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.
Commodore’s Comments
Summer’s uno cial end was marked by our Labor Day celebration with families on the water and taking part in the festivities at the Club. at was followed by WOW Aqua Aerobics, and Ladies Day’s “Bingo and Bubbly” event. We also introduced a new “by the glass/by the bottle” wine list with two wine tastings.
As this issue of Reef Points hits the presses, a highlight of the year is the recognition of our y-year Members. Our October Sundowners’ dinner features a special celebration in their honor, where they will be recognized and receive a custom-designed lapel pin as a symbol of their years of membership. ere are over forty people who have been Members of Coral Reef for y years or more. In fact, many of those have been Members for over y years, so we’re going to get caught up with all of them this year! Next year, and as a tradition in the years to come, those Members who complete y years of membership will also be recognized and celebrated at a special dinner and will receive their pins.
As I said at the Change of Command ceremony, I am thinking of my year as Commodore in terms of the Past, Present, and Future. is y-year Member recognition is a blend of all of those themes. ese Members represent the Past of this great Club and their years of membership are the foundation of the Present. We want to build on their experience, traditions, and guidance for new generations as we look to the Future.
Also in October, we will have another WOW Aqua Aerobics on October 5th and the Associates Supper Club on October 9th. ose events will be followed by Ladies Day on October 15th and BAD Night on October 16th with “Miami Outlaw: – Kid to Kingpin” presented by Dr. Scott Sherouse.
Halloween has inspired three di erent events this year! On Saturday, October 18th, the theme of the Adult Halloween Party will be “Neptune’s Legends of the Sea,” which promises to be a swashbuckling night of dinner and dancing. at will be followed on Sunday, October 26th by the “Kids Trick or Treat on the Docks.” e Associates “Trick or Trivia” event, open to all Members, takes place on ursday, October 30th. inking even further ahead, the annual Dockwallopers Ball will be on November 7th, and we’ll be honoring Veterans on November 11 at our annual Harry Susskind Veterans Day Luncheon.
It’s never too early to think about December. Among all the other things happening that month, one of the most important is that we distribute the Crew Holiday Fund checks to our dedicated Crew. ese funds are distributed based on years of service at the Club, and our aim is 100% Member participation. is is a concrete way to show our appreciation to all our Crew, both the people we see every day, and those working behind the scenes to provide such an exceptional Member experience. Any amount is welcome because participation at any level helps show our support for our Crew. A QR code will be displayed at various places around the Club as one way to make it easier for Members to make their contribution. ey can simply be added to the monthly Member account or charged to a credit card.
Another December event we need to start thinking about is the TUUCI Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta. Volunteers are needed for both waterside and landside support. If you’re able to help, please contact OBIYR Chair Vince Menditto at OBIYR@coralreefyachtclub.org. We’ll also be participating in the annual Toys for Tots campaign, which has become a great tradition here at the Club with the U.S. Marine Corps.
To keep track of all these events, be sure to keep an eye on the Club calendar, Instagram, and the weekly email blasts. Remember to look for opportunities to thank our Crew, our Manager, and our many volunteer Members for their hard work in making all of these activities happen. With so many things happening at the Club, Lorena and I are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.
Jim
Welcome Aboard!
Francesca and Frank Valdes
Finn 2
Regular
Sponsored by Tait Keon
Spencer Williams
Associate Legacy I
Sponsored by Stewart Williams
Macy Auerbacher
Associate Legacy I Sponsor by Laurel Auerbacher
Alex Mendelson
Associate I
Sponsored by Victor Mendelson
Robert and Kellie Brannon
Regular Sponsored by Laurel Auerbacher
Boat: 34’ SeaVee, Open Fisherman - Kallieb
September’s FCYC Report
LADIES DAY LUNCHEON LADIES DAY LUNCHEON
FEATURING RON MAGILL “PRIDE OF A LION”
FEATURING RON MAGILL
OF A LION”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
By Joseph Mensch MD
e Moorings Yacht Club is what one would probably describe as “posh.” It is situated on the Indian River on 535 acres of what was once a mangrove swamp.
Join us for an unforgettable Ladies Luncheon with Ron Magill, Zoo Miami’s world-renowned Goodwill Ambassador and wildlife conservationist.
