Founded in 1878
Shining on World Stage
CYC hosts the Star Western Hemisphere Championship
Q&A with the Commodore Commodore Mansuetto reflects on his fine year at the helm
Fall Splendor
From Dock-or-Treat to Power Fleet Clambake
As Commodore Michael Mansuetto gets ready to pass the gavel next month, we asked him to reflect on his year in office.
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 November issue to the CYC Islander mailbox in the Club office by October 10. You may also send copy to msmith@cycrr.org.
Cover photo: CYC hosted the Star Western Hemisphere Championship last month as we welcomed sailors from around the world. Photo by Tim Wilkes Photography.
What are some of your accomplishments you are most proud of?
My focus this year was to reinforce the club’s mission “To promote family-oriented and friendly club activities anchored in the tradition of yachting,” while honoring our club’s rich history. I tried to place particular emphasis on club history and traditions while supporting and enhancing the interests of our evolving membership. With the help of our amazing staff, the incredible army of committee chairs and volunteers, and our Board of Trustees, I’d like to believe we made 2023 a memorable and enjoyable year for everyone.
Operationally, the Management Committee completed the installation of new B, C and North Basin finger docks to ensure that CYC has safe and secure docks for many years. When we learned, unexpectedly, that the bridge needed to be replaced, the team put a plan in place to provide safe access to our island while planning for the bridge replacement. We are currently on schedule for an early spring 2024 completion and are confident the new bridge will serve our needs for many decades to come.
What did you learn about CYC during your year in the top office?
The dedication and commitment consistently displayed by our staff and volunteers truly amazed me. The amount of work and planning that goes on behind the scenes to execute events and to provide programming cannot be understated. We really are blessed to have such incredible support.
Did you try any new activities or groups at the Club this past year?
Colleen and I participated in our very first Power Fleet cruise with a trip to Kelleys Island as guests of Lee and Nicole Stacey. It was a great introduction to the group and gave us an opportunity to continue to get to know the Power Fleet better. We enjoyed it so much we may have to consider upgrading our boat in the near future to join them on future cruises. Stay tuned.
What are some of your favorite memories over the past year?
The events that highlighted the rich traditions and history of the club were our favorites. Change of Watch was a very special time, surrounded by family and friends, where we were welcomed into leadership. Colleen and I especially enjoyed our annual Commissioning Ceremony and Commodores’ Ball where we had a chance to engage with many of the club’s past leadership. We were grateful to enjoy some time with P/C John Malm before his recent passing. As our most tenured Past Commodore, John was a reminder of the amazing dedication many of our members have toward the club.
Of course, we will never forget the amazing calendar of events that our volunteers and staff organized throughout the year. The quality and variety of offerings was impressive, and Colleen and I have fond memories of them all.
What do you look forward to doing after you change your title to P/C next month?
While our official calendar will certainly open up in the coming months, Colleen and I will continue to make CYC part of our regular routine. You will see us walking the island to connect with friends and enjoy our special home away from home. We have some “off island” time scheduled with our dear friends Matt and Gloria Dugan for a little rest, relaxation and quality time in the sun. This year would not have been possible without their friendship and support.
I’m excited to watch the team, under the leadership of Commodore Drumm, continue their hard work and service to the club. Is there any advice you’d pass along to Commodore Andrew Drumm?
I would encourage Andy to continue to demonstrate the passion and enthusiasm that makes him so special. Andy is going to be an incredible addition to the leadership legacy at the club and I’m confident he will bring unique perspective and insights to the role. I’m grateful for Andy’s friendship, guidance and support over the past three years as he has helped make my time incredibly rewarding. We look forward to watching Andy and Peggy bring their own personality and personal touches to the club as they continue a long history of service and leadership.
The STARS shined brightly in September when CYC hosted the Star Class Western Hemisphere Championship over a four-day series of races. Chairman Richard Wilber and the CYC Star Fleet did our club proud, conducting wonderful races in all kinds of conditions. We want to thank each and every volunteer for their dedicated hard work. We want to thank the “R” Fleet for a highlight Tuesday night steak roast. And we want to thank the CYC staff for their incredible support in hosting more than 45 sailors from multiple countries. Way to go CYC.
I am pleased to announce that CYC has hired Mr. Nogay Dökmeci as Director of Waterfront Activities for The Cleveland Yachting Club. P/C Mike FitzGibbon is stepping down from this position but will stay on to help with the transition period.
Mr. Dökmeci is no stranger to CYC where, in 2023, he served as a part-time Junior Race Team Coach.
A native of Turkey, Mr. Dökmeci holds a B.S. in industrial engineering and worked as a senior sales engineer for Teksan Generator prior to moving to the United States. He was a member of the Turkish National Sailing Team from 2008-2018 and, most recently, he coached at The Foundry in Cleveland.
At CYC, Mr. Dökmeci worked closely with P/C Dan Clevenger, Chair of the Junior Race Team, and P/C Mike FitzGibbon, Interim Waterfront Director. P/C FitzGibbon commented: “I had the opportunity to work with Nogay as he helped rebuild our Opti program and taught our young sailors across the junior fleet. He is a dependable and gregarious young man with a wealth of sailing and boating knowledge. Not only has he earned my respect, he also has business experience that is needed in the leadership position of Waterfront Director. I am confident that he will be up to the task of building on what we have started in this relatively new position.”
