April Islander 2023

A Message from the Commodore

Commodore

Michael Mansuetto

Vice Commodore

Andrew Drumm

Rear Commodore

Christian Tracey

Fleet Captain

Philip Slaght

Management Committee

Matt Dugan

Tom McNeill III

Mark Callahan

Richard Slaght

General Manager

Marc Dallas

Editor

Mary Ann Smith

CYC Islander deadline: We welcome members’ photos for the newsletter. Drop off copy and/or photos for the May issue to the CYC Islander mailbox in the Club office by April 10. You may also send copy to msmith@ cycrr.org.

Spring is officially upon us, and the club continues to prepare for the upcoming boating season. Dock assignments have been made and our new car stickers and membership cards are now available. Utilization of our in-water docks, dry sail spaces, racks and PWC floats continues to be extremely high. Thank you to the Dock Committee for an outstanding job working through all the assignments.

As water levels have continued to decline over the past few years, the club has had to do more dredging to maintain a navigable waterway around the island and our docks. Following our annual dredging, Brian O’Malley and his team have been busy installing docks in preparation of launching boats the week of April 24. With the unseasonably warm winter we have had, we appreciate that some of you are anxious to get an early start on the boating (fishing) season. Don’t worry—the walleye will be waiting for you!

As we await the arrival of the boating and pool season, there are several exciting events planned throughout the month of April. Check out the rest of the Islander and the calendar for more details. A few highlights include the annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 2nd, followed, of course, by our Easter Brunch on the 9th. On Friday the 21st, Brooke Gallucci is bringing back the Mother/Son Dance, affectionately known as the “Mom Prom.” This is then followed by one of my favorite events at the club, the Father/Daughter Dance on the 22nd. My daughter Grace and I are really looking forward to this incredible

tradition that P/C Bredt started nearly 30 years ago when he was Commodore. Finally, we close out the month with the Ladies Spring Trip to Siesta Key, Florida. Special thanks to Heather Carroll and Nicki Stacey for planning a great trip. Colleen is really looking forward to spending a few days in the sun with friends. Of course, we continue to have our regular events including Burger Night, Family Dinner Specials, Euchre, Babysitting and more. I encourage you to come down to the club to enjoy all that we have to offer.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone that the club is incredibly fortunate to continue to have full membership and a waiting list that is likely to grow throughout the spring. As we move into the warmer months, utilization of our Island will certainly increase, putting a strain on our limited space and resources. As it does, please be respectful of your fellow members and most importantly our incredibly dedicated staff. Colleen and I are really looking forward to a wonderful spring at the club and hope to see many of you on the island very soon.

— Commodore Michael Mansuetto

Members weathered winter well...from hitting the high seas on the Commodore’s Cruise to the always-entertaining Put-inBay Party back on our Island, as well as a family outing to carve it up at the Hamilton Ice Rink in Rocky River!

Cover photo: The club hosted Irish dancers on St. Patrick’s Day for a festive dinner.

Ready, Set, Launch

Next month on May 13, the Power Fleet has invited the United States Coast Guard to the island to conduct boat safety inspections for any interested boat owner. We also have the Cleveland Metroparks Police Marine Unit bringing their vessel to provide a fun kids’ boat and safety program. A lunchtime barbeque at noon with live music will be provided at Center Isle. If you’re a member of Power Fleet or have interest in joining, please RSVP on the club’s website.

June will get boating season into full swing with five great cruises. First, we’ll be headed to the Crew’s Nest followed by CIC. Two weeks later we’ll visit Pelee Island’s newly renovated marina followed by Rondeau. We’ll end the month at Kelleys Island Seaway marine where we’ll host the Commodore’s Cocktail party on Saturday, July 1. There are multiple accommodations available on Kelleys Island if members without cruisers would like a ride up and back on our fleet’s larger vessels.

