FALL 2013 THE B INNACLE LarryLarry KwiatKwiat NamedNamed 20132013 YachtsmanYachtsman ofof thethe YearYear TheThe YearYear thethe WindWind Died:Died: BeerBeer CanCan 20132013 LeukemiaLeukemia CupCup TopsTops $365,000$365,000 Thinking New - Think Now
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T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 Fall 2013
ON THE WATER IN THIS ISSUE ON THE ABBY
6 Beer Can 2013 16 lessons Learned on a 27 From our General where was the wind in this Long-distance cruise Manager year’s run for the rum? 20 leukemia Cup Regatta 29 aSSociates 8 Dock Another great race and 2013 was the year of A look back at fun times for fundraising results—we held “getting involved” all on the dock has something our title! aCtivities for everyone 30 22 Finns to the Left, Finns Tricks and treats and fall fun 8 racing to the Right for all Larry Kwiat named 2013 Columbia members sail in red Sky Night 2013 Yachtsman of the Year the World Airline Sailing 32 Championships in Finland The party with a purpose 9 Sailing School kicked off our successful Fall regattas and winter trips 24 True North, Up north Leukemia Cup weekend for our young sailors one-design racing at the J-27 Nationals in Canada 35 Bar & Grill 10 Cruising Fleet Fall and winter specials give wrapping up 2013 with 26 all Aboard the Abby members plenty of reasons to parties, parties, parties and a Columbia was a favorite stop visit the Club in the off season cruise to Kenosha for Open House Chicago this year 36 house Committee 13 Power Fleet plans are underway for Summer fun and future plans off-season maintenance on for this ever-growing fleet our Club Ship, with many opportunities for members to 14 Sea Scout be a part of the fun Ship #5111 keeps busy in the off-season 36 nominating The slate has been announced for 2014 Flag Officers and Board of Directors 38 welcome new members 42 Flotsam and Jetsam
ON THE COVER COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB • 111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 Columbia members and guests, 312 938-3625 • COLUMBIAYACHTCLUB.ORG along with other members of The Binnacle is published by and for members of Columbia Yacht Club. Submissions related to the sport of yachting, the Chicago boating community, Corinthian spirit and related activities are welcome. Articles, announcements and photos (with captions) should be gather after the Leukemia sent for consideration to [email protected]. For advertising specs and rate card, email [email protected]. Cup Regatta for the post-race Editor: Mary Alyce Blum / Art Director and Design: Tracy Howard / Design: Amy Jeppsen Stern/JepDesign dock party Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers. VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 3 Calendar
PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR OR WEEKLY UPDATE TO CONFIRM EVENTS LISTED HERE November December 13 Trivia Night 3 Bar & Grill Cmte Mtg 24 Club closes at 3:00 p.m. Stewards Cmte MTG 14 Membership Cmte mtg 25 Club closed 4 Annual Meeting 19 Activities Cmte mtg Board & Flag Elections 26 Club reopens at 3:00 p.m. Finance Cmte Mtg nEw Year’s Eve Board of Directors Mtg 5 wine Club 31 Celebration 21 Dock Cmte Mtg 7 Jingle Bell Rock 27 Club closes at 3:00 p.m. 8 Children’s Holiday Party – reservations 28 Happy Thanksgiving! required January Club closed 11 Trivia Night 25 Club Opening Party 29 Club reopens at 3:00 p.m. 12 Membership Cmte mtg The Club is officially closed 30 Decorate the Abby for most of the month of EMPLOYEE Holiday Party 15 January, but there are plenty 17 Activities Cmte mtg of opportunities to spend time Finance Cmte Mtg on the Abby, during the week Board of Directors Mtg and on the weekends, working 19 Dock Cmte Mtg with the house committee to rACE Cmte Mtg keep our Club ship shape. See the article on page 36 for more details.
Support for the education and competition of youth sailing
Building confidence, strength, resilience... and childhood memories Columbia’s Chester Kuttner Foundation is an Illinois not-for-pro t Corporation 501 (3) (c). For more information on the Foundation or to make a donation that could help to change a child’s life, visit us at
ColumbiasChesterKuttnerFoundation.org or call (312)208-1365
4 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 From our Commodore
Dear Fellow members,
Fall is finally upon us. Those lazy days of summer are quickly fading away to memories and it is time to put our boats away and get back to reality. The House Committee is gearing up to start their winter projects. As usual, the committee is seeking volunteers to come down to the Club on January weekends and help out on projects around the Ship. There is a long list of things to do. So whether you are a skilled tradesperson or just willing to help out any way you can, I’m sure Dave Sturdy, the committee chair, will find something for you to do. The fall is also very important for the Club in that it is time, after two years, for a major change in the Club’s leadership. The Nominating Committee has been hard at work interviewing and considering candidates for the December 4 election of the new Flag Officers and Board of Directors. I commend all of the committee members for their hard work and time spent on this short-lived, yet most challenging and important committee, in the Club. I appreciate your commitment. MATT HOWARD with change also comes the time to say “thanks.” Thanks to all the committee chairs and members who keep our programs, services and activities on and off the water afloat. The energy and commitment you put into your various areas of Winding down expertise does not go unnoticed. Your efforts keep the Club fun and vibrant. A heartfelt thank you goes to our General Manager, Nick Philp, and to every my two years as member of our extraordinary staff. Your dedication, service, professionalism and your Commodore… positive attitude make every visit to Columbia a pleasurable one. Finally I thank all the Board members and Flag Officers over the last two years I hope that I have for your support and guidance in helping to make Columbia Yacht Club the fine institution it is. served you well. There will always be more challenges that will come to meet us. I am confident that the new leadership will do a fine job moving us forward in the future. As I am winding down my two years as your Commodore, I want to express what an honor and a pleasure it has been to act as the leader of our great Club. I hope that I have served you well.
See you around the Club,
Matthew T. Howard Commodore
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 5 ON THE WATER Beer Can 2013 BY STU FRIEDMAN MIA: The Wind
When Chicago racers chat with colleagues who sail on the Chesapeake, we regale them with tales of warm, strong southwest breezes and the occasional brisk north winds with their attendant chop. Yes, they get better crab cakes; but we’ll eat frozen Mrs Paul’s for dinner any day, if it means we get 20 knots of breeze. The 2013 Beer Can season featured the same trapezoidal course design as last year with boats from Columbia, Chicago, Burnham and MORF. The traditional Tune-up Race started out the season as advertised, with 17 knots out of the north. Captains and crews dusted off their foulies and flew through the 5.37 mile course in well less than 45 minutes. Then the wind died. Not for an hour, not for a week. For the summer. The carnage is displayed all over yachtscoring.com, where results are posted. The Race Committee shortened the course seven times out of 14 races. DNF (did not finish) and TLE (time limit expired) were almost as frequent as LOL and WTF. Finish times of just under two hours weren’t unusual. Visiting sailors from Annapolis were probably reminded of home and wondering why there was no traffic on the Bay Bridge. But the light air brought some unusual benefits. Most crews sailed the whole series without getting rained, thundered, or lightninged on. Free of storms, we had no cancellations and raced every week. The sunsets were spectacular and conditions were almost always friendly for crew beers, even on the upwind legs. The best crews got superb light air practice (which became invaluable for this year’s slow Mac Race) and the newer boats had a chance to learn maneuvers in benign conditions. The season’s last official race was a microcosm of the summer. The wind shifted more than 90 degrees from the first warning to majority of the class starts. The fastest boats were those that reacted quickly and raised their spinnakers at the start. Those boats got around the first mark and finished in breeze. Slower boats, and those with later class starts, got stuck when the wind shifted again and died. And, yes, there was a lovely sunset and plentiful proverbial beer cans to go along with rich tactical discussions at the bar.
