fiscal year budgeting process, helping to ensure financial resources for the coming year are directed to areas of significant member concern. It is our intent to continue this practice and timing in the future.

2023 Highlights: Satisfaction holds steady, strong Spinnaker use reaction, dining noise issues and value remain areas of concern

Member satisfaction held steady at 69% year over year while many categories of Board and management performance improved. Gains were likely the result of initiatives undertaken following the 2022 survey results. The question of Spinnaker use received strong support for keeping it “as is”, albeit with noise concerns in both the Spinnaker and the MDR repeated in this years’ results.

See the tables on page 7 for additional details.

The next two articles will focus on highlighted topics of member interest as well as Board/management intentions to address the most significant areas of member concern.

Did you know that the Bayview Mackinac Race is the World’s Longest continuously run long distance freshwater Yacht Race?

It starts in southern Lake Huron in Port Huron, MI and finishes at Mackinac Island in the Straights of Mackinac. The race is a total of 494 miles – the Cove Island Course is 290 miles, and the Shore Course is 204 Nautical Miles.

This year, we had 5 of our GPYC members participate in the race. Those who bravely participated with

2022 Survey Results

2023 Survey Results

Top Issues 2023

their crews were Steve Nadeau sailing on Brandi Lee, Greg DeGrazia sailing on Hibernia, Commodore Gary Gonzalez sailing on Dos Mas, Dr. John Seago sailing on Seagoing III, and Rob Eger sailing on California Girl. This year, Dr. John Seago and his crew came in third place sailing on Seagoing III for “Class O.”

Seagoing III had a crew of 9 for this year's race: John Seago, Ryan Seago (son), Dan Bracciano, Daniel Bracciano (son), Ken Flaska, Connor

Flaska (son), Chris Cyr, Will Cyr, and GPYC member Geoff Van Natter.

Dr. Seago said, "it was a great sail with our sons and friends, with a fantastic downwind start. We were able to dodge the storms that passed through that Saturday. The greatest challenge during the race was to see how the boat would perform. This was the first off shore race that the boat had ever experienced. Next year is the 100th running of the race and we are already registered for it."

Seagoing III wins Third Place for “Class O”

Person(s) of Interest

By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey

The trip from Michigan to Florida or vice versa is a long one, as anyone who has made the tedious trek along I-75 will attest. There is endlessly flat Ohio to endure, overseen by traffic enforcement officials who harbor a predatory grudge against vehicles with Michigan license plates (retaliation, perhaps, for the outcome of recent U-M–Ohio State football games). Then, after you’ve negotiated an eternity of up-and-down Kentucky and Tennessee wilderness, there’s Georgia – did we mention Atlanta at rush hour? But, hey – there’s the Florida border! Gosh, just four hundred miles of alligator

breeding ground until you reach your destination.

Of course, there are alternatives. You can fly, but even that consumes the better part of a day filled with crowded airport terminals, delayed flights, claustrophobic seating and diabolically priced rental cars.

Or you can go as members Greg and Linda Schaden have – five times now: by boat. On your own bottom. We talked with them after they had just completed their longest “loop” aboard their newest boat, Indulgence, a 58’ Marlow motor yacht powered by twin 1,150-hp C-18 Caterpillar diesels. As

we spoke, they were getting ready to shove off again, this time for Northern Michigan and beyond. We’ll let them tell the story.

Q: Before we talk about your trip, tell us a little about you. When did you get started in boating?

Linda: We bought our first boat in 1974. Our oldest son, David, [now Club Treasurer] was a year old. We quickly learned that quality was more important than price. We got our second one a year later. We’ve probably owned a dozen primary boats and another dozen secondary

Members Greg and Linda Schaden needed to move their new boat from Florida to Grosse Pointe. But instead of making it a feverish, A-B delivery run, they decided to take their time and enjoy the ride. They turned a trip into an adventure.

Drone shot of Indulgence, gifted from St. Michael’s Marina, Md. upon arrival

boats such as dinghies, Whalers and Pursuits.

Q: How did you discover long-distance cruising?

Linda: Initially, our boating was local. We lived on a canal in Harrison Township and also had a small boat that I could use to take the kids swimming and picnicking on a small island in the lake. Then a friend introduced us to ‘Up North.’ We learned to love the family trips with friends to the North Channel in Canada, also the towns along northern Lake Michigan. We still do. Our three sons and their families are all avid boaters, too.

Q: Give us a summary of your latest voyage.

Greg: I have the statistics. We left our home port of Gasparilla Marina on the west coast of Florida on March 27. We arrived here on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. We covered 2,700 nautical miles, 3,100 statute miles. We were in 31 different ports and put 260 hours on the engines. We were gone for eight weeks and went through 39 locks [on the Erie, Oswego and Welland Canals]. And (laughs) we’re still married.

Q: Isn’t starting on the west coast and going up the east coast kind of out of the way?

Greg: We bought the boat over a year ago from Marlow Marine, which is based in Palmetto, Florida. But on good advice from them, we kept the boat in the area for a season. Marlow felt that it would not be wise to take a new, unfamiliar boat on a trip of that length right away. This gave us time to use and become more familiar with the new Indulgence before embarking on a journey. Most our recent boats have been sportfish style, but this one is a

motor yacht and it took a little getting used to. Marlow measures the length of their boats at the waterline, so even though they call it a 58’, it is really 68’. By spring of this year, it was time to head north! In the meantime, we had a lot of time to think about it and decided, well, if we’re going to make the trip, we might as well take our time doing it and not be on a delivery mission. Our schedules permitted it, so we decided to just slow down. We thought we could add some ports of interest to us along the way. We spent some time in Naples and Marathon and then Ocean Reef in Key Largo for 10 days [partly because of rough weather in the Gulf Stream]. We then took an almost two-week side trip to the Bahamas before heading back to the U.S. mainland to begin our trip north.

Q: Just the two of you?