The Director of Waterfront Activities supports the fleets, programs and activities in and on the water at CYC. The position works closely with members, volunteers and staff to make CYC waterfront a safe, fun, dynamic and educational experience for all involved.
Haul Out begins Monday, October 9. Please have your pump out and fueling done before your scheduled haul out date. To signify your readiness to be hauled out, tie a fluorescent ribbon (available at the Gas Dock or Guardhouse) to the stern of your boat. Please have the stern of the boat facing outward of the dock for pusher access.
If you are removing your boat from the island and require a load to trailer, call the Dock Office for a scheduled time.
Fall colors have slowly arrived, with shorter daytime and brisk evenings setting on the lake; summer is really gone and the holidays are arriving fast! October contribution to the Fine Art exhibits in the Library is from Sue Levy, depicting with watercolors a splendid tree, transitioning to its autumn appearance, prior to long winter months.
Sue discovered watercolors a few years ago, and, in spite of no formal artistic training, she has progressed nicely on her own, creating delicate, colorful and meaningful paintings for herself, her family and her friends. With this painting, she
is able to transmit to the viewer her deep affection and her emotions related to this particular time of the year, when sailing is dwindling and the air becomes brisker.
The CYC Fine Art Fleet is pleased to announce that on Thursday, October 19, M.O.C.A., the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, will host a special fundraising event at our Club, featuring art works from us, your fellow member-artists, to be auctioned off throughout the evening, with proceeds benefiting the museum. We hope to see many of you, along with other invited guests who have been in the past supporting M.O.C.A. in its exhibitions and other various activities.
Next month the CYC Tennis Fleet is hosting a Pickleball Tournament & Social at Avon Oaks Country Club on November 4,
from 7-10 p.m. There are 40 spaces available and the entry fee is $50. Besides lots of fun we will also provide water, energy snacks, an appetizer station and raffle prizes!
Please bring your own paddle and even friends to cheer you on. The event is open to all CYC members and the proceeds will benefit Canopy Child Advocacy Center. For registration information or questions please email Maria at cyctennisfleet@ gmail.com.
—Maria Sakoutis MelacrinosWhether you are trading in, selling your vehicle, or having a windshield replaced, in order to receive a new CYC sticker you must present part, or all of your old sticker, to the Front Desk so a replacement can be issued.
Please take time to complete our dining survey 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 August winner Charles Wright.
We will have Family Night Dinner Specials and an ice cream sundae bar every Wednesday and a Perch Fry every Saturday. Please note that dining moves upstairs on Wednesday, October 25
Live music on Fridays on the Porch to continue through October.
October 6 - John Pearson
October 13 - Megan Zurkey
October 20 - Spinnaker Jeff
Happy Hour
Check out our updated happy hour list for October on Wednesdays through Fridays at the bar only from 4-6 p.m.:
Vodka Martini – Wheatley Vodka (Buffalo Trace Distilled) - $8
Sangria – Chardonnay, Vodka, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pineapple Juice, Splash of Ginger Ale - $8
House Margarita - $7
Any House Glass of Wine - $7
Corona 16 oz. can - $3
White Claw - $4
Any Draft Beer - $4
And keep an eye out for a new After Dinner Drink Menu featuring mixed drinks, ice wines and sauternes.
Come cheer our team on to victory every Sunday in October. We will be serving a hot dog bar with toppings during the game.
October 1 - vs. Ravens (Topside opens at noon)
October 15 - vs. 49ers (Topside opens at noon)
October 22 - at Colts (Topside opens at noon)
October 29 - at Seahawks (Topside opens at 3 p.m.)
Kayaking will continue in October on Thursdays. We meet at the kayak ramp at 5:30 p.m., launch by 6 p.m. Bring your own drink and snack for social hour following our paddle. To join the fun, contact Mary Beth Johnson (marybethj1250@gmail.com) or Pam Lucey (pflucey@gmail. com).
Mark your calendars for October 5 (backup date October 12) for the Wet Hens Pumpkin . Put on your best costume and bring your broom or paddle and join us for a fun
“Funny Bus.” Enjoy a fun night out with a perfect blend of laughter and the city’s history on a private Funny Bus excursion. Enjoy exploring the city on this unique and hilarious 90-minute bus tour hosted by a local comedian. Bring beer and wine to enjoy as we tour the cool, hip neighborhoods around the city’s center. Significant others/spouses are invited as well. Tour begins at 6:15 p.m. and ends at Collision Bend Brewing Company, 1250 Old River Road, on the East Bank of the Flats. Cost is $30 per person. More details will be provided when you RSVP to Ellen Riehm at riehmhouse@sbcglobal.net or 440-667-5405.
October 11 is our monthly Wet Hens dinner. After dinner, there will be a presentation by our own Kim Moore entitled “Decluttering in an Age of Abundance.” Cocktails at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m. (order off the menu). RSVP to CYC. Note: September through May, the Wet Hens dinner will be held in the Clubhouse on the second Wednesday of the month.