July brings in our dock crawl on Saturday, July 8, adding a poker walk for

our members. On July 21, Power Fleet will set out for the first port-of-call on its annual Long Cruise. Destinations are listed on the adjacent calendar and online.

On August 4, Power Fleeters can look forward to a Friday night dinner cruise at Nuevo Modern adjacent to the North Coast Harbor Marina, followed the next day by a kids’ kayak and paddleboard racing activity on August 5. If lake conditions allow, we will also host tubing for the children. Sunday the Power Fleet will host a lunchtime cookout at Clifton Beach.

We’ll wrap up August with a Cedar Point weekend (a block of rooms has been reserved), along with the traditional Vermilion weekend.

For more information or to volunteer to skipper one of the cruises this year, please contact Power Fleet chair John Pyke at 440-773-5958, or at avonlakedentist@yahoo.com.

—John Pyke & Deb Carlton, Power Fleet Chairs

Rules of the Nautical Road

April 19 from 7-9 p.m. The Cleveland Yachting Club - Marine Terrace

Need to know more than yelling “get out of the way” when faced with a difficult situation? Then this seminar is for you!

PRESENTERS: VIRGINIA SUDA

Flotilla Commander and District Assistant Staff Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

PAUL MARKOVIC

District Captain For Prevention, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Cleveland Marine Safety Unit

COMMODORE DR. JOSEPH SOPKO

Qualification Examiner, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 100 ton Merchant Marine Licensed

2023 POWER FLEET SCHEDULE

May 13 Kickoff Party & Coast Guard Inspection

(Skippers P/C Scott Durham & P/C Jack Salisbury)

June 8 Crew’s Nest

June 9-11 Catawba Island Club

(Skippers Ric & Lynne Michaels)

June 22 Pelee Island

June 23-25 Rondeau

June 30-July 2 Kelleys Island & Commodore’s Party (SkippersP/CScott&MaryAlyceDurham)

July 8 Dock Crawl & Poker Walk

LONG CRUISE

July 21-22 Port Clinton Yacht Club

July 23 Old Club

(Skippers P/CAllyn & Karyn Adams)

July 24-25 Lexington, Michigan

July 26-27 North Channel Yacht Club

(Skippers Denny & Val Tricsko)

July 28-29 Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

(Skippers John Pyke & Deb Carlton)

Aug 4 Evening Cruise to Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar at North Coast Harbor

Aug 5 Kids’ Kayak & Paddleboard Races & Tubing

Aug 6 Lunchtime Picnic at Clifton Beach

Aug 11-13 Cedar Point

Aug 18-20 Vermilion

AROUND THE CLUB

Activities abound indoors while waiting for summer to arrive

Spring Launch

Spring Launch begins April 24, and your cooperation in being ready on your assigned date will be appreciated. Due to planned dredging, dock building and launch, no boat or trailer may be brought onto the island before May 1, for either water or dry dock. Please call ahead to schedule. A Dry Sail Space may not be occupied before May 27.

Rack or Dry Sail Stickers

Your sticker for Rack or Dry Sail assignment is to be displayed and adhered to your paddleboard, kayak and/or dry sail trailer at all times.

Any item that does not have a valid 2023 sticker displayed will be subject to removal and/or towed at the member’s expense. This rule will be enforced by the Harbor Manager.

Rack storage is intended for one boat and supporting equipment. If space allows, an additional vessel may be stored in your rack for an additional fee. Please print and submit the Additional Rack Sticker request form online or pick one up at the Front Desk.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we look forward to a great summer season of boating!

—General Manager Marc Dallas and Harbor Manager Brian O’Malley

Women’s Networking

Attention all ladies who know wine, want to learn about wine, like to drink wine, or just want to come to the club for some

Mom-Son Prom Friday, April 21 at 6 p.m.

small bites and networking or socializing: Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m.

Join the CYC Women’s Network for a Wine 101 Experience with CYC Member Shannon McDonnell, who is certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers, for a wine tasting, food pairing and a little bit of wine education and fun.