Linda: We invited our three sons and their wives to join us on any part of the trip they’d like. Naturally, all three chose the Caribbean; so they came south and met up with us. We had a great time; it was the best part of the trip.

Greg: We also had a captain who joined us at Ocean Reef. As longtime boaters, we’re owner/operators; we like to run the boat ourselves. But we decided we wanted to have some help for a couple of reasons. One, we were going places we’ve never been, and the Bahamas require local knowledge at times. They don’t always have nice red and green marking systems with buoys that clearly define where to go. It’s a lot of local knowledge, and the more often you’ve done it, the better you are at it. As first-timers, we didn’t want that anxiety. We basically ran

the boat, but our captain was there for his expertise and his connections. He’s part of a network of east coast captains who are talking to each other every day about what to expect weather-wise, accommodation-wise, and so on. And from a comfort point of view, if something happened to me, it was nice to know there was somebody there to step in and run the boat.

Q: How did you meet this particular captain?

Greg: His name is John Roberts. He was recommended by the Boll family [the Mestdaghs and Bolls, all GPYC members]. The chemistry with the captain is very important. We interviewed John about three months before the trip, but the truth is we interviewed each other; he wanted to know what we were like, too. John was the best. A very mild-mannered guy, very easy to be with. He understood we wanted to run the boat, but his help was invaluable. He was with us about half of the trip back.

Q: Where did you reenter the U.S.? Greg: Fort Pierce, Florida.

Q: From there, did you stay mostly in the Intracoastal or did you run ‘outside?’

Greg: Our preference was to run outside [in the Atlantic] anytime we could. Running outside you can go faster. The Intracoastal winds are all over the place, and it’s hard to use the autopilot. It’s also shallow, so running aground is a potential danger. There were a couple of stretches where we ran inside because the ocean was just too rough. But our preference was outside. There you can set the GPS, the autopilot, throttle up and relax.

Dinghy ride to Coco Bay, Abaco

Wonderful welcome at Annapolis Yacht Club

Tranquil Turtle lunch, beautiful Turtle Cay

Person(s) of Interest

Q: What were the high points of your trip?

Linda: I’d say it was the Bahamas. The weather was perfect, and we’d never been there on our own boat before. But back in the U.S., we found a lot of ports where we wanted to spend more than one night, like St. Augustine. We spent a couple of days there. We also loved Charleston. Spent a couple of days there, too. And we spent almost a week in the Chesapeake between St. Michaels and Annapolis. There are some great restaurants along the Chesapeake. I should add that Cape May, New Jersey, was another high point.

Greg: Coming into New York Harbor and stopping for photos in front of the Statue of Liberty is a breathtaking experience! Navigating through the many ships and ferry traffic was also an experience. Then, the ride up the Hudson River and past West Point on the way to the Erie Canal is just beautiful scenery.

Q: Linda, was handling the lines in the locks a lot of work?

Linda: It was this time because previously I went along primarily as cook. But John, our captain, was a lot of help telling me what to expect.

Q: Could you describe a typical day?

Linda: We usually like to get in [to port] before dinnertime, because we like to sit down after the day, have a glass of wine and decide if we’re going out to dinner or cook in. I like the mornings when I can get up, take a nice walk or bike ride to explore the area, something like that. If it’s just a port for the night, you’re up and out at six o’clock, just to make time. So, by five o’clock in the afternoon, you’re ready to stop. We don’t run at night.

Greg: It usually had to do with how much we wanted to accomplish that particular day. If it was a 60-mile run, we didn’t need to get up at the crack of dawn. If we wanted to run 150 or 200 miles, we did have to get up early. In the northern part of the trip, the locks opened at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 5:00 p.m. so we were on their schedule.

Q: Was the trip ever boring?

Linda: Not for me.

Greg: No, I would say not.

Q: What about the people you met?

Greg: The people you run into on the docks are usually wonderful. The common denominator is boating.

Linda: Yes, everybody is very generous with information; many are on the move the way we are, and generally speaking, they’re seasoned boaters. A lot of them are ‘loopers’ like us.

Q: What advice would you offer to anybody who is contemplating a similar voyage?

Greg: I would say experience is invaluable. But if you aren’t experienced, take someone with you who is. Because if you’re not used to tides, you don’t want to learn the hard way. If you’re not used to currents, sometimes the marinas are on inlets coming off the ocean, and the tide, or current, is either coming in or going out six hours each day, which can make docking a challenge. The idea is to catch a ‘slack tide’ which means the current is stopped for a time. That’s the easiest time to dock. If you’re not accustomed to tides and currents, you need someone on the boat who knows what to do.

Q: Would you do it all again?

Linda: I would.

Greg: It was something we needed to do to get the boat from Florida to here. And then we just decided to make it a leisurely trip. But it’s definitely a lot of work. It’s a lot of time. It’s a lot of money. But if the stars lined up, I’d do it again, for sure.

Harbour Town Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC

Amazing Maryland Blue Crabs, St. Michael’s

Joe, Matt, Greg, unnamed beach in Abacos

Greg

Abaco Inn, Hope Town, Elbow Cay, fun family lunch

Locking through the Welland Canal, Ontario

DOS MAS TAKES FIRST PLACE IN CLASS M FOR MACKINAC RACE

By Past Commodore Gary Gonzalez

“We have sailed Dos Mas in 9 Mackinac races over the years. We have two 3rd place finishes, two 2nd place finishes and now two 1st place finishes. This year was unique because five of our nine crew members had never raced this boat before. My two boys Henry (20) and Charlie (18) were on board with two of Charlie’s good friends from the Cranbrook High School Sailing Team, Wally Miller (18) and Jack Harman (18.) Henry and Charlie both grew up sailing at GPYC from learn to sail all the way through 420 fleet sailing. Henry is a helmsman while Charlie and his friends can do trim, foredeck, and anything else necessary. The rest of the crew included Rear Commodore Bob Weiland, GPYC

Sailing Director Christina Noland, Spencer Gillette, and my long-time crew member Brett Dodds all of whom worked trim, foredeck and tactics to help us be successful.

