August 2023

Summer is Here! Summer is Here!

“...to increase an awareness of and participation in yachting activities.”

Coral Reef Yacht Club 2484 South Bayshore Drive Miami, Florida 33133 Phone: (305) 858-1733

www.coralreefyachtclub.org

General Manager: Jim VanBuren

CLUB OFFICERS 2023-2024

Commodore ........................................Neal McAliley

Vice Commodore .............................Stephan Medina

Rear Commodore .............................Jim Hartenstein

Treasurer .................................................Chris Block

Secretary..........................................Bentley Balzabre

Fleet Captain .............................Luis Prieto y Muñoz

Fleet Surgeon .........................Bernhard Brijbag, MD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charles Porter ‘24

Tait Keon ‘24

Billy Rieder ‘24

John Wood ‘24

Al Germi ‘25

Peter LaPointe ‘25

Commodore’s Comments

One of the de ning programs at Coral Reef Yacht Club is our youth sailing program. Since the 1950s, it has been a mission of our Club to teach children how to sail, have fun on the water, and compete at the highest levels of the sport. rough the years, we have taught thousands of people how to race sailboats at our beloved Club. For more than y years, we have hosted the largest youth sailing regatta in the United States, the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta. It is no exaggeration to say that people around the world have heard of Coral Reef Yacht Club as a result of our youth sailing program.

Luis Prieto y Munoz ‘25

Bernard Brijbag, MD ‘26

Christian Falk ‘26

Lori Harvey ‘26

Kenia Rocha ‘26

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Associate Members .....Danny Mendez/Nicholas Diaz

Audit Committee ....................................Lori Harvey

BAD Committee .........................................Brett Ury

Charter and Bylaws .........................PC Mike Bonner

Commodores Ball .....................Doreen Roseborough

Elise Thyrre & Teresa Davant

Communications.......PC Carol Ewing,Web Manager

Tina Menditto, Reef Points Editor

Cruising and Boating ................................Dale Mills

Entertainment ..............................Maria McCormick

Family Activities ................... Lisa Santana/Abby Wyss

FCYC Rep .........................................PC Joe Mensch

Finance................................................Charles Porter

Fishing Tournaments ......................Diego Juncadella/ Javier Villegas

House.........................................Luis Prieto y Muñoz

Ladies Day .................Doreen Roseborough/Pat Hays

Long Range Planning .....................PC Doug Broeker

Marine Facilities ......................................Billy Rieder

Membership .......................................PC Mike Klotz

Nominating......................................PC Mike Owens

Orange Bowl Regatta ........................Vince Menditto

Orientation ..............................PC Peter Baumberger

Race Committee ...............................PC Chris Lanza

Reef Locker ...........................................Lisa Maguire

SORC ..............................................PC Carol Ewing

Youth Sailing/USODA ............................Chris Block

WOW/Ladies Sailing ..........................Melissa Rieder

Deadline is the 10th of the month. E-mail info@coralreefyachtclub.org in order to receive a paper copy by mail and to submit digital photos or articles and for advertising information.

For the past decade, we have had approximately 100 children enrolled each year in our youth sailing program. We focus on two boats: the Optimist Dinghy (or “Opti”) and the Club 420. In the Opti, we have perhaps the largest Green Fleet in the United States, where we introduce children to sailing and instill in them the love of the sport. More experienced Opti sailors transition to the Red White and Blue Fleet, where kids learn advanced skills, so they can compete at the highest levels. Once sailors get to high school, we o er a Club 420 program that teaches double handed sailing, in essence, preparing sailors for college sailing and beyond. At every level, our coaches are some of the best in the business. No other program in the United States teaches so many people the intricacies of racing sailboats year in and year out.

Our sailors have recently achieved notable success. is past April, twenty two of our sailors competed in the U.S. Optimist Dinghy Association Team Trials, which is the regatta that decides which sailors are given the privilege of representing the United States at international Opti regattas. Fourteen of our twenty-two sailors quali ed to be on Team USA at ve international Opti regattas, including one sailor on the team for the World Championship in Greece, three on the team for the European Championship in Spain, eight sailors on the team for the North American Championship in Antigua, two sailors on the team for the Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi, and two sailors on the team for the prestigious annual regatta in Belgium. is is a remarkable achievement that we should celebrate.

Coral Reef sailors have success long a er they graduate from our program. Many of our sailors are recruited by prominent colleges to be a part of their sailing teams. By my last count, we may have as many as 20-25 Coral Reef sailing alumni competing today at the college level. Two weeks ago, the Intercollegiate Sailing Association announced this year’s All-American sailing teams. Five Coral Reef Members and/or graduates of our sailing program were named All-American, and three more were named to the honorable mention All-American team. is is, quite simply, an extraordinary showing for our Club.

