Summer Grosse Pointer

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The

GROSSE POINTER

GROSSE POINTE YACHT CLUB

Established 1914

JUNE - AUGUST 2020 IN REVIEW Published November 2020

ahee.com | 313.886.4600 | 20139 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods

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It’s not just a night out, It’s an Experience!

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Kindly call ahead for reservations.

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97 Kercheval • Grosse Pointe Farms DirtyDogJazz.com

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Anna Swartz aswartz@gpyc.org

Advertising Director Kim Towar kim@towar.com

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Table of Contents

Editor

Publisher Towar Productions 19803 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods,MI 48236 313.882.0702 www.towar.com

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A Message from the Commodore Welcome New Members

4 5-8

Person(s) of Interest: Richard and Jill Best

10-12

Bayview to Mackinac

14-15

New Lease on Life - Kidney Donation

16

Member Appreciation and Father’s Day Weekend

18-19

Summer Seafood Celebration

20-21

Fourth of July Weekend

22-25

Food Truck Saturdays

26

Stephanie Lortt stephanie@towar.com

Club Island Rendezvous

27

Writers Wally Cross Commodore Gary Gonzalez Madison Frame McMillan Past Commodore James L. Ramsey Dr. Larry Stephenson Anna Swartz

Rendezvous 30

Photographers Martin Chumiecki Thomas Kliber John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

Art Director

Ladies Night Summer Wine Tasting

28-29

Old Club Rendezvous

31-33

Fleet Review Weekend

34-38

Junior Sailing

39-41

Boat Sharing

42

Grog Shop

42

Adult Learn to Sail

43

Day Camp

44

Snaps 46-47 Looking Aft

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Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Y

Established 1914 788 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores,MI 48236 (313) 884-2500 FAX: (313) 884-7956 www.gpyc.org

The Grosse Pointer (USPS 576-940) is published four times a year under contract with the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Subscri ptions are $75 per year to members. Periodical postage paid at Detroit, Michigan. Postmaster,send address changes to: The Grosse Pointer,788 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores,MI 48236.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club ©2020—all rights reserved. This publication is the property of the GPYC,for member use only. No unauthorized use,sale or dissemination of information herein shall be made for commercial,personal or other purposes,without the written permission of the GPYC.

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Cover Photo by Thomas Kliber

A F EW O F O UR EM”POW ER”ED CLIEN TS • BOLTON-J O HN STON • DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAF E

• GRO SSE POIN T E ROTARY 313-882-0702 19803 Mack Ave • GPW • GRO SSE POIN T E YA CHT CLUB towar.c om WE DESIGN AND PRINT ANYTHING & EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BUSINESS SPECIALIZING IN NON-PROFITS

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMMODORE

Up to the Challenge

GPYC Adjusts to Necessary Safety Protocols, Still Delivers a Stellar Summer Creating new events with strict limitations and executing the normal summer swim, sail, and camp programs under the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult. Aaron and his team did an outstanding job and are to be commended. Some protocols that seemed onerous at first, such as reservations for the pool deck, became very popular with the membership and may continue next summer. Sadly, some events like our fireworks display had to be cancelled altogether but they will come back bigger next summer. The toned down Fourth of July celebration did not diminish the enthusiasm at the annual Pet Parade with dogs, lizards and butterflies in attendance.

Chef Colby brought out some of his smoked specialties along with the usual favorites making for an outstanding barbeque event and, of course, with the great weather, the Gazebo Bar was hopping.

The summer rendezvous were a great way to escape the world for a while, and I want to thank Vice Commodore Gary Marowske for once again taking aunching into the summer season at the the lead on these. The individual chairs for each Club was like finding your way in the dark. event all did an outstanding job making this summer Not knowing what we could or could not do tradition a success. Fleet Review weekend offered week to week challenged our creativity. Collectively another way for boaters and non-boaters to enjoy the Board and management were committed to the Club. We had an unexpected number of boats providing the best possible Club experience while decorated for Harbor Lights Night and ran out of gifts. protecting the staff and members. Some felt we Not to worry as those will be in and delivered before were too cautious, and others felt we were far too you read this. Following that, the boat parade and open. We received numerous visits from state and Fleet Review dinner were very well attended albeit local health departments verifying our adherence to with a limitation on the dinner attendance. Chris the changing regulations. Each time we passed the inspections we were praised for our efforts. With strict and I appreciate the support of the membership and the work of the management and staff that went into protocols, developed from best practices, diligently enforced we were able to keep the Club operating and making this weekend special for all. protect against any severe outbreaks amongst staff or Speaking of support, I want to thank all the members membership.

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for their continued support of our Club. The health and future of our Club rely on strong membership commitment, and we have seen tremendous support through these last six months. So many of our members have sponsored their friends and associates this summer despite these difficult times. I am always excited to meet with the new candidates for membership. The youth and enthusiasm for GPYC that I see in those entering the Club can only be a positive influence on our future.

As we look to that future, I want to foreshadow some things that will roll out over the next several months.

The Board has been hard at work developing Vision 2026, our long-term strategic plan. Addressing both the long-term maintenance of our historic clubhouse and the future changes to our harbor and facilities, Vision 2026 is meant to be a rolling five-year plan to guide future Boards and management. Consistency in direction will facilitate a fundable plan that members can be confident in as the Club moves forward.