We had a bit of excitement just past Presque Isle when we found water above the floorboards in the navigation station area. Checking all the logical places, we could not locate the leak which continued through the rest of the race. Bailing with a bucket never seemed to lower the level but the bilge pump kept it from rising any further, so we kept on racing. Later we found a hose servicing the deck and cockpit drains had cracked funneling water inside the boat instead of overboard. The race started out as a downwind spinnaker run. From the start until Rogers City, it remained steady light breeze with only a few lulls to keep us working hard on sail trim and weight distribution to insure we remained close to the leaders.

Off Rogers City, the breeze “shut off” and we sat for a couple of hours hoping for some wind to get us moving. At that point we were in fourth and still hoped to get into the top three. Around sunset on Sunday, the breeze filled in from the southwest giving us a straight beat to Bois Blanc Island. As the night progressed, the wind steadily increased to 1822kts which really favors Dos Mas since it is built for ocean sailing and stronger winds. With Henry on the helm from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday morning, we steadily gained ground on the leaders. Finally, we caught the first-place boat just before Bois Blanc.

From there it was critical to keep focused as we sailed the last 10 miles of the 200+ mile course because the best boats in our class were just behind us. We took the southern approach and our competitors took to the northern approach that avoided the strong westerly current coming through the straights. Fortunately for us, the direction of the wind favored our decision and we finished with only three tacks to the line.

After over 40 hours of racing, we won by 2 minutes and 16 seconds. Beating the finely tuned race crew of Comfortably Numb from Bayview Yacht Club. They are great sailors and extremely hard to beat so we certainly were excited to take 1st place in our “Class M.” The combination of good luck with the winds, a focused, strong crew of young kids and experienced sailors fueled by Christina’s breakfast burritos, Mrs. Weiland’s Enchiladas and chicken nuggets from the Farms Market brought us home first. We can’t wait until next year for the 100th sailing of the Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac race.”

To Your Health

Hurt now, or hurt later?

As are a lot of things in life, working out can be tough. Your heart rate elevates, your muscles get sore, fatigue starts settling in, and you want to give up. Then you remember that exercise boosts your energy throughout the day by releasing dopamine and serotonin. There have been many times when I don’t want to train, but I push through it and feel revigorated afterwards and my energy levels are high. I become more productive, and I am in a better mood afterwards. As challenging as working out can be at times, short-term stress on the body while exercising is way better than long term health problems.

Exercise is necessary to help prevent chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, and digestive cancers. If you think working out is time consuming, think about waiting in line at your doctor’s office. If you think working out is expensive, think about the cost of prescription drugs.

The good news is that working out doesn’t have to be time consuming nor expensive. A recent study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that just 11 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity could lower your risk of major chronic illness. Activities such as walking, jogging, running, dancing, and swimming count, and we have all of these available at our Club!

Many of my clients in their 70s and 80s are in fantastic shape and health due to their lifelong commitment to exercise. They are disciplined in their habits, and for many it is easier to workout than take a day off. I recently had a client thank me for training them because their blood pressure is the lowest it has been in years. At that moment, I smiled and said to myself, “this is why I love what I do.” At the end of the day, you exercise to add years to your life, and life to your years.

Best in health,

Peter Wendzinski Athletic Director

Pictured left-to-right: Sue Minster, Jason Geisz (GPYC member), Adam Biswanger, Bob Alati, Beth Silver, Robyn Crewdson, Angela DiFranco (not pictured)

Made-t o-measure business and smar t casual wear

Your tailor is visiting three locations in Michigan

Schedule a fitting with The Suit Connoisseur

Courtyard Petoskey at Victories Square, 1866 Mkwa Place, Petoskey, MI 49770

Friday, September 8 to Saturday September 9

Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084

Saturday, September 9 to Sunday, September 10

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Sunday, September 10 to Monday, September 11 suits from $495 | blazers from $395 | tuxedos from $750 | overcoats from $850 trousers from $165 | shirts from $69 (minimum 4 shirts) | Other superfine quality suits from $750 to $4,500

Email: sales@eutailors.com | 310-666-6523 (on visit dates) | www.euromerican.com

Delivery within four to six weeks

GPYC Upcoming Events

Labor Day Pool Games

Monday, September 4 | 2 p.m. Bring your sunscreen! We will be having fun in the sun playing games and winning prizes. Please contact Elizabeth Bourke at ebourke@gpyc.org for more information.

Labor Day BBQ

Monday, September 4 | 4 p.m. Join us for open seating on the East Lawn with a live DJ, and Chef Eric will be grilling it up! Enjoy cold salads, grilled BBQ items, and plenty of dessert.

Adults $50++ per person $20++ Children 10 and under

Please contact the Front Desk at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org to make your reservation.

Women's Book Club

Wednesday, September 6 | 6 p.m. The group meets at the Club on the first Wednesday of each month (unless that falls on a holiday). The book of the month is discussed over dinner and cocktails.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult

Please contact Mariann Channell at medievalmd@aol.com if you are not already on the Book Club email list.

Club Sailing Race

Friday, September 1 | 5 p.m.

Technology Night Bytes & Bev's

Thursday, September 7 | 6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of learning as the Membership Department helps you navigate the GPYC website, mobile app, and answer any other questions you may have.

To RSVP and for more information, please contact the Front Desk at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

Swim Team Pizza Poster Party & Awards

Sunday, September 10 | 4 p.m. Please look to the Weekly Buzz for more details on this upcoming event. Please contact the Front Desk to RSVP at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

Ladies Bridge Club

Thursday, September 14 | 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 28

Please contact the Front Desk to RSVP at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

Poolside Pop-Up

Join us for a delicious pop-up dinner at the Harborside Grille with a different theme each week from 5 - 8 p.m.

