CYC fleets flex their wild and winning ways out on the lake this season
The Cleveland Yachting Club
Are You Ready to Roll?
Join us for this year’s Regatta theme: the Great American Road Trip
Bringing Home the Gold
Catch the action poolside as our Orcas Swim Team glides to victory
Commodore Andrew Drumm
Vice Commodore
Christian Tracey
Rear Commodore
Philip Slaght
Fleet Captain
Christiaan van Raalten
Management Committee
Tom McNeill III
Mark Callahan
Richard Slaght
Steve Kmetz
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 August issue to the CYC Islander mailbox in the Club office by July 10. You may also send copy to msmith@cycrr.org.
Cover photo:
Our Flag Line gathered during the Commodores’ Ball for its official snapshot.
A Message from the Commodore
As predicted, June was an action-filled month. We leaped into full swing with the opening of the pool and Topside, which is historically when you know summer has finally arrived—with the joyful sound of kids splashing around and music playing at the bar. This year has been off to a great start. Chef Matt has introduced delicious fare and Laura Eichin has us running better than ever. We now have flags on the loungers for quicker service and electronic tablets for seamless ordering.
see more than 40 boats shoot out of the river for the shotgun. We have a few callouts for this event: Fleet Captain Chris van Raalten and Dan O’Donnell for orchestrating the action, our staff for helping to execute the logistics, and our wives and families for allowing us to be worthless the entire weekend. See page 7 for photos and coverage.
Another indication of summer is the reintroduction of my personal favorite— the yellow speed bumps! This can only mean one thing: schools are out and Sail Camp and Swim Team are up and running. Please be extra careful when heading down the hill; we still have plenty of children walking or riding their bikes to camp. Further, please avoid driving around the speed bumps.
Special recognition must be given to several key volunteers who make all this summertime fun happen. First, and back for another season, is Dr. Emad Estemalik who is spearheading Swim Team. Next we have P/C Michael FitzGibbon for putting together another great team for the Sail Campers, as he has amassed a small army of great counselors and coaches. Lastly, P/C Dan Clevenger, once again has taken the helm of CYC Race Team. We are fortunate to have the leaders in voluntary positions, so please be sure to thank them when you see them on the island.
Our Waterfront Director has been plenty busy as well. Between Safety Town, Sail Camp, Swim Team and getting all our junior leaders certified as Level 1 Sailing Instructors, we are very lucky to have him. To all members curious about getting on the water for any reason at all, please stop by and introduce yourself to Nogay. He is very friendly and eager to help in any way possible.
Tradition states, it would not be June without Commodores’ Ball. Selfishly, this might have been the best ever! Joking aside, it was truly a wonderful evening. Our staff (as usual) made everything perfect, and thanks to all who attended; Peggy and I appreciated the support.
Well we cannot talk about Father’s Day, without touching on the Battle of Lake Erie Walleye Tournament, which was the entire weekend. It was impressive to
Our Sail Fleet and Power Fleet were in full swing in June and will be all summer. Any member interested in joining either fleet is welcome, and no you do not need to own a boat.
Closing out June was our opportunity to host the ILYA Junior Sailing Regatta. It warms my heart to see so many young kids actively sailing and banging around on the water, but mostly because this sport is not conducive to cell phones.
Oh boy, onto July. Time to buckle up because we are going on a road trip this month! We start with a 4th of July where we celebrate our independence… something we should not take lightly.
Quick on the heels brings us to Regatta, a truly strange name for a member drive party! There is no regatta in this regatta, only great times for members, their children and apparently half of Rocky River. Matt and Molly Davis and their extraordinary team have put together an amazing schedule for all to enjoy. So buckle up and don’t ask, “Are we there yet” because it will be here before you spot your next punch buggy!
We will be rounding out the month of July by doing what is right—helping others. That is made possible through the 2nd annual Charity Cup Regatta, and this one does involve sailing. Please join the Rollinsons in raising awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Last year they raised a whopping amount of money toward the cause, but it is never enough. This year we need support from the entire Club. There will be an auction (August 9), racing, parties and various other ways to support and give. Please find it in your heart to find a way to support this family and their cause; being good neighbors and stewards should not be difficult and it all goes a long way to a great charity.
See you around the Island.
—Commodore Andrew Drumm
Members enjoyed visiting with Kathy Wills at Topside.
A BALL TO END ALL
Raising a glass to present and past gents to hold the honor of Commodore
“Sir, the Club is now in commission...”
From the skirl of bagpipes, to flag-raising, Memorial Day Weekend was hopping with Commissioning Ceremonies, Art Walk, Car Show, Boat Hop and more!