The changing demographics of our membership will demand facilities and programs that meet their changing expectations while maintaining the traditions that have made GPYC one of the top yacht clubs in the world. Look for more on this soon.

Again, Chris and I want to thank you for your support through an interesting summer. We have a lot more fun planned this fall and winter, so stay tuned.

See you at the Club!

Gary Gonzalez

WELCOME ABOARD

Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

June

Donna and Russell Brown

Michael Cytacki

Madison and Kevin Ginnebaugh

Sherrie Jones

Linda Karadsheh

Ashley and Joe Kotowski

Amy and Kevin Krupski

Mary Ann and Norm Merollis Reinstatement

Gregory and Alyson Squires Reinstatement

Thomas Stevenson

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WELCOME ABOARD

July

8

Todd and Amy Webster

William and Deanne Wehrmann

Margaret Bove

Wadette Bradford

Claudette Kaado and Michael Cassin

Stefanie and Robert Crandall

James and Robin Howe Reinstatement

Andrew Mac Lachlan Reinstatement

Doug and Elaine Manix

Joyce Rich and Richard Merlini

WELCOME ABOARD

August

Timothy Riley

Julie Sloan

Molly and Jake Westerman

Christie Morgan and John Berg

Shane and Karen Boon

Gabriel Ci pparrone

Archibald Hauck

Kimberly and Grant (not pictured) Krasemann Reinstatement

Frank McBath

Kirsten and Ryan Moran

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WELCOME ABOARD

“All I want for

Christmas is a GPYC Membership!

Doug Nadolski

Amy and Michael Seneski

Everyone needs to slow down and enjoy what truly matters, like spending time with family and friends in a safe environment.

From children, young professionals, families and empty nesters, to everyone in between, GPYC’s amenities are plentiful and can be enjoyed by all.

Not Pictured: Leo Salvaggio Cheryl Sieber (reinstatement) David and Rebecca Stevens

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Refer a candidate for membership and receive a $500 credit on your GPYC statement.

For more information contact Membership Director Susan Hughes at shughes@gpyc.org

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PERSON(S) OF INTEREST

From England to the U.S., to the Far East and back to the U.S., members Richard and Jill Best have lived there, done that.

By Past Commodore James L. Ramsey

Richard and Jill Best bring a touch of British charm to every room they enter. She is groomed, poised and polite; he is tall and stately with an undiminished crop of graying hair and a face unwrinkled by age. It isn’t hard to imagine him attired in the uniform of a spit-and-polish British military officer and she on his arm, strolling Hyde Park.

Richard was too young to remember the enemy bombers that rained havoc on his native England in World War II, but he vividly recalls the aftermath. He remembers standing on the steps of St. Paul Cathedral in London as a small boy, looking at the destruction surrounding the famed church and hearing his mother say, “Remember this day. Remember what you see here.”

Richard did.

So did his wife, who is a year younger than he.

She recalls making a trip to London as a little girl and seeing block after block of emptiness where homes and shops and apartment buildings once stood and families once lived. “Those are bomb sites,” her mother told her. “‘Bomb site’ was a familiar word back then,” she reflects. “There were a lot of them.”

Life in post-war England was fundamental for Richard and Jill. Rationing, which was instituted during the war, finally ended nine years after the conflict was over, which meant there were shortages of essentials like gasoline and tires, even food and clothing, well into the 1950s.

Cheltenham in Southwest England where Richard

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Jill and Richard Best in Ecuador

PERSON(S) OF INTEREST was born was not a military target, but privations lingered as a reminder of the struggle that had cost so many so much.

As England recovered, young Richard Best’s future took shape. His parents placed a high value on education, largely because it was severely limited for his father, who had been pulled out of school at a young age to work the family clothing business.

Free of such constraints, Richard was able to attend boarding school in Oxford. He went on to attain a college degree at the legendary university in the same town.

expertise in constant-velocity (C-V) joints, a vital component of front-wheel-drive cars. The company wanted to determine if there was a market for their products with U.S. carmakers and offered Richard the opportunity to find out. The newly married couple talked it over and decided they didn’t want to one day be sitting in a pub somewhere in England, wondering why they had passed up the opportunity for adventure. In 1973 Richard Best headed for Detroit on a two-year assignment. Jill followed two months later.

An important part of Richard’s life at this point was cricket, which he played at the national youth level. It is the thing he misses most about England, although he played for the Windsor (Ontario) Cricket Club. Meanwhile, Jill was growing up in Derbyshire, south of Manchester, also attending boarding school before studying a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

A two-year assignment turned into a 34-year career with GKN. Then, in 1997, GKN offered another challenge: How would the Bests like to move to Singapore, where he would develop GKN’s businesses in the Asia Pacific Region? With their two sons Tom and Mark away at work and college, he and Jill again decided on adventure. They spent five years in Singapore, and during that time Best successfully grew the company’s interests in China, Korea, Japan, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, even South Africa.

Degree in hand, Richard migrated to Chapel-enle-Frith, where he signed on as a trainee at Ferodo, an international manufacturer of friction materials (read: automotive brake linings). Shortly afterward, at a pub, he met Jill Pochin, who five years later became his wife of nearly 50 years.

