WINTER 2016 THE B INNACLE

2016 Columbia Calendar A Review of a Year Filled with Fun on Water and Land Race Schedule, Sailing Classes and Marine Education Classes Announced

YOU MADE THEIR YEAR!

Our 2015 Scholarship Program was a huge success… thanks to you!

Bruce Thomas, Advisor, Freeborn & Peters, LLP Etta McChristian, Counselor, South Shore Fine Arts Academy Kurt Thomsen, Sail Master, Columbia’s Junior Sailing Program Jen McDermott, Grace Williams, Matt Arntzen, Sailing Coaches

A testimonial from a grateful Mom…

I wanted to take the time to tell you all about the kids summer experience at The Columbia Yacht Club Sailing Camp and to thank you immensely for all of your efforts in helping to provide them with this once in a lifetime opportunity…

The kids had lots of stories to tell every day from their boats capsizing on numerous occasions and having to learn to recover, to the "boom" hitting one of them in the head, to swimming with dead fish and dragonflies attacking them, the list goes on...

They were able to befriend other children from various walks of life… They learned to become stronger swimmers and sailing vocabulary, but most importantly, they learned something they have never learned before and had a lot of fun doing it…

Sincerely, thank you everyone! It's because of you that my children will be able to tell the tales of when they went to sailing camp. You helped to provide them with an opportunity that not many inner city children get to experience.

The Parker Family :)

Building confidence, strength, resilience and childhood memories.

Columbia’s Chester Kuttner Foundation is as an Illinois not-for-profit Corporation 501 (3) (c). For more information on the Foundation or to make a donation that could help to change a child’s life, you can visit us a

T H E B I N N A CC LOLUMBIAS E WINTER C2016HESTERK UTTNERF OUNDATION. ORG OR C ALL 312.208.1365

Winter 2016

5 FROM OUR COMMODORE 14 SEA SCOUTS ON THE ABBY Reflecting on a new role Off-season activities and continued service 24 LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA & RED SKY NIGHT ON THE WATER Making a global impact locally 15 SKIPJACKS 6 YACHT CLUB CHALLENGE Adult sailing school registration Columbia racers take third CHICAGO MARITIME is open 26 MUSEUM place finish Chicago’s rich history CRUISING FLEET 2016 RACING SCHEDULE 16 7 Thinking “green” and meeting HOLIDAY PARTIES Start planning your summer 28 our neighbors Sharing good cheer! 8 COLUMBIA RACING A season full of new water IN THIS ISSUE 30 ACTIVITIES Something for everyone adventures 18 2016 COLUMBIA CALENDAR A year of fun for everyone 2015 BOATER’S BASH 32 BAR & GRILL 9 Comfort classics 2015 season champions FROM THE GENERAL 21 MANAGER HOUSE 10 SAILING SCHOOL Ready to re-open in February 34 2016 registration is open Keeping up appearances AMERICA’S CUP LEGACY FOUNDATION 22 MEMBERSHIP 12 WORLD SERIES 36 Why we joined and what it Supporting our youth’s sailing International means to us dreams racing comes to Chicago 13 POWER FLEET 38 FLOTSAM & JETSAM Putting the “fun” in fundraising

COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB • 111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 312 938-3625 • COLUMBIAYACHTCLUB.ORG

The Binnacle is published by and for members of Columbia Yacht Club. Submissions related to the sport of yachting, Corinthian spirit and related activities are welcome. Articles, announcements and photos (with captions) should be sent for consideration to [email protected]. For advertising specs and rate card, email [email protected]. ON THE COVER Editor: Jill Lambert / Design: Shannon Jones / Design: Amy Jeppsen Stern, Jepdesign / Publicity Committee/Editors: MARY ALYCE AND ALAN BLUM Samantha Arnold, Cathy Bredlau, Denise Hockley-Cann, Marybeth Johnson, Shannon Jones, Mike Korbel, Jill Lambert, ENTERTAINING GUESTS ON LAKE Jenni Langland, Kim Williamson / Photographers: Mary Ellen Johnston, Kim Williamson. MICHIGAN ABOARD AESTAS Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers.

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE 3 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 From our Commodore

Greetings to all the Members,

It is both an honor and privilege to have been given your faith and trust to serve as the newest Commodore of Columbia Yacht Club. I would be remiss if I didn’t express my personal note of thanks and gratitude to our “newest” past Commodore, Joe McGinnis, for his personal counsel and guidance over the last two years. I have some figuratively “large shoes” to fill in his wake. Joe’s stewardship as the Commodore of our Club is evidenced by the excellent condition from both a fiscal and physical perspective he has passed on to me. Additionally, the Board of Directors has provided outstanding guidance to the dedicated and hard-working staff, all working in concert with all our volunteer committee chairs to ensure an incredibly, high quality experience for our membership each and every time they are at the Club, whether for one of our many events, or on a more informal basis. CRAIG L. HORTON During transition, Commodore McGinnis has tasked me to undertake is a thorough evaluation of our overall boating operations within the Club. The focus of this effort was anticipated to evaluate how Columbia fits into the entire boating community. We have been asked to define the importance of racing in context to our other missions and in context to what other clubs in Chicago are doing. As such, I formed a task force to take a closer look at our racing program and operations. This task force has done an excellent job of identifying areas that we had become lax. We are also looking at other areas of opportunity to improve the overall quality of racing experience Columbia provides, whether it is through the Wednesday evening Beer Can series, the Race Committee or our Area III participation. We will continue this process under my watch to look at the other areas of our boating operations to include the Cruising Fleet, Power Fleet, the adult and junior programs and Skipjacks. This process should ultimately provide Columbia with a blueprint of where we want to be and how we will be able to achieve these goals. As with any 50+ year old ship, there are challenges that must be addressed to keep her in top operational form. Commodore McGinnis has put in place policies and programs to address any concerns that may arise in a timely, logical and prudent manner. The most significant and immediate concern that the Club is addressing is the replacement of our aging boiler, which has served the Club since approximately 1984, and has now reached the end of its’ serviceable life. We will be addressing this issue over the next few months to ensure a smooth and “warm” Club is available to the membership at all times. The vast and varied resources available to the Club through our membership—new and old, Associate and Regular—t­hat our membership volunteer with tremendous enthusiasm and ownership always amazes me. Columbia has always, and will continue to be, a volunteer-based Club. As such, I strongly encourage both new and old members to become involved with, and be active in a Committee. I have always found that one’s appreciation of the Club is directly proportionate to the level of participation. Do you have an area of interest or expertise? Let us know—your background, interest or experience may lend itself to some aspect of the Club. There is a Committee, most likely, that will welcome you. Again, thank you for your faith and confidence to allow me to serve Columbia. Rest assured, I will do my best to uphold the high standards that have been set by our past Commodores. See you at our Club!

Very truly yours,

Craig L. Horton Commodore

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE 5 ON THE WATER 2015 Race to Mackinac Yacht Club Challenge Columbia Members Achieve Podium Finish

Like all yacht clubs, Columbia 3RD PLACE WINNERS is steeped in many traditions. Looking around the Club at the contents of the trophy cases Celestial Chaika and the pictures on the walls Tartan 4300 Beneteau 37 Jeff Linstrom Gene Kovalsky of current and past racing competitors, one of the most Chaya Doin First Light Jeanneau 409 Owen Clark Class 40 fundamental, foundational if you Joshua & Marc Rubenstein FK Day will, traditions within Columbia, like all yacht clubs around the Full Tilt Gonzo J/109 J/105 world, is members racing to Peter Priede Kenneth Ganch compete against other members and other clubs. Kutty’s Ark Measure for Measure Pearson 36 Morgan 36 Nelson-Marek The annual Race to Mackinac George Morrissey & Joe McGinnis Brian Tobin “The Mac” is also steeped in tradition, with the 107th running Mirage Momentus Beneteau 42 J/109 of the race held this past summer. John Boyle Kevin Saedi A recent addition to the many Renegade Rhumb Runner traditions of The Mac is the Yacht J/133 Beneteau 40.7 Club Challenge. To win a podium Thomas Papoutsis Katie Goldman finish (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in the Shoe String Skye Yacht Club Challenge, a club Olson 34 Nelson Marek 46 must have five or more entrants Jay Grizzell Jeff Hoswell (members’ boats racing under the Slot Machine Spanker club burgee) in The Mac whose J/88 Beneteau 40.7 combined score in their respective Boyd Jarrell Dennis J. McDonnell divisions exceeds that of all other Striking Tequila Mockingbird clubs. J/105 Beneteau 36.7 At this summer’s inaugural Vanessa Gates Chris Duhon Challenge, there were 22 Club Touch of Grey Truant members who entered The 2015 J/35 S2 9.1 Mac race under the COLYC Larry Schell Walter Kawula burgee, as required to qualify Turning Point Whisper to participate in the Yacht Club Beneteau 40.7 Express 34 Challenge. David Hardy Thomas E. Barnes COLYC placed well in their respective divisions with six of them achieving a podium finish…two 1st place finishes and four 2nd place finishes. All 22 finishers contributed to Columbia achieving 3rd place, the first time a Chicago area club placed in the YC Challenge.