We should all be proud of our youth sailing program. anks to you, we are continuing our Club’s legacy of introducing children to a lifetime on the water. Next time you see those little kids getting in their sailboats over the weekend, you may be looking at a future world champion or College All-American.

Regarding this month’s cover photo (taken by our very own CRYC sta member Wendy Jaime), we can surely tell the dog days of summer are upon us by the sticky, hot, and rainy Miami weather. Of course, as South Floridians, we wouldn’t have it any other way and there is always a rainbow to be found if you look hard enough.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer. See you around the Club!

Neal

Meet Your Club Officers!

In the June issue of Reef Points, Members were introduced to our Vice Commodore - Stephan Medina, Rear Commodore - Jim Hartenstein, and Treasurer - Chris Block. is issue will conclude with the balance of the Flag O cers: Secretary - Bentley Balzebre, Fleet Captain - Luis Prieto y Muñoz, and Fleet Surgeon - Bernie Brijbag, MD.

SAVE THE DATES

WOW BUBBLY AND BOUQUETS

Saturday, September 16th

FAMILY ACTIVITIES FISHING OFF THE DOCKS

Sunday, September 17th

LADIES DAY DUCHESS OF WINDSOR

Wednesday, September 20th

BAD NIGHT CAPTAIN RAUL BOESEL

Thursday, September 21st

FIRST FIESTA OF THE SEASON: MEXICAN MASH-UP

Saturday, September 23rd

SECRETARY:

Bentley Balzebre, a Miami native, was always on the water as a kid, whether it was sailing, lobstering, diving, skiing or just cruising with friends. She joined CRYC in 2001 upon returning from San Francisco, where she was an Engineer for Chevron. Bentley is currently serving as a Director and has served on the Board of Directors before 2015-2019, Audit Committee (4 years including as Chair), Membership (2014-2015, 2020–2022) and Nominating (2016-2019, 2020-present). She and her husband Tommy had a Hunter 25.5 sailboat and a Mako 18, but they are currently enjoying friends with boats. Bentley is a Controller for McKenzie Construction. She and her husband have two children, Patton (19) and Lenox (16). You can usually nd Bentley and Tommy by the pool playing Rummikub or Bannanagrams with friends.

FLEET CAPTAIN:

Luis Prieto y Muñoz was born and raised in Coconut Grove and is a lifelong sailor and boater. He joined Coral Reef in the autumn of 2017 and serves on the Membership and Marine Facilities (4 years) committees. He graduated from the University of Florida with an MA in history and is the Managing Partner of Piedroba Consulting Group, a marine/port infrastructure advisory and development rm. Luis lives in south Coconut Grove with his wife Joanna (Weber). ey have a 21’ Sea Pro bay boat kept at home and are searching for their next racing sailboat. Outside of Coral Reef, Luis serves as President of the US Sailing Center (nextdoor to the Club).

FLEET SURGEON:

Bernie Brijbag, MD has been a member of CRYC since 2016 and currently serves as Fleet Surgeon. Bernie moved to Miami from New York as a child and has considered himself a native of Miami and Coconut Grove ever since. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University. He has been practicing Internal Medicine in Coral Gables since 1999. He has served on the Medical Executive Committee at Doctors Hospital as the Chair of Medicine and participated in several medical outreach programs serving our community. When not working, Bernie enjoys cruising, shing, and diving in our South Florida waters and the Bahamas with his wife, Rosana and twin boys, Alex and Christian, aboard their 328 Pursuit.

BAD Presents an Evening with Captain Lee

May Ladies Day Fashion Show -Stunning!

Rock City Rocks It at the Wilson Rock City Cruising Club

nished 2nd at the 74th Wilson Trophy hosted by West Kirby Sailing Club in West Kirby, England. is was the team's rst time competing in this prestigious team racing regatta. Using the Swiss League format, 32 teams from Ireland, the UK, and the United States sailed 17 rounds over three days to determine the top eight teams. At the end of 17 rounds, Rock City had 15 wins, and was sitting in 1st place. In the quarter nals, they beat Baltimore Sailing Club (IRE) then they went on to beat Royal ames Yacht Club (UK) in the seminals, which put them up against the East Coast Dri ers (USA) in the nals. However, the Dri ers got the best of them in a best of ve nals. Rock City was comprised of six former and current college sailors from Georgetown and Yale - new CRYC Associate Member, Shawn Harvey Yale'22 sailed with Sonia Lingos-Utley Yale'22, Ben Markert Yale'23, Teddy Nicolosi Yale'24, Sean Segerblom Georgetown'20, and Caroline Teare Georgetown'21. e team plans to return to West Kirby in May 2024 for the 75th Wilson Trophy. Great job!