“People smile when I say we met in a pub,” notes Jill. “But back then, we didn’t have dance halls or gathering places where young people could congregate. The pub was our social center.”

After attending business school and working at Ferodo for several years, Richard looked for new opportunities and moved on. He joined GKN, based then in Birmingham, whose main business was automotive driveline parts, with special

The timing couldn’t have been better. The first Arab oil embargo forced U.S. automakers to lighten and downsize their vehicles, which in turn led to front-wheel drive. GM, Ford and Chrysler were all planning the change, but had little knowledge of C-V technology because they had traditionally built rear-wheel drive vehicles. Before long, Richard had willing customers at Ford and Chrysler. “I think my clients were amused by the sound of my voice, so they would return my calls,” he says with a smile.

Richard Best in Spain

The job had its perks, too.

Living in Singapore, the Bests got to meet all kinds of new and interesting people from everywhere in the world. They also traveled extensively in the region, shunning swank hotels and touristy venues for undiscovered places where they could get to know the real people of whatever country they were in.

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PERSON(S) OF INTEREST

Then, in 2002, the call came again: to return to the U.S. as Managing Director of the operation Best had started many years ago.

Before the Bests moved to Singapore, U.S. immigration laws had changed, making it possible to hold dual British and U.S. citizenships. Work visas were becoming more difficult to obtain, and so, having lived and raised a family in Michigan, they decided to take U.S. citizenship, thus becoming dual citizens.

American does matter. Being in America does make a difference. Ask Richard and Jill Best. Becoming Americans was one of the most important days of their lives.

are avid boaters in their trusty 30-year-old Tiara, Victory, named after the flagship in one of the most important naval battles in British history.

Unfortunately, their favorite vacation -- cruising the North Channel -- was cancelled this year because of the U.S./Canada border closing. Hopefully, next year that will change.

After retiring from GKN in 2006, Richard embarked on an 11-year career with the Vistage Organization where he served as an executive coach and mentor to CEOs of Michigan businesses.

Meanwhile, Jill did not return to her career in real estate, which she left when they The Bests will never forget the day they became moved to Singapore. Over citizens of this country. It was a snowy, wet, there she had been involved dismal day in February at the Federal Building in with the Singapore Cultural downtown Detroit. There were 66 immigrants from Museum, and on returning to countries all over the world crowded into the room. Michigan Jill began her deep The judge was late. When he arrived, he veered involvement as a docent at the from the traditional swearing-in procedure, saying Detroit Institute of Arts.

“Each one of you has a story about what brought They both share an interest you here, and I would like them to be shared. You will probably never see each other again, but I want in motor racing going back to their childhoods. Jill you to remember this important day together.” remembers as a young girl The court clerk proceeded to read a short synopsis being taken by her father, who of each candidate’s life as they received their was Competitions Manager citizenship papers. of Ferodo, to races at LeMans, Each story was shared, many in very broken Silverstone, Monza and various English, until it came down to the last person, Formula One events. “Sit on an 86-year-old woman from Cuba, who rose and the pit counter and do not declared quietly through floods of tears, “I have move!” she was told. Richard been waiting for this day my entire life.” recalls interviewing Jim Clark, who went on to become twoThose words still send a wave of emotion through time World Champion, for his Richard Best, in part because being an American university newspaper. citizen means something different to those who were not born here than it does to us who were. We Richard and Jill, who are tend to take it for granted. They do not. Being an Social members of the Club, Jill Best in Central Park,New York City

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GPYC FEATURE

Bayview to Mackinac, Just as Memorable 50 Races Later

By GPYC Sailing Director Wally Cross

D

espite the strange circumstances surrounding this year, this year’s Bayview to Mackinac Race turned out to be my favorite. Almost all sailing events were canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19, but Regatta Chair Chris Clark was determined to have the race. The sailing forums were not too kind to Chris, or to Bayview Yacht Club, for pushing on. However, necessary precautions, such as no social events including award celebrations, allowed for a safe race.

Even the harbor at Mackinac was empty, since the DNR was only allowing four boats in the harbor at once. In the end, not one crew or volunteer got sick.

This was my 50th race to Mackinac, and it was the best. When I was 13, I sailed with my father for the first time on his C&C 31 along the shore. Back then all the boats would start close to Port Huron and race along the shore to Mackinac. The big boats always start last to give the smaller boats a head start. I will never forget watching the bigger boats

GPYC Sailing Director Wally Cross raced on Heartbreaker,which won this year’s Bayview to Mackinac Race.

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like Gypsy and the wooden 12-meter, Heritage. I also will not forget the refreshing smell of water, land and lake breezes along with the view of beautiful northern Michigan.

During most of the races after that first one, we rounded a buoy by Cove Island and then went on to Mackinac. This year the race was along the shore again based on the inability to sail in Canadian waters. The other limiting factor that increased the fun was an invisible Canadian water barrier.

In the diagram below, the purple line was the border between US and Canadian water.

In effort to limit the number of people at the finish on the island, all boats were required to have the

GPYC FEATURE Photography by Martin Chumiecki

Yellowbrick GPS tracker on their boat. This tracker would let anyone know how each boat was doing in the race and show the boats track. If the race committee saw that a boat sailed in Canadian waters, then the boat was penalized. This tracker was also used at the finish line to score the time it took for each boat to sail from Port Huron to the finish.