Friday, September 1

Saturday, September 2

Saturday, September 9

Milliken Rendezvous

Friday, September 15 -

Sunday, September 17

Don't miss the popular Milliken Rendezvous in downtown Detroit. Dock your boat in their Harbor, or drive down and enjoy fun activities with GPYC members.

To RSVP and for more information, contact the Front Desk at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

Cars & Coffee

Saturday, September 16 | 9 - 11 a.m. All are welcome! This event will take place in the parking lot near the Family Recreation Center and will feature cars on display, donuts and coffee by Tim Horton's, a bar and live entertainment. Sponsored by Genesis Auto Group.

Interested in showcasing your car? Refer to The Weekly Buzz for registration. Registration is required.

GPYC Track Day at Waterford Hills Raceway

Wednesday, September 20

Join us for an exciting day that includes track driving, instructional sessions, bottled waters, breakfast, lunch, and some cocktails for postrace.

$300 per person

RSVP by emailing Aaron Wagner at awagner@gpyc.org

*Please note that if you wish to bring any crew or family/friends with you as spectators, you must list them in your reservation. We encourage spectators as it is always a fun part of the day, but please include their names when reserving.

Save the Date

Sunday Brunch

October 1

Monday Night Men's Bowling League

October 2

Women's Book Club, Wednesday Night Bowling League

October 4

Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Thursday Night Bowling League

October 5

Friday Couples #1 Bowling League

Bluenose Regatta

Saturday, September 23

This 28-mile stadium sailing regatta returns to the GPYC, bringing together sailors from multiple Clubs belonging to the Detroit Regional Yacht Racing Association.

Family Fall Festival

Sunday, September 24

Join us at the Family Recreation Center for a petting farm and other fun fall activities and treats.

Drinks by subscription.

$35++ per person

Please contact the Front Desk at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

Doggie Splash Day

Sunday, September 24 | 3 p.m.

Help us close out the season by bringing your dogs to jump in the pool! This fun tradition over the past few years has been something to look forward to for everyone.

Kid's Club

Parents – you have the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, relaxing evening at the Club, while your kids enjoy Kid’s Club on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 – 10 p.m. Children must be three years old and potty trained.

$30 for the first child, $25 for each additional child in the family, this includes a buffet made up of some your children's favorites!

To maintain the appropriate staff-tochild ratio, the maximum number of children who may attend Kid’s Club is 6 children per sitter. Reservations are required. The cut-off for reservations is

Harvest Moon Wine Tasting

Friday, September 29

Please look to the Weekly Buzz for more details on this upcoming event.

Up North Colors & Wine Tour

Friday, September 29 -

Sunday, October 1

Join us for a weekend of wine tasting in Charlevoix and enjoy your stay at the beautiful The Earl hotel.

The Earl of Charlevoix

120 Michigan Avenue Charlevoix, MI 49720

Discounted Rooms Available

Itinerary

Friday Arrival: Happy Hour The Earl Hi Bar

Saturday: Transportation provided from The Earl Winery 1: TBA Winery 2: TBA

Winery 3: Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard with appetizers and live band Dinner: The Argonne House Sunday Departure: Morning Bloody/ Mimosa Bar – The Earl Lobby Bar

Please contact the Front Desk to RSVP at (313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

by 4:30 p.m. the day of. We understand things can happen last minute. There will be an additional $20 charge per walk-in visit.

To sign up your children, contact the Front Desk at(313) 884-2500 or email frontdesk@gpyc.org.

October 6

Sunday Brunch

October 8

Monday Night Men's Bowling League

October 9

Wednesday Night Bowling League

October 11

Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Ladies Bridge Club, Thursday Night Bowling League

October 12

Open Bowling

October 13

Brunch & Bowl

October 15

Monday Night Men's Bowling League

October 16

Committee Chair Cocktail Reception, Wednesday Night Bowling League

October 18

Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Thursday Night Bowling League

October 19

Friday Couples #2 Bowling League

October 20

Brunch & Bowl

October 22

Monday Night Men's Bowling League

October 23

Wednesday Night Bowling League

October 25

Thursday Ladies Bowling League, Ladies Bridge Club, Thursday Night Bowling League

October 26

Howling Halloween Family Fun Night, Tower of Terror Adults Only Party

October 27

Brunch & Bowl

October 29

Monday Night Men's Bowling League

October 30

Culinary Excellence

By Chef Matthew Stocker

In the last edition of our magazine, we discussed foods eaten on long sailing voyages. The traveling of food and ingredients is the single most important factor in cuisine across the world. Today we will be discussing the spice trade, arguably the most important transfers of flavor in humankind.

The spice trade, a captivating tale of exploration and exoticism, traces its roots back to antiquity. As far back as 2000 BCE, traders set out on land expeditions in search of precious spices, traversing vast deserts and treacherous terrains to bring these aromatic treasures to distant lands. The allure of spices, such as cinnamon, pepper, and cloves, lay not only in their ability to enhance the flavors of dishes but also in their reputed medicinal properties.

The trade routes began on land, with camel caravans and intrepid merchants navigating the legendary Silk Road and the Incense Route. These ancient pathways connected the Far East with the Mediterranean and beyond, facilitating the exchange of goods, knowledge, and cultures. The land-based spice trade brought immense wealth to empires, cities, and individual traders who controlled strategic points along these routes.

also ignited an era of global trade and cultural exchange, shaping the course of world history.

Amidst the pursuit of profit and culinary delights, the spice trade also had profound societal impacts. The demand for spices in Europe was insatiable, leading to fierce competition among trading nations. The spice trade was a driving force behind the Age of Exploration, with European powers vying for control of lucrative spice routes and establishing colonies in the East. These colonial endeavors had far-reaching consequences, shaping the destinies of nations and profoundly impacting the cultures and traditions of the regions they encountered.

with their delightful aroma and unique flavor.