Well done to our members and crew! Let’s keep the tradition going in 2016!

6 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 ON THE WATER

RACE COMMITTEE [email protected] 2016 Race Schedule

2016 PRELIMINARY AREA III SCHEDULE Sunday Mon Tue Wed Thu Friday Saturday Plans are underway for summer 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2016, when all boat owners start MAY Dash to the Dock 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 to think about how they want their Performance Series R1 season to shape up. The Race 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Spring Opener & Long Distance Committee is excited to announce Performance Series R2 dates to help sailors plan and look 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 forward to sunnier days. It’s a time Olympic Cup Memorial COLORs Regatta & Long Distance Lady Skipper R1 Day JUN Performance Series R3, R4 for crew to enjoy time on the water– Lady Skipper R2 the thrill of racing on the weekend 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 COLORs Regatta America’s Cup World Series America’s Cup World Series or taking a leisurely cruise on an 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 off-week. America’s Cup World Series NOOD Regatta NOOD Regatta & Rally Distance Zimmer Long Distance Series R1 Our milder winter makes us 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 even more anxious to get on the NOOD Regatta Chicago to Waukegan water, so here’s a head’s up on Long Distance Series R2 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 the 2016 season, both within and Waukegan to Chicago JUL Queen’s Cup Performance Series R5, R6 outside Area III racing. If you are Long Distance Series R4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 new to racing, you might not be St. Joe to Chicago Independence Chicago to Michigan City B.O.D.Y. Regatta (Prior J Day) familiar with Area III. As the regional Lady Skipper R3, R4 Day to Chicago Performance Series R7 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 division of the Lake Michigan Sail Kaczmarek Cup Lutz Regatta & Long Distance Racing Federation, Area III does not Port Huron Mac Competition Series R1 host any races, but brings together Lady Skipper R5 yacht clubs from Winthrop Harbor, 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Chicago Mac Cruising Race to Mackinac IL, to St. Joseph, MI, to increases Fleet Long Distance Series R3 participation by: 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 • Providing the racer with a Hobelman OD Regatta 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 standard means to sign up and Hobelman OD Regatta Fran Byrne Regatta AUG participate in races from the Lady Skipper R6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 various yacht clubs Chester Kuttner Regatta Verve Cup Offshore PHRFection to Michigan City • Providing a forum for the Competition Series R3, R4, R5 Verve Cup Offshore & Distance Long Distance R4 yacht clubs to coordinate their 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 schedules and spread the events PHRFection from Michigan City Commodore’s Cup 3 Crib Fiasco Verve Cup Offshore Lady Skipper R7 throughout the season Long Distance Series R5 • Making it easier for the yacht 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Mayor Daley Leukemia Cup Regatta clubs to sponsor races by Competition Series R5, R6, R7 Double & Single Handed Challenge handling signup, fee collection, Verve Cup Inshore Verve Cup Inshore 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 scoring, protest oversight, and Hobelman Regatta Tri State: Chicago to St. Joe publication of results Verve Cup Inshore SEP Competition Series R8 Visit www.ColumbiaYachtClub.org Lady Skipper R7 for updates on the racing season 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Tri State: Tri State: BPYC Distance Race and descriptions of races. If you’d St. Joe to Mi. City Mi. City to Chicago Long Distance Series R8 like more information or want to be Bi State: Labor Day St. Joe to Chicago a part of racing at Columbia, please 11 12 13 14 14 16 17 contact us at [email protected]. Zukasky Memorial Sheldon Clark Regatta Competition Series R9 Commodore’s Cup R1, R2, R3 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Goose Island MORF Open R1, R2 GLIOR T10 Intercollegiate 25 BLUE = Columbia Yacht Club sponsored Race Goose Island MORF Open R3 GREEN = MORF Race GLIOR T10 Intercollegiate VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE ON THE WATER Columbia Racing A Season of Adventure GREAT LAKES INTERCOLLEGIATE OFFSHORE REGATTA

TRI-STATE RACE

COLORS REGATTA

8 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 ON THE WATER 2015 Boater’s Bash

LMSRF AREA III BUOY RACE SERIES BOAT OF THE YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP Tartan Ten 3 Winnebago Tim Rathbun

J-105 3 Striking Vanessa Gates

Beneteau 40.7 1 Turning Point David Hardy

Beneteau 36.7 1 Tequila Mockingbird Chris Duhon LMSRF AREA III PORT-TO-PORT SERIES BOAT OF THE YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP PHRF Spinnaker Section 1 2 Skye Jeff & Janet Hoswell

PHRF Spinnaker Section 2 3 Renegade Thomas Papoutsis

PHRF Spinnaker Section 5 COLORS REGATTA 2 Kutty’s Ark Joe McGinnis & George Morrisey 3 Truant Walter Kawula

Beneteau 40.7 3 Turning Point David Hardy

2015 BEER CAN RACE SERIES CELEBRATION

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE

ON THE WATER Columbia Sailing School 2016 Registration is Now Open!

COLUMBIA OPTI TEAM

This past summer marked the biggest number of Opti sailors Columbia has ever had. Prior to 2010, the Opti team was nonexistent at Columbia, when a group of sailors became interested and purchased Optis. Ever since, the team has been growing each year and continuing to become more competitive not only in the Midwest but nationally as well. This summer, our race and Green team had eight and nine sailors, respectively. The Green team is for very young sailors, as young as six, who want to start racing. Throughout the summer, they learn how to properly start and sail a race course, and basic sailing rules such as Starboard vs. Port and COLUMBIA SAILING SCHOOL CAMP Windward vs. Leeward. This summer, our Green team competed in three events in Lake Forest, Wilmette and Last year, the Columbia Sailing School saw record the Skyline regatta hosted by Columbia Yacht Club. The numbers with over 300 participants. Enrollment for our Green team also sailed 2016 programs are now open. Shark Bait (5-8 years this fall and had one old) and Pram (6-8 years old) classes welcome students member attend their first beginning their sailing careers and learning to become travel event in Macatawa comfortable being on the water. They generally sail Bay, Michigan and two close to the dock and have a multitude of land drills and members compete in games to keep them interested and stimulated all day. the Halloween Regatta Beginning/Intermediate 420 classes are for in Lake Forest. Even our slightly older sailors who want to venture into a more impressive, four new bigger, faster boat. The class sails with two to of our Green fleet three students per boat requiring them to work on sailors travelled with the communication and team work in order to get through Columbia team to Miami this winter to compete in the the drill of the day. Orange Bowl Regatta. This is one of the largest junior Advanced 420 group is for those sailors who are regattas in the world with100 420s, 300 Lasers and eager to get out on the race course and start competing. 400 Optis competing from all over the world. Columbia In this class, the sailors begin to learn basic racing Yacht Club is extremely proud to have such a large strategy as well as learn how to use the spinnaker and group of Opti sailors traveling to Miami to represent the trapeze. This group usually will compete in 2-3 local Club. It will surely be a memorable experience for the regattas during the summer to slowly introduce them to sailors and their families. the racing world.

Don’t forget these important dates: JUNE 6 EARLY WEEK JUNE 10 PARENT ORIENTATION JUNE 13 SUMMER CAMP STARTS AUG 3-4 SKYLINE REGATTA AUG 12 JUNIOR BANQUET AUG 29 LATE WEEK

10 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016

ON THE WATER

KURT THOMSEN SAILING DIRECTOR [email protected] 1

2

THOUGHTS ON QUALIFYING FOR THE OPTI TEAM TRIALS...