The shore course race is shorter, but this year it felt

plenty long. Fortunately, I was on a fast, big boat, yet it still felt long. The wind was coming from the North which meant we could not sail straight to the island at any time during the race. We were tacking back and forth within the boundaries to navigate up to the island. We tend to be serious, so that required the crew to stay up all night. We saw some beautiful shooting stars, and we are pretty sure we spotted a meteor flash across the sky. It is special to be that

far north without lights, allowing us to see all that nature has to offer.

As daylight approached, we now could see the shore. Again, this was a first for me after sailing over 40 races to Cove Island buoy. The Northern shore with numerous light houses once again did not disappoint me with its pure beauty. The shore seemed to never end as we rounded the last island approaching Mackinac.

We all have been up for 28 hours (which I do not recommend) and nothing looked better to us than seeing Mackinac with the Grand Hotel in the background. Once we finished, we knew we were the first boat to the island, yet we also knew there were plenty of boats behind that could save their time.

Sailboats racing to Mackinac sail with a handicap system that allows smaller boats to compete against larger boats based on their handicap. I sailed on Heartbreaker which was the fastest boat on handicap relative to all the other boats. Fortunately, we did get a place to dock the boat overnight and after a very tired dinner, we also now knew we had won the race.

I guess now I can say my two favorite Bayview to Mackinac races were my first and 50th.

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GPYC FEATURE

A New Lease on Life

Fellow GPYC Members Discover ‘Kidney Paired Donation’ as the Key to Transplant Success

By Madison Frame McMillan

M

att Frame is a Detroit car salesman.

He never imagined he would be giving someone a new lease on life instead of helping them lease a new car. On June 17, he did just that for his long-time friend and fellow GPYC member Lisa Segletes.

In 2005, at the age of 35, Segletes was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which causes cysts to grow on the kidneys. There is no cure for PKD, and when Segletes was diagnosed, her kidneys were only functioning at 50 percent.

About five years ago when her kidney function declined to only 20 percent, doctors put her on the list for a kidney donor at the University of Michigan (U of M).

Frame and Segletes met as freshmen at Northwood University and have been friends ever since. She even introduced him to his future wife. So, when Frame heard that she needed a kidney, he knew he had to do something. He was tested to see if he was a match for Segletes, but, unfortunately, he was not. While Segletes was lucky to have four matches, all were turned down for various medical reasons.

Frame still wanted to help. About a year and a half ago, he and Segletes discovered kidney paired donation (KPD), meaning Frame could donate his kidney, but to someone who he matched with, and their donor in turn provides his/her kidney to Segletes. This process took almost a full year due to testing, paring and COVID-19 delays, and in late May 2020, they received notice that the pairing match had been made.

While matches are confidential, Frame’s kidney

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matched a recipient in Florida, and the recipient’s donor matched Segletes. Their surgeries were scheduled, and after Frame’s operation, both his kidney, and the kidney from Seglete’s donor in Florida traveled across the country and were transplanted later that day. While Frame and Segletes do not have specific information about the identities of the pair in Florida, they were told that the surgeries were a success. As for Segletes and Frame – both patients are doing well.

“I have found that most people don’t know about the pairing program,” Frame said. “By trying to help Lisa, I was able to really help two people – Lisa and the person who received my kidney. To anyone considering donating their kidney, I would say to definitely pursue it. Even if you aren’t a match for

a loved one, you can still help them and others through the pairing program.”

Frame gave Lisa a new lease on life with the help of the KPD program, and their friendship now has a whole new meaning. They hope their story inspires others to donate if they have every considered it.

For more information on kidney donation and KPD, visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org

Lisa Segletes and Matt Frame one day after their surgeries

Fellow GPYC member Matt Frame donated a kidney through kidney paired donation,allowing Lisa Segletes to receive a kidney through another donor.

Longtime friends Matt Frame and Lisa Segletes in 2013

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MEMBER SCENE

Member Appreciation Weekend & Father ’s Day Morreale Family

Matt O’Laughlin and son Henry

Morgan and Megan Mathews

Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

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Van Rossen Family

Past Com. J. James Morrow with granddaughter Anna Groustra

MEMBER SCENE

Gabriella and Salvatore Mannino

John Parnell with son Jack

Anna Groustra

Ava Schaupeter and Henry O’Laughlin

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

Lynn and Roy Maksym

Summer Seafood Celebration Christie and Anthony Ventimiglia

L-R: Mourice and Kay Faddoul with Jack Sullivan and Wendy Lucid

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Mariann Channell and Benson Woo

MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

Todd and Lisha Kilgus

L-R: Patrick and Amy Chesterton with Stacy and Keith Spondike

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MEMBER SCENE Executive Chef Colby Newman

L-R: Milt Kodidek,Vonnie Willis,Karen Pfeiffer and John Chartrand

Page Family

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Suzanne and Larry Dowers (top) with Caroline Dowers and Richard Bloomingdale

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Carol Stephenson,Julie Storen,Michael and Emily Louisell (Julie’s grandchildren) and the Storen’s pups Vasco and Jena

Fourth of July

Luke Mychalowych with his dog Auggie

Kotowski Family

Johnny Martin with Ziggy the Gecko

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L-R: Rene Ciaramitaro,Jeff Hohlfeldt,Sophie Schuetze and Julie Schuetze

MEMBER SCENE Annual Pet Parade

Kelsey Beckett

Fourth of July

Lula LaFranca

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Van Natter Family

MEMBER SCENE

PHOTO CAN NOT BE ZOOMED OUT FURTHER

Luke Ciaramitaro

Julie Schuetze

Pool Manager and Head Swim Coach Nick Valice passes out prizes after the annual pool games.