6 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE WATER
Many say that regattas are won on the light air days. Of course, they also say they’re won in heavy air, at night, and in chop. Regardless, the light air brings out the best, and the best were as follows:
2013 BEER CAN WINNERS
1st 2nd 3rd JAM Nautilus Cookie Monster Phantom Sea Scouts-Marty Bernstein peter Goldman Tom Rickleman T10 Terminal Velocity Winnebago Skidmarks Simon Beemsterboer Tim Rathbun Lou Jacob Spin 1 Renegade Caliente Jahazi Tom Papoutsis Michael Steck Frank Giampoli Spin 2 Striking Sorcerer It’s Good Michael Truman Don Draper Mitch Weisman Spin 3 Whisper Measure for Measure Truant Tom Barnes Brian Tobin walter Kawula
of course, the best of the best are determined by the Yacht Club Challenge Regatta, and this year the MORF fleet earned the top prize. Ignoring the taste of sour grapes, we’ll note that Columbia boats won every section in which we had sufficient competitors, but lost the overall prize due to a lack of JAM boats. Many of successful Columbia JAM boats such as No Reverse and Restless have graduated to Spin 3 and the crews of Hop Scotch and Baka Maru have moved to spinnaker boats. If you’ve considered racing in the past, it’s time to get off your crab cakes and regenerate the fleet! Special thanks to our Race Committee which dealt well with constantly changing conditions and an almost weekly need to consider shortening course. Crab cakes on the aft deck next summer, or do we hope for more breeze and the Club’s superb Italian beef?
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 7 ON THE WATER
BY KEN HAAS DOCK COMMITTEE Notes from the Dock [email protected]
Now that boats are tucked away for the winter, please gazpacho were favorites) or the weekly pizza tradition don’t forget to remove items left aboard the Abby. Gas favored by some sailors. can storage, even when empty, is not permitted anywhere The Activities Committee ensured all members, on the Ship due to fire and safety regulations. Remember boaters or not, found ways to party on the docks. Families that the sail repair locker is meant for temporary sail celebrated Dog Days on the Dock, laughs were plenty at storage only; winter sail storage is not permitted and sails movie nights—complete with popcorn and candy—and we will be removed. Help us keep the Abby shipshape in the rocked the summer away to Reggae and Blues music. off season. Columbia hosted two new Leukemia Cup with the end of summer, focus on the Abby turns fundraising events on the docks. The inaugural Stand Up to fun activities on board, rather than on the water. Against Blood Cancers paddleboard race was a smashing Columbia’s once-bustling docks seem sad and lonely. success. Despite unseasonably chilly temps, teams smiled Walking in the Abby, the rail deck is strangely quiet: no and laughed as they paddled and partied to raise money. smiling dock attendants to greet you, no sails being dried Secondly, the Power Fleet’s Poker Run Fleet Kick- or folded, no gear strewn about, and no boaters coming off was a fantastic gathering, filling our docks with power and going, stopping to trade stories. boats from Columbia and neighboring clubs, and signing we can look back with satisfied smiles, those boaters up for the August Poker Run. remembering a great summer on the docks. The Colors All the fun on our docks couldn’t happen without Regatta heralded the beginning of a full season for racers, the tireless work of Dock Master Bryan Raymaker and which kept the docks busy through Beer Cans, regattas dock attendants Mark and Chris. We rely on them to catch and pre-Mac race prep. New this year, Columbia hosted lines, deliver ice and drinks, and check on boats (always the Skyway J Day Regatta to promote one-design racing. with friendly smiles).Their efforts are overseen by our Dock For members who don’t race, Columbia’s docks Committee: Rich Allen, chair, John Coakley, Ken Haas, were still the place to be. Weekends at the Club brought Ron Voisard, and flag officer Joe McGinnis. If you are nonstop fun and camaraderie, impromptu dock gatherings, interested in learning about this committee, email dock@ sharing culinary triumphs (watermelon rum slushies and colyc.org. We’re already planning for Summer 2014.
Kwiat Named Area III Yachtsman of the Year
Columbia member Larry Kwiat was Also announced at the Boater’s Bash were the named Area III 2013 Yachtsman of winners of the 2013 Columbia Offshore Series, and the the Year at the Boater’s Bash held captains received their trophies and brag flags. Kudos to here on November 9. all Columbia winners this year. Larry has been sailing since childhood and joined Columbia in 2013 COLUMBIA OFFSHORE SERIES 1972. Since that time he has chaired TOP CLUB FINISHERS several committees, including Dock, TARTAN 10 1st Skidmarks Beer Can and Sail Fleet. He is also 2nd Winnebago active with LMSRF and is immediate past Commodore PHRF BUOY & DISTANCE 1st Painkiller of the Island Goat Sailing Society. Larry owned and BENETEAU 40.7 1st Turning Point skippered the Nelson Marek 41 Folie a Deux for 18 years DISTANCE SERIES CRUISING 1st No Reverse and currently skippers Tom and Beth Ann Papoutsis’ DISTANCE SERIES SPINNAKER 2nd Renegade Renegade. Congratulations, Larry, on this well-deserved J-105 1st Here’s Johnny recognition. J-109 1st Certainly
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BY KURT THOMSEN SAILING MASTER [email protected] Sailing School
Fall sailing is well underway ADULTS, GET ON THE WATER! 1 and busy as ever. Our Saturday We are running Sunday races for practices bring sailors across all adults on our 420s! This is a great age ranges and skill levels, from way for you to stay on the water newbie six-year-olds through highly longer and enjoy the camaraderie competitive college teams. Keeping of fellow sailors. We encourage our program active in all but the our members to come out and most frozen months is a great way join us. To find out more about to increase the engagement for this program, or if you have any these kids who already have an questions, comments or concerns interest in racing. for the Columbia Sailing School, we are currently working on contact Kurt at [email protected]. adding Jones College Prep to our group of high school sailing teams competing under the Columbia burgee. If you have a sailor who 2 attends a high school that does not have a sailing team, we are happy to help start a team. our Opti team is taking a more year-round approach, as it continues to grow and become more competitive. These young sailors, ranging in age from 6 to 11, have been competing all fall, and will continue through the end of November. A special congratulations goes out to Sam Childers (8 years old) and Elijah Goldman (10 years old) for their great finishes in the 3 Junior Olympics and Lake Forest Halloween Regattas. Sam finished third in both events, while Elijah placed second and fifth. Great job to both of them! over Christmas break the Sailing School will travel with nine of these competitors to take part in the International Orange Bowl Regatta. 4 This is the largest group we’ve ever 1 SETTING UP FOR TACKING ON THE WHISTLE DRILL taken to this event, so it’s a great 2 DIANA SANCHEZ GETTING mark of the success and growth of SOME TRAPEZING PRACTICE IN the program. Matt Childers (6 years 3 8-YEAR-OLD SAM CHILDERS GETS GEARED UP FOR SOME old) will take over the spot his older COLD FALL SAILING 4 PHOEBE brother, Sam, held last season as LINCOLN & LILLIAN NEMETH the youngest sailor on the team at ARE ALL SMILES DURING PRACTICE this event.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 9 ON THE WATER
By Paul Uhl Dude, Where’s Your Dinghy? Cruising Fleet chair [email protected] And other great Cruising Fleet Events of 2013