WOW Enjoys Reeftop Yoga

By Melissa Rieder, WOW/Ladies Sailing Chair

With a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay as a backdrop, CRYC’s WOW (Women on the Water) Committee hosted a yoga class the morning of June 3rd on the Club’s beautiful Ree op Terrace. CRYC Member and yoga instructor extraordinaire, Aubrey Lawrence, guided the group of attendees from one pose to the next as a gentle bay breeze kept things cool. WOW yoga classes are held at CRYC throughout the year and are perfect for those at all skill levels, including participants who are brand new to the practice as well as longtime yoga devotees. Keep your eyes peeled for details on upcoming sessions in future issues of Reef Points and posted on the Club bulletin!

CRYC Honors It’s High School Graduates!

Natalia Maria Freyre graduated from Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart and will be attending Tulane University in New Orleans in the Fall. She was a member of the MU ALPHA THETA (Math Honor Society), National Technical Honor Society, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) CLUB, NSHS (National Hispanic Honor Society), and Campus Ministry. Natalia was also a member of the Sailing Team as well as the Cross Country Team throughout her years at Carrollton. We are very proud of Natalia’s dedication and accomplishments and look forward to her next four years. Proud parents: Carolina & Peter Freyre, and proud sisters Alejandra & Paulina Freyre.

Kirksey Smith just graduated from Palmer Trinity School, where she was in Palmer’s first-ever International Baccalaureate class. Prior to Palmer, Kirksey went to St. Thomas Episcopal School. To continue her education, Kirksey is excited to be attending Tulane University in the fall. She plans to study Marketing and hopes to attain a Masters Degree in Fashion at an international school after graduating from Tulane. Her family has been members of Coral Reef her entire life, she has many fun memories of being at the Club, and she is grateful for Coral Reef.

Lucy Elizabeth Fitzpatrick is a 2023 graduate of Ransom Everglades School. Prior to Ransom Everglades, Lucy attended St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. Lucy is thrilled to be attending Wake Forest University in the Fall, her plan is to study Journalism and Communications.

Lindsay Meg Roth, Gulliver Class of 2023, is the granddaughter of Philip and Denise Gerson graduated from Gulliver with honors and was further distinguished as Gulliver’s Silver Knight Nominee Social Sciences. She will be attending New York University in the Fall considering a law career.

Jack Harris, a recent graduate School, demic journey of Business distinguished Scholar, in Finance

With aspirations ful impact

anticipates his return to the city tribute to its vibrant and thriving

Max Milian graduated from ity School and will continue his path at American University in ton DC. He will be studying

Wyatt Bischoff (grandson of loper Bischoff

Patrick Keough is a graduate of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, where he was the kicker on the Palmetto Panthers Varsity Football team. He will be attending Florida Atlantic University in the fall, planning to major in Business Administration.

attend

Commodore Bischoff Christina graduated and will at Tufts

Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Prep, granddaughter Gerson. She multiple distinguished Nominee in attending Fall and is

graduate of Ransom Everglades is embarking on his acajourney at the Kelley School Business at IU-Bloomington. As a distinguished Hudson and Holland Scholar, Jack will pursue a major Finance and a minor in Spanish. aspirations to make a meaningimpact in Miami, Jack eagerly city and is determined to conthriving business community.

Palmer Trinhis academic in WashingFinance.

DockwalConnie Bischoff and Past Commodore Rick Bischoff, and son of members Christina and Senet Bischoff) graduated from Tabor Academy will be joining the sailing team Tufts University in the fall.

Luna Greenan, daughter of Tyler and Mandy Greenan, graduated from Palmer Trinity School. She will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall, majoring in jewelry design. Luna is a truly creative and artistic soul, and loves musicals, playing the double bass, and has her own jewelry collection @lunalojewels.

Spencer Dominguez is graduating from Miami Beach Senior High School, International Baccalaureate Program. He will be attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he will be a member of the Varsity Sailing Team. Spencer hopes to study aerospace engineering and become a Naval Aviator after commissioning. Spencer is the grandson of CRYC member Homer L. Marlow (1925-2000), a former Marine and World War II veteran.

Brennan Troup attended The Pine School, a small independent private school, for seven years after her family moved from Miami to Stuart, FL. She will be attending Wake Forest University, which is located in Winston-Salem, NC. Although going in as undecided in her major, Brennan looks forward to exploring different career paths in areas such as publication and sports management.