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MEMBER SCENE

The Estia food truck features Greek Street Food.

Photo courtesy of Maria Quint

General Manager Aaron Wagner with his favorite local food truck,Steve’s Grilled Cheese

Grillwich Tot Stop food truck

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Rene Quint enjoys a meal from the Estia food truck.

Photo courtesy of Maria Quint

Food Truck Saturdays Penelope Routsis hanging out at the Family Recreation Center,where a food truck was stationed most Saturday afternoons during the summer.

Photo courtesy of Rania Routsis

RENDEZVOUS

Joe and Megan Schaden

Club Island Rendezvous

Matt O’Laughlin and Jillian Schmuhl with son Henry

Executive Chef Colby Newman with Thomas Schaden

Photos courtesy of Aaron Wagner Marilyn Stephenson,Mark Peyser, Tom Stephenson and Jerry Berndtson

The Banias and Berndtsons

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MEMBER SCENE Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

Ladies Night Summer Wine Tasting

L-R: Courtney Drummy and Olivia Paluzzi

L-R: Christine Drummy,Gloria Wiczorek and Jennifer Winckler

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Food and Beverage Director Joe Hooge showing the wine menu to Julie Schuetze

Tina Calcaterra and Amanda Vintevoghel

MEMBER SCENE

L-R: Kim Bill,Melissa Bodmer,Sue Bracciano ,Rene Seago,Tina Seely and Kathleen Kedzerski

L-R: Carol Klenow and Christine Gonzalez

L-R: Abbey Schuetze ,Maureen Gleason and Kelly Gleason

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RENDEZVOUS Photos courtesy of Elyse Trupiano

Marina and Sean Southers

Rick and Susie Lueders

Old Club Rendezvous

Phil and Elyse Trupiano

Kay and Mourice Faddoul

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RENDEZVOUS

Photos courtesy of Liz Rader and Barb Walkowski

Harbor Springs Rendezvous

W

hether members arrived by boat or car, the 2020 rendezvous in Harbor Springs offered the perfect Up North escape. Twenty-five slips were reserved for GPYC at the Harbor Springs Municipal Marina and Walstrom Marina. Members gathered on their first night at the city docks to enjoy a cocktail reception, while enjoying the music of Dave Cisco. Due to the governor’s Executive Order limiting capacity for indoor events, this was the only group gathering.

In addition, the group was able to support local children in need with a special raffle. Deb Snethkamp donated a stocked Yeti cooler for the raffle, which raised a total of $1,640 to help stock backpacks with food for local children. The raffles raised $820, which was then matched by Dan Gassar (Witbeck) and Ryan Haverland (Thermador and Bosch).

GPYC member Tom Stephenson was the winner of the raffle.

L-R: Paul Kelly and Past Com. Bob Rader

Paul and Mary Ellen Kelly

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RENDEZVOUS

L-R: Past Com. Bob Rader,Past Com. Ilja Vreeken,Com. Gary Gonzalaez,Paul Kelly and Vice Com. Gary Marowske

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RENDEZVOUS

Com. Gary Gonzalez

L-R: Past Com. Ilja Vreeken and Bob Weiland

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FLEET REVIEW WEEKEND

Photos by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

Members Cherish Fleet Review Tradition, Now More than Ever

by Anna Swartz

A

ny sense of normalcy during 2020 is something to be cherish – that’s why the annual tradition of Fleet Review was embraced by so many GPYC members this year.

Even with the necessary safety protocols, the 91st Annual Fleet Review Weekend – hosted by Commodore Gary and Lady Christine Gonzalez – featured all of the familiar activities known and loved by the membership.

“It was great to have so many participants in the Fleet Review and then have a relatively normal evening with an outstanding meal amid COVID,” said Commodore Gary Gonzalez. “The weather was wonderful and all the GPYC staff pulled the event

together flawlessly. Thanks to all who participated and to all the staff for their support.”

The weekend kicked off with boat and dock decorating. Docks were placed into groups, as usual, and this year’s theme, “Great Destinations of the World,” allowed members to “travel” to London, Rio, Paris and Tahiti. That same evening, the pool was scattered with rafts and floats for a Dive-in Movie, Trolls World Tour.

On Friday evening, the ever-popular Family Fun Night featured a special performance from the Detroit Circus Company, and children were able to enjoy competitive games. Also on Friday, Harbor

Boat Decorating

Phil and Elyse Trupiano

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Tom and Marilyn Stephenson

Lights Night truly showcased the beauty of the harbor, as white lights draped across sailboats and powerboats alike reflected on glistening water and illuminated the docks.