BY SAM CHILDERS

I’ve been sailing Opti’s with the Columbia Sailing School for five years now, starting in the Shark Bait program and the line, it struck me that pin end was strongly favored, moving up into the Opti Race Team. I am now competing and the fleet starting at the committee boat end would in the White fleet, at local, regional, and national have a tough first beat. Fortunately, no other kids really regattas, along with other members of Columbia’s noticed, so I started in clear air, and soon was ahead of sailing team. This year our team coach, Dustin Domer, the fleet. challenged us to set a personal goal of qualification at The next leg was a reach but I found my bow a United States Optimist Dingy Association (USODA) pointed directly at the gybe mark. I came screaming back event. In case you are not familiar with the kid’s dinghy in on a tight reach, to round the mark for the downwind racing circuit, most events are open meets, but you have leg at a very close second; which I maintained throughout to qualify in the top 25% of the field in order to be invited most of the race, crossing the line in 3rd overall. At the to participate at U.S. Team Trials, held once each year. end of the regatta, I was very thankful to my coach who Over Labor Day, our team travelled up to took the time to review my races, summarizing the highs Minnesota to participate in the Midwest Championship and lows, and actively worked with me to improve my Regatta, hosted by the Minnetonka Yacht Club. game. I was surprised to find out that my regatta result Fortunately, the racing conditions were favorable, with was 10th overall (top 15 qualified for team trials), and especially good wind on the second day. good enough for 2nd place in my fleet assignment. The The most memorable regatta race for me was other bonus was that my dad promised me customized when I was trying to get a good start, jockeying for Oakley’s if I qualified....and you can bet I’ll be seen position with at least 45 other boats. As I was checking sporting around in a sweet pair of new shades!

1 LILY WOJCIK, CASEY GIGNAC, SAM WOJCIK, CHRIS HUMMEL, SAILORS FROM LYONS TOWNSHIP, ONE OF OUR NEW PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, GETTING READY TO HIT THE WATER 2 ELIJAH GOLDMAN AND SAM VOLUME V o l u m e 16 1 6 IISSUE S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 11 CHILDERS ENJOYING SUMMER CAMP

ON THE WATER Legacy Foundation

Columbia’s rich history has always included encouraging young people 2015 Dear Legacy Foundation, to join our community and First and foremost, I would like to thank you for all your help in making this in 2015, that tradition summer possible. Without your financial help, none of what I achieved could have been continued through the possible. I participated in many events this summer that included three major ones and I practiced every single day that I was not racing (I’m not exaggerating here - I was on the Legacy Foundation. The water every day this summer!). The major events included The Neill Clinic at Chicago Legacy Foundation is Yacht Club, The Ida Lewis in South Carolina and Bemis Trophy in Massachusetts. a non-profit charitable Through the Neill Clinic, I have to say; I learned more about heavy air boat control entity dedicated to and how to set up my boat than anywhere else. This clinic brought in some of the best promoting the sport college coaches including John Pierce, the coach from George Washington University. of sailing, marine That is one of several colleges that I am interested in attending so it was an incredible education, sportsmanship experience to be able to talk with him about sailing, his school and to be coached by him. The coaches were each dynamic and offered new tips on how to wire to wire tack in a and competition. It is c420, where the crew can go from fully extended on the trap on one side of the boat to supported by donations the other side in under five seconds. Through the coaches I learned that as the skipper, it from our membership, is my job to turn the boat at the proper speed. My crew, Emily, and I can now handle our intended to benefit those boat in over 20 knots of wind (which for a c420 is a lot!). In addition, our wire to wire who may not otherwise tacking has improved tremendously. be able to experience Ida Lewis was on Columbia Lake in South Carolina. This was a completely different maritime activities. type of lake, with little wind or waves. I improved over previous years and was able to finish mid-fleet in this highly competitive event. At this clinic they taught me how to We received this letter keep my spinnaker full in light wind: normally in light wind you want to take hot angles from one of our students. for maximum speed, however once it gets to the 0-5 knot range, it is better to soak low and keep your spinnaker full than it is to head on hot angles. These two clinics couldn’t have been more different from each other in terms of wind; however, they both taught me so many valuable tools and techniques that I used later on in the summer. Bemis is the largest regatta in the Midwest over the summer. There, all of the top sailors in the Midwest come together and compete. I have done this regatta in past years but I had never done very well (normally placing bottom half of the fleet). This summer however, I was much more prepared. The first day of the event it was a lot like it was at Neill Clinic—super windy!!!! We went out and got top half of the fleet by the end of the first day, which was light years better than years past but it didn’t sit right with Emily and me—we knew we could do better! That night we talked to our coach Kurt for over four hours and just picked his brain for any information that could help us perform better the next day. He explained to us shifts and oscillations and what that meant for us in terms of racing. After that we felt a lot more confident going into the next two days. We ended up finishing sixth in the Midwest—that we were ecstatic about! With your help, we hope that next year we can be number one. This is a very obtainable goal since I just finished my first high school event of the year and placed second out of twenty teams. I have improved tremendously since I started sailing and everyday I go to practice I learn something new and use that knowledge to continue to improve. My incredible experiences through Summer Race Team were only possible thanks to the generous support of the Legacy Foundation. My mom is a single mom raising me while paying for my sister to attend college and I would not have been able to attend without assistance. I am incredibly grateful to you and hope that my racing shows how committed I am to Columbia Yacht Club. If you are able to continue to financially support my sailing next summer, I plan to continue to improve until I am able to win Bemis.

With sincerest thanks, Colleen Baumann

12 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016

ON THE WATER

BILL GRANT & 5th Year POKER RUN COMMITTEE is The Charm! 2 1 The 5th Annual Leukemia Cup Poker Run, held August 8, 2015, raised $102,500. Since Columbia Yacht Club has partnered with the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club to co-host this event as a part of the Summer of FUN(d), the Poker Run has raised $382,000 to support the IL Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Back then, Past Commodore of the CCYC, Dave Brezina was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and quickly stepped up to be on the Poker Run Committee where he has been a part of our 3 Committee ever since. Dave was named our Honored Hero this year where his story of courage and survival was highlighted…and he spoke at our Poker Run and the Regatta. Commodore Brezina has been an inspiration to our Committee, our friends at LLS and everyone involved. Join us this summer: • Join Captains and their Crews traveling to four different harbors to select random Poker Cards then returning to the 4 Corinthian to get their last card to form their Poker Hand. • Post-event, the Corinthian spirit continues with an evening of rocking the night away with live music, 5 passed appetizers, gourmet buffet, silent auction, raffles, and a crowd- favorite Heads/Tails game. • The Poker Run’s Success benefits LLS, enabling them to continue their efforts to find cures

for blood cancers. Thank you to the Corinthian 6 & Columbia Yacht Clubs for their support and partnership with our Event & Cause. We are already looking forward to improving our efforts next year, continuing our momentum and making a big difference in the fight against Blood-Related Cancers. Thank You to all who attended, donated, and/or sponsored a Captain/Team for making this possible! It is a truly special event, and without YOU, we can not have achieved this success!!

1 MIKE SIWICKI, SCOTT FORINGER AND TEMPLE DALY PARTICIPATING IN THE DAY’S EVENTS 2 SUSAN NILSSON, DAVE BREZINA AND DOMINIC IRPINO ENJOYING THE VIEW FROM THE ABBY RESTAURANT DECK 3 ANDY GERAKARIS, SUSAN NILSSON, DOMINIC IRPINO, MIRANDA WASSEF AND TONY KOLASA AT THE POST-RACE PARTY 4 MIRANDA WASSEF AND TEMPLE DALY RELAXING DURING THE COMPETITION 5 DAVE BREZINA, CCYC PAST COMMODORE, POKER RUN COMMITTEE MEMBER AND HONORED HERO OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT, SHARE’S HIS SURVIVAL STORY 6 MARK AND KARI UETZ, WITH SISTER CASSIDY VOLUME V o l u m e 16 1 6 IISSUE S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 13 AND BROTHER SAWYER, SHARE HOW MEANINGFUL FUNDRAISING HAS BEEN IN THEIR DAUGHTER DANICA’S FIGHT AGAINST LEUKEMIA (IN DAD’S ARMS) ON THE WATER Sea Scout Challenge #5111

