Enjoy a flurry of events for all ages all month long in the Clubhouse
The Cleveland Yachting Club
May I have this dance?
Annual Father-Daughter Dance sweetens up Valentine’s Weekend
Calling all men
Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy steak, cards and libations
Commodore
Christian Tracey
Vice Commodore
Philip Slaght
Rear Commodore
Christiaan van Raalten
Fleet Captain
Dr. Laura Goldberg
Management Committee
Mark Callahan
Richard Slaght
Steve Kmetz
Joseph Starck
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 April issue to the CYC Islander mailbox in the Club office by March 10. You may also send copy to msmith@ cycrr.org.
On the Cover:
Lake Erie’s stunning landscapes happen even in the wintertime.
From the Commodore
As I write this, winter has arrived in full effect and the river and lake have started to ice over. Winter is here with a vengeance, but I guess that we were due. It has Maureen, the kids and I looking forward to the CYC trip to Peek’n Peak.
I want to start with a thank you to the CYC management and staff for a great holiday season! The books aren’t quite closed on December, but Marc is reporting record member utilization. That couldn’t happen without our wonderful staff—be sure to thank them when you can.
2025 got off to a great start with a fun New Year’s Eve (thank you Whitney Callahan and Sarah van Raalten) and then our traditional Tom & Jerry Party. Every year a member in attendance is randomly selected for a free month of dues. This year, Nick and Kate Anhold were the lucky winners. Nick, you can buy me a beer when I see you next.
Since this issue is a combined issue for February and March, I have a lot to cover. Work continues on the bridge and the closure is still planned for March 3 through April 30. Your Board and Management Committee are keeping a close eye on the progress, and I am happy to report that as of mid-January we are still on schedule and on budget. As part of the bridge replacement there are exciting plans to reimagine the entrance to our island to update and streamline member and guest access. Those plans, and much more, will be shared by our Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday, February 11, at 7 p.m. at a briefing about our planned capital improvement projects (see details below). This includes the clubhouse renovation that was originally announced in 2023, as well as other projects to ensure we maintain our world-class facilities. For those who can’t make the briefing, the information will be available after.
For those of you with kids—don’t forget that registration for Swim Team, Sail Camp, SOS and Jr. Race Team opens on February 3. See page 4 for details. These programs are truly crown jewels of the CYC and participation is expected to be high so
don’t delay.
We have lots going on in February, with Burger Nights, Euchre, Babysitting Nights and Pizza Nights continuing all month. We also have our Super Bowl party on February 9, and then our traditional Father-Daughter Dance is on Saturday, February 15. That is one of my favorite nights of the year. We then move to the Stag & Steaks Night on Saturday, February 22. If you are a stag, come on down for a steak, some poker, and fun. After that, we take the “Last Run of the Season” at an apres-ski shutdown party on Saturday, March 1. One last hurrah for the winter before the bridge reopens in the spring and we start launching boats! This is one you don’t want to miss!
We may be losing access to the island for two cold months, but don’t think that we won’t be seeing each other. There are lots of planned activities, including a Power Fleet event at Main Event on March 8, and a St. Patrick’s Day weekend kick-off party at Gormley’s Pub in Rocky River on Friday, March 14, that will feature live music from Dublin-based “Shindig” and plenty of good craic (it’s Gaelic; look it up)! Watch for registration details.
And we have a series of “club crawls” in March and April where almost 10 clubs around Northeast Ohio have agreed to open their doors to our members to meet up, have a drink, grab a bite and get together. The clubs include, close to home, Westwood, Edgewater and Shoreby Club in Bratenahl, and then moving out east to Shaker and Chagrin Valley Country Clubs to name a few. We’ve also worked in a night at The Brothers Lounge to see some great live music on April 5. Check the website for more information and schedule details.
Lastly, for all the new and 2nd boat owners, don’t forget to submit your applications to the Accounting Office before the February 10 deadline.
Thanks, and see you at CYC, or one of the club crawls. 89 days until spring launch! —Commodore Christian Tracey
Capital Improvement Projects Briefing
A Briefing on Capital Improvement Projects to include the Clubhouse Renovation and Capital Funding Model will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 7 p.m. in the Club Room. The Strategic Planning Committee will provide an update on the following topics:
Our Storied History
Stop in the Snug Harbor to get a glimpse of more than a century of club activities. Here is just one snapshot of photos covering the wall.