After a very successful 4th of July 1 trip to South Haven, the Cruising Fleet held its Annual Progressive Dinner Dinghy Cruise. Affectionately referred to as the, “Dude, where’s your dinghy?” cruise, we walk from boat-to-boat in DuSable Harbor for each course of the meal. We once again had a great turnout, with some members hosting a course and others bringing something to contribute. The Progressive Dinner is a wonderful way to spend the evening socializing. This year it ended a little earlier than usual, thanks to the cool air that the summer of 2013 was becoming known for. The Cruising Fleet typically has three destination sailing events during the summer: our Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day set a new course and sailed to if it was influenced by the weather trips. With the exception of the 4th Kenosha for the 2013 Labor Day and the canceled Memorial Day of July cruise, the spring and fall weekend. Kenosha has, in the past, trip and Lunch Cruises, or we were trips are easy one-day sails from received a bad rap as a neglected simply looking for an excuse to Chicago. Over the years we’ve town with little to do; but that’s have another “rendezvous.” In any sailed to destinations like Michigan not what we found. See page 12 event, we planned a late September City, New Buffalo, Hammond, for Lee Reighert’s account of this weekend “dock-in” party at Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and wonderful trip. Columbia. At some point someone Racine. This year, the Cruising Fleet it’s not like the Cruising Fleet mentioned, “ we need to have a doesn’t have enough events during theme.” And so, over the weekend 2 the year, but we decided to squeeze of September 21-22, we gathered one more in for 2013. I’m not sure to celebrate Oktoberfest—complete with German music, wiener schnitzel, sausages, spaetzel and potato salad. Before you get too concerned, of course we also had German beer, Cruising Fleet beer steins, and girls in dirndles. Despite the cool evening, we had a great turnout, drank all the German beer and ate almost all of the food; once the dock became a “dry dock,” (so to speak), we headed up to the bar,
10 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE WATER
regrouped and continued the festival into the evening. End-of-the-Year Party our final event of the 2013 year is our end of the year party, held on November 2. It’s a time where we gather for a few cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, socialize, and remember the past sailing season. We also award the Boat-of-the-Year to our top three most-active and involved members, and begin thinking about events for the coming calendar year. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Yacht Club. But it’s time for new 1st Place and fresh ideas and, from what Mike and Michelle Lane Jeff and I have discussed over the 2nd Place past month or so, the future of Lee and Janet Reighart the Cruising Fleet looks very, very exciting. I plan on staying involved 3rd Place and helping Jeff in any way I can. Cindy and Steve Hopkins I hope all of you will welcome and help Jeff and his family, just as you have welcomed and helped me it’s been an AWESOME ride, and mine over the past 10 years. but after serving as Chair for 10 Our new Chair can be reached at: 1 Cruising fleet members Mike and Michelle years, I handed the tiller to a new [email protected]. Lane (left) and Lee and Janet Reigart (right) leader for our group, Jeff Linstrom. watch the Club calendar for proudly display their brag flags at the It’s truly been a great and rewarding end-of-season dinner 2 Paul Uhl, Outgoing upcoming Cruising Fleet events like Cruising Fleet Chairman (left), and Jeff experience to run the Cruising Fleet, the Annual Chili Cook-off the end Linstrom, Incoming/New Cruising Fleet creating new and exciting events, of January and our periodic Cruising Chairman (right) growing our membership, but most Seminars! of all meeting so many wonderful and exciting people at Columbia
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 11 ON THE WATER
BY LEE REIGHART Kenosha Fun CRUISING FLEET Caps Off the Summer
1 The Columbia Cruising Fleet had a great Labor Day Cruise again this year, traveling this time to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Past impressions of Kenosha's South Port facilities had caused the fleet to avoid this as a good destination. But, based on personal observations of some of the fleet members, and the ideal distance from our Club, it was worth giving it another chance. The plan was for the fleet to sail/motor (we have both) to Kenosha on 2 Saturday, August 31, and return on Labor Day, Monday, September 2. Two of the boats decided to leave on Friday, and make it a little longer weekend. That was lucky for them, as the weather forecast for Saturday turned out to be less than great for being on the lake. Three of the Saturday cruisers decided to take a pass, and those who ventured out onto the lake found it a bit lumpy and the wind a little heavy and often dead on the stern, but very doable. The Friday boaters found the facilities to be greatly improved over reports 3 of years back. A check with the Harbor Master's office revealed that there were good group-gathering facilities available, but on a first-come basis. After touring the available facilities, the advance scouting team located the ideal spot for the Sunday pot-luck dinner. What could beat an open second-floor deck, overlooking the harbor, with tables and chairs, a large covered area for shade, and a gas grill? Having checked out the facilities, this group walked to the farmers market, and toured an extensive 4 car show while waiting for the Saturday sailors to arrive. Saturday evening, thanks to a recommendation from Barb Conrad, the fleet had a nice dinner at an old established Italian restaurant. The camaraderie, food, service, and prices all combined for a perfect evening. Sunday came with beautiful weather, time to recover from Saturday fun and frolicking, and to reserve the space for the pot-luck dinner. We managed to secure the space by moving in before any other groups arrived, and then 5 rotating space holders from the fleet. This activity necessitated sharing a few beverages to keep from becoming dehydrated. Two of the fleet couples drove to Kenosha on Sunday, and joined in the fun, the cocktails, and pot-luck dinner. The dinner was scrumptious, with members contributing side dishes, salads, and desserts. The fleet provided delicious tenderloins for the main course, and a good time was had by all. The sail back on Monday found the wind to be dead on stern at the rhumb line, leaving the skippers with a choice of sailing a long jibe course home 6 or motoring. The good news was, it wasn't a race, so the skippers had a choice of how to end another great cruise. The CYC Cruising Fleet hosts events throughout the year. We invite all members to join in our fun. Check out our web site at colycc.ning.com.
1 JUDY & GEORGE WHEELER 2 CHUCK & MARILYN COSTELLO 3 SECURING A SPOT FOR DINNER 4 LEE & JANET REIGHART 5 BARB & BRUCE CONRAD 6 MICHELLE & MIKE LANE 12 T H E B II N N N N A A C C L L E E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE WATER
BY BILL GRANT POWER FLEET CHAIR [email protected] What a Gas! Power Fleet party eases the end-of-season blues
As the all-too short boating season is over, I hope everybody had a safe and enjoyable time on the lake. Looking back over the summer, I am very pleased with the Power Fleet participation in the LLS Poker Run. While the 1 sailors were away for the Mac, the Power Fleet got to play on the dock. We had a great turnout at the first annual Power Fleet Pot Luck Party leading up to the Poker Run—and increased the number of participating boats by a large margin. We hope next year’s Pot Luck Party will bring even more new boaters. Twelve boats from Columbia participated in the Poker Run (the most we’ve had since at least 2009) and roughly $70,000 was raised. We’re proud to have played a part in the Club’s LLS fundraising, and look to 2 increase our contribution to the bottom line next year! on Friday, November 1, the Power Fleet hosted the annual end-of- season cocktail party. This event is open to all—power, sail or associate members. It’s a testament to the spirit of our Club that this year we hosted more people than ever at this party, and had a great mix of members from all categories. As generally happens when boaters and beverages are involved, many stories were shared, some legends were born, and we put a great finish on the summer of 2013. Thanks to all who attended. Looking ahead to January, the Power Fleet will be focused on boat show season. The membership committee is always looking for volunteers to work the Boat and RV show as well as Strictly Sail. Every year at these shows, our number-one marketing asset is our enthusiastic, friendly 1 JOE PAPANIA & CREW 3 COLUMBIA HAD NEARLY 40 POKER RUN BOATS ON THE DOCK FOR A SHORT and involved membership base. Mark your calendars now, and consider WHILE ON AUGUST 10 3 POKER RUN PARTICIPANTS volunteering for either, or both, of these events. What else do we have to PARADE THROUGH MONROE HARBOR do in January when the lake is frozen? i hope everyone enjoys their off season. Even if we can’t hang out on the dock, there are plenty of great events to attend on the Club Ship to soothe our boater winter blues. And if you get desperate and despondent, remember, it’s only six short months till we splash again. Until then, cheers!