SPICE TRADE Aromatic treasures to distant lands

However, it was the maritime expansion of the spice trade that truly transformed the world. As seafaring technology improved and navigational skills advanced, ambitious explorers sought alternative routes to the spice-rich lands of Asia. The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries saw intrepid sailors, such as Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus, venturing into uncharted waters in pursuit of spices and other valuable commodities. With the discovery of new ocean routes, the spice trade shifted from perilous land crossings to lucrative maritime journeys. Spice-laden ships set sail from ports in Europe, traveling across vast oceans to reach the distant shores of Asia and the Spice Islands. These maritime endeavors not only brought a bounty of spices but

The spice trade became a catalyst for cultural fusion, fostering connections between diverse civilizations through the exchange of flavors and culinary practices. As precious spices embarked on their journey from the Far East to Europe, a vibrant intermingling of ideas, arts, and technology ensued. Eastern spices, such as aromatic cinnamon, made their way into European dishes, transforming traditional recipes. Classic dishes like English mulled wine, infused with spices like cloves and nutmeg, exemplify the profound impact of these exotic imports on European gastronomy, imbuing them with new dimensions of taste and sophistication. Additionally, the prized Indian spice, cardamom, found its way into Scandinavian cuisine, elevating treats like Swedish cardamom buns, known as "kardemummabullar," to delectable heights

Simultaneously, the spice trade opened a gateway for the introduction of New World crops to the East, leaving an indelible mark on Asian cuisines. Among the most influential newcomers was the chili pepper, carried across the oceans by European explorers. In India, chili peppers integrated seamlessly into regional dishes, leading to the creation of beloved spicy curries like vindaloo and masalas, now an integral part of Indian cuisine. The fiery notes of chili peppers became a defining feature of many Asian recipes, contributing to the diverse and dynamic array of flavors that grace Asian tables to this day. Similarly, Thai cuisine embraced the chili pepper, giving rise to the famous and fiery "Tom Yum" soup, a bold concoction of lemongrass, lime, and chili that exemplifies the harmonious blending of spices in Asian cooking. The amalgamation of flavors from distant corners of the world resulted in a rich tapestry of global gastronomy that continues to evolve. The iconic Portuguese dish, "Goan Prawn Balchão," is a prime example of this fusion, combining Indian spices with Portuguese influences. Prawns marinated in a piquant blend of red chili, cinnamon, and cloves showcase how the intermingling of cultures gave rise to exceptional culinary innovations. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the influence of African, Spanish, and indigenous cuisines resulted in the creation of delightful mole sauces, combining various spices, chili peppers, and chocolate, delivering a symphony of flavors that embodies the essence of cross-cultural culinary creativity. The spice trade's enduring legacy is the cultural unity it fostered, transcending borders and reminding us of the shared human experience across continents. Today, as we relish the diverse flavors on our plates, we honor the profound impact of the spice trade—an epic journey that reshaped the course of history and brought us together through the love of food.

Up Your Alley Bowling Leagues are BACK!

The GPYC 2023-2024 season is upon us. I am very optimistic we will have full leagues this coming season. Below is the list of leagues we have for the 2023-2024 Bowling season. All leagues have openings except Monday Night Men’s, which is currently full. Friday Night Couples Leagues is a great way for new members to enjoy the Club during the winter months and to socialize meeting other members! If you wish to join one of the leagues, please email me at gwoods@gpyc.org or call (313) 640-7005 for more information.

Monday Night Men’s League at 6:30 p.m.

• 36 Bowlers League is currently full

Wednesday Night Mixed League at 6:30 p.m.

• 24 Bowlers

Thursday Morning Ladies League at 10:00 a.m.

• 24 Bowlers

Thursday Night Mixed League at 6:30 p.m.

• 24 Bowlers

Friday Night Couples League #1 at 7:00 p.m. (First Friday of the month)

• 36 Bowlers

Friday Night Couples League #2 at 7:00 p.m. (Third Friday of the month)

• 36 Bowlers

Open bowling will be on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month and every Saturday (unless a bowling party is booked.) Open bowling times are 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Reservations are required.

Bowling parties are a great way to entertain your friends or coworkers. If you would like to book a bowling party please contact our Catering Department, Maria Dallas at mdallas@gpyc.org or Cassandra Kinna at ckinna@gpyc.org.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you all very soon in the BRC!

Gordy Woods

Bowling Director

Membership Matters

Fun Events All-Year at the Club!

The summer days are quickly coming to an end. Do not panic! We have been coming up with event ideas for you and your families to participate in all summer. We will be launching our event flyer for upcoming events for the fall and winter months very soon. You can look forward to League Bowling and Trap Shooting, two of our very popular Club activities. There is truly something for everyone here at the Club!

Three Year Members, mark your calendar for the next event on Thursday, October 5. Be sure to check your emails and keep a lookout on details for this event. You won’t want to miss it!

Alexa Coole

Membership

Director

Best regards,

Alexa Coole

New Advertising Opportunities with

Promote your Business and Support your Club! Reserve your space now

The GPYC is offering direct ad sales to our members in The Grosse Pointer monthly magazine.

This is a fantastic way to promote your business to members and all sales revenue will now go directly back into YOUR Club! Space is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your placement now! Contact Marketing Director, Jennifer Benoit at (313) 774-0187 or jbenoit@gpyc.org.

Summer Music at the GPYC!

Enjoy live music all summer long at the Gazebo Bar from 6 - 10 p.m.

Friday, September 1 ............ Jesse Medawar

Saturday, September 2 ............... Maria Rose

Sunday, September 3 Alex Shier

If you have a boat, you have a place for

Caipirinha Cocktail Did You Know?

This is Brazil's National Cocktail made with cachaca (similar to rum, but made with real sugarcane), sugar, and lime. The drink is prepared by mixing the fruit and sugar together, then adding the liquor.

Did You Know?

By Larry Stephenson, MD

A Rescue to Remember

Captain Sam Buchanan has seen many Detroit River rescues in his day, but nothing quite like the one he performed on July 12, 2023. Sam captains the MS Westcott, which ferries pilots to and from passing freighters as required.