And this just in from Instagram
Last month, families
Don’t
Tropical Island Tour
Before the bridge shuts down, gather with friends on Friday, February 7, at 6 p.m. for a trip around the CYC island. It starts in the Pilot House Bar.
Tropical drinks at each stop will ward off the winter blues.
Cost is $50 per person and includes four drink tickets and food at each stop.
enjoyed the Jungle Terry Animal Show during Family Night Dinner as the kiddos got up and close with exotic animals.
miss this month’s Magic Show featuring The Amazing Jeffrey on February 19 as part of our Family Night Dinner Specials.
AROUND THE CLUB
Your bridge to clubhouse activities this month before shutdown
USS Cleveland Presentation
2025 is a huge year for the US Navy and the City of Cleveland. The USS Cleveland (LCS-31) has been built and launched on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin at Marinette Marine and will be coming to Cleveland for its christening and a weeklong celebration of both the city and her new namesake ship in October.
Commissioning
October 18, 2025
Family Night Magic Show
Don’t miss our special entertainer as part of Family Night Dinner on Wednesday, February 19 a Magic Show featuring The Amazing Jeffrey will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Junior Activities Sign-up Opens February 3
Registration for 2025 Swim Team, Sail Camp, SOS and Junior Race Team opens February 3 through Clubspot. If you are a returning participant, you can go directly to Clubspot. Otherwise you will be able to access Clubspot through the CYC website under Junior Activities.
Sail Camp Counselor Positions Open
She is a 400-foot Freedom-Class Littoral ship displacing 3,400 long tons with a crew of 50 and is capable of over 40 knots. Please join us for a CYC presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13 (directly following CYC Burger Night) given by LCDR Matthew Previts and BG (ret) Pete Collins of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation and learn about the ship and how the CYC is getting involved with this historic event. You do not want to miss this! Sign up on the CYC website calendar.
— Lee M. Stacey
R Fleet Fireside Chat
It’s back—the R Fleet Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 13, at 7 p.m. in the clubhouse. Chairperson Charley Bredt says, “All are welcome, come share in the scuttlebutt.”
Super Bowl LIX Party
Sunday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m.
We have limited openings for sail camp counselors. If interested in a fun and rewarding job or if you have questions, please contact Waterfront Director Nogay at waterfrontdirector@cycrr.org.
Euchre Nights
Join your fellow CYC members for the last month of Euchre on February 6, 20, 27. An announcement will be given at 7:15 p.m. to start gathering in the Snug Harbor Room and play will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join. You do not need a partner—just come. Please bring $5 cash for prizes.
—Dave Wade
Tennis Fleet
The CYC Tennis Fleet is staying active and getting together each week at Avon Oaks Country Club. We are always welcoming
Join the fun on football’s largest stage as we watch the game in the Lounge and Pilot House Bar. In addition to the regular dinner menu, we will offer game day fare including wings, chili and hot dogs, along with beer specials.
Don’t forget to stop by the bar and buy your Super Bowl squares the week before. A la carte dining will be available in the Club Room.
new members of any level, so please do not hesitate to join the fleet.
In February and March we will drill on Thursdays, February 6 & 20, March 6 & 20, 1-2:30 p.m. for $30/per person. Also on Saturdays, February 1 & 15, March 1, 15 & 29, 10-11 a.m. for $20/per person.
For more information please contact Maria at cyctennisfleet@gmail.com.
2nd Watercraft
Every year members must reapply for a second boat, jet ski or other watercraft assignment. All applicants, replacement requests or change requests must be received in the Accounting Office by February 10.
Questions? Contact Diane May at dmay@ cycrr.org.
Art Fleet
Stop by the Libary to see one of Pamela Gilliland’s wonderful creations, “Swirl.” As you would expect from a boater, her works are often influenced by water.
—Marcello Mellino, CYC Fine Art Fleet Chair
Take a Dining Survey
Please take time to complete our dining survey in the dining room and let us know how we are doing to meet your needs. We will be holding a monthly drawing for those who complete the survey with a chance to win a $100 CYC gift certificate.
Congrats to the December winner P/C Chuck Inglefield.
Father-Daughter
Saturday, February 15
Dance
Cocktails and “Coke”tails at 6 p.m.; Dinner at 7 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. Make reservations online.
Cost is $45 for adults and $15 for kids.