From
AROUND THE CLUB
the clubhouse to courts to course—nonstop fun is on the docket
Complimentary Valet
Just a reminder that complimentary valet service is always available as a courtesy to our members. Just pull your car up in front of the clubhouse and let the receptionist know that you would like to take advantage of this service to our members who need a little extra assistance.
Golf Fleet
The Golf Fleet has been enjoying the fairways and greens of some wonderful area country clubs this summer. We will be teeing it up at Shaker Heights Country Club on Wednesday, July 10, with six tee times starting at 1 p.m. Register on the CYC app for yourself and list who you would like in your foursome
—Golf Fleet Chairs P/C Gordon Geiger & Nick Anhold
Tennis Fleet
July is an exciting month for the Tennis Fleet. We will have weekly drills offered Saturdays, July 6 and 20, 10-11 a.m. and Thursdays, July 11 and 25, 1-2:30 p.m. at Avon Oaks Country Club. You can also come cheer the team on during our InterClub League matches July 7 at Westwood, 21st at Avon Oaks, and 28th at Lakewood Country Club all from 12-1:30 p.m.
For more information please email Maria at cyctennisfleet@gmail.com.
– Maria Sakoutis Melacrinos
Membership Cards & Car Stickers
If you have not already picked up your 2024 CYC Membership Cards and Car Stickers, stop at the reception desk in the clubhouse lobby. Vehicles displaying the Dockholder sticker will be the only ones allowed in the “Dockholders Only” spaces. Remember that if you trade in, sell, have a windshield replaced, etc., in order to receive a replacement sticker, you must present a good portion of your old sticker.
Push Notifications
CYC sends out Push Notifications on a regular basis. Make sure you have downloaded the CYC App and have clicked “yes” to receive Push Notifications. To enable these notifications, go under Settings, then Notifications.
Dining Survey
Let us know how we are doing by completing a dining survey after you enjoy your meal, and you can win a $100 gift certificate in our drawing. Congratulations to Sumner Mead, the winner of our dining survey drawing in May.
Art Fleet
In spite of the unstable weather during June, summer is finally here and the island is now in full swing with all
Flower Clown Delights
Since 2000, Flower Clown has warmed the hearts and brought laughter to kids of all ages through his bal loon artistry. He’s been known to sprinkle in a slew of jokes—including some witty sarcasm and dad jokes—while entertaining, too. Don’t miss these magical Wednesday evenings with Flower Clown and Family Night Dinner Specials: July 17 and 31, August 14 and 28, and September 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
sorts of activities, as we get ready for Regatta 2024, which promises to be a lot of fun for sure!
Our sailboats have begun to compete, while the club awaits the arrival of visiting boats to be hosted here during some exciting competitions, as our club does most summers. At the pool, so many new members are becoming familiar with all the wonderful amenities available at CYC, truly a special place to relax and enjoy the outdoors!
Upon entering the clubhouse, please remember to stop by the Library, where this month you will be viewing a beautiful oil painting by Janet Wade, one of our member-artists and a longstanding presence at CYC. Her painting, titled Westside Market, will bring you to an uncommon sight for most of us: the back of the market, where all the deliveries are made.
One of Janet’s favorite paintings, this landscape is painted in the style of contemporary impressionism.
Janet is an instructor at BAYarts where she teaches dyeing and enjoys taking art classes. Dave and Janet have been CYC members since 1978. She is a member of the Wet Hens and he is a member of the R Fleet, sailing on Puffin.
Janet was not able to be present during our Memorial Weekend Art Show, as she and her family were visiting Belgium, so we are now pleased to be able to showcase one of her creations...enjoy it!
—Marcello Mellino, CYC Fine Art Fleet Chairperson
bole bragging rights earned and celebrated
The 19th annual Battle of Lake Erie Walleye Tournament was held on Father’s Day weekend. Forty-three captains and crew launched at 0800 under beautiful, sunny conditions with light to moderate winds and 2-3 footers. A perfect day for walleye fishing and our signature Fishing Fleet event!
All boats reported near-record numbers of walleye caught, however the larger fish remained elusive as has been the case the last couple of years. Captains reported fishing as far as the weather buoy north of Vermilion to the west and Bratenahl to the east.
When all was said and done, eight teams managed bags of 20 pounds or greater for five fish, with the top five being in the money. What an incredible weekend to spend with family and friends at our great club!
The winners were:
1st Place — Captain Dan O’Donnell, 28.6 lbs. (three-time winner)
2nd Place — Captain Wade Massad, 23.6 lbs.
3rd Place — Captain Tom Mack, 22.5 lbs.
4th Place — Captain Jia Liu, 21.4 lbs. (tiebreaker on biggest fish)
5th Place — Captain Viktor Krebs, 21.4 lbs.