On this fateful Wednesday, Sam was in the Westcott Co. dispatch office, located just south of the Ambassador Bridge, when three women and a child, who had all been attending a birthday party along the riverfront, burst through the door frantically shouting they had just seen a man fall off the bridge into the river. Captain Sam and two deck hands ran to the MS Westcott and as they headed out toward the bridge, the women on shore pointed to where they had seen the man fall. Almost immediately, the man was spotted. He had surfaced with his shirt ripped off and workpants down to his knees, but his work boots were still on. Since later witnesses stated he had fallen straight down, feet first, those sturdy boots just may have been a factor in his survival. As the crew pulled him into the boat, he appeared to be disoriented and asked them what had happened. As it turned out, he had been welding and somehow slipped and fell.

Stationed right next to the Westcott is a Detroit fireboat, supported by an ambulance and a crew trained in EMS, so immediately upon docking, the victim was placed in the ambulance and transported to a local hospital. It was later determined he had fallen approximately 150 feet; the very best of the famous cliff divers of Acapulco, Mexico dive 135 feet. It is amazing to note, then, that this gentleman recovered quickly from his ordeal and was discharged only a few days later.

Just one week later, Captain Sam happened to be on duty when the dispatch office door flew open and yet another rescue effort was needed. Two men fishing from the shore had witnessed a third fisherman slip and fall into the water. When the Westcott reached him, he was straining to keep his head above water as the waves were pushing him into a breakwater. Following the successful rescue, Sam said he had feared the man would be sucked under the breakwater if they had not gotten to him when they did.

Captain Sam Buchanan is a member of International Shipmasters Association (ISMA), Lodge 7, Detroit Chapter. The organization is mainly for professional ship captains and engineers, but anyone with an interest in boating and related topics is welcome to apply for membership. At present, several GPYC members are associate members of ISMA including six past commodores, the Lodge 7 Chaplain, Lynn Kogel, and this author, who serves as Lodge 7 Surgeon.

Captain Sam has a personal connection to the GPYC through his hobby of building model ships. In 2004 his friend and mentor Harvey Nissley built a model of the freighter International specifically for the Club. In 2022, when repairs were needed, Captain Sam stepped up and completed the necessary restoration work on his friend’s original model. Members will presently find it displayed on a table at the front entrance to the Club.

Captain Sam Buchanan(left), Deck hand, Albert Holland (right).

MS Westcott Mail Boat

Swim Team RECAP Club Highlights

The GPYC swimmers have had a busy summer! The Sailfish won their meet against Detroit Golf Club on June 22. On Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30, the Sailfish were getting ready for the MICSA Finals. Overall, our GPYC swim team took fifth place out of fourteen teams. Way to go swimmers! For the second year in a row, GPYC Sailfish won the Corsan Challenge. GPYC supporters gave twice as much than any other Club, totaling $8,200. For those of you that may not be familiar, this is a part of MICSA Swim Finals where each Swim Team raises funds to benefit kids in Detroit to teach them how to swim, as no child should fear water! It is a friendly competition between MICSA Swim Teams, and the winner is announced at the MICSA Finals. We want to thank everyone who supported and donated to our team and helped us take home the trophy again. We also want to take a moment to wish our Seniors farewell as they move onto this next chapter of their lives - Vincent Maffesoli, Will Turner, Vincent Sceglio and Stevie Wheatley (not pictured).

CATAWBA ISLAND Rendezvous

July 7 - 9, 2023

On Friday, July 7, our members ventured over to Catawba Island Club for a fun weekend getaway. There were 20 boats and 64 GPYC members who participated in this year’s 2023 Catawba Island Rendezvous. Several boats started the Rendezvous early and stopped at The Crew’s Nest at Put-In-Bay Island. They enjoyed spending time together listening to live music, mining for gems, and having a fun time at the pool. GPYC member Neelie O’Connor said, “the weekend was an adventure where nothing could stop our fun, even with the city-wide power outage just as we ended our welcome happy hour! Even though the rain Saturday morning got in the way of our golfing plans, we had record attendance at ‘Mimosas and Bloodys’ at the Beach Bar.”

Some members decided to participate in the offsite itinerary at the Orchard, a local Catawba restaurant and farm. They learned about chickens at the coop and the kids even got to take home a special egg for breakfast on Sunday morning. Dinner this year overlooked the beautiful Marina in the Catawba Island Club Harbour House. The night was closed out by sharing amazing sunset views on the pier together, and TUDS (according to Neelie, totally unnecessary drinks) to close the night at the rooftop bar. Neelie O’Connor says, “a trip down to Lake Erie and Catawba Island Club never disappoints. We can’t wait until next year.”

First Annual

MEMBER AND EMPLOYEE GOLF OUTING IN FULL SWING

Monday, July 15, 2023

On Monday, July 15, we had the best weather for our First Annual Employee Member Golf Outing hosted at the St. Clair Shores Golf Course. We had four teams made up of members and employees. This event is a great way to socialize all employees in both the front and the back of the Clubhouse that make the magic happen every day with the members. In first place, with 63 points, were members Pete Gleason and Joe Maffesoli golfing with Banquet Chef Jerry LaLonde. Jerry also won closest to the pin on #5. In second place were members Derek and Ellen Starks with Dining Room Supervisor, Susan Cavalli. Ellen also won longest putt. After the golfing fun was over, we enjoyed brick oven pizzas made by our very own Bowling Director, Gordy Woods. Special thanks to Gordy for organizing such a fun event for the members and employees to enjoy. Be on the lookout for more member and employee events like this soon!

JAMES SICHEL WINE DINNER

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

On Wednesday, July 19, members had an exclusive opportunity to enjoy a food and wine pairing dinner menu featuring wines of Bordeaux with special guest, James Sichel, a 6th generation Bordeaux wine family with over 189 affiliated producers in the region! James shared his extensive family history of successful vineyards and premier wine estates, including the Sichel family’s own Chateau Palmer, Chateau Argadens, and James’ home of Chateau Angludet in Margaux. GPYC member Richard Shetler said, “The atmosphere and ambience of the evening was spectacular to say the least.” There was a total of seven wines that were presented, and all were world class.