Ron will share “Pride of a Lion” a true-life story behind The Lion King, told through breathtaking photography and moving storytelling.
This inspiring presentation will leave you with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
RSVP at frontdesk@coralreefyachtclub.org or (305) 858-1733
Originally purchased by Cuban sugar magnate Baron Julio Lobo in 1957, it was dredged and developed into 340 single-family homes and 810 condo units. e original clubhouse of 1977 was redesigned, enlarged to over 20,00 square feet and rebuilt in 2015. ere are only ten slips, but these are for transients. Members keep their cra behind their homes on the numerous canals. ey have two golf courses, pools, tennis courts, and gyms to enjoy. e sta is very friendly. As you would expect, the cost of membership is on the high side with a $125,000 entrance fee, $12,500 annual dues, and a $1,425 annual assessment. With 1050 Members, there is a three-year waiting list for admission.
CRYC 8th Edition Ornament
HONORING OUR 70TH ANNIVERSARY
This year’s design highlights our iconic CRYC Gatehouse, which has welcomed members and guests for decades and was featured in the 37th season finale of The Amazing Race.
Plati
Our Coast Guard has just released the 2024 recreational statistics. e report records the fewest number of boating fatalities since the service began collecting statistics over y years ago. Alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatalities. Presently, the fatality rate is 4.8 deaths per 100,000 recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from last year. Interestingly, there was an increase in deaths among stand-up paddleboarders. Drowning accounted for ¾ of deaths, with 87% not wearing life vests. In addition, a new milestone was achieved when our Coast Guard o oaded 760,000 pounds of narcotics valued at 473 million dollars in Port Everglades.
$47 each - available while supplies last Pick yours up early and own a piece of CRYC history fea
Circling the top are five stars, a nod to our Platinum Clubs of America status. Along the bottom, 1955-2025” proudly marks our 70-year history.
Limited Edition: Only 70 Ornaments
Limited Edition: num ouse, our 70-year history. tured in the
Finally, in my last report, I mentioned the threefold increase in boater entrance fees to the Bahamian waters. I authored a letter to the Bahamas Tourist Board, which was sent under the aegis of the FCYC board of directors. Apparently, the Bahamian Marina Association received wind of this, and we are planning a joint approach to mitigate the fees. More to come. e next FCYC meeting will be at the Clearwater Yacht Club on November 15th. Hope you can make it!
IN MEMORIAM
Patricia Bohn Lynn Hendricks Butler
Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta Seeking Volunteers
By Vince Menditto, OBIYR Chair
e 2025 Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta (OBIYR) is just three months away! Registration opened on September 8th and 9th and we already have hundreds of sailors signed up with a growing waitlist. Sailors will launch from three venues: Opti’s at CRYC, C420s at the U.S. Sailing Center and ILCAs at Shake-a-Leg. Sailors will check in on December 26th and compete from December 27th to 30th. We need your help to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here’s where you can get involved: Landside Volunteering: sailor/coach registration, boat launch/retrieval, sailor check-out/check-in. Waterside Volunteering: safety support, Race Committee assistance, mark set and scoring. Whether you can spare one shi , one day, or all ve days, we have space for you to volunteer! Email me at OBIYR@coralreefyachtclub.org to nd out more. Your support is greatly appreciated.
On the Cover
is month’s spectacular cover photo was taken by Mary Seabrook. It truly captures Miami these past several months – late a ernoon rainstorms with thunder booms and lightning.
BAD Presents Miami Outlaw: Kid to Kingpin
By Brett Ury
MIAMI OUTLAW: KID TO KINGPIN fuses historical research, anthropological detail, and deeply personal experience into a rich portrait of our war on drugs. Scott Sherouse details youth not fueled by desperation, but on a quest for riches and their willingness to do nearly anything to get them. America's post-Vietnam social woes are the backdrop for the chronicles of a few mid-1970s Miami Palmetto High wrestlers (check out an amazing ESPN documentary called Pin Kings) from the mat to narcotics tra ckers. e author tells a story he helped create, as he nurtured the protagonist in the beginning of a decades-long journey that led to smuggling on three continents.