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 13 ONON THETHE WWATEATERR
Marty Bernstein Sea Scout Captain Sea Scouts Take Honors in [email protected] 2013 Beer Can
BEERCAN CHAMPIONS more than wearing a badge of office the balance and their own In a hard-fought JAM1 season, the and giving orders. transportation. A dream that Sea Scouts of SHIP 5111 sailed took root over eight years SCUBA TRAINING & KEYS Nautilus to a first place, missing only ADVENTURE ago is now a dream come one race, and taking the finale by The pool and classroom instruction true. more than 18 minutes on corrected from last March have now come LONG CRUISE time to edge out arch-rival Cookie to fruition for 10 of our Sea Eschewing the patch- Monster. The crew stepped up their Scouts and two adult leaders. festooned uniform of their game, with help from veteran Mac Over the summer and fall, we all land-lubber cousins in the Race consultants often calling the completed four required Open Boy Scouts, the Sea Scouts strategy and tactics. The experience Water Dives, either at the Haigh wear a uniform very sparse has led them to confidently assume Quarry in Kankakee or at Three in its adornment. The Long control of the boat, and made them Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Cruise Badge is the only better, more motivated sailors. Lake. The reward for this hard event-related addition to the work will be an eight-day High QUARTERDECK TRAINING 3 The boat is out of the water, on the Adventure SCUBA Live Aboard hard, but the season is far from in the Florida Keys. From BSA over. Elections of Petty Officers Sea Base in Islamorada Key, we were held in September, and will board a 57-foot schooner Quarterdeck Training is a must to or two 40-foot sloops, sailing help prepare the young women and diving, and living the dream. and men for leadership. It consists Fifteen dives will be undertaken, of a two-day intensive workshop including three night dives. Our including exercises and team fundraising over the past three building from the ILSS syllabus. years, thanks to Imagine Festivals’ After this they put these teamwork annual Chowdah 2 skills to work organizing gear in Fest, has helped the storage locker, and winterizing us cover two-thirds the boat. At the end, they will have of the cost. The learned that leadership is much crew will cover
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1 The victorious 2013 racing team 2 Ready to head back from the Mac 3 Nick Bertnstein ready for SCUBA 4 Raising the genoa 5 Keaton, Fran and Tiana all smiles and certified 6 Bruno Lago with Tiana at the helm 7 Liam and Jared going in to open water 8 Beer can racers aboard Nautilus 14 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE WATER
4 uniform. All the rest are rank, office or identification. In the tradition of the US NAVY, it makes for a clean, uncluttered look and makes Long Cruise Badge significant by its presence. In addition to its annual five-day delivery of SV Nautilus to Chicago after the Mac Race, Ship 5111 held its Long Cruise in August. For all the gory details of this year’s ‘blackout from…’ — see the accompanying article on page 16. SERVICE Our mission is big on service, and we look forward to again hosting 200 Scouts and leaders the first weekend in December as they camp out and party aboard the Abby the night before the Christmas Ship unloading at Navy Pier. Following that event are the Children’s Holiday Party and the Employee Christmas Party. And then… it’s off to Florida 5 6 the day after Christmas for our High Adventure beneath the surface of the ocean. Our press and photos may just make the winter issue of the Binnacle. Stay tuned.
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 15 IN THIS ISSUE
By Marty Bernstein Lessons of a Long Cruise Skipper Sea Scout Ship Challenge
1 Columbia’s Sea Scout Ship has been doing long cruises Emily works with the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing for the past five seasons. Usually our destination of Program, and has been in Sea Scouts for several choice is Two Rivers, WI, with 3-4 days camping at years. Her father, Tim Harrington, the Commodore of Point Beach State Park. Because of early school the Chicago Area Council Sea Scouts, is a delivery starts and full cabins, we chose to cross the lake to captain, SCUBA instructor and former Commodore at Muskegon, with a two-day camp at the Muskegon State Belmont Yacht Club. Park Yurt. Our cruises in the past have always involved The cruise began on a bright clear Monday some kind of unexpected “adventure,” from which we morning with winds out of the west/ southwest, drew on our knowledge and resources, and from which moderate enough to launch a spinnaker and practice we took some important lessons. These were usually some hand-steering downwind. Predictions were for weather-related, but could also include boat handling, the wind to go north toward midnight, and freshen as grounding, engine systems, navigation, etc. This year we crossed the lake. Everyone enjoyed time at the was no exception. helm, lunch and snacks and the camaraderie that is so newly “graduated” adult leader, 21-year-old Emily much a part of Sea Scouting. Harrington from Ship 5926, joined this Skipper along Advancement through the ranks from Apprentice with six young men and women, ages 14 to 18, with to Ordinary, Able and finally,Q uartermaster includes experience ranging from mere months to several years. training in navigation and piloting, keeping a deck
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log, and dead-reckoning course plots on a paper chart. but flipping the reset switch was successful and dinner Three of the crew on this trip were Ordinary; one, our was prepared. This was the first indication that we may Boatswain, a Quartermaster. They were instructed have an electrical problem, but at the time did not seem to keep an hourly deck log with LAT/LONG, course significant. and speed, wind speed, weather and sail plan, and to we used the Raytheon auto helm during dinner. transfer observed our DR positions to the paper chart. With the wind going forward, we had long since changed This activity began with a degree of conscientiousness, to our headsail to the genoa. The auto helm began with regular reminders from the adults and Boatswain, beeping, and the display indicated “Low Battery.” but gradually took a back seat to off-watch naps, We reverted to hand steering and disengaged the fun and games that are also so much a part of Sea transmission, turned the key at the pedestal to start Scouting, That would come back to haunt us in a big the engine. Nothing. A new starter battery had been way as the trip wore on. installed only two weeks before, the old one having At dusk, dinner preparations were underway, ‘given up the ghost’ after seven years of great service. heating hot dogs in the microwave. The galley crew How could the new battery be dead? We went below, reported that the microwave was not operational. A opened the battery compartment and jumped the starter check of the inverter switch panel indicated no power, battery from the adjoining house bank. The engine fired up. Well, at least now we would be 2 able to recharge the starter and house batteries. Or so we thought. After running at fast idle for an hour, we shut down the engine, but a check of the battery voltage meter showed lower than normal. Things did not add up, and this was beginning to get disturbing. When the heads-up instrument display at the gooseneck went off and we switched over to the alternate battery bank, we decided to turn on the engine. It again needed a jump, and caution dictated that we leave it on low idle for the remainder of the trip, just in case all of our batteries continued to drain. It was dark now, the wind had gone to the north, and we were close reached, nearly beating, and motor sailing to maintain a heading of 035 degrees. within an hour, the rest of the electronics began failing – running lights, VHF FM radio, plotter and finally, Ockam and Sailcomp instrument displays. I asked for a position update, since our onboard plotter was not responding. For the past four hours or so, no updates had been made, no