Booking is open through the CYC online bookings. The event is casual and you can come late/leave early as your schedule permits/demands.

— Allison Taller Reich

CYC Chorus

The CYC Chorus is actively looking to expand its ranks. Please join us if you love good music, love to have fun and have an ability to sing in the shower. There are no tryouts required, so please just join! We are especially in need of male tenors. Also, because of Dawn Reilly’s retirement, we need a piano-playing member who would accompany our outstanding group.

We are about to begin rehearsals for two concerts that will feature Classic Broadway songs. The concert dates are May 4 and 7

Also we are about to form a CYC Kids’ Chorus. Please let us know if you are aware of kids who would like to participate (not firm yet, but we think ages 12 to 18). Please call P/C Chuck Inglefield for a commitment or further questions (216374-6401).

—P/C Chuck Inglefield, Chorus Chair Devon Gess, Chorus Director

Tennis Fleet at Avon Oaks

Rick Smith will be performing a magic show during dinner, followed by games and dancing. For dinner, the moms can build their own bowl featuring a variety of grains, greens, proteins and toppings. We will have a kids buffet for the boys. Cost is $45 for adults and $15 for kids.

— Chairperson Brooke Gallucci

The CYC Tennis Fleet has been enjoying getting together for drills at Avon Oaks and meeting new players each time! We welcome all tennis lovers of any level to join us. In April we will continue to drill at Avon Oaks on Saturday, April 8, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 13, from 1-2:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 22, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 27, from 1-2:30 p.m.

As the weather gets warmer we look forward to taking our drills to outdoor courts. Please email Maria Melacrinos at cyctennisfleet@gmail.com with any questions or to reserve a spot.

— Maria Sakoutis Melacrinos

Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, April 22

Cocktails and “Coke”tails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. The menu includes a House Salad to start, followed by Beef Strip Loin with a Red Wine Reduction, Whipped Potatoes and Green Beans. The kids will get Chicken Fingers and Fries. We will be serving Apple Crisp and Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert. Cost is $45 for adults and $15 for kids.

—Chairperson P/C Charley Bredt

Euchre Finale

CYC Thursday night Euchre has been extremely well attended this season, and our last game is on April 13. No reservations are required. All you have to do is show up in the Snug Harbor room promptly at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5 in cash which is used for both weekly and season prizes.

—Dave Wade

Swim Team Schedule

We are always welcoming new swimmers. CYC Swim Team is open to the children and grandchildren of CYC members, ages 4 to 16. To be eligible, participants must be able to swim unassisted one length of the CYC pool.

Here is the 2023 official CYC Orcas Swim Meet Schedule. Meets begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Pre-meet warm-up times TBD.

June 14 — Westwood Country Club @ CYC

June 21 — CYC @ Elyria Country Club

June 28 CYC @ Avon Oaks Country Club

July 5 Lakewood Country Club @ CYC

July 12 Bye

July 19 WCSL Championships @ Westlake Rec Center (5 p.m. warm-up, 6 p.m. start)

Pick up Card & Car Sticker

Please pick up your 2023 Membership Cards, Car Stickers and Membership Roster at the Reception desk in the clubhouse lobby.

In Memoriam

Chris Pfeil, long-time CYC member, ended her battle with cancer on February 10. Her love affair with sailing began at CYC in ’64 when her father purchased the Pearson Commander Idleweiss. Built at the onset of fiberglass hull design, the family cruiser raised a humble and accomplished skipper: Her name appears on trophies more often than she was first to cross the finish line, thanks to the boat’s tremendous handicap. Skippering in the ArCom, JAM, PHRF and Laser fleets, and crewing for friends, she found the most joy on the water (even without sails— shout out Wet Hens kayakers). She was a licensed captain, sail camp instructor and passionate advocate of the sport, even after narrowly avoiding a freighter in fog

so thick she couldn’t see the bow, and getting struck by lightning, earning the hull 42 holes.