Part oral history, part mea culpa, MIAMI OUTLAW weaves a tale of avarice and deceit with a personal inquiry into the slippery disposition of truth, betrayal, and human nature. An epic lled with a poignant sense of discovery in a coming-ofage tale gone awry, MIAMI OUTLAW depicts a true American tragedy with an un inching view into the forces that shaped a generation.
Please join us on ursday, October 16 (cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation at 7:15 p.m.) as author Scott Sherouse discusses his new book! RSVP at frontdesk@coralreefyachtclub.org or call 305.858.1733. See you there!
Miami Outlaw: “Kid to Kingpin” with Dr. Scott Sherouse Thursday, October 16th
Cocktails: 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Dinner: 6:30 PM Presentation: 7:15 PM
the incredible real-life saga behind his gripping new book, Miami Outlaw: Kid to Kingpin.
As seen on ESPN’s 30 for 30 Documentary “Pin Kings”, this part true crime, part memoir takes you deep into the world of Miami in the 1960s - 1980s, a time of explosive change, dangerous ambition, and high-stakes smuggling. Scott will offer an insider’s look into the rise and fall of drug kingpin Alex DeCubas, weaving history, personal reflection, and investigative reporting into a tale of crime, betrayal, and redemption.
RSVP at:
frontdesk@coralreefyachtclub.org or (305) 858-1733
A captivating storyteller and accomplished historian, Scott Sherouse shares
CRYC Shines on the Triple Crown C420 Circuit
By Ian Robinson
is summer, Coral Reef Yacht Club sailors proudly represented our burgee on the prestigious Triple Crown C420 circuit, along with several other regattas on the East Coast. e Triple Crown series is widely regarded as one of the most competitive youth sailing series in the country, drawing top talent from across the United States. For our sailors, it was both a proving ground and an opportunity to test their skills against the very best as well as showcase the talent the team possesses to the top college coaches in the country.
CRYC teams rose to the challenge at every event, placing at least two sailors in the top ten at each of the Triple Crown events, delivering strong performances throughout the series. Against large, competitive eets, these results re ected not only individual e ort on the water, but also the countless hours of training, preparation, and teamwork the team put forth back home with training in Miami throughout the winter.
e schedule was as follows: C420 Sail Newport training camp in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 23rd-26th; C420 One United Connecticut Yacht Club Clinic in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 17th-20th; C420 New England Championships in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 28th-29th; C420 One United Tabor Sailing Academy Training Clinic in Barnstable, Massachusetts from July 7th-10th; C420 New Bedford Jr. Regatta in New Bedford, Massachusetts, from July 12th-13th; C420 One United Stone horse Training Clinic.
In Harwich Port, Massachusetts from July 15th-18th; C420 Women’s North Americans in Wianno, Massachusetts from July 17th18th; C420 One United Team Racing Clinic in Connecticut College from July 26th-27th; C420 CJ Buckley Team Racing National Championships in Warwick, Rhode Island from July 28th-29th; C420 National Championships in Hyannis, Massachusetts from July 22nd-24th; C420 South Shore Championships in Long Island, New York from August 2nd-3rd and C420 North American Championships in Long Island, New York from August 6th-9th.
With the results telling only part of the story, the sailors’ perseverance, sportsmanship, dedication to the summer and constant improvements were well worth celebrating. From learning to master every challenging condition involving New England current to mastering the strong sea breezes, our C420 sailors showed exactly what it means to carry the Coral Reef Yacht Club name on the national stage and perform at the highest level.
With the momentum built this summer, the future of CRYC’s youth sailing program looks brighter than ever. Congratulations to all the sailors, coaches, and families who made this campaign such a success. We can’t wait to see what’s next and we thank everyone for their constant support of the team!
Jonathon Reece Schwartz: A Season
of Growth and Milestones in the ILCA 7 Class
is year,
CRYC is pleased to recognize Jonathon Reece Schwartz, who has grown up sailing at Coral Reef. At eighteen years old, he has shown notable commitment and sportsmanship in the ILCA class, marking several special achievements along the way. Jonathon’s journey has re ected not only his hard work, but also a willingness to learn and take on new challenges - qualities that de ne any sailor’s progress.