1 Heading out of Holland harbor 2 Naulitus crew safely continued on following page back in port after their long cruise
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charting or dead-reckoning had been done. we were now a “dark ship” with no electronics of any kind, no idea of our position and, as luck would have it, no communication. The back- up hand-held VHF was on board, a donation from one of our Mac Race consultants, but he’d forgotten to include the base with the charger, so it too was dead. Though we could see 5 lights on shore, we were quite out of range for cell phones. Because we had been running the engine for some nurse it into the hours, I asked for a check of the fuel level – less than harbor, prepared one eighth of the 30 gallons remained. How could that to drop anchor if it be? We had started out with just over three quarters. died. The main was The situation had now gone from bad to worse. We reefed as we neared needed to make port, and Muskegon seemed like a very a few miles out. remote option. It seemed to take At my request, Emily went below to check the forever, making what chart book for deep harbors, as we draw 9.5 feet on we estimated to be that vessel. She popped up with binoculars, checked, around seven knots counted, ducked below again, checked. “I think that of boat speed in about 20 knots of wind. might be Holland over there,” she said cautiously. A As we neared harbor, a lookout was sent to the wave of relief began to wash over us. Much better bow with a flashlight. We finally sailed past the other than the spray we’d been taking for the past hour or so harbor light, the first hurdle; then the inner, then down as the wind freshened. We had long since struck the channel to the buoy at the end, where the wind finally genoa, motor sailing with full main. The mood on board died in the lee of the trees on the north shore. We had become somewhat somber. “Check again, please,” dropped the reefed main into its pocket, put the engine I requested. She did so. “Yep. Ten seconds flashing red, into detent forward and cautiously motored around the alternating ten seconds flashing white. That’s definitely anchorage looking for a slip. Holland.” “Okay, let’s go for Holland,” I replied, and Emily reported several boats at anchor (they were we bore away on a beam reach, the engine at idle, the actually on mooring cans), but all slips seemed to be full. vessel dark. Please, anything – a wall, a t-dock, at worst a raft off, in preparation for sailing into an unfamiliar harbor but let’s get tied up before we run out of fuel. “There’s (I hadn’t been into Macatawa in over twenty years, and one!” she shouted, pointing to a large empty slip with never in the dark), we got the anchor up on deck, made its dock to our starboard side. We quickly set mooring it ready at the bow. We fixed a flashlight to the stern at lines and fenders, drifted in at idle with the wind at our the backstay chain plate. Next, we prepared to reef the backs. Slowly, slowly, slowly, made fast. We were safe mainsail, leaving the bunt untied, as a pocket to dump and sound and, when we stepped on dock, a group the rest of the sail into when the time came. “Check the hug, huge sighs of relief replaced hour of tension and fuel level, please,” I requested. The report came back, uncertainty. “It’s on empty.” How could this be? We would need to
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we made ready for an early departure, cleared harbor at 0900 on Wednesday and headed up the coast. Even with clear skies, unlimited visibility and only a few miles of water between ourselves and the shore, there was no question about regular logging and charting. The lesson had been well-learned, the story would be told and re-told, passed along to new long cruisers. A beautiful week ensued, camping, cooking One problem remained, though, as the crew went and eating at the yurt, looking for a head on shore. The kill switch was an swimming and relaxing at Muskegon Yacht Club, our electrical connection, and we had no electricity; the hosts for dockage. Only five of us were available for engine would not shut down. Commodore Harrington, the return trip, due to the requirements of school with whom we’d been in contact since we came into cell registration. Our self-appointed navigator set his alarm phone range, suggested trying to smother the air intake; for hourly position observations, logging and transfer as a last resort we could shut off the fuel supply, but that to the paper chart. Watches rotated regularly, would lead to problems restarting. hand-steering on a fine beam reach for most of the we tried using a rag on the air filter, but could 18-hour trip. not get it all the way around. Finally, it dawned on us… when the winds went light on our approach to shore power! We connected, plugged in, turned on the Chicago, we motored the rest of the way, auto-helm switch, BINGO – the lights came on, the fuel gauge set for the main lighthouse, leaving the Harrison-Dever showed its true level (for it too was part of the electrical Crib to starboard. The rest of the crew were below, system and had not been registering), and we were able sleeping. We didn’t have the heart to wake them. But, to kill the engine. they missed a gorgeous, huge, orange, three-quarter After a well-deserved sleep, morning brought a moon setting over a fully lit city on a crystal clear late visit to Eldean Marine. Their electrician, Thom, quickly summer night. diagnosed the trouble, which we had first thought was These are the pleasures of passage making. a failed alternator. Instead, the Balmar voltage regulator These young people are learning lessons that will had all five of its contacts heavily corroded, and a burnt prepare them for a lifetime, on and off the water. Our wire to the alternator. In forty-five minutes, he had it mission is to bring them home safe, train them well, removed, cleaned, new contact paddles attached and and let them discover the joys of sailing; we take it very reinstalled. Everything tested fine. Now, with the wind seriously and it is hugely rewarding. Thanks to all of still on the nose up to Muskegon, and land support crew our adult leaders, shore crew, marina and yacht club on the way, we decided to ‘camp’ at Eldean Marina operators and staff. They are the wind in our sails. overnight. Showers, swimming, hot tubs, a fine dinner of fajitas, then more fun and games renewed our spirits, as did a full night’s sleep.
4 Camping cookout in Muskegon 5 The Yurt, our cabin for the week 5 Long-cruisers enjoy dinner at the campgrounds
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 19 IN THIS ISSUE Leukemia Cup Scores Another Great Day On—and Off—the Water
Chicago area yachtsmen raised $365,587 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma 5 Society in this year’s Leukemia Cup Regatta, topping the $2 million mark in total funds raised since 2007. Conditions on the race course this year were among the finest in Regatta history, with fair winds, plenty of sun and lots of healthy competition 4 on three circles. “We’ve made an effort to provide a race that is challenging for experienced racers and accessible for cruisers supporting the cause,” said Race Chair Tom Barnes. “Our committee did a super job of running the day, and we had 65 boats compete.” At the conclusion of the race, it was back to the dock for the post-race party and awards ceremony. Regatta sponsors Goose Island 312 beer and Gosling’s rum kept the crowd hydrated as results were tallied. At 6 the end of the day, top finishers received their brag flags and the Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society received 3 the best prize of all: a hefty contribution to the fight against blood cancers from our sailing community.