ADJUSTING OUR SAILS SERVICE TO COMMUNITY The winds of change at the local Boy Scout Council have An adjunct to the had a significant effect on the robust program we’ve annual Christmas enjoyed over the past ten years. Gone, at least for now, Ship Service is our big boat, SSTV Nautilus. So gone is our long Project at Navy cruise program, which has seen us on deliveries back Pier, the Sea from Mackinac Island, and week-long sailing adventures Scouts enter and service projects in distant harbors. The goodwill their second engendered by these activities has been significant and is decade playing sorely missed. host to hundreds We may be smaller now, due to relocation and of scouts and going off to college of some of our Scouts and leaders, scouters from all over the Midwest at our annual but we are just as committed to service, advancement, fundraiser, the Christmas Ship Sleepover aboard The recruiting, and most of all, fun. Though sailing activities Abegweit. Beginning at 6PM on Friday, a potluck and were diminished this past season, and racing as well as sweets buffet is set up, a DJ spins tunes and the dance race committee work are no longer an option, we still party begins. Late in the evening, sleeping areas are found time for exciting activities. assigned all over the club ship’s upper decks and our guests bed down in a variety of air mattresses, sleeping CELEBRATION bags and pads, or even sitting up in a chair! Venetian Night returned to Bright and early at sunrise, we start with breakfast Navy Pier for its second year to prepare for the work ahead. After the flag ceremony, at that new venue, and the we headed over to Navy Pier and the USCG Cutter Sea Scouts were again a Mackinaw to unload a few thousand Christmas trees that winning team. Last summer, are donated to local faith-based organizations, and along our sister Ship 5886 from with warm clothing, ornaments, lights and gifts, given to the Montrose Harbor area needy families who would otherwise not have much of a created a dazzling light, holiday. scenic and musical entry of While the Sea Scouts labor, so do we, preparing The Wiz for the “Broadway a hotdog and chili lunch for their return followed with in Chicago” theme. Using the evening’s Jingle Bell Rock Party. Our heartfelt the J35 Bretwalda, the Sea thanks to the yacht club staff, and this year’s great adult Scouts earned 1st Place volunteers, Robin Scrofani, Wally & Katie Gorzen, Teresa as well the People’s Choice Fleischman, Francis Baumgart, Jim and Alex Zoiopoulos Award. and Bruno Lago; Not to be outdone, last summer’s spectacular and our youth entry, Captain Hook’s The Jolly Roger from Peter Pan, contingent, took 2nd place thanks to the combined efforts of our Christine Vo, Liam own Ship 5111, Ship 5886 and Ship 2015 from Skokie. and Milo Gorzen, Nina Fleischman, Greg Levinson and Tiana Sherwood.

14 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 MARTY BERNSTEIN SKIPJACK 2016 SKIPPER REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

ON THE HORIZON The New Year will see us providing service again, giving back to our sponsor, Columbia Yacht Club, who gives us so much. The annual winter work party beckons and we are prepared to get down and dirty with whatever House projects the committee deems appropriate. Last year, a dozen of our youth and adult volunteers turned out over a two-day weekend, mixing and pouring, sanding and scraping, sweeping and PHOTO CREDIT: Bradford Smith, 2015 Skipjack Photo Winner cleaning. Let’s do it again! We also participated in the annual Boat Show, where Want to get out on the water but don’t know we took our turn manning how? Want to be a part of the crew but not the Sea Scout booth, sure what to do? Want to meet other new and climbing all over boats experienced sailors and more Club members? and perhaps picking up a few items for next sailing Skipjacks is the perfect sailing program for you! season. That will bring us into March, and the new sailing season looms just over that horizon. Behind the scenes, The course provides a perfect introduction to we are working on the acquisition of a vessel to return to the sport for adults who want to get a basic Monroe Harbor, and perhaps to share with other groups at understanding of sailing. our yacht club. Stay tuned. We could not do what we do without the support of our club members, staff, flag officers The 8 week series starts with 2 classroom and board, as well as the greater boating community. We sessions, where new sailors learn everything thank you again and again. from port to starboard, bow to stern, how to Bravo Zulu – job well done. deal with the wind and elements and sailing techniques, etiquette, and safety.

The next 5 weeks is when the fun really begins! The class ventures forth safely onto Lake Michigan under the guidance of club skippers and their crew who provide an invaluable hands-on experience!

Celebrate your experience and new friendships the final week at the graduation ceremony.

May 10 – June 28, Tuesdays, 6:30 P.M. $300 Members/$350 Non-Members

ColumbiaYachtClub.org/Sailing School

VOVOLUMEl u m E 116 6 I SISSUE S U E 11 T T H H E E BBINNACLEINNACLE 15 ON THE WATER Cruising Fleet 2

1 The Cruising Fleet wrapped up engines and sails. Several boats another year of fantastic cruising stayed the night and headed back and camaraderie with a full calendar ahead of some storms that were featuring ten events scheduled – brewing on Sunday morning. and more eating. The South Haven some even on land! We celebrated the longest day Yacht Club hosted our group with a At our Spring Seminar, Mark of the summer with our Summer special dinner under their new tent- Gillingham presented best practices Sailstice Cruise to 31st Street enclosed patio on Sunday. Boats for being “Clean and Green” using Harbor. An enjoyable day of sailing took off Sunday morning for home non-toxic products when caring for and a wonderful potluck lunch was or destinations further north. It was a our boats. Kim Kreiling, Coordinator shared by all! Thank you, Paul Uhl, perfect weekend! of the Illinois DNR’s Clean Marina for organizing this cruise. Labor Day weekend saw the Program, shared her program which Our 4th of July cruise took Cruising fleet set sail to New Buffalo, encourages voluntary adoption of us to our favorite destination - Michigan. The Municipal Marina was measures to reduce pollution from South Haven, Michigan, where a great location for walking into town marinas, boatyards and recreational they really know how to make an and to the beach. The New Buffalo boats. Both Monroe Street and Independence Day celebration Yacht Club was a pleasant respite DuSable are among the Chicago special! Several boats sailed through to the heat when they hosted us for area certified marinas. the night on Thursday arriving dinner, in spite of their kitchen being The Jackson Park Yacht Club in time on Friday for a fabulous out of order. Event chairs Doug and graciously hosted our group of potluck dinner. Grillmaster and Wendy Sibery regaled us with home- land and water cruisers for our event chair Steve Hopkins spoiled smoked pork and chicken on Sunday annual Memorial Day Cruise with an us with his fabulous marinated beef that was out of this world! Another American Barbeque potluck dinner tenderloin, complimented with a fabulous potluck dinner was shared on their patio. Event Chairs Mike and spread of appetizers, salads, veggies by the Cruising Fleet members! Michelle Lane grilled delicious brats and Michigan fruit pies. It was a Mid-September, we hopped and burgers with plenty of appetizers, feast! The night was capped off by aboard our land vessel, a 40 salads and desserts to share. It was spectacular fireworks at the mouth passenger bus, to cruise Chicago a sunny and unusually warm day of the channel. Saturday was filled Craft Breweries. The first waypoint to shake the cobwebs out of the with shopping, biking, the art fair

16 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTER 2016 ON THE WATER

CINDY HOPKINS CRUISING FLEET CHAIR

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5 We wrapped up the year with our End of the Year party. We celebrated all the fun we had this year and thanked the hard working event chairs! The coveted Boat of the Year Brag Flags were presented to the members with the most participation points for the year! New Cruising Fleet members this year, Jonathan and Teresa Bordoli, Mike and Michelle Lane and on our voyage was Lagunitas fun-filled tour of the brewery and to Barb and Paul Uhl won Brewing Company where they rolled their Tap Room where we sampled 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. out the red carpet for our group, more delicious brew. Event co-chair Congratulations to our winners! thanks to Club member Susan Jonathan Bordoli challenged us all to We look forward to another Coursey! We were treated to their a trivia quiz on Craft Beers, Boating fun-filled season in 2016. We hope VIP room where brewmaster Jake and Chicago. Lagunitas won our that you will join us for some of our enthusiastically shared the stories hearts again, by donating the prizes events! and tastes of a number of their of cases of beer and sweet T-shirts! special brews. He led us on a

1 MEMBERS PARADE THEIR BOATS IN THE ANNUAL FLEET REVIEW 2 TERESA BORDOLI PICKS WHICH FILET SHE WOULD LIKE FROM GRILLMASTER STEVE HOPKINS AT THE 4TH OF JULY POTLUCK IN SOUTH HAVEN, MI 3 DOUG SIBERY, EVENT CHAIR, SHARES THE SECRETS TO HIS SMOKED PORK AND CHICKEN IN NEW BUFFALO AT THE LABOR DAY POTLUCK 4 THE CRUISING FLEET CELEBRATES MEMORIAL DAY AT JACKSON PARK YACHT CLUB 5 MIKE LANE, ANDREA AND DAVID RAPAPORT AND CINDY AND STEVE HOPKINS GATHER FOR THE FLEET DINNER AT THE SOUTH HAVEN YACHT CLUB 6 MARK GILLINGHAM AND KIM KREILING PRESENT AT THE CLEAN AND GREEN BOATING SEMINAR VOVOLUMEl u m E 116 6 IISSUE S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 17 IN THIS ISSUE 2016 Columbia Yacht Club Calendar