CRYC Shines at 2025 Snipe Western Hemispheres and European Championship
He started the season strong, earning rst place in the ILCA 7 eet at the Gulf Coast Championship in Sarasota. Demonstrating skill and composure, Jonathon navigated the demanding race conditions and secured the top spot against a formidable eld, underscoring his status as one of the rising stars in that class.
Building on his success, Jonathon traveled west to compete in the Olympic Class Regatta (OCR) in Los Alamitos Bay, California, where he sailed alongside elite athletes from around the globe, including seasoned Olympic class sailors. Despite the erce and experienced competition, Jonathon held his own and placed mid- eet, a testament to his ability to adapt and contend at the international level.
e pinnacle of Jonathon’s season was his representation of Jamaica at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, where despite tricky and unpredictable conditions, he achieved a remarkable h overall nish in the ILCA 7 class. is accomplishment carries special signi cance, not only for Jonathon Reece but for sailing in Jamaica. He became the rst sailor ever to represent Jamaica in sailing at the games, a groundbreaking moment that opens the door for future generations and raises the pro le of Jamaican sailing on the world stage.
His results are the product of countless hours of practice and an ongoing dedication to the sport, but he remains modest about his achievements. He credits the support from Coach Agustin Vidal, fellow Club Members and family, and continues to set his sights on the growth ahead rather than on past results.
CRYC congratulates Jonathon Reece and looks forward to following his journey, as he continues to pursue his sailing dreams and drive the sport forward both locally and internationally.
Members of Coral Reef Yacht Club traveled far and wide this past month: rst to San Diego for the Western Hemispheres, where South Florida dominated the top ten in a eet of 27 boats, as Justin Callahan (son of Paul and Alisa Callahan) placed rst, Enrique Quintero came in 5th and Augie Diaz in 8th. en it was on to Vilamoura, Portugal to compete in the prestigious Snipe Class European Championship. Racing against the best sailors from across Europe and beyond, the week featured challenging conditions and close competition. e highlight came from Taylor Scheuermann, sailing with teammate Ernesto Rodriguez, who nished an impressive 5th overall in the open eet. eir result made them the highest-placing non-European team, underscoring the strength and depth of CRYC sailing. CRYC’s participation on the international stage once again demonstrates the Club’s ability to produce world-class talent and maintain a strong presence in top-tier regattas worldwide. “Taylor and Ernesto sailed smart, remained consistent, and handled the wide range of conditions with poise.” “ is kind of result isn’t luck—it’s a re ection of solid Club support, strategic training, and international exposure,” added an observer.
Left picture: Taylor Scheuermann and Ernesto Rodriguez in Portugal. Right Picture Justin Callahan and Trevor Davis in San Diego
What an Incredible Year of Cruising for CRYC Members!
By Dale Mills and, Cruising and Boating Committee Chair and Debby Larkin Riston, Co-Chair
It’s been an amazing year for CRYC Members who joined us for one or several of our unforgettable cruising adventures! From Marathon to Bimini, to Abaco to Ocean Reef, we’ve shared incredible destinations, great friends, and endless fun on the water.
We kicked things o in April with our Marathon Cruise with the Faro Blanco Resort as our home base, followed by an exciting shing trip to Bimini in early May. In June, we hosted our signature event, a spectacular Abaco Cruise! CRYC Members made the Blu House on Green Turtle Cay our home base, where we started with a delicious welcome seafood bu et and later enjoyed a beach BBQ on what felt like our very own private white-sand island, Fiddle Cay. Each day brought a new adventure, from feeding sea turtles and stingrays to shing, snorkeling, and diving. And of course, no Abaco trip would be complete without partying at Nippers, a visit to Pete’s Pub, exploring Hope Town, and taking in the views at the Abaco Inn!
A er returning to Florida, we cruised to Key Largo in June with Marina Del Mar as our home base. A special highlight was the private reception hosted at Dale and Cindy Mills’ “Boathouse.”
Finally, in August, we wrapped up the season with a fun- lled weekend at the Ocean Reef Club, where families enjoyed the pools, restaurants, and a lively welcome bu et reception at the Burgee Bar. And we can’t forget the local sandbar excursions to Billy’s Point, a favorite summer tradition for Coral Reefers who love to soak up the sun, socialize, and make memories right in our own backyard.