PICKLEBALL Mixer

Friday, July 21, 2023

The GPYC Pickleball courts were fully packed on Friday, July 21. The theme for the event was “Pickleball in Paradise” and it was a huge hit. Jimmy Buffet music, tropical decorations, and many members that came to play pickleball in Hawaiian shirts all made the evening vibes feel like they were actually in paradise. Social pickle games went on throughout the evening. Members enjoyed a variety of pizzas and good drinks out near the Family Recreation Center. This was our largest Pickleball event to date! If you missed this event, be sure to look in the Buzz for details on the next one.

Pirates & Mermaids

Sunday, July 23, 2023

On Sunday, July 23, the GPYC invited Mermaid Ariel and Jack Sparrow for an under the sea adventure at the Club. They put on quite a show for the kids, who also dressed up as either a pirate or mermaid. There was face painting, arts & crafts, a balloon artist, a giant pirate ship bounce house with a slide, and finally, a treasure hunt! Pastry Chef, Christina Wood, also made delicious pirate ship cupcakes for the occasion. Everyone had a great time with all their mateys!

GPYC member Ellisse Thompson said, “Pirates and Mermaids was incredible. From the food to the scavenger hunt, there was something for all kids to enjoy!”

GPYC Team Spotlight Meet the Staff

Aidan King was chosen to be highlighted by Sailing Director Christina Noland because he has been an invaluable asset to the sailing department this summer. He is a man of many talents. He was relied on as Christina’s go to person for several projects this summer and she can always count on him to get the job done! He is a great team member and works hard.

How long have you worked at the GPYC?

5 years. The first 2 years I worked as a busser in the food & beverage department. Then I began working as a sailing coach out at the MAC in 2021. This is my 3rd year with the sailing department.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to do as much sailboat racing as possible. I also enjoy golf, duck hunting, boating & travel.

Who is the most influential person in your life and why?

My Dad, because he taught me how to have a good work ethic and strong morals.

Where are you going in the Fall and what are you studying?

In the Fall, I will be attending Michigan State University for my junior year. I'm studying finance in the Eli Broad College of Business.

Emma Galeota was chosen to be highlighted by Harbor Master Alex Turner because she is a valuable part of the Harbor team and is very knowledgeable. This will be her last summer at the GPYC. She has been the supervisor for the last few summers.

How long have you worked at the GPYC? What is your favorite part about working here?

I have been here for 6 years in the Harbor. My lifelong friends that I have made here are my favorite part. I also have a great boss and that makes working easy.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mom, Cathy.

What is your plan after the summer is over?

I am going to an Occupational Therapy School in Boston called Massachusetts School of Pharmacology and Health Science. I chose to go here because I have always wanted to go to the East Coast. It’s also near the ocean, so I feel roots to the Yacht Club there.

What is your favorite TV show?

Greys Anatomy.

Aidan King Sailing Instructor

Emma Galeota Harbor Supervisor

Harbor Hours

The Harbor will be staffed from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. every day.

The Fuel Dock will be open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. every day.

In well pump outs will be available from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Fitness Hours

Daily 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Labor Day Weekend

Pool Hours:

Friday, Sept. 1 - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2 - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 3 - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 4 - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

September 5 - September 24

Weekends Only

Weather permitting 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Splash Pad

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

GPYC Reciprocity

Don’t forget that the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club has reciprocity with numerous Clubs all over the world. Please contact Membership Director Alexa Coole within 48 hours’ notice of which Club you would like to travel to and the duration of your stay. Once Membership has obtained all information necessary, we will reach out to the Club of your choice and provide them with a Letter of Introduction, as well as a point of contact to the Club you are visiting. Contact Alexa Coole for any additional information at (313) 640-3188 or email acoole@gpyc.org.

Cakes by Christina

The GPYC is proud to offer custom cakes for all occasions, including weddings, made by our Pastry Chef, Christina Wood! She offers a variety of flavors (including gluten-free options), fillings, and icings. Cakes range in size from 6" to a full sheet. Standard wedding cakes are available in 3 or 5 tiers. To place an order, please contact Catering Coordinator Cassandra Kinna at ckinna@gpyc.org.

Cancellation Policy

Members canceling a reservation for Club sponsored functions with less than 24 hours’ notice or not attending the function without giving notice will be charged the established price for each person involved. Thank you.

Summer Clubhouse Attire

Gentlemen (ages 12-up): Collared shirts with tailored pants, denim or dress-length shorts may be worn. Hoodies, t-shirts and hats are not permitted. Athletic attire, pants or denim with holes or rips, cut-off shorts, swimwear and shirts without sleeves are prohibited. Sandals may be worn, rubber shoes, Crocs or slides may not be worn. Shirts and cover-ups must be worn on the Gazebo Deck.

Ladies (ages 12-up): Blouse, sweater or collared shirt with tailored pants, denim or appropriate shorts may be worn. Dresses and skirts worn in good taste are also permitted. Hoodies and t-shirts are not permitted. Ladies may wear appropriate hats. Leggings are permitted when worn as undergarments with a mid-thigh length top, sweater, skirt or dress. Athletic attire, pants or denim with holes or rips, cut-off shorts and swimwear are prohibited. Sandals may be worn, rubber shoes, Crocs or slides may not be worn. Shirts and cover-ups must be worn on the Gazebo Deck. Family friendly attire is required at the pool.

GPYC Concierge Service

All members can enjoy services such as menu requests, carry-out dining, event reservations and more! Save it as “GPYC Concierge” on your phone and start texting (313) 306-2437.

Grog Shop

The Grog Shop is open every day from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Starting September 17, the Grog Shop will be open every day from 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

We have everything you need! Simply text the member concierge number to have anything brought right out to your boat.