January March April CHILI COOK OFF 30 MARINE EDUCATION: CPR WINE CLUB 1 & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION 6 SECTION III MARINE EDUCATION: 9 MARINE EDUCATION: 5 GREAT LAKES BASIC US SAILING CLUB MARINE WEATHER JUDGE SEMINAR PROSPECT MEMBER’S TRIVIA NIGHT 6 BRUNCH 13 SEA SCOUT 14 BOOK CLUB 7 CHOWDAH FEST 9 TRIVIA NIGHT 20 POKER NIGHT BOOK CLUB 23 PASSOVER SEDER February 10 NEW HOLLAND BEER AND SPIRITS DINNER COLUMBIA RE-OPENS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP 2 27 MEETING 11 WINE CLUB WINE CLUB 4 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY WINTER LUAU 12 MARINE EDUCATION: CPR 6 OPENING CELEBRATION & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION SECTION IV 7 SUPERBOWL 50 PARTY 13 IRISH WAKE UP BRUNCH 10 TRIVIA NIGHT 11 BOOK CLUB

MARINE EDUCATION: CPR 13 & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION SECTION I VALENTINE’S DAY SWING PARTY

MARINE EDUCATION: CPR 16 POKER NIGHT & FIRST AID CERTIFICATION 16 SECTION II ITALIAN WINES EVENT 17 POKER NIGHT 18 SPRING SAILING BEGINS MARINE EDUCATION: 19 20 CRUISING FLEET SPRING SPLICING 101 KICK-OFF PARTY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MARINE EDUCATION: 24 MEETING SAFETY AT SEA GENERAL MARINE EDUCATION: 23 MEMBERSHIP MEETING 27 MOCK TRIALS 25 EASTER EGG DYEING 27 EASTER BRUNCH

THIS CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PUBLICATION. PLEASE CHECK THE CLUB WEBSITE OR WEEKLY UPDATE FOR ANY UPDATES TO THE SCHEDULED EVENTS.

18 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 IN THIS ISSUE

13 SAILING SCHOOL 16 FLEET REVIEW May SUMMER CAMP BEGINS TRIVIA NIGHT TRIVIA NIGHT 5 WINE CLUB 16 21 18 KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION 23 POKER RUN POT LUCK 8 MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH SESSION III BEGINS DOCK PARTY TASTE OF THE LAKES 10 SKIPJACKS BEGINS 23 29 DOCK IN MOVIE NIGHT DOCK IN MOVIE NIGHT BOOK CLUB 24 KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION 12 30 SESSION V BEGINS SUP CHI-STAND UP TO MARINE EDUCATION: 25 BLOOD CANCERS 14 ADVANCE WEATHER FOR REGATTA BUOY RACING DASH TO THE DOCK RACE SKIPJACKS GRADUATION 28 & PARTY ADVANCED SKIPJACKS ADVANCED SKIPJACKS 17 SESSION I BEGINS August SESSION II BEGINS BEER CAN COLLEGE & FRAN BYRNE REGATTA 18 CREW MIXER 6 TRIVIA NIGHT July 7 CHESTER KUTTNER REGATTA 19 DOCK IN MOVIE NIGHT 2 BOOK CLUB COMMODORE’S RECEPTION 11 21 KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION DOG DAYS ON THE DOCK 3 JUNIOR SAILING BANQUET SESSION I BEGINS 12 BEER CAN TUNE-UP RACE 25 ALL AMERICAN TRIVIA NIGHT ADULT LEARN TO SAIL 4 4TH OF JULY 18 SESSION I BEGINS DOCK-IN MOVIE NIGHT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MTG 20 3 CRIB FIASCO 27 ADULT LEARN TO SAIL SESSION I BEGINS 21 MAYOR DALEY REGATTA 26 LLS RED SKY NIGHT GALA June 27 LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA 1 BEER CAN RACING BEGINS

WINE CLUB 2 ADULT SPINNAKER HANDLING AND RACING ADULT LEARN TO SAIL CLASS BEGINS 6 SESSION II BEGINS COLORS REGATTA MICHIGAN CITY NIGHT RACE 4-5 KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION 8 ADULT LEARN TO SAIL SESSION II BEGINS SESSION II BEGINS KEELBOAT CERTIFICATION BOOK CLUB 9 SESSION IV BEGINS AMERICA’S CUP WORLD 9 B.O.D.Y. REGATTA 10-12 SERIES IN CHICAGO (FORMERLY J DAY) 14 BOOK CLUB

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE 19 IN THIS ISSUE 2016 Columbia Yacht Club Calendar

September October November 1 WINE CLUB 6 WINE CLUB

CHICAGO-TO-ST. JOE TRIVIA NIGHT 2 REGATTA 12 2-5 TRI STATE REGATTA 13 BOOK CLUB 8 BOOK CLUB 15 LOBSTER BOIL 15 TRIVIA NIGHT 16-17 OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO 17 OKTOBERFEST 26 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING BOATER’S BASH GREAT LAKES 4 WINE CLUB 24-25 INTERCOLLEGIATE KID’S HALLOWEEN PARTY OFFSHORE REGATTA 29 CRUISING FLEET 5 END OF YEAR PARTY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP 28 TRIVIA NIGHT MEETING 9 10 BOOK CLUB

SHEPHERD 12-13 CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA DECORATE THE ABBY 26 ALUMNI REGATTA 30 WINE CLUB December 3 JINGLE BELL ROCK

ANNUAL GENERAL Please join us for our regularly scheduled 7 MEMBERSHIP MTG

Committee meetings — your help is always BOOK CLUB welcome and appreciated! 8

CHILDREN’S 1st Tuesday 2nd Saturday 11 HOLIDAY PARTY BAR & GRILL COMMITTEE BOATS COMMITTEE TRIVIA NIGHT RACE COMMITTEE 14 ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE 3rd Thursday EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY PARTY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE 18 CHANUKAH CELEBRATION 2nd Thursday DOCK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE NEW YEAR’S EVE 31 CELEBRATION

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ONININ THISTHIS THE ISSUEISSUEABBY

BY NICK PHILP GENERAL MANAGER [email protected] From our General Manager

For most yacht clubs, a typical winter consists STAFF CONTACT of the occasional gathering of members INFORMATION and storing away all the summer fun for the season. But as most of you know, Columbia ANY COLUMBIA STAFF MEMBER CAN BE REACHED Yacht Club does not stop at typical! Instead, BY CALLING THE CLUB AT we celebrate with many events, gathering on 312-938-3625 our lovely Club Ship, Abegweit, and continue (312-WET-DOCK) to educate ourselves on all things boating for OR VIA EMAIL AT THE the upcoming season. ADDRESSES BELOW: Holiday parties are also a long-standing NICK PHILP tradition of Columbia Yacht Club. In GENERAL MANAGER December, we enjoyed several including Jingle NICK PHILP [email protected] Bell Rock, Celebration of Lights for Chanukah, Children’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the year-long awaited Employee TIM MULLEN Christmas. As we reopen in February, the fun times keep rolling with events OPERATIONS MANAGER like the Winter Luau, Bingo Brunch and Valentine’s Weekend with Paris [email protected] Swing Band. Ask any member or their guests, and you’ll hear about how the Club ALBERTO GARCIA remains the friendliest gathering spot in Chicago, even when sitting in a CHEF DE CUISINE [email protected] frozen Monroe Harbor. Let’s face it, our Abby looks pretty sweet in packed

ice! Once you’re aboard, the galley crew and service staff will keep you RYAN CONLIN warm with the winter fare and tasty libations. This is a great time to get a FOOD & BEVERAGE group together and enjoy the Club for a private party. Let us help you with MANAGER “cabin fever” this winter. [email protected] One of the most important “off season” activities is continued education of marine knowledge. The Columbia Race Committee and Sailing School KURT THOMSEN have put together an incredible winter and spring schedule. The classes vary ON THE WATER DIRECTOR [email protected] from simple weather to in-depth on water safety. You can find descriptions of

all of these seminars and sign up at www.coyc.org. DUSTIN DOMER Columbia Yacht Club is one of the most active and vibrant clubs in SAILING PROGRAM the country. With so much going on, we use many avenues to keep you MANAGER connected. Keep an eye for the Weekly Update emails, The Bridge emails, [email protected] Facebook posts, Instagram pictures and, of course, The Binnacle. CLAY VANCE FACILITIES MANAGER [email protected]

JANET MARTINEZ OFFICE MANAGER [email protected]

TOM TRULIS CONTROLLER [email protected]

VO VOLUMEl u m E 1 616 I S ISSUE S U E 1 1 T HT EH EB INNACLEB INNACLE 213723

PHOTOS BY BILL HANYZEWSKI IN THIS ISSUE America’s Cup World Series Comes to Chicago! On June 10-12, Lake Michigan will be electrified with the excitement of hosting the America’s Cup World Series in Chicago. Never before have Chicagoans, sailors and spectators alike, had the opportunity to experience the art and high drama of these amazing teams in our own lake. Columbia Yacht Club members will have the amazing advantage of viewing events from The Abby. This event weekend promises to be one no sailor or sports enthusiast will want to miss!