Gabrielle Elise Schwartz was accepted into the University of Connecticut (UConn) Marine Sciences Program where she will build the foundation of her journey towards a Maritime Law Graduate Degree.

Graduated Cum Laude from Palmetto Senior High School, June 2023. We are so proud of her hard work and commitment!

Madeline Vinas, daughter of Kim Kolisch Vinas and Frank Vinas has graduated High School from Palmer Trinity School. She will be attending Clemson University in the fall majoring in Psychology.

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Collegiate Sailing Superstars!

Lachlain McGranahan, along with Harvard teammates, Justin and Mitchell Callahan, emerged victorious on the collegiate stage by winning the Team Race National Championship last month. Additionally, with his second place in the A division, Lachlain led the Harvard Crimson to a podium nish of 3rd overall in the Open Dinghy National Championship. Lachlain’s outstanding performance throughout the season resulted in his nomination as a nalist for NEISA and ICSA Sailor of the Year. Furthermore, he received All American Skipper and Open NEISA First Team honors. As he enters his senior year at Harvard, Lachlain will continue his role as captain of the coed sailing team while pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering and a secondary degree in Computer Science.

Mitchell Callahan, a freshman at Harvard concentrating in Economics, along with his twin brother and Lachlain McGranahan, led Harvard Crimson to clinch its rst National Championship since 2003. Harvard won the Team Race National Championship last month and nished 3rd in the Open Fleet Race National Championship. His performance in his rookie year earned him All-American Honorable Mention. Mitchell is studying Economics at Harvard, and this summer, Mitchell is looking forward to competing on the match racing circuit with his brother and coaching in the C420, I420, and Opti classes.

Stephan Baker, a freshman at Yale University, helped the Yale sailing team rank rst place, both in eet racing and team racing during the season, leading to a second place in eet racing and a fourth place in team racing at College Nationals.

Stephan was named All-NEISA First Team skipper and received an All-American Honorable Mention award this season.

Justin Callahan, a freshman at Harvard, along with his twin brother and Lachlain McGranahan, led Harvard Crimson to clinch its rst National Championship since 2003. Harvard won the Team Race National Championship last month and nished 3rd in the Open Fleet Race National Championship. During his rookie fall and spring seasons, Justin placed in the top 5 at every regatta. He also helped his team win the Fleet Atlantic Coast Championship and NEISA Open Fleet Race Championship by winning B-Division by 19 points at each championship. His results earned him an AllAmerican Award, NEISA Rookie of the Year, Open NEISA First Team, and NEISA Sailor of the Week two times. Justin also serves as the freshman captain and is studying Government and Economics.

Stanford sisters made history last month at the 2023 ICSA Open National Championship at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy a er four days of racing on Long Island Sound. For the rst time in the championship’s 77-plus year history, an allfemale team consisting of siblings Michelle Lahrkamp Stanford’23 (A Skipper) and Vanessa Lahrkamp Stanford’26 (B Skipper), won lowpoint in both A and B Divisions, achieved by Stanford University in A Division and Yale University in B Division. 2023 is also the rst time the overall championship has been won by a team of all female sailors. ese outstanding results earned both sisters All-American Awards.

Session 1: June 12 June 23

Session 2: June 26 July 7

Session 3: July 10 July 21

Session 4: July 24 August 4

Session 5: August 7 August 11

WWW.CORALREEFYACHTCLUB.ORG

NEW CONTACT INFORMATION?

NEW HOME ADDRESS?

NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY?

MEMBER 2023 INFORMATION UPDATE Let us know!

NEW STATUS?

COMPLETE YOUR MEMBER INFO UPDATE FORM IN OUR WEBSITE.

https://www.coralreefyachtclub.org/MEMBERS/Member_Notices

A headshot photo is required for our system and member cards. You may upload a photo when completing the online form, by emailing the Front Desk at frontdesk@coralreefyachtclub.org or stop by the Front Desk Tuesday – Sunday 9:00am to 8:00pm to have your picture snapped.

August 2023

ANGLER’S REEF GRILLE & YARDARM BAR

Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday - Sunday 11:00am - 8:00pm | Friday 11:00am - 9:00pm

*Indoor and outdoor seating with table and bar service available.

Please refer to the Club calendar at www.coralreefyachtclub.org as events may be subject to change.

Summer

It takes over 150 volunteers to pull off� this historic regatta each year. We need your help to make it happen! Volunteers are needed both on the water (with boats or without) and on land

early volunteer registration.