The Yeti cooler prize for biggest fish went to Captain Mike Naughton at 7.6 lbs.
—Fishing Fleet Co-Chairs Fleet Captain Chris van Raalten and Dan O’Donnell
Joining as a legacy member, Anna is the Technology Risk Assurance at Ernst & Young LLP. Her plans include getting involved, gaining boating experience and joining the Wet Hens.
Sponsors: Richard Slaght & Rear Commodore Philip Slaght
David Markley
This owner of Design Engineering and his wife Rebecca have two children. The family owns a 31-foot sailboat and plans to purchase a power boat.
Sponsors: Dr. Michael Springer & Karen Stohr
Nicholas Wolanczyk
The owner of Plan Your Day Weather and his wife Katie look forward to socializing with friends at CYC. They plan to participate on committees and join several fleets.
Sponsors: Brian Essi & John Opdyke
Anna Hutchinson
FLEET SCHEDULE
POWER FLEET
Gearing up for the annual Long Cruise POWER
July 6 Sea Glass Floatilla (weather dependent)
July 21 Flats Cruise (SkippersNickAllega&MichaelTomasone)
July 25-Aug 4 LONG CRUISE
Aug 16 Evening Cruise to Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar at North Coast Harbor
Aug 23-24 Vermilion Boat Club (Skipper Kmetz)
Aug 29 Edgewater Live
June was a busy time of cruises, with PF members having a ball at Crew’s Nest PIB, Kelleys Island and Rondeau.
The action continues! Don’t miss our Sea Glass Floatilla on the holiday weekend, Saturday, July 6, and The Flats Cruise on Sunday, July 21.
We have finalized the Long Cruise schedule for this month:
July 25: Rattlesnake Island Club
Skippers: Chris and Chari Zito Register on CYC website with LOA, beam, power requirements; dockage limited.
July 26: Algonac Harbour Club
Skippers: P/C Chris and Sophia Tjotjos Please call Algonac Harbour Club at 810794-4448 to make your dock reservation. Register online for food.
July 27-28: Sarnia Bay Marina
Skippers: Lee & Nicki Stacey
Please call Sarnia Bay Marina at 519-3320533 to make your dock reservation, and online for food.
July 29-30: North Channel Yacht Club
Skippers: P/C Rick and Suzan Adams Register on CYC website with LOA, beam, power requirements; dockage limited.
July 31-Aug 1: The Old Club
Skippers: Chris and Sophia Tjotjos Register on CYC website with LOA, beam, power requirements (no cap).
Aug 2-3: Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
Skipper: John Pyke Register on CYC website with LOA, beam, power requirements (no cap).
— Ryan & Kristin Kovesdy, Power Fleet Chairs
Swim team preps for the championships
Come cheer on our swim team and support these hardworking swimmers as the season draws to a close. The last home meet is July 3 against Avon Oaks Country Club and the WCSL Championships take place on Wednesday, July 17, at the Westlake Rec Center. And don’t miss the Swim Team Pasta Dinner on Tuesday, July 16.
Swim lessons
The pool is also hosting swim lessons. These lessons are scheduled directly between parents and instructors.
Swim lesson prices are same as last year: $30 for 30 minutes. Parents pay the instructor directly and cannot bill to their account.
Swim lessons are only scheduled from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. to avoid conflicts with swim team and pool cleaning. Contact poolmanager@cycrr.org to sign up.
Hours and rules
Members can enjoy daily open swim from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. except for Tuesdays, when the hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult lap swim takes place Mondays through Fridays 6:30-7:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sundays 7-10 a.m.
The pool will close at 4 p.m. on July 3 for the swim meet.
When entering the pool, members must show their 2024 Mem-
bership Card. A current member must accompany all guests. Members are responsible for the behavior and safety of their family members and guests and enforcement of the rules. Children under 13 must be accompanied by their parent for entrance to the pool. No outside food or beverages may be brought into the pool or Topside. All food and beverages must be purchased through the club. There is no smoking or vaping at the pool or Topside. Please use the designated areas on the Aft Deck or outside of the Center Isle facility. Caregivers/nannies can be registered by the members at the front desk., and they will be permitted to accompany their children to the pool but restricted to Monday-Friday and not on weekends or holidays.
SAIL FLEET
Making the turn on a thrilling racing schedule
This photo is a perfect example of how busy our sailing season has been. Thanks to P/C Jack Salisbury for taking it over Memorial Day Weekend at the Star Racing.