The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series is a racing circuit featuring the best sailors in the world, competing on foiling, wing-sailed 45ft catamarans. The Series, which began in Bermuda in 2015, is the first stage of competition in the 35th America’s Cup.

Overall ranking position in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series determines the starting points score of the teams in the America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017.

22 TT H H E E BBII N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTERWINTER 20162016 Race Location

The AC45 catamarans will moor north of Navy Pier, and the race course will take place west of Monroe Harbor. The finish line is on the south side of Navy Pier and north of COLYC!

Race Village tickets now on sale at www.acwschicago.com

GET INVOLVED! Look to the COLYC Activities Committee for events throughout the weekend to support and celebrate this historic event or become a race Ambassador! BOATERS BASH + PARADE OF BOATS Sunday morning before racing 1000+ boats on the lakefront VOLUNTEER your time On-water & On-shore Community Boating with CPS & CPD Email: [email protected]

VOLUMEVO l u m E 16 1 6 ISSUE I S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 23 ON THE ABBY Setting our sites on $500,000 Chicago’s Leukemia Cup Regatta fundraising season is on the horizon

The 2016 Summer of FUN(d) is an exciting series of events that together raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As Columbia’s signature charitable event, the Club takes great pride in uniting yachtsmen from across the city in the fight against blood cancers. The series includes events for every on-the-water interest. Here’s a look at what’s on the Calendar this summer:

STAND UP AGAINST BLOOD CANCERS SUP REGATTA Saturday, June 25 11:00 am Gather your friends for a day filled with outrageous costumes, commentary and competi- tion! Teams of four compete for SUP glory by paddling around Columbia’s dock in a series of heats. Single-elimination, all equipment provided, prizes for top fundraisers, finishers and best costume, PLUS an after-party with food and a Bloody Mary bar! $200 per team of four. Individual entry, $75. Visit supchi.com for complete info and to register.

LEUKEMIA CUP POKER RUN Saturday, August 6 1:00 pm Start your engines for the Power Boat Poker Run, hosted by Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club. Travel to five destinations on the lake to pick up your poker hand, then return to CCYC for the After Party. Entry fee is $125 and includes one poker hand and one party ticket. The After Party is one of the hottest parties of the summer and features amazing gourmet food, open pour bar, silent auction and a fabulous live band. Visit pokerrunchicago.com to learn more.

RED SKY NIGHT Friday, August 26 6:00 pm This festive evening of food and drink is the elegant kick-off to Regatta Weekend. Plentiful food stations, open pour cocktails, live music and unique silent and live auctions bursting with hand-to-find-anywhere experiences make Red Sky Night the “don’t miss” party of the summer. Tickets and complete details at redskynight.org.

LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA Saturday, August 27 1:00 pm Raise a sail in the fight against blood cancers at the event that started it all, the Leukemia Cup. Pick your level of competition with a choice of courses and sections. The race is followed by a rockin’ tent party featuring the wildly popular Raingutter Regatta, a Caribbean buffet, Gosling’s and Goose Island open pour, awards and live music. Register for the race today at leukemiacup.org/il.

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TRACY HOWARD LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA CHAIR Setting our sites on $500,000 [email protected]

Volunteer opportunities abound Looking to get involved with planning and organizing Summer of FUN(d) events? We’ve got jobs for everyone and no contribution is too small. Find out how you can help by attending the second annual New Blood event in the Upper Salon on March 25. Sip a cocktail or two while learning about the wide variety of committee opportunities. One lucky attendee will win official Leukemia Cup gear!

New website makes registration and fundraising a LOT easier! We’ve heard your frustration regarding our website and are proud to announce that a new, improved and fully functioning site is now up and running. Visit leukemiacup.org/il for complete information on all events in the Summer of FUN(d) and to register.

2015 RECAP The numbers are tallied, and here’s the statistics on how we did last year. Thanks to everyone who helped support this pretty impressive report!

• Chicago final total: a record $439,753 • Placed second in the nation behind San Francisco; Savannah came in 3rd • Poker Run raised nearly $100,000 • SUP more than doubled 2014 revenue by raising more than $8,000

REGISTER TODAY! Registration is open for the 2016 Leukemia Cup Regatta, and “early-bird” pricing is in effect. It’s not too early to start fundraising!! Visit today to register:

leukemiacup.org/il

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE 25 ON THE ABBY Chicago’s Maritime Museum has roots in Columbia Yacht Club

July 24, 1915 was a drizzly 1

yet warm Chicago summer day which brought 2,500 happy excursionists aboard the steamer S.S. Eastland, docked on the Chicago River and heading out to Michigan City, Indiana for a day of leisure. The sounds of excitement and jubilation as the ship rocked backed back and forth quickly turned to agonizing cries of help as the vessel, which was

improperly ballasted, pitched The dramatic story of the Eastland Columbia organization that promotes to its side while preparing to disaster is an example of many competitive sailing for inner- city events that comprise Chicago’s children from Chicago Public Schools leave its river berth. The loss maritime history and a replica of the by providing scholarships for children of life was more than 800, capsized ship as well as a dive suit to attend the Junior Sailing Program from the rescue effort are just a at COLYC. although many on board were sampling of the extensive collection The museum has been a long never found. This incident of artifacts, models, art, images, work in progress starting in the documents and books a visitor can 1980s. “Over the years many is considered one of the see at the Chicago Maritime Museum COLYC members have contributed greatest Great Lakes shipping which is set for a public launching in significantly to the foundation of the early 2016. museum,” Thomas reflects. “My accidents. Ideally located in the Bridgeport interest in the museum comes from Art Center on the shores of Bubbly my love of sailing and my involvement Creek and minutes from downtown with COLYC was a motivator for Chicago, the museum showcases me to do something more and give Chicago’s rich maritime roots. Dr. back,” explains Thomas. “The Abby Gerald “Jerry” Thomas is President is a great example of how Daniel and Director of the museum and is Burnham’s vision of reclaiming the a longtime member of the COLYC lakefront for recreational activity community, serving two years is realized. The museum is more as Commodore in the 1990’s. than this because it captures Thomas remains an avid sailor Chicago’s unique history as a main having completed 40 Mac races transportation hub.” and currently serves as the head of The museum’s refurbished space the Chester Kuttner Foundation a includes almost 10,000 square feet

26 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTER 2016 PHOTO CREDIT: CHICAGO MARITIME MUSEUM ON THE ABBY

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converted from the Seeandbee, a Great Lakes paddlewheel steamer. The story of this carrier takes the visitor back to 1942 when the nation was engaged in war against Japan. Docked at Chicago’s Navy Pier, this carrier was used as training ground for pilots to practice takeoff and landing on aircraft carriers. on the river level of the building. Europeans to the present day. The The museum is 100% volunteer While retaining an earthy warehouse museum will display many canoes and is located at 1200 West 35th look, the space showcases neutral from the Great Lakes as well as Street (river level), Chicago. For tones and wooded surfaces. It worldwide. The collection includes a more information contact www. includes a lecture area, a conference replica of a fourteen foot long Tete- chicagomaritimemuseum.org room, offices, and a functioning de-Boule birchbark built by the late (773) 376-1982. kitchen. Ralph Frese for the television mini- Thomas lights up as he explains series “Centennial” starring Richard that Chicago’s maritime history Chamberlain. began with Native Americans and Visitors will also be delighted to their canoes and continued with see a replica of the USS Wolverine other sailing craft after the arrival of an aircraft carrier which was

1 THE MAIN STEM OF THE CHICAGO RIVER AT RUSH STREET, DEPICTING A FLOATING BRIDGE DESTROYED BY AN ICE STORM IN 1849 2 SS EASTLAND DISASTER ON JULY 24, 1915, ON THE CHICAGO RIVER 3 USS WOLVERINE AIRCRAFT VOLUMEVO l u m E 16 1 6 ISSUE I S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 27 PHOTO CREDIT: CHICAGO MARITIME MUSEUM CARRIER (1942) 4 BIRCHBARK CANOES ON THE ABBY Happy Holidays!