Online Dining Reservations

Make your reservations for our dining rooms through OpenTable! Simply visit our website or phone app, log in, and go to the “Reservations” tab. There, you will see an OpenTable widget where you can select the day and time to dine with us. Parties of 9 or more will need to call the Front Desk to make a reservations for all rooms.

Boat Party Platters

Plan your day with our delicious platters, delivered to your boat. Kindly give us 24 hours’ notice for pick up or delivery. Please call the kitchen at (313) 884-2500 ext. 726 or text GPYC Member Concierge at (313) 306-2437 to order.

Delivery and pick-ups available

Wednesday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Gazebo Bar

(weather permitting)

Monday - Friday

4 p.m. - Close

Saturday & Sunday

12 p.m. - Close

Harborside Grille Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 2 & Sunday, Sept. 3 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 4 - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Official Last Day of Service

Dining Hours

Breakfast: Binnacle & Binnacle Terrace (weather permitting)

Saturday Only 8 - 11 a.m.

BRUNCH: Main Dining Room Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Afternoon Menu 2 - 5 p.m.

LUNCH: Binnacle & Binnacle Terrace (weather permitting)

Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

DINNER: Binnacle & Binnacle Terrace (weather permitting)

Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 5 - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5 - 10 p.m.

Main Dining Room

Thursday 5 - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5 - 10 p.m.

Looking Aft

THE BELL OF THE BALLROOM

By Larry Stephenson, MD

Not many GPYC members have ever taken notice of the bell that hangs from the center of the Ballroom fireplace mantel. It once resided on the US Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma, built by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, MI and commissioned in 1934 to serve in part as an icebreaker on the Great Lakes, with a crew of six officers and 56 enlisted men. The Native American name Tahoma –or Tacoma – has several meanings, all related to water and ice.

In preparation for a likely war, President Roosevelt transferred control of the Coast Guard to the US Navy on November 1, 1941, and by July 1942 the Tahoma was escorting Allied convoys in the North Atlantic, in an area prone to attack from German U-Boats that included the waters around Maine, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Greenland.

In September 1945, Tahoma was released from the Atlantic Fleet and returned to the Coast Guard. She was assigned the homeport of Grand Haven, MI, where she served until 1947 when she was decommissioned for storage and mothballed in Cleveland.

Following a brief re-commissioning in 1952, Tahoma received her final decommission in 1953 and was sold to the Bethlehem Steel Company for scrap on October 17, 1955.

So how did that bell come to reside on the GPYC mantel? There is no known account of any connection to the Club, but the Cutter’s history certainly places her in the Great Lakes area for most of her service. Past Commodore Mark Weber recalls seeing the bell as a young boy in the 1950s. He can’t say exactly which room it was located in but does remember walking past and ringing it from time to time. There is some consensus that the bell most likely made its way to the mantel when the Ballroom was remodeled in the late 1980s.

Today the bell is rung at the Annual Meeting in honor of those members who have passed away in the previous year. An engraving on the bell reads, “USCG Cutter Tahoma 1934”. Having served as the first USCG station on Lake St. Clair from 1936 to 1943, the GPYC can be especially proud of our “Coastie” bell. It is most likely all that remains of the Tahoma, a Cutter that undoubtedly saved many lives throughout her years of service to her country.

By U.S. Coast Guard - Tahoma, 1934, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94634725

USCGC Tahoma, length 156 feet, Width 56 feet.

2023 GPYC Calendar

september 2023

Fri., September 1............... Kid's Club, Club Sailing Race, Summer Music

Sat., September 2 Breakfast in the Binnacle, Kid's Club, Summer Music

OCTOBER 2023

Sun., October 1 .................. Sunday Brunch

Mon., October 2 Monday Night Men's League

Wed., October 4 ................ Women's Book Club, Wednesday Night League

Sun., September 3 ............. Sunday Brunch, Summer Music

Mon., September 4 .............. Labor Day BBQ

Wed., September 6 Women's Book Club

Sun., September 10 Sunday Brunch

Fri., September 15 Milliken Rendezvous

Sat., September 16 Milliken Rendezvous, Cars & Coffee

Sun., September 17 Sunday Brunch, Milliken Rendezvous

Wed., September 20 GPYC Track Day at Waterford Hills

Sat., September 23 ........... Bluenose Regatta

Sun., September 24 .......... Sunday Brunch, Fall Family Festival, Doggie Splash Day

Wed., September 27 Wednesday Night Bowling League

Thurs., September 28

Membership Candidate Reception, Thursday Night Bowling League

Fri., September 29 .............

Harvest Moon Wine Tasting, Up North Colors & Wine Tour

These dates are accurate as of the printing of this Grosse Pointer. Please stay tuned to The Weekly Buzz and eblasts for updates.

Thurs., October 5 Thursday Ladies League, Thursday Night League

Fri., October 6 Fridays Couples #1 League

Sun., October 8 Sunday Brunch

Mon., October 9 ................ Monday Night Men's League

Wed., October 11 Women's Book Club, Wednesday Night League

Thurs., October 12 Thursday Ladies League, Thursday Night League

Fri., October 13 ................. Open Bowling

Sun., October 15 Brunch & Bowl

Mon., October 16 Monday Night Men's League

Wed., October 18 Committee Chair Cocktail Reception, Wednesday Night League

Thurs., October 19 ............ Thursday Ladies League, Thursday Night League

Fri., October 20 Fridays Couples #2 League

Sun., October 22 ................ Brunch & Bowl

Mon., October 23 Monday Night Men's League

Wed., October 25 .............. Wednesday Night League

Thurs., October 26 Thursday Ladies League, Ladies Bridge Club, Thursday Night League

Fri., October 27 Howling Halloween Family Fun Night, Tower of Terror Adults Only Party

Sun., October 29 Brunch & Bowl

Mon., October 30 .............. Monday Night Men's League

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

788 Lake Shore Road

Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236