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2 2013 LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA FIRST PLACE FINISHERS JIB AND MAIN CRUISING SPINNAKER DIVISION JAM 1 – Scout William Bishop JAM 2 – Kutty’s Ark Joe McGinnis & George Morrissey JAM 3 – Allegro Carey Elmore CATALINA FLEET – Lite House Matt Mattern CRUISING SPINNAKER – Perico Ryan Johnson CLASSIC YACHTS – Mystic John Leach
RACING FOR A CURE 7 1 YOU’RE NEVER SPINNAKER RACING DIVISION TOO YOUNG TO START RACING 2 JOE TARTAN TEN – Winnebago Molly McMahon McGINNIS 3 LOCAL PHRF 1 – Imedi Alan Yates FAVORITE PROVIDED PHRF 2 – Full Tilt Pete & Pam Priede LIVE MUSIC 4 TOM PHRF 3 – Soulshine Jarrett Altmin BARNES & LARRY KWIAT 5 “HI Y’ALL!” 6 NO REVERSE OUT ON THE RACE COURSE 7 TEAM MYSTIC PLACED 1ST IN THE CLASSIC DIVISION PHOTOS BY BILL HANYZEWSKI
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8 MISE EN PLACE & OFF DUTY AT THE MARK 9 THE PIG ROAST WAS GREAT! 10 SAMBA 11 MATT MATTERN & CHRISTINE SCHNEIDER 12 BEV VANDYKE & PAM PRIEDE 13 FLYING THE CLUB COLORS 14 THE BIG PAYOFF 15 FINE LINE 13 14
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10 2013 LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS
1st Jahazi Frank & Lori Giampoli $38,100 2nd Allegro Matt & Tracy Howard $36,992 3rd Samba Travis Wilhite & Honore Woodside $27,500 4th Liberty Pam Gaffigan $19,200 5th Perico Ryan Johnson $15,700
SO, HOW DID WE END UP? The $365,587 raised by Chicago area yachtsmen is a stellar effort and enough for us to retain second place in national Leukemia Cup fundraising. Third-place Savannah, 11 Georgia, raised $354,987. San Francisco remains the top national fundraising city, this year turning in $826,500. Consider helping Chicago keep our winning record next year by trying your hand at a little fundraising. It’s easy, fast and rewarding. Watch for information on how you can help fight blood cancers in 2014, coming out after the first of the year.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 21 IN THIS ISSUE Finns to the Left, By Olof Andersson Finns to the Right
Columbia Members race to see my brother for a day, while Dorothy and Susan the WASC in Finland headed to Helsinki, and Ned began his trip from San Diego. In September of 2012, Columbia hosted the World Thursday, all nine teams met up at hotel Scandic Airline Sailing Championship (WASC) with 10 teams. in Järvenpää, Finland, our final destination. The United/ Almost 100 airline sailors from all over the globe joined Columbia girls having arrived a day earlier, had a full day us for sailing (and a few parties). To return the favor, of practice and couldn’t wait to tell us all about the boats those of us who helped prepare and run the Chicago and all the wonderful people running the event. That regatta were invited by Susan Tonon to join the United night there was a hosted dinner for all and a skipper’s Airlines team as supporters or racers for this year’s meeting with the RC from Tuusulanjärvi Yacht Club. regatta in Finland. Many were interested, but only There were nine races scheduled with a maximum of six Dorothy Liphardt and I took the bait. on the first day. The plan was to run regular windward/ As the year progressed, it became evident both leeward courses with an offset mark at the weather end. of us were going to be racers, not just spectators. End Each boat would have a skipper and two crew. of August saw our bags packed, on our way to race Finnish Language Lightnings in Järvenpää, Finland. Susan, Dorothy, Ned Early on, the KLM team has deciphered the Knight and I comprised the United Team. This was really Finnish language. Finnish is actually Dutch spoken a Columbia team, as only Ned was not a Columbia backwards with your tongue stapled to your upper lip, member. BTW (as they say), this is the same Ned who but fortunately all Finns speaks very good was in my story on the extraordinary California boat 3 English and many also Swedish, so any delivery (featured in the Summer 2013 Binnacle). cultural barriers are quickly broken. Ned and I Flying as a United team member has its privileges. We were treated to first and business class trips across the Atlantic to Amsterdam, our first stop. 1 Those new lay-flat seats are really sweet, not to mention the service that goes with. No steerage for us. reasonably well rested, we met up with Victor van Dorn (KLM) who was our local host while in The Netherlands. Victor has lived all his life in Utrecht. He was the perfect guide, having an abundance of local knowledge. Everything in Utrecht moves by bicycle. Cars are just ancillary nuisance. We spent the day 2 wandering around, along with thousands of college freshmen on their university orientation-week partying quest. After the right amount of sightseeing and beer stops, we retreated to Victor’s house for dinner and sampling of the tax-free spirits we brought. Around midnight we final succumbed to the jet lag, instantaneously falling asleep when finally in horizontal position. next day the team broke up (but not forever). I detoured to Stockholm
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had booked a suite, destined to become party central for Racing and Party the entire event, but that first night it was quiet except The two-mile long by half-mile wide Tuusula Lake for me and Ned running a chainsaw competition. Friday greeted us with an absolutely smooth and mirror-like morning, the bus picked us up for the two-mile ride to surface. No wind. Absolutely, positively not even a Tuusula Lake and the waiting Lightnings. whisper, just unlimited sunshine. However, Erik Hartman, the local PRO, showed no Lightning sign of despair and promised us good winds around 1-2 The Lightning is a sloop rigged sailing dinghy in the afternoon. Three hours to kill for any sailor means designed by Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens in drink beer, find couch and nap. As prophesied, the AP 1938. There is room in the cockpit for four to daysail, pennant was lowered 1:30 for a first start at 2PM. but a crew of three is employed when racing. The The RC rattled off six races in less than three Lightning's rig is simple, but offers sophisticated sail hours. The United/Columbia team was not so hot, shape controls. The hull features a hard chine design managing second from last as our best finish. But who that combines the stability that provides sail-carrying really cares, the whole experience was just extremely power, with flat bottom sections that promote planing. enjoyable for all of us. Dinner, party in our suite until The Lightning's hard chine and 130-lb centerboard give 3AM, up at 7AM, rinse, repeat. Even the weather. her the stability and power of a small keel boat going The second day, we manage to grab 6th place to weather in strong winds and allow for breathtaking finish in our very last race, then back to the hotel for offwind rides. a quick shower before the awards party, followed by a party in our suite until 3AM. Up at 7AM again, but this time to say goodbye to all our new friends and fly back to Amsterdam. Amsterdam This time we had a day layover. And while the team girls went to the Van Gogh museum, the boys did their own cultural excursion into the nethers of Amsterdam, Coffee Shops and the Red Light district. The flight back home was uneventful, with Dorothy and Susan in 1st Class while I was languishing in Business Class. next year Quantas is the host and we go to Sydney Australia in October to race in new Elliot 7m boats.
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1 Looks like a triathlon station, but it’s just bike parking in Finland 2 Our hotel, a.k.a. “party central” 3 Not a breath of wind in the mornings, true 4 Relaxing at the yacht club after the races
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 23 IN THIS ISSUE A Tale of True North, Up North By JOHN Thomas
The weekend of August 9-11, the The rest of the crew, Lynn and North sailed around for a few hours only Chicago J27, Dan Arntzen’s Ben Artzen and Meghan Kennedy, in a 5-8 knot breeze, harassing our True North, was in Oakville, Ont., showed up later that beer can night, competition to see if our boat speed Canada for three days of racing at and we all had a great crew dinner was close to theirs. the J27 North Americans. Sixteen at a Greek restaurant in downtown The first day of racing ended boats from the US and Canada Oakville. It seems I entertained with us getting tangled up with every sailed nine races under ideal everyone by communicating with the Bozo in the fleet. We had three (T-shirts and shorts) conditions. The servers in a combination of Greek, poor starts before we figured out Oakville Sailing Squadron was our Spanish and French. This skill who they were and learned to avoid host and threw a great show: free suddenly sprang from some part of them. Payback came later in the docking, free launch and retrieval my subconscious, translating food weekend, when we sat on each one and free trailer storage. All this and words into a new language that of the clowns till they stayed away. could be had for the grand fee of served their purpose. The Klingon proverb, “revenge is $75 dollars. Speaking of food, the food best served cold,” comes to mind. True North arrived on Tuesday at the Sailing Squadron Club was Day Two was our redemption, (thanks to Tim Rathbun’s powerful great. There were three delicious as we had a couple of thirds. tow vehicle) and was launched and dinners after the racing days. An Payback was sweet on our rigged in time for the Wednesday honorable mention goes to their rib antagonists, Monkey Business and night Beer Can. Dan and I were the night, dubbed, “Flintstone Food,” by Warped Perception. only crew there, so we borrowed a Megan, as the primary ingredient on the third day we were in bow man named Tre’ from Curved was MEAT, and it hung over the a groove and just kept cranking out Air and finished 3rd after a six-leg, plate. We ate it all and then some. third-place finishes, along with one windward-leeward course. It was Thursday was our practice day. It fifth. We sailed all the way back into the first time we had sailed against was the first time theTrue North the harbor, playing the crew’s (not another J27, let alone seven of usual suspects, Dan, Lynn and Ben Dan’s) favorite sailing song, “I’m them, and we were having a ball Artzen, plus me, were joined by on a Boat with my flippy floppies.” battling it out in the One Design Meghan Kennedy, but she gelled Megan (again with the dubbing) mode. in nicely with the regular crew. True declared it the “True North Anthem.” There is a video to prove this, but it 1 is unlikely you will ever see it without some sort of bribe. We sailed the boat, flying the chute, into the harbor, none of us realizing it was the last time we would sail True North. The Anthem turned into a swan song as True North has been sold and is in Seattle, WA, for her next adventure. Sailing with Dan, Lynn, Ben, Megan and the rest of the many people who passed through our lives has been a highlight in my sailing experience. Dan always had the boat ready with the best
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equipment; Lynn was always 5 there to sail hard and deliver those great sandwiches; Ben and Matt, graduates of the Columbia sailing program, have grown to fine young men and great sailors and humans. We are all on to our next adventure, but this one will be the one we compare all the rest to. I will sail again with them, but it just won’t quite be the same.