Upcoming events include:
• Two combined races with Edgewater Yacht Club on July 14 and August 25 (with R Boats and Dragon racing on August 25)
• Roberts Race on July 6 with pre-race party at CYC on July 5
• Sail Fleet Dogs and Burgers at Center Isle on July 6
• Charity Regatta supporting St. Jude from July 26-28
• Fall Regatta September 21-22
We have brought back the popular Thursday evening fun racing league, a low-key event to encourage more CYC sailors to experience sail racing. The schedule of events will be posted on the CYC website.
—Jeffrey Herzog
Charity Cup regatta
Save the dates to support a great cause. The CYC Charity Cup Regatta Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital takes place July 2528, and August 9.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact P/C Mike FitzGibbon and Kelly Kraus at cyccharitycup@gmail.com or 440-336-1641. For more information or to make a donation, use this QR Code below.
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. In fact, through the generosity of donors, no families receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. A secular institution, St. Jude treats 8,000 patients per year, 50 percent of whom are either underinsured or have no insurance.
Safety Town + Sail Camp = junior time
General Manager’s Message
It’s hard to believe we are already in midsummer form.
While our slate of activity kicks into high gear, our professional staff strives to stay true to our goal of making sure you enjoy your club to the fullest. Here are a few reminders of ways you can help us do that:
• Pets: Pets are only permitted on club premises when staying on boats. They must be confined on the boat except when being taken on a leash to or from one’s boat or when being offered relief. Members are responsible for cleaning up all their pet waste immediately.
• Cell phones: Please refrain from using your cell phone for conversational purposes in all dining and bar areas of the Clubhouse. Cell phones are permitted for non-verbal use only (texting and email).
• Swimming Pool: All members and their families are required to show their Membership Card for admittance into the Pool at the Lifeguard Stand. On weekdays, members may sign in guests at the Lifeguard Stand for a charge of $6 per guest. On weekends, members may sign in a limit of up to 6 guests per month per membership number for a charge of $10 per guest. Holiday weekends there will be no guests permitted at the Pool. This includes 4th of July and Labor Day. Children at all times should be supervised by their parents or on-site caregivers. Corrective action for children’s behavior is the parents’ or on-site caregivers’ responsibility.
• Smoking marijuana/or vaping on CYC property, grounds, patios and docks is strictly prohibited. Thank you for adhering to this Club policy.
—Marc Dallas, General Manager
Wet Hens take to the lake in sweet style
Summer is here, so join in on the fun this month:
What’s new, CYC?
Wine Down Wednesday Summer Series
Whether you are wine-curious, beginner sippers or experienced wine aficionados, broaden your palate at these Wednesday events, set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. They are limited to the first 45 people who sign up. Each evening will include four wines with light appetizers. Cost is $45 per person for each even.
Wednesday, July 24 with Logan from Heidelberg
Wednesday, August 21 with Mary Ellen from Vintage
Wednesday, September 25 with Jeremy and his picks
• Our second Potluck Dinner at the Spar Loft will be July 17. Wet Hens will provide the main course. Please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share. BYO utensils, plates and beverages. Cocktails are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and dinner is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Spouses and significant others are welcome. Please RSVP to CYC. The last Potluck will be held on August 14.
• Meet up for sailing on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m. in front of the Clubhouse. Bring your own life jacket and water bottle. To be added to the sailing email list, contact Gail Cudak.
• For kayaking, be at the kayak ramp at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays to launch. Kayaking starts at 6 p.m. Bring your own lifejacket and water bottle, as well as snacks and beverages for the after-party. Questions or if you need a kayak? Contact Mary Beth Johnson or Pam Lucey.
• Every Friday at 10 a.m. is Pathfinders. Get out of the house and walk two to three miles with friends. Locations and leaders vary. Contact Peg Indermaur or Deb Wadden to get on the e-mail list.
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. —Gail Cudak, Wet Hens Chair
Friday, July 5: Michelle Romary (Patio)
Friday, July 26: Sean Walsh (Patio) 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday, July 28: Sean Walsh (Topside) 3-6 p.m.
GAS DOCK
Hailing the Fourth
The Club is serving up a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a spread for this favorite holiday! Enjoy breakfast and lunch off the menu and a special dinner buffet on the porch featuring all-American favorites plus a limited menu starting at 5 p.m. on July 4. And for the holiday weekend, the club will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday on July 5, 6, 7, for brunch, lunch and dinner.
And
Awards Season is upon us! Who will bring home the glory?
Sail Camp Trophy Night
Tuesday, July 23, 6 p.m.
Let’s celebrate the achievements of our Sail Campers. Enjoy dinner followed by awards ceremony.
Cost is $37 for adult buffet, $15 for kids.
Swim Team Trophy Night
Thursday, July 18, 6 p.m.
The Orcas are having a great season. Come see who will win this year’s awards aplenty!