Lastly, the traditional Fleet Review showcased pride in the Club as a parade of dressed yachts, out of respect for the Commodore, passed by the Marine Activity Center, and members saluted the Commodores standing on the deck. Afterwards, the dinner, featuring a seasonal menu by Executive Chef Colby Newman, was held outdoors and limited to 100 people, per the state’s Executive Order at the time. Dinner music was provided by the Steve Wood quartet. The evening concluded with dancing under the stars to DTour Band.

REVIEW AFLEET MESSAGE FROM WEEKEND YOUR COMMODORE

Dock Parties

L-R: Linda Beauregard, Gary and Kim Bill

L-R: Wadette Bradford,Rear Com. Jason Grobbel,Melissa Bodmer,Isabella Bodmer and Goria Akash

Dr. Kevin O’Brien’s boat decked out for the dock parties

L-R: Penelope,Christos and Rania Routsis

L-R: Anna Groustra and Erin DeGrazia

Tim and Tricia Groustra

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FLEET REVIEW WEEKEND Pool Manager and Head Swim Coach Nick Valice

Family Fun Night

Rene Seago with daughter Kristina Case and granddaughters Kelly,Alissa,Bridget and Cora

Tompkins Family

Fleet Review

L-R: Vice Com. Gary and Kathy Marowske, Com. Gary and Christine Gonzalez, Rear Com. Jason Grobbel and Melissa Bodmer Campbell Shore L-R: Rear Com. Jason Grobbel,Melissa Bodmer, Com. Gary and Christine Gonzalez, Com. Gary and Kathy Marowske

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Fleet Review Dinner

GPYC FLEETFEATURE REVIEW WEEKEND

The Fleet Review Dinner was held in a tent on the East Lawn.

Rear Com. Jason Grobbel and Melissa Bodmer

Taffany and Edward Van Rossen

Vice Com. Gary and Kathy Marowske

Marita Grobbel and Past. Com. Dennis Andrus

Com. Gary and Christine Gonzalez

L-R: The Knapps,Loefflers,Wortmans and O’Connors

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FLEET REVIEW WEEKEND

Fleet Review Dinner

L-R: Jennifer Winckler,Bill Dillon,Kim and Grant Krasemann

L-R: Paul Kelly,Pat and Bill Roubie

L-r: Mary Kettler,Jake and Molly Westerman

L-R: Dan and Tiffany Klassen with Todd and Amy Webster

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Daniela Rodriguez and Bob Boctor

2020: The Year of Virtual Meets

Sailfish Rose to the Challenge, Placed Fourth Overall in Upper League

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Photo by John F. Martin Photography,Inc.

by Anna Swartz

S

wim meets without throngs of cheering fans?

A quiet sunrise swim meet? These are not the typical experiences of a GPYC Sailfish swim team member, but as with everything in 2020, it was a bit (or a lot) different than usual. The team competed in three virtual meets -- either early morning meets or in the evening. During one meet, they competed against three different clubs. The Michigan Inter-Club Association (MICSA) were also virtual. According to Assistant Swim Coach Elizabeth Bourke, GPYC ended the season fourth overall in the upper league of MICSA.

For the 2020 season, GPYC’s Sailfish team consisted of 80 children, compared to about 120 swimmers in 2019. To ensure safety, the team followed strict COVID-19 protocols, such as smaller groups of kids for practices and utilizing different ends of the pool. Temperature checks were also taken before each practice and meet. No illnesses were reported throughout the season.

“Even with all the limitations and restrictions, the Sailfish had a phenomenal summer, and we were very happy with how it all worked out,” said

Assistant Coach Elizabeth Bourke.

Parents such as Stephen Wheatley were grateful that the coaches were able to navigate a challenging situation and create the best possible environment for these young swimmers to safely learn and improve their skills. “The Club stepped up and did a wonderful job,” Wheatley said. “For the MICSA Finals, the Club went all out with the VIP seating -the food and everything was just incredible.”

The majority of the 2020 Sailfish Swim Team

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CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

2020: The Year of Virtual Meets

continued

2020 Sailfish Award Recipients

Luke Mychalowych broke two pool records this season during MICSA Finals.

Christos Routsis won the Fred Michalik Award and High Point 15-17 Boys Award Photo courtesy of Rania Routsis

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High Point 8 & Under Girls: Boys: 1st Eleanor Early 1st Ronan Zvirbulis 2nd Ella Legwand 2nd Liam Zvirbulis 3rd Kennedy Griffin 3rd Charles O’Connor High Point 9 & 10 Girls: Boys: 1st Gabriella Mannino 1st Luke Loeffler 2nd Mia Melhem 2nd Jack Ropke 3rd Hadley Beal and 3rd Johnny Sceglio Victoria Beauregard High Point 11 & 12 Girls: Boys: 1st Annabel Klaasen 1st Stanton Kapla 2nd Betsy Ropke 2nd Jack Griffin 3rd Lila Loeffler 3rd Theo Moisides High Point 13 & 14 Girls: Boys: 1st Avery Beal 1st Luke Mychalowych 2nd Kelsey Beckett 2nd Vincent Sceglio 3rd Allie Mattes 3rd Vincent Maffesoli High Point 15 & 17 Girls: Boys: 1st Sophie Schuetze 1st Vincent Maribao 2nd Sophia Kapla 2nd Nicholas Borrego 3rd Genevieve 3rd Christos Routsis Boutrous