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VOLUMEVO l u m E 16 1 6 ISSUE I S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 29 ON THE ABBY A Year-In Fun ! 2015 Columbia Activities Committee Report

An integral part of any social club WE WATCHED MEMBERS is of course its activities, its parties, THIS YEAR, DANCED AWAY WITH its events – the occasions that not TOGETHER WITH only bring people together, but also FIRST PLACE AT OUR OUR 800+ MEMBERS, WE celebrate the Club’s members and OKTOBERFEST POLKA traditions. The 2015 Columbia SHARED IN FUN TIMES CONTEST Activities Committee did just BOTH ON AND OFF that. We brought our community THE WATER members together, toasted old and new members alike, and made WE INVITED OUR FOUR- memories that will last a lifetime … or at least until February when we LEGGED FRIENDS TO JOIN re-open from winter break! US ON THE ABBY FOR THE The Columbia Activities 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Committee meets the first Tuesday (THANKS TO THE DOCK of the month at 6:30 p.m. The Committee is always looking for COMMITTEE) new members and event ideas to join in on the FUN! Contact us at [email protected].

WE TRICK AND TREATED AT OUR ALWAYS PACKED AND LIVELY KIDS HALLOWEEN PARTY!

WE DOUBLED DOWN ON FUN AT COLYC’S FIRST POKER NIGHT AND TOURNAMENT

30 T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016 A Year-In ! 2015 Columbia Activities Committee Report

WE ATE SO. MUCH. LOBSTER.

“NEVER, EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF FUN.”

-RANDY PAUSCH VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE ON THE ABBY Columbia Classics: Comfort’s Always on the Menu

Chicago is a culinary city and Bookbinder Soup is an oldie and favorite. No one remembers why or Chicagoans love food, from Alinea the recipe predates all the current when we started serving fajitas out of to Weiner Circle, Columbia members kitchen staff making it the first thing Columbia’s galley. What we do know are a reflection of that, with evolved a new hire learns. This soup was is that they have found a permanent palates and high expectations. first made in 1893 when Samuel home on the bar and grill menu and Columbia Yacht Club’s restaurant Bookbinder started serving it in his are wildly popular. is a hidden treasure, known by Old Original Bookbinder’s restaurant Columbia’s culinary program our membership and guest as an in Philadelphia. It is only served at takes advantage of Chicago’s status excellent proving ground to enjoy our a small number of other places, as a transportation hub and procures fancy, seasonal fare. Our evolving including, famously, The Drake Hotel the freshest seafood. Nowhere menu features new and original here in Chicago. The Columbia is this more apparent than the menu items but we new selections version is unique in that it uses a Oysters on a Half Shell. Surprisingly, are a welcome addition, not roux base rather than the traditional Columbia sells more oysters than replacement, for the original menu tomato broth but does of course many Chicago seafood restaurants. we’ve grown to love. serve the traditional tot of sherry Oysters are ordered each day to The Columbia Yacht Club menu alongside! assure freshness, and Chef Alberto falls into two categories: Columbia While it’s gone through some chooses the varietals weekly based Classics and “everything else”. So evolutions, our Beef Stroganoff on seasonality and what looks and how does a dish become a Columbia has stayed true to its origins. tastes the best. Delaware Bay Classic? Classics include recipes that At one point a few years ago, a oysters are the everyday basic, and have been around for years, they are fancier version was tried, but the Chef typically tries to add a west popular across all demographics of old-school classic was preferred. coast Asian varietal to mix it up. the club, and are typically the best This doesn’t stop the kitchen from One dish that you can only sellers on the menu. making small improvements with the get here is Oysters Rockefeller. Some dishes, like the Bookbinder best ingredients, and that includes Columbia’s recipe is like no one Soup, have a historical aspect, MSG-free veal stock and short ribs else’s, and includes spinach, and all measure the feelings of the to make it rich and delicious. Nick hollandaise sauce, and horseradish. club towards the menu. Columbia calls it a “hug in a bowl” – the perfect When the traditional Southern recipe Classics bridge the old and the new. comfort food. was tried, members told the staff loud And Chef Alberto and the kitchen Other popular American diner- and clear that they preferred Oysters staff constantly strive to improve the type dishes include the Mozzarella

quality of ingredients. sticks, procured from a local 3 patisserie, Spaghetti with garlic 1 bread and Chicken Pot Pie. Fajitas are a Tex-Mex

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1 CHICKEN POT PIE 2 OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL 3 OYSTERS ROCKERFELLER 4 SHRIMP FAJITAS 5 FISH ‘N CHIPS

2032 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTERW I N T E R 2016 ON THE ABBY

SARAH TROMANS BAR AND GRILL CHAIR [email protected]

Rockefeller the “Columbia Way”. people started asking for “black seal Have a great photo of your food So what’s the number one selling rum”. Many years later the barrel- and dining experience? Share it with dish on our menu? Would it surprise juggling baby black seal was born. us by using the hashtag #colycfood you to know it’s something as simple That mix of ginger beer, topped off on Facebook and Instagram. as Fish and Chips? When Nick came with Gosling’s Rum and a squeeze Don’t forget to “like” our to club, the fish was frozen, pre- of lime will help keep those summer Facebook page to keep up-to-date breaded haddock. It was improved memories going through the cold with the latest prix fixe menu offering to fresh, house-made IPA battered winter until boat work starts in the or drinks specials. The website black cod, and sales skyrocketed. spring! calendar and the Weekly Updates And while English pub-style was tried Chef Alberto and his staff are also include announcements of any with peas and carrots, the members always looking to improve the taste special events or changes in hours of preferred American style, with fries and quality of every dish, but never operation in the Bar or Dining Room. and cole slaw. want to move away from what our We pride ourselves on our And don’t forget in the Bar. members love. flexibility so please make sure the If you’ve had a Bloody Mary at A big thank you to Nick, Ryan, Chef or Wait Staff is aware of any Columbia then you know what a Chef Alberto and the team for the food allergies, dietary restrictions classic they are, especially with the great work they did at keeping our or special requests and they will garnish of an olive, pickle, pepper energy up over the busy summer be accommodated wherever jack cheese, salami, and the jalapeno months! They do a fantastic job, possible. Also, as always, if there bacon swizzle. juggling high-end events, crowded is anything you don’t see on the Another bar classic is that sailor’s bar, busy deck and dining room plus menu, please ask. favorite, the Dark & Stormy, dating late night food for hungry racers. back to 1863 when the Gosling If you have an idea for an brothers started selling their rum out improvement or a new dish (or 5 of the barrel. They then switched an old one that you miss), let the to champagne bottles and sealed Bar and Grill Committee know: the corks with black sealing wax so [email protected].

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DINING OPTIONS - WINTER HOURS

Dining Room Brunch / Lunch Tue – Fri 11.30 am – 5.00 pm Sat – Sun 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu & Sun 5.00 pm- 9.00 pm Fri & Sat 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm

Bar Brunch / Lunch Tue – Fri 11.30 am – 5.00 pm Sat – Sun 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Dinner Tue – Thu 5.00 pm - 9.00 pm Fri – Sat 5.00 pm – 10.00 pm VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE Sun 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm 1 ON THE ABBY Keeping Up Appearances

This past year has been one of 2 tremendous change on the House Committee, and one we hope is making us more effective, efficient, and accountable. A huge “thank you” to Dave Sturdy for all he accomplished as the former House Committee Chair prior to passing the baton over to Joe Marciniak and myself. We have had the luxury of building on his solid foundation and continued involvement.