When she wasn’t at CYC, she built a 40-plus year career in environmental education, inviting generations to know and value their backyard wildlife and the connectedness of our shared ecosystems. Whether known as the skipper of Idleweiss, Wet Hens Treasurer or the last member to leave any function, Chris’s quick wit, quiet humility, gregarious nature and encyclopedic knowledge will be sorely missed.

Please join us for her SAILebration of Life at the clubhouse on July 23, beginning with a regatta (contact P/C Mike FitzGibbon to participate). See details as they develop at ChrisPfeil.com.

—Carrie (Carolyn) Pfeil (daughter)

Fine Art Fleet

We welcome spring and Easter on our Island, since this will finally lead to nice weather and one more glorious summer on the lake!

The CYC Fine Art Fleet remains busy and is pleased to present one more work from Ann Huffman, titled “ Parisian Rug.” The print is a study in symmetry, constructed from a single black and white photograph Ann shot in Paris on a prior trip to France years ago; the block of Parisian architecture becomes something else entirely when repeated countless times, since from a distance the image suggests a textile or a rug, but when seen up close the buildings and the bridge suddenly appear in front of the viewer. Our artist utilized some Photoshop editing when working on this image, creating a piece which actually won third place in the annual photography contest sponsored by the Art and Antiques magazine in 2003!

— Marcello Mellino, CYC Fine Art Fleet Chairperson

Doc-Side: Safety Checklist

As April is upon us and everyone is getting their boats ready to launch, please keep a safety checklist in mind:

1) first aid kits are up to date and restocked

2) fire extinguishers inspected

3) flares renewed every three years

4) consider a carbon monoxide sensor

5) stock up on sunscreen; it does have an expiration date and should be thrown out if frozen

6) consider medication for motion sickness

7) remind children not to swim in the dock area at any time.

Summer fun starts with safety. A quick check can save a lot of time and ailments later!

—Fleet Surgeon Dr. Rebecca Starck

House Rules Reminder

A few House Rules reminders:

• Smoking or vaping including all electronic smoking devices is strictly prohibited.

• Men’s hats/caps are unacceptable in the Clubhouse (including bars).

• Members should refrain from using their cell phone for conversational purposes in all dining and bar areas of the Clubhouse. Cell phones are permitted for all non-verbal use (texting, email).

If you have guests, please inform them in advance to avoid any potential embarrassing situation. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.

—General Manager Marc Dallas

Dining/Social

Weekly Specials

• Every Wednesday CYC will feature a $10 Family Night Dinner Special, so bring the family to the club for dinner.

• Every Thursday, it is Burger Night. Cost is $6 for beef burgers, veggie burgers or chicken sandwiches, plus a variety of family-style sides for $4.

• On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays enjoy drink and appetizer specials from 4 to 6 p.m. Happy Hour features $3 draft beers, $6 house wine and specialty drink deals. Plus, $2 off small plates.

Babysitting Nights

CYC offers babysitting every Friday night in April (except the 21st) from 5-9:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per child and includes a kid-friendly buffet and crafts. Members only and reservations required.

Looking ahead...

Mark your calendar for these May events:

• Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 6, at 5 p.m. Come join us for a night at the races! Cost $40 per person includes a Southern buffet, drink ticket and raffle ticket. We will offer specialty drinks, including Mint Juleps and a variety of bourbons. There will be betting windows, a DJ and raffle baskets. We will also be crowning a winner for the best hat contest. Adults only. Semi-formal dress code. Make reservations online.

• Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 14

• Adult Wine & Paint Night on Friday, May 19

Wet Hens in full springtime mode

Stay active this month with the Wet Hens activities...something for everyone:

• Wet Hens dinner is on the second Wednesday of the month: 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner. Please register with CYC.

• Stitch and Bitch is on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at CYC. For more information and times, refer to the Wet Hens newsletter blog or call Cathy Wilton-Bransch.