Perpetual Trophy Commodore Frank Couzens Junior High Point – 12 & Under Girls: Gabriella Mannin Boys: Ronan Zvirbulis Perpetual Trophy Commodore James Marks Junior High Point – 13 & Over Girls: Avery Beal Boys: Luke Mychalowych Memorial Trophy – Dr. Jon Paulas MICSA Championship High Point Girls: Gabriella Mannino Boys: Luke Mychalowych & Ronan Zvirbulis Rookie of the Year Girls: Mia Melhem Boys: Jack Griffin Coaches’ Award Girls: Reygan Lowery Boys: Liam and Ronan Zvirbulis Donna Vollmer Memorial Award: Katherine Bsharah Fred Michalik Award: Christos Routsis

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Junior Sailing Program Boasts Epic Year, Despite Pandemic

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by Anna Swartz

eamwork was the key to making the 2020 GPYC Junior Sailing season not only run smoothly, but flourish amid a global pandemic. During the nine-week summer season, a total of 187 children participated in the Club’s Kinder Sailing, Learn to Sail, Racing Team and Adventure Sailing. Junior Sailing Director Emily Simon referred to this as “the Club’s biggest and longest season ever” and attributed the success to the dedication of her team of nine coaches.

Despite the Stay-at-Home Executive Order lifting only several weeks before the beginning of the season, Simon says they were more than ready to take on the task of both teaching children how to sail and keeping everyone healthy. “We train and train on how to keep everyone safe on the water but keeping them safe from a pandemic on top of that was an entirely new challenge,” Simon said.

Mandatory temperature checks each morning for staff and sailors, as well as sanitizing equipment and facilities throughout each day, allowed for the safest learning environment possible. Classes also separated and spread out to areas such as the East Lawn to ensure social distancing. Simon said that the children and parents working together with the new COVID protocols was invaluable as well. All the effort was worth it -- GPYC Sailing Director Wally Cross said no illnesses were reported the entire summer among sailors and coaches.

The Club’s Kinder Sailing program, only in its second year, attracted 46 five- and six-year-olds. “A program like this is unique in the area to GPYC,” Simon said. “It’s an awesome feeder program that will give us a really healthy sailing program for years to come.” Learn to Sail, levels I and II, attracted 135 sailors between the ages of 7 to 11.

The Club’s Adventure Sailing, for ages 12-18, was the perfect fit for those looking to improve their sailing in a fun and casual way.

The Adventure sailing class stared off week two of their session with match racing J22s.

The Racing Team, Simon says, was left with an unprecedented situation -- the Detroit Regional Yacht-Racing Association (DRYA) decided not to organize regattas for the summer due to COVID-19. However, Simon and a group of local sailing directors found a safe way to organize four events that allowed each team to race and maintain their distance from other clubs. “We would meet in the middle of the lake by Crescent Sail Yacht Club,” Simon said. “A lot of teamwork between the six clubs -- Pontiac, North Star, Crescent, Bayview, DYC and GPYC -- allowed the kids to be competitive while following Covid protocols.”

Based on the triumph of pulling off the best year yet in the midst of a pandemic, both Simon and Cross are optimistic about the future of the GPYC’s sailing program. Cross sees a huge benefit for today’s youth to participate in the Club’s sailing programs.

“It’s a wonderful outdoor activity that allows kids the ability to get away from their devices and to connect with other peers,” Cross said.

The Opti race team on the water at the beginning of the 2020 Junior Sailing season.

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MEMBER SCENE

No Boat? No Problem

New Program Offers Daily Boston Whaler Rentals to Both Active and Social Members

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hanks to GPYC’s partnership with member Pete Beauregard of Colony Marine, a new Boat Rental Program was launched this year at the Club. All members – both Social and Active -- over the age of 25 were able to take advantage of this unique opportunity to rent a new Boston Whaler for a half or full day (8 a.m.-Noon or 1-5 p.m., or from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). In 2020, the two available boats were a Boston Whaler 23 ft Vantage and a Boston Whaler 21 ft Montauk.

Plans are already in the works for 2021. Due to the program’s success, GPYC Sailing Director said that two brand new boats will be available to rent next year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. While Cross said the two available boats will once again be Boston Whalers, specifics on the exact models will be announced next year.

“Every family who rented a boat had a wonderful experience,” Cross said. “Renting a boat for the day is really a great deal, and we look forward to growing the program even more next year.”

Grog Shop Expands Grab ‘n Go Selection

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pen from late spring through October, the Grog Shop is a popular spot to grab a quick and delicious meal or snack. Some of the favorite items at the Grog Shop this year included turkey club sandwiches, cobb salad, maurice salad and ham & swiss sandwiches, just to name a few.

Hummus, buffalo chicken dip and artichoke dip also paired perfectly with the homemade pita bread.

While currently closed for the colder months, the Grog Shop employees look forward to seeing everyone in May. In the meantime, feel free to shop for GPYC apparel at the shop’s online store: https:// grogshop.gpyc.org

The Cueter Family takes advantage of GPYC’s Boat Rental Program.