—Chairperson P/C Charley Bredt
Power Fleet readies for 2025 season
Our first event of 2025 is the Power Fleet Winter Get-Together (adults and children) at Main Event, in Avon, on Saturday March 8. Join your Power Fleet friends and guests for an evening of casual dining and fun, including: variety of pizzas, salad, wings and unlimited soft drinks; two hours of all you can play activities (bowling, billiards, laser tag and gravity ropes); plus, one hour of video games—excludes prize tickets. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and games begin at 6:45-ish. Cost is: $17.50 (including tax and gratuity) for adults and children age 12 and over; $10 for children ages 5 through 11; and free for children under age 5. Billed to your CYC account. Cash bar for beer, wine and liquor.
Sign up on the CYC website calendar, or call the CYC front desk at 440-3331155, prior to Friday, February 28. No cancellations after February 28.
Summer Cruise & Event Registration Registration for summer cruises and events will open as follows:
• Extended Long Cruise – currently open
• Traditional Long Cruise – February 1
• All other summer events – March 1
Please sign up early for the cruises and events you plan to attend, as in some cases we have limited availability. In addition, some cruises may require you to contact the marina for dockage reservations. We will notify you, of such a requirement, as information for each cruise is distributed.
Traditional Long Cruise
If there is sufficient interest, and members willing to skipper each port, we will sponsor a Traditional Long Cruise this year, departing CYC on Friday, July 25
and returning on Sunday, August 3. The proposed ports include:
• Middle Bass Island – Friday, July 25
• Detroit Yacht Club – Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27
• North Channel Yacht Club – Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29
• Sarnia – Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31
• Ford Yacht Club – Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2.
We have requested dockage at each of these ports. DYC and Sarnia have accepted our requests; we are waiting, on the others, for their response. Skippers are needed for Middle Bass, DYC and Sarnia. If you have an interest, please email me at rjadamsjr. saywhen@yahoo.com.
Watch Your Email
Additional information regarding Power Fleet events will be forthcoming in emails and future Islanders. Please be alert for such emails as they will often discuss cruise sign-up information and dockage reservation requirements.
Power
Fleet Membership
Power Fleet dues for 2025 are $125 per family. If you did not pay your dues via check or Venmo, and were a Power Fleet member in 2024 or previously requested to be a Power Fleet member in 2025, your dues were billed on your January CYC statement. (2024 members who requested not to renew their membership should not have been billed.) If you are not a Power Fleet member and would like to join, please email me at rjadamsjr.saywhen@ yahoo.com or call at 239-734-0944.
— P/C Rick and Suzan Adams, Power Fleet Chairs
Stags & Steaks
Saturday, February 22
POWER FLEET 2025 SCHEDULE
March 8 — Winter Outing at Main Event in Avon
May 17 — Kick-Off Lunch BBQ and Coast Guard Inspections at Center Isle
June 6-7 — Geneva on the Lake Cruise
June 15 — Father’s Day Picnic at Center Isle
June 18-19 — Crews Nest Cruise
June 20-22 — Kelleys Island Cruise
July 11-13 — Rondeau Cruise
July 25-August 10 — Extended Long Cruise: Mackinac and Lake Michigan Ports
July 25-August 3 — Traditional Long Cruise: Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River
week of August 11 — Downtown Cleveland Cruise at Nuevo
August 15-17 — Cedar Point Cruise
August 22-23 — Vermilion Cruise
October 4 — Year-End Party at Center Isle
Join us for a men’s night out and enjoy freshly cooked steaks from the grill. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. You will be able to choose between a strip or ribeye steak and have the option to season and cook your own steak, or, if you are uncertain of your temperature management talents, an experienced CYC cook can grill the steak for you to your liking on our gas grills.
This fun night will feature music by our own Bear Kincaid, an organized poker tournament as well as self-managed Euchre and 71/2 games. Plus we will have plenty of late night snacks to absorb all the consumed libations.
This is a members-only event. Cost is $75 per person, which includes beer, entry into the raffle, plus a giveaway to remember the event. Register online and pick your cut of meat. —Rob Elwood
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Michael Lowry
VP Controller at Hunt Companies, Michael and wife Julie have three children. In addition to boating, the family is interested in the many social activities the club offers.
Sponsors: Robert Kubic & Stephanie Durand
Stacey Tabbaa
Stacey and husband Adam have three children and are eager to have them grow up understanding and respecting Lake Erie. They look forward to spending time at the pool.