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.
Last year was our inaugural Stitch ‘n Bitch season and it was a resounding success! On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 3 to 5 p.m. we gathered at CYC upstairs in front of the fireplace to work on our stitching projects, share some tea and baked goods, and chat about whatever was on anyone’s mind. It was so much fun, we’ve decided to do it again—same format, date and location—beginning October 24. So, bring your stitching project (or macrame, embroidery, beading, sketching...you get the idea) and join us.
Pathfinders is every Friday at 10 a.m. Get out of the house and walk approximately three miles with friends. Locations and leaders vary. Contact Peg Indermaur or Deb Wadden to get on the email list.
STAY UPDATED
Follow CYC Wet Hens on Facebook (@Wet Hens CYC) Instagram (@cyc_wet_hens).
*Check out the Wet Hens Newsletter at cycwethens.blogspot.com —Gail
Fall is here, and with it comes prime fishing season in Lake Erie and the Rocky River. If you’re looking to up your fishing game, here are some straightforward tech tools that can help, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Want to find fish more easily? Consider a fish finder like the Garmin Striker 4. Using sonar, it helps you locate fish, determine their depth, and even estimate their size. It’s user-friendly and can be used on a boat or from shore.
Please give these two new members a warm welcome to CYC when you see them around the Club.
Director, Inside Sales at Container Port Group, Jack grew up at CYC and is joining as a Legacy member. He is looking forward to continuing his love of sail racing with his wife Erica.
Sponsors: Frederick Hunger & P/C James Busch
Joe is enjoying retirement and is excited to return to boating. He also plans to join the Fishing Fleet and Skeet Fleet.
Sponsors: Christopher Zito & George Kennedy
Weather can make or break a fishing trip. Apps like FishWeather offer hyper-local forecasts specifically for fishing conditions in Lake Erie. Available for both Android and iPhone, these apps give you real-time updates that can make your outing more successful.
Incorporating these tech tools can make your fall fishing trips not only more productive but also more enjoyable. Happy fishing!
—Justin Reed
Wednesday, October 18 from 7-9 p.m. in the CYC Clubhouse
The days are growing shorter and the winds are blowing cooler. On the bright side, we can reminisce about what a great season we had!
This year we had over 130 Power Fleet members. We added a bunch of activities throughout the season for not only our “cruisers” but also our members with “day boats” or those members without boats.
The huge turnout at all these events reflects our success in getting more of our members involved.
Gary is a world-renowned sailor, television commentator, and author of over 18 books on sailing. He was the tactician for Ted Turner on Courageous during the 1977 America’s Cup and also during the 1980 defender trials. In 1983, he was the founder and tactician of the Courageous/Defender syndicate. He is an expedition sailor, having led expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica, and Cape Horn.
He is no stranger to CYC, having visited on multiple occasions. The impetus behind the Leukemia Cup regattas sailed across the United States for over 25 years, Gary helped his close friend CYC P/C Chuck Inglefield found our own Leukemia Cup regatta. Gary was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame (2011) and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame (2003) by the Herreshoff Marine Museum. In 1999 Gary won the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy, US SAILING’s most prestigious award. Over the past 40 years, Gary has given over 2,500 lectures throughout the world.
Questions? Contact P/C Chuck Inglefield at cfinglefield@gmail.com or 216-374-6401 or P/C Mike FitzGibbon at Mikefitzgibbon65@gmail.com or 440-336-1641
Register for this event at www.cycrr.org
Thank you to the CYC staff who provided significant help throughout the year, including General Manager Marc Dallas, Diane May, Mary Ann Smith, Joe Rondini and P/C Mike FitzGibbon. Our jobs would be a lot more difficult without you.
Make sure you sign up for our classic season-ending clambake on Friday
October 27 at Center Isle (see ad).
We appreciate the opportunity to have served as the Power Fleet Chairpersons and support that we received from the membership!
—John Pyke & Deb Carlton, Power Fleet Chairs
Friday, October 27 at 6 p.m.
Join the Power Fleet at Center Isle for an evening of awards and reminiscing. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m.
Cost $43 per person includes: 1
phone
The bar opens one hour prior to Browns games kickoff, weather permitting
LATITUDE
The Cleveland Yachting Club
200 Yacht Club Drive
Rocky River, Ohio 44116
440-333-1155
www.cycrr.org
November 3, from 7-9 p.m.
Join us for a night sipping and savoring fine wines featuring reds, whites and sparkling varietals. All combined with tantalizing food stations.
Musical entertainment by acoustical guitarist Rick Iacoboni.
Cost: $80 per person. Plus, you will be able to purchase wines at discounted prices.
Make reservations online.
Brunch seatings every half-hour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (note there will be no regular dining hours for brunch/lunch)
Enjoy a festive brunch then stroll down the East Channel for trick-or-treating (children encouraged to wear costumes) on the way to Center Isle, where there will be pumpkin carving and decorating, treats and activities aplenty for the kiddos.
Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for children. Reservations required online.