Under the leadership of our flag officer, Rear Commodore Scott Johnson, we have established a House Steering Council consisting of former commodores and House chairmen: • Bill Bartz • Woody Hansmann 3 • Bob Horenkamp • Mark Rempa • Dave Sturdy

34 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTER 2016 ON THE ABBY

MARTIN COONEY HOUSE CO-CHAIR [email protected]

These “Five Fathers” provide the BOILER REPLACEMENT experience and continuity, coupled Among the projects in flight is the Additional projects to be with an incredible amount of love replacement of the Club Ship’s complete by year’s end include: and knowledge of The Abby, to boiler. While the current boiler is • New aft doors properly assess technical proposals operational, the House Committee and any project of any significant recommended replacement of the • New heat trace and flow financial and intensive needs. Under boiler to pro-actively address a valve for winter this arrangement, we hope to avoid potential interruption of club usage, • New A/C unit for the bridge any delays and revisions that have as well as costly repairs should an cropped up on occasion in the past. emergency arise as often seen with • Repair pier electrical box We have also been very fortunate older equipment. destroyed in last storm to have the support of a growing IMPROVED WIRELESS NETWORK • New manlift for staff and number of members as well, and Knowing how important the ability to volunteer safety we regularly have a dozen volunteer stay connected while at The Abby, members at our meetings. That said, • Installation of safer, code- the Stewards Committee requested we are always looking for new ideas compliant lighting on the the House Committee to conduct a and an extra hand so we encourage rail deck thorough evaluation of The Abby’s everyone who is interested to join us! WiFi network. A subcommittee While our beloved Abby is a looked at all aspects, including Finally, we have an electrical project beauty, she is showing her age, and signal strength, speed/throughput, underway, being ably led by our we are hard at work keeping her VoIP call quality and intermittent own Mary Egan, to map each and in good, safe condition. We have connectivity. They assessed the every outlet on The Abby back to been burning through a number entire WiFi setup, including hardware its own circuit breaker. This will of maintenance items behind-the- and ISP, and determined the root provide a comprehensive mapping scenes that will keep The Abby in of the problem is our network of all the Club Ship’s circuitry that shape for years to come. bandwidth limitations. After review of will be leveraged for years to come RAIL DECK several ISP bids, the subcommittee to expedite additional improvements A significant addition to membership has made a recommendation and a and repairs. Mary is looking for enjoyment of The Abby was the fix is on the way! more volunteers to help with this completion of the rail deck. As a undertaking, so if you’re interested result, we now have a beautiful (and in seeing parts of the ship that are high-heel friendly!) surface and were Many thanks to the following for otherwise off-limits to members, able to provide additional outdoor their support on this project: contact us at [email protected] and seating along the rail deck with food • Dave Baker we’ll put you in touch. service provided by the bar. During Big shout-out to Mary Egan and • Tom Besore the Summer months, Members Bill Bartz for this huge undertaking! and their guests were able to enjoy • Mike Blanchard dinner and/or a cocktail under the • Jeff Vander Meade Southern sky. • Perry Weinberg

1 SEA SCOUT MEMBERS VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH THE ABBY’S UPKEEP 2 WOODY HANSMANN, PERRY WEINBERG AND ED HERAGHTY TAKE A BREAK 3 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS CREATING VOVOLUMEl u m E 116 6 IISSUE S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 35 OUR BEAUTIFUL NEW DECK ON THE ABBY Why We Joined Columbia Yacht Club...

“We wanted to get back into sailing and experience Chicago’s waterfront. The Club appealed to us because of the Ship’s uniqueness. The Membership Committee was very friendly and welcoming. There’s a great community of friends and activities. We have enjoyed the Wine Club, social parties and Race Committee. The staff is excellent. It’s a fun and friendly atmosphere with the best view of the city.” Sue & Doug Hoffman

“Through the Skipjacks and Advanced Skipjacks courses, I met so many members who were willing to help me learn to become a sailor. It was a natural choice to continue my involvement with these wonderful people and the club as a member.” Jenni Langland

“Joining is a fantastic way to connect with the Chicago sailing community and meet a great group of people. From Skipjacks, Advanced Skipjacks to leasing my own boat, Columbia has changed my world.” Steve Call

“I joined the Club because it is a great way to continue to learn more about sailing and to meet new people. I've gotten to do a lot of really cool things I wouldn't have experienced otherwise” Brandi Hovizi

“We joined Columbia for the dock but, everything is so convenient - you can freshen up at the Club after a sail. The restaurant is always good and the people are friendly. There are people from all around at Columbia who have one thing in common - they like boating.” Marilyn Olson

36 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTER 2016 ON THE ABBY ...And What Columbia Yacht Club Means to Us

“I joined Columbia after several years as a guest of my father. I thought it was about time that I ponied up and started paying dues! I joined for more than simply access to the docks. Membership at Columbia means access to wicked brunch specials, the best trivia night in town, bartenders who know I prefer my gimlets with fresh lime juice and simple syrup and a great group of people who never get tired of my sailing yarns.” Karl A. Olson

“I took Skipjacks in 2009 and later got involved with Beer Can racing, the Leukemia Cup events and Race Committee at a few clubs. The sailing community, in general, was very welcoming. Columbia, in particular, felt like home. To me, being a member means I always have a home and a community on the water. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful people I've been fortunate to meet at COLYC. Come for the sailing, stay for the friendships!” Kirstin Hartman

Want to enjoy our lakefront aboard The Abegweit and meet other lake lovers?

Join us at our annual Prospective Members brunch and learn why our Members love being a part of the Columbia Yacht Club community and what Club membership has to offer.

Join by May 31 and save 50% off initiation fee

March 6, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For questions email: [email protected]

VOVOLUMEl u m E 116 6 IISSUE S S U E 1 T H E B INNACLE 37 ON THE ABBY Flotsam & Jetsam

EXPERIENCING THE CORINTHIAN SPIRIT There are unsung heroes in our Club who unselfishly come to the aid of other boaters. Many times their deeds go unrecognized. This time I want to personally thank one of our avid, relatively new boaters and the crew that was mustered who came to my aide. This past Fall, I sent an email a few weeks ago to the members of a committee I am on stating that I was incapacitated for a while and could not make the meeting. I had a few well wishes and one person asked if there was anything they could do. The season was ending and there was no way I could get on the boat for the end of season river trip. I needed a Captain and crew for a scheduled bridge opening date. Without hesitation, the reply was, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” Some typical boat problems came up and the river trip had to be postponed until the last day the harbor was officially open. October 31st was a cold and wet day, not fit for man or boater, but when there is a schedule, it must be kept. Needless to say, the boat was delivered, unscathed to the marina where I met the tired, cold wet crew for a ride back to the Club ship. Hot toddy’s were served to get the chill off the bones followed by lunch with a few stronger libations. A mere thank you does not begin to express the gratitude for the rescue.

Captain Ron, SV Bequia

COMING THIS SUMMER Running late? Stuck in traffic? No time for shopping? Problem solved.

Pre-order your food at The Abegweit bar through our new app (or website) and it’ll be ready when you arrive!

More information to come, just in time to kick off your boating season!

38 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E WINTER 2016 Enhance Your Experiences on The Water Marine Education Seminars

Splicing 101 February 20; $65 includes splicing kit and keg beer

Mock Trials February 27; Speaker: Local Judges, $10 juniors/$20 adult sailors including lunch

Great Lakes Basic Marine Weather March 5; Speaker: Mark Thornton, $50 before February 16, $65 after, including lunch and keg beer to follow

US Safety at Sea Seminar March19; Speaker: Multiple, $100 member, $120 non- member, including lunch and keg beer to follow

Advanced Weather for Buoy Racing May 14; Speaker: Chris Bedford, $65 for members, $75 for non-member before May 11; $80 after, including lunch and keg beer to follow

Adult CPR/First Aid/ AED American Red Cross Certification Columbia Yacht Club is a certified training facility for the American Red Cross. All class materials are included. Four Class times offered. $60 for Columbia Yacht Club Members; $70 for non- members CLASS 1: February 13 - 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. CLASS 2: February 16 & 18, - 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. CLASS 3: March 1 & 3 - 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. CLASS 4: March 12 - 12:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

Contact www.columbiayachtclub.org for details VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1 T H E B INNACLE 111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601

Super Bowl Party February 7 5:30 P.M. Book Club Thursday, February 11 POKER Wednesday, February 10 5:30 p.m. NIGHT 7:30 p.m. Chowdah Fest 2016 Monday, March 7 Wednesday, February 17 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. T H E B I N N A C L E WINTER 2016