1 Lynn, JT and Dan ready for the first day of racing 2 JT flies the chute 3 The crew ABOARD True North 4 Showing the clowns who’s boss 5 One last spinnaker run into the harbor
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 25 IN THIS ISSUE Open House Chicago
1 Columbia Yacht Club participated in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago (October 19-20) for the first time this year. This free event, just three years old, invites Chicagoans to go behind-the-scenes in buildings and other architectural landmarks across the entire city, many of which, like Columbia, are generally not open to the general public. A lot of excitement was built around the Abegweit being the only floating site on the tour. volunteers from both the Club and the Chicago Architecture Foundation manned the ship to greet visitors and share the great history of our Club, and our ships. The visitors were greeted on the rail deck with information 4 about Columbia’s history, the story of the Abegweit, the movie of Jules 2 Traut’s Engine Room tour and membership information. Guests were next invited to explore the member areas on the second and third levels of the Club Ship. in the lower salon, there was a temporary exhibit of the photos from the dining room. Columbia volunteers greeted the guests in this “gallery,” using it as a departure point for other 3 areas of the Ship. it was truly gratifying to hear how interested and involved the tour guests were. As they explored, they found another Columbia member around every corner, eager to answer questions and share their enthusiasm for all things Columbia Yacht Club. Throughout the day, Chicagoans who had never been aboard (or even knew we were not a part of Navy Pier!), took the time to navigate around our entire Club Ship, soaking in the sites and the history that we get to experience every day. over the course of the weekend, more than 1,600 new faces were introduced to Columbia Yacht Club. Their comments were overwhelmingly positive: they were impressed by the historic beauty of our Club Ship, and
1 Beth Urech demonstrates the the work that our members and staff have done to maintain the vessel. equipment in the radio room 2 Sarah Perhaps most rewarding, however, was the consistent compliment we Corley and Jack Jensen discuss Club received on how friendly and enthusiastic our members are. The positive history with guests as they walk through the Board Room reaction, from both the Architecture Foundation and those who came 3 Mark Gillingham greets Open House aboard, was both mind-boggling and humbling. Thanks to everyone who Chicago guests in the Club library volunteered their time, showing (once again) our true Columbia spirit. 4 Paul waits to assist people on their tour of the Bridge
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By Nick Philp GENERAL MANAGER [email protected] From our General Manager
The autumn breezes are blowing and boats have STAFF CONTACT fled to dry dock. It is fall at Columbia, and we INFORMATION are making the most of it. We in the Midwest are ANY COLUMBIA STAFF lucky: as we wrap up our favorite fun-in-the-sun MEMBER CAN BE REACHED activities, the fall harvest begins and the crisp BY CALLING THE CLUB AT air invites us to slow down a tad. This change of 312-938-3625 season will not dampen our fun. In fact, we have (312-WET-DOCK) an exciting off-season ahead. OR VIA EMAIL AT THE ADDRESSES BELOW: In November, Columbia Committees wrap up 2013 and start looking to the next year. This NICK PHILP means many celebrations at the Club. One of GENERAL MANAGER the biggest is the Annual Boater’s Bash on [email protected] NICK PHILP November 9. Food, fun, drinks, live music and TIM MULLEN awards filled the evening, capped off by our ASST. GENERAL MANAGER Sailing Fleet Chair, Larry Kwiat, being named Yachtsman of the Year. [email protected] Trivia Night and the Artists for Harmony Fall Wine and Art Auction promise ALBERTO GARCIA great fun for all. And to wrap up the month, we’ll bask in the glow of our turkey CHEF DE CUISINE hangovers and gather decorate the Abby. [email protected] December is a magical, and busy, month for everyone. If holiday hectic RYAN CONLIN times mean you are just too swamped to cook or entertain, why not let the Club FOOD & BEVERAGE take care of you? It is a beautiful and unique place for all of your guests to enjoy MANAGER [email protected] the season. The Club will be abuzz with holiday cheers, yummy comfort foods and KURT THOMSEN celebrations. Jingle Bell Rock features a great band, festive drinks and incredible SAILING MASTER food, along with a Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long. Grab your best reindeer [email protected] sweater and join us for some holiday hoopla. MORGAN KINNEY A long-running family favorite is the Children’s Holiday party. Rumor has it, MEMBERSHIP & Santa is set to make a visit once again. Lastly, Columbia’s New Year’s Eve party MARKETING MANAGER [email protected] is one of the best. A four-course dinner or bar apps are available that night, wine with dinner, live music and fireworks. CLAY VANCE oh, January, you cold, windy curmudgeon of a month. What will we do HOUSE MANAGER [email protected] with you? Columbia has plenty of ideas. The House Committee and company toil away on projects for three weekends in order to reopen by Strictly Sail. There BRYAN RAYMAKER is always room for more skilled or not-so-skilled hands! Another group of key DOCK MASTER [email protected] volunteers is the team for the two boat shows. The Membership Committee VHF Ch. 68 always recruits a crew of members who love to spread the good word of Columbia Yacht Club. This is a great chance to mingle with the boating world in JANET MARTINEZ OFFICE MANAGER Chicago as everyone’s minds turn back to summer. [email protected] There are simply too many incredible events, meetings and activities to fit in one article. We encourage you all to check the calendar, email the staff, talk to fellow members and look around the club for “off season” fun. The schedule of events grows daily and we hope to have just what you are looking for from your Club. If you have inquires or ideas, simply email us: [email protected]
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 27
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1450 east golf road • schaumburg 847-598-3974 e-mail [email protected] for weekly specials women’s, men’s & kids’ fashions, handbags, shoes, fashion accessories, fine jewelry & more T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE ABBY Fellow Associate
By Bruce Chappelear Members– Associate Representative [email protected] Get Involved
Thanks to all of our Associate Members for your help in making 2013 a successful year at Columbia Yacht Club. By joining Committees, helping with projects, attending or The easy way to sail in Chicago hosting social events or by just using our great Bar and Grill facilities you have all contributed. Early in the year we surveyed all Associate Members Strictly Sail Booth 357 and asked for suggestions on how we can make your membership more worthwhile. The most-mentioned ideas www.olsonsclassicyachts.com centered around meeting other members, getting involved in “on the water” activities and providing organized business networking opportunities. Thanks to the Associate Members who volunteered to help in meeting these goals: Lisa DeSantis and Hunter Ratliff helped introduce Associates to Boating and Racing events and Paul Uhl helped involve us in Cruising Fleet activities. Bill Grant made sure we were aware of Power Fleet events and Lynne Crowley helped with the Leukemia Cup Regatta and Red Sky Night. Tom Besore and I organized two successful business networking sessions and Nick Brait will be working with House Chair Dave Sturdy to get Associates involved in winter House Committee projects. Our Membership Committee does a great job of hosting events for new members, as well. Thanks to the Chairs of Race, Boats, Bar and