Sponsors: Maria Ramella & Dr. Michael Springer
Wet Hens: Calling all Gal Pals
Join us on Wednesday, February 12, at Center Isle at 5:30 p.m., for a Galentine Party. CYC will cater this event, paid for with your Wet Hens dues, including dinner and one adult beverage. Sit by the warmth of the fire while Meredith and Kelly provide tunes to celebrate our friendships both new and old. Dress in your pink and red finery and please bring some cash for the tip jar for our entertainers. We look forward to seeing all our Wet Hens sisters. Be sure to sign up in advance on the CYC events calendar, in the CYC app, on the website or by calling the Club so we have a count for food.
Pathfinders
Get out of the house and walk approximately two to three miles with friends every Friday at 10 a.m. Locations and leaders vary. Contact Peg Indermaur pegindermaur@cox.net or Deb Wadden wadden.deb@gmail.com to get on the email list.
Stitch’n Bitch
Join us on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. Bring whatever needlework project or sewing chore you have and a mug for tea. We will sit around the fire and share conversation, ideas and snacks. Questions? Contact Cathy Wilton Bransch at cwiltonbransch@mail.com
Wet Hens Member of the Month
This month I interviewed Betsy Yingling. I hardly needed to do this because I have known Betsy for a very very long time. I wanted to highlight Betsy because of her fabulous sailing career.
She started as a young child on her father’s Yankee, Dawn. Those are in fact some of her earliest memories. Betsy and her husband John, still own Dawn. It’s like a family member. Her father had a huge impact on her love of sailing. She has two sisters, Ruby and Julie, and her father would buy them boats to play with. So she naturally learned to take the helm at an early age. It was a family affair. She started racing at 13 as a crew on a Thistle. They traveled and sailed around the country and made friends everywhere they went. To this day they are still some of her best friends.
In college Betsy taught sailing at Hoover
Yacht Club. “It’s good to share something you love with other people,” she says.
After she married John, they got their own Thistle and they would take turns
skippering every other year. Her greatest sailing accomplishment was winning Thistle Nationals as a crew in 1977. In 1986 she came in first place in the inaugural Thistle Women’s Nationals. This year she finished 14th overall in the Thistle Nationals. Betsy has also sailed in several ROLEX International Women’s Championship. In 2003 she skippered a J22 and assembled her crew from CYC (Fitzgibbon, Milano and Lovett).
Betsy says the greatest lesson she has learned from sailing is dealing with nature: “The weather is seldom a straight line and you learn to handle what Mother Nature gives you.”
Betsy has been active in the Wet Hens since she joined CYC. The best thing is the friendships she has formed. It is a very inclusive group; if you show up you are welcome. It’s also a group of people who like to do things: kayak, walk or sail, you name it.
—Mary Lovett, Wet Hens Chair
STAY UPDATED
Follow CYC Wet Hens on Facebook @Wet Hens CYC and Instagram @cyc_wet_hens.
Check out the Wet Hens Newsletter at cycwethens.blogspot.com. All committee chairs’ contact info are at the bottom of the newsletter, which can be accessed using the QR Code.
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Be at CYC as we celebrate National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on Saturday, February 1, from 9 to 11 a.m.
In addition to our breakfast menu, we will feature a Waffle Station with Ice Cream Bar for $8. For those children who wear their jammies, they will enjoy a free waffle and scoop of ice cream. Make reservations online.
FEBRUARY
The Cleveland Yachting Club
200 Yacht Club Drive
Rocky River, Ohio 44116
440-333-1155
www.cycrr.org
Last Run of the Season: Apres Ski Shutdown Party
Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m.
• DJ Music
• Specialty Cocktails
• Heavy Hors d’oeuvres
Join us for wintertime fun at the club before we shut down for the bridge replacement. We have a fun evening planned. Ski attire recommended!
Cost: $50 per person.
Sign up online. Members only.
(Please note: No ala carte dinner available this evening)
Taking the show on the road
Your passport to the CYC Club Crawl
During our Club Shutdown, GM Marc Dallas and Chairperson Whitney Callahan are encouraging you to rendezvous at clubs across Northeast Ohio. Some are old favorites and others are clubs you may not realize we have reciprocity with.
Members will receive a Passport where they can get a stamp at each club, the member with the most stamps at the end of our CYC Club Crawl will receive a month of free dues. (There will be a drawing in case of a tie.) Reservations should be made on the CYC website so we can monitor attendance, but you must also call and reserve your dining reservation at the club you will be visiting. Each club’s contact information, distance and any important information will be listed on the CYC calendar. Reservations may be limited.