Grog Shop employee Alyssa Armento

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SPORTS

Adult Learn to Sail Program Picks Up Speed

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PYC’s Adult Sailing program was highly successful this year, says new GPYC Adult Sailing Director James Cooper. Program participants include beginners or those who needed to brush up on skills that had not been tested in a while. “The GPYC Marine Activity Center was the perfect venue,” Cooper said. “We used the comfortable J22s for both group and individual lessons. In addition, each session included a crewed experience on Freedom, a 36-foot J111, racing Tuesday nights on Lake St Clair.” All participants in the program earned ASA certifications.

Consider taking advantage of this unique GPYC program. Lessons, as well as licensed captained sailing charter experiences, are offered spring through fall. For more information, contact Captain James Cooper at (313) 319-9525.

Individual instruction for Natalie brought her skill level up several notches.

GPYC Learn to Sail partici pants experiencing exciting starts on Freedom J111 on Lake St Clair.

Frank McCall trimming the jib on a GPYC J22 on an autumn afternoon.

Desiree, Jay and Lee head out to sail.

Angela and Rita went from land locked to passionate sailors in six two-hour lessons. Adult Sailing Director James Cooper called their exit skill level “impressive.”

Photos courtesy of James Cooper

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CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Day Camp

Isabella Zuk and Grace Dakmak

Entertainment by Detroit Circus/Detroit Flyhouse

Abby Brumbaugh and Julianna Zuk

Annual summer trick-or-treating tradition

GPYC employee Denise Koehler shows a butterfly to GPYC’s Day Campers

Emilien and Gisele Mehanna

Day Camp Counselor Inisa Dedelli

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Photos courtesy of Madeleine Kaiser

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SNAPS

Isabella Starks enjoying a summer day on Lake St. Clair Photo courtesy of Ellen Starks

Artist Tim Widener paints the beauty of the GPYC harbor.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Wagner

When local restrictions were lifted and pools were allowed to open in mid-June,Michelle Shore with mother Judy Long and children Campbell and William Shore were the first pool goers of 2020.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Wagner

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SNAPS

L-R: Amy Webster,Kate Fettig,Tricia Groustra,Hollis Griffin,Christine Gonzalez and Steve Hollis Photo courtesy of Aaron Wagner The GPYC Harbor Photo courtesy of Anthony Ventimiglia

Pickleball courts at the GPYC Photo courtesy of Kate Fettig

Christos Routsis at a 6 a.m. swim meet Photo courtesy of Rania Routsis

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LOOKING AFT

Surprising people, places and events from our past.

George Osius: A Co-Founder of the GPYC ?

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y 1911, a rapid increase in the number of substantial homes being built along Lake Shore Road north of Grosse Pointe Farms resulted in the incorporation of the community of Grosse Pointe Shores. One of those homes, at what is now 900 Lake Shore Road, was owned by George Osius. When residents ratified the charter, he was elected their first village president.

Osius migrated from Germany to Ann Arbor in 1878. Unlike so many immigrants, he was not penniless or without skills, but already possessed a college and commercial education. By 1887, he had moved to Detroit as a founder of the Michigan Ammonia Works, followed closely by the Canadian Ammonia Works in Toronto. German scientists had recently developed a method for mass production of ammonia, essential in synthesizing many chemical products including several used by the military. During World War I, he was appointed to chair the Ammonia Board for the U.S. War Department.

Early in his presidency, Osius led the GPS village council in approving construction of a pier located approximately where the main drive to the GPYC clubhouse now exists. When completed in 1915, the pier was 1,300 feet long with a 150 x 300-foot harbor at the deep end; larger than any other pier in the Grosse Pointes. Meanwhile, the first organizational meeting of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club had been held on December 3, 1913 at 840 Lake Shore Road, the home of George Marsh.

Elected to lead the new club were: George Marsh, Commodore; John Long, Vice Commodore; and George Osius, Rear Commodore. (From 1914 to

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1926, Osius served as rear or vice commodore, becoming the longest serving flag officer in the Club’s history.) Several GPYC directors were also members of the GPS city council. This author suspects that the formation of a yacht club, led by many of the same people who had approved the construction of the new pier, was not a mere coincidence. The pier’s success would be greatly enhanced by reliable rental fees from yacht club boats, so it is reasonable to speculate that if George Marsh was the driving force behind the establishment of the GPYC, the new pier approved

by George Osius and his council members could very likely have been a catalyst that helped to ensure its success.

In the ensuing years, GPYC board meetings were held in members’ homes or at the GPS municipal building. In 1925, GPYC directors began discussing a permanent clubhouse, to be located at the end of the GPS pier and necessitating a complete renovation of the pier and harbor. Meeting minutes reflect the strong support of Osius for the endeavor, and a pledge to apply his considerable political Had history taken a different turn, his substantial clout to its successful outcome. involvement in the GPYC founding and clubhouse construction would be more obvious today, and The new pier and harbor were completed in 1928, therefore it is reasonable to consider George Osius and the elegant new GPYC clubhouse opened in as a co-founder of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. In summer of 1929. At this point, Osius would surely 1932 the Grosse Pointe Shores park was christened have considered the project to be one of his most Osius Park, officially recognizing his contributions satisfying achievements. One can easily imagine to the township. Hopefully today George Osius is him enjoying thanks and admiration from fellow smiling down with great satisfaction on both the Club members for his role in the success of their park named for him and our beautiful Club next Club. Instead, this source of pride was suddenly door. turned on its head by the Great Depression.

By Larry Stephenson, M.D.

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