All in all, 2025 was one of our most exciting and fun- lled cruising years yet! As we wrap up this season, your Cruising Committee is already busy planning next year’s adventures and we would love you to be part of it. If you enjoy cruising and would like to get involved, reach out to any of our Cruising Committee members: Chairman, Dale Mills, or committee members: Debby Larkin Riston, Max Stratouly, Mary Mills, Adam & Lee Weirich, and Brett Ury
WOW Enjoys Aqua Aerobics
By Aubrey Lawrence
Team WOW was delighted to have great weather for their Aqua Aerobics class on Sunday, September 7th at CRYC’s pool. Aprile Tampa was our instructor again this year. She has been a lifeguard and swim coach for over twenty years, and currently instructs at the University of Miami, her alma mater, where she welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities to her Saturday morning class. Similarly, the age range for our class was from 39.5 to 90 spanning y years! at's the most amazing thing about this activity - it bene ts all ages and ability levels. We warmed up targeting various muscle groups and then utilized aqua dumbbells and pool noodles to complete our exercises. A er class, all attendees earned a well-deserved CRYC drink ticket, and many of us stayed to continue chatting over co ee and breakfast. Our next class is scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, so be sure to sign up at the front desk to secure your spot!
‘WOW’ PRESENTS:
One Big Beautiful Bay
By Zach Mann, Safety Committee Chair
Folks, let me tell you, Biscayne Bay - a tremendous body of water - really is one of the most beautiful bays you’ve ever seen. People are saying it’s the best bay, and believe me, I’ve seen a lot of bays. Miami, Florida, October - the weather is still hot, the sunsets are perfect, and the boats? So many boats. Maybe too many boats. Some people say it’s like a oating rush hour, except with a lot more to look at and no brake lights. But here’s the deal: boating here is amazing, fantastic, the best, but you have to do it safely. Nobody wants their day on the water to turn into a headline. I mean Nobody. And recently, we’ve seen too many tragedies and young lives lost because people skipped the basics, didn’t pay attention and weren’t focused. Sad! Very sad. So let’s boat smart folks. Here are some top safety habits - the best safety habits - to keep your Biscayne Bay adventure wonderful, not disastrous:
1. Life Jackets: e Best, Really the Best -- ey oat, they save lives, and they never ask for gas money. Wear them. ey go with any boating attire and the colors, so bright, so beautiful. Don’t just stash them in a locker like they’re part of a museum exhibit. Put them on, and you’ll look like a winner.
2. Plan Like a Genius -- Even if you’re not a genius, fake it. Check the weather before heading out. Biscayne Bay may look calm, but storms can roll in faster than bad tweets and TikTok trends. Plot your route, let someone know your plan, and bring more water than you think you’ll ever need.
3. Slow Your Boat - Don’t Be at Guy -- You know that guy: blasting through a no-wake zone like he’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: Miami Dri . Don’t. Biscayne Bay is full of manatees, paddleboarders, and folks just trying to enjoy their mojitos without a tidal wave in their lap. Slow down - it’s smart, it’s safe, it’s classy. If you need speed, go ahead and watch 2 Fast 2 Furious, it’s the best movie with some of the best actors, you might even know one. Trust me.
4. Nighttime = Headlights for the Sea -- Miami nights are a vibe. October evenings are gorgeous - big moon, twinkling skyline - but remember to turn your navigation lights on. ey’re not for decoration, they’re so you don’t accidentally play bumper boats in the dark.
5. Respect the Bay - It’s YUGE --Biscayne Bay is more than a playground - it’s huge, and it is home to coral reefs, seagrass, sh, and yes, the adorable manatees, so handsome, so beautiful. Trash doesn’t belong in the water. Anchor carefully so you don’t rip up the seagrass. Treat the bay like the national treasure it is.
So, Miami boaters, let’s keep Biscayne Bay the best bay.
Safe boating isn’t boring - it’s smart, it’s classy, and it means you’ll live to brag about that one time you caught the “biggest sh, the best sh, people said it couldn’t be done.”
Stay safe, plan ahead, and let’s keep Biscayne Bay boating great!
Captains School: My email had some challenges and issues, so if you emailed your interest in the USCG Captains School, please email me again at Zachary.mann@yahoo.com