• Wet Hens Happy Hour is on the last Wednesday of the month. For time and location, please check the CYC newsletter blog or contact Christy Weiss.

• Pathfinders is every Friday at 10 a.m. This is a chance to get out of the house, dress warm and walk approximately three miles with friends. Locations and leaders vary. Contact Peg Indermaur or Deb Wadden to get on the email list.

• On April 6, the Wet Hens are going to a show! Join us at CYC for dinner and then head to the Beck Center to see the hilarious comedy Noises Off The show is at 7:30 p.m. Group ticket price is $28. Reservations and advance payment are required. Contact Ruth Pangrace. Check out the Wet Hens Newsletter at https:// cycwethens.blogspot. com/. Contact group leaders: all committee chairs’ contact info are at the bottom of the newsletter, which can be accessed using the QR Code here.

CORNER

— Gail Cudak, Wet Hens Chair

Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of boating. Both virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) offer numerous benefits for navigation and training, making them essential tools. Here’s how it works:

When you’re out on the water, VR can simulate different weather conditions to help you prepare for the unexpected. And AR can overlay navigation data onto your real-world view, making it easier to spot landmarks and other aids. Training is just as important as navigation, and VR/AR can help with that too. VR can create simulated sailing scenarios for you to practice, while AR can provide interactive training sessions on topics like knot-tying and sail-trimming.

In short, VR/AR has the potential to enhance your boating experience and make it more accessible for everyone. So next time you’re out on the water, consider giving these technologies a try!

Here are a few apps to get you started:

• Navionics Boating app: This app uses AR to overlay charts and navigation data on the real-world view from the yacht. It also provides information on tides, currents and weather conditions.

• Sailaway: This VR sailing simulator allows you to sail a virtual yacht in different weather conditions and practice navigation skills.

— Justin Reed

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Daniel Bush

Owner/developer at 78th Street Studios, Daniel and wife Hilary have a son and they are excited to partake in social and family activities at the club.

Sponsors: Marc Waite & Shannon Polk

Mark Herther

Mark is director, operations and administration, at The Riverside Company. He and wife Ashley have two children who are looking forward to Swim Team and Sail Camp.

Sponsors: James Rollinson & Andrew Ashley

Patrick Sheehan

President at Torr Metal LLC, Patrick and wife Camille have two children, and the family plans to purchase a powerboat in the near future.

Sponsors: Michael Ripich & Michael Petti

View CYC events on your phone calendar by syncing it through the CYC app or website. Just go to the CYC calendar and tap the sync symbol.

Summer Activities Launch

Sunday, April 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the CYC Clubhouse

Sponsored by the CYC Membership Development Committee

Interested in getting involved at CYC this summer? Want to participate and/or volunteer? Do you have questions? Then this event is for you.

Come down and learn everything you need to know, then make reservations and stay for dinner. The following committees, programs and activities will be there.

Wet Hens • Junior Race Team • Start Opti Sailing (S.O.S.)

• Power Fleet

Golf Fleet

Fishing Fleet

Safety Town

• Swim Team

Tennis Fleet

Sail Camp

Adult Learn to Powerboat and Sail

Regatta

Sail Fleet

Remote Control Sailboat Race Fleet

Membership Development • Kayak, Paddleboard and other Watercraft Loan Program

P/C Mike FitzGibbon, Waterfront Director

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt • Sunday, April 2, at noon

Who will find the golden egg? Everyone comes up a winner at this festive event. Gather at the Spar Loft for our Annual Egg Hunt. There will be three age groups (4 & under, 5 to 8 and 9 & over). Please note that kids will need to bring their own baskets.

Hippety Hop Hop

Easter Brunch • Sunday, April 9

Seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring your family to the club on Easter Sunday for a fabulous brunch buffet. Menu features traditional brunch favorites, desserts, children’s buffet and a visit by the Easter Bunny.

Cost is $43 for adults and $15 for children. Make reservations online.