Grill, Activities, Binnacle (Publicity), Columbia Culinary Cup, Membership and Finance for inviting Associates to attend “Spotlight” Committee Meetings each month. We have sent Monthly Updates to all Associates and used the weekly updates, the Associates Message Board on the Rail Deck, the Binnacle and select e-mail blasts to highlight activities that may be of interest to all of us. Columbia is very active in the winter months with fun planned activities like Decorating the Abby, Jingle Bell Rock, and New Year’s Eve. In January, when the Club is closed, members—including Associates—volunteer to help with critical maintenance projects. As always, check the weekly and monthly updates for more information. please send any suggestions or comments on how we can do better to [email protected] and we will try to improve in years to come. Our theme this year was “Get Involved” and, hopefully, you’ve enjoyed the Columbia experience in 2013. Making the sailing lifestyle a My thanks again to our general membership for the breeze since 2001 opportunity to serve as the Associate Representative on the Board of Directors. www.olsonsclassicyachts.com VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE ON THE ABBY Tricks and Treats for All
While the sailing season may be behind us, the party season is just beginning! With the change of seasons came two very popular parties: the 2nd Annual Lobster Boil and the Kids’ Halloween Party. on October 5, Alberto and his galley crew steamed 250 fresh lobsters for the sell-out crowd attending Lobster Boil. Following true Northeastern tradition, the menu included boiled red-skin potatoes, clam chowder, smoked kielbasa (yes, kielbasa), corn-on-the-cob and blueberry crumble. Adding to the festivities in the tent was live music by Hat Trick. Three weeks later, our junior ghosts and goblins took over the Rail Deck for the Kids’ Halloween Party. Games galore, including Bobbing for Apples, Ring Toss, and Clothespin Drop, plus a Fortune Teller, Treasure Chest, a craft table and, most popular of all, Mummy Wrapping, kept our little Trick or Treaters entertained. Plenty of candy, trinkets and a Pirate Pinata made the afternoon complete. A big thank-you to our adult volunteers, too numerous to mention, for making this annual event fun and festive for all in attnendance. Seemingly overnight, the holiday party season is upon us. With Thanksgiving being so late this year, the short time between Turkey Day and New Year’s Day is packed with activities. The season kicks off with Decorating the Abby on November 30. For those new to the tradition, every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, members come together to string lights, trim trees and hang wreaths and garland throughout the Club Ship in preparation for The first full weekend of December is the holiday season. Come join us—it’s a great way jam-packed with holiday activity. to get into the holiday spirit! Jingle Bell Rock, our adult holiday party, takes place on Saturday night, December 7. Great food, good friends, a festive atmosphere, live music and a holiday sing-along make this a great party. Even Santa is along for the ride! 30 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE ABBY
BY TRACY HOWARD ACTIVITIES CO-CHAIR [email protected]
The very next day, on Sunday, December 8, is the Children’s Holiday Party. A long-time Columbia tradition, this event features crafts for the kids, building ginger bread houses, and best of all, a chance to sit on Santa’s knee. The buffet brunch is sumptuous and served in two seatings. Reservations are required for children and adults, and this event sells out every year. Please be sure to make your reservations early! The following weekend, on December 15, is the Employee Holiday Party. This is our opportunity to “turn the tables” and host a party for our amazing employees and their families. It’s a great way to say “thank you” to our staff, and volunteers are needed. If you’d like to help, please contact the office. new Year’s Eve caps off the year’s Activities schedule. The full evening’s events begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 7:00 p.m. and goes until well after midnight. Reservations are required, so please call the office to reserve your spot. A bar-only package, featuring hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a toast at midnight, is available for those wanting to skip our formal dinner but watch the fireworks, beginning at 10:30 p.m. My co-chair, Pam Gaffigan, andI are retiring as leaders of the Activities Committee at the end of this year. We hope you’ve had some fun during our tenure and encourage you to get involved in planning for 2014 and beyond. If you’re interested, please email [email protected].
PHOTOS BY MARY ELLEN JOHNSTON & MARK CHEREK
VOLUMEVOLUME 1313 ISSUEISSUE 33 T H E B INNACLE 31 IN THIS ISSUE Party with a Purpose Nets Big Bucks for LLS
More than 240 people were in attendance at what has become the “don’t miss” event of the sailing season–Red Sky Night. Proudly hosted again this year by Columbia, this evening of fun and philanthropy is a fundraising benefit held in conjunction with the Leukemia Cup Regatta, and raised $56,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Silent Auction offered a wide variety of items for bid, including vacation packages in Michigan, California’s Wine Country, Arizona, south Florida and more; an Autobahn-inspired driving experience; and custom clothing for both men and women. There was something for everyone, and bidding wars were heated. The Live Auction featured a deluxe Bulls basketball package, a “Botox and Beauty” party for six, and the wildly popular In-Home Wine Dinner offered by our own GM and Sommelier Nick Philp and former Executive Chef Breanna Beike. Food and drink–much of it donated by sponsors like Errazuriz Wine Cellars, Fortune Fish Company, Goose Island Beer, Gosling’s Rum and Heritage Wine Celllars–were plentiful, with stations located throughout the Club Ship. And, after a short program, the crowd was on their feet, competing for the “Heads or Tails” jackpot and dancing to the rockin’ North Coast Sextet. red Sky Night gets better each year, so if you missed it this year, be sure mark the date for 2014: Friday, August 22.
PHOTOS BY SHANNON CHRISTIAN & BILL HANYZEWSKI 32 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 23 IN THIS ISSUE
KUDOS TO YOU! Red Sky Night would not be possible without the following amazing contributors: • LCR Auction Team • Nick Philp and ColYC’s talented and hard-working staff • Members and guests of Columbia Yacht Club for so generously supporting this event
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 33 ON THE ABBY SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 6:30 PM COCKTAILS CAROLING Santa says DINNER DANCING “Don’t miss the PLUS A VISIT FROM Jingle SANTA Bell Rockon December Party 7th!” ROCKIN’ MUSIC BY THE MIKE WALTERS 5 HOLIDAY SING ALONG DINNER BUFFET JUST $25++ truffle butter half roasted chicken • beef tenderloin stuffed with boursin and spinach horseradish whipped potatoes • Vermont maple & sweet potato casserole cauliflower gratin • roasted green beans almondine • chef’s dessert specialties RAW BAR $16 New! seasonal fresh oyster selections, shrimp cocktail ADULT HOT CHOCOLATE BAR $4 each 26 whimsical spirits and chocolate delights to get you warm and fuzzy
T H E B I N N A CRESERVATIONS L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 REQUESTED call the office or RSVP online at colyc.org ON THE ABBY
BY SARAH TROMANS BAR & GRILL CHAIR [email protected] Salmon and Specials and Beer, Oh My!
With boats in their winter homes in the bar, the ever-changing A big thank you to Nick, Ryan, and the harbor empty, there is still beer menu now includes Harvest Alberto and the team for the great plenty of good food and drink to Ale, Pumpkin Ale and, in work they do at keeping our energy enjoy at Columbia to help us forget December, Goose Island Bourbon up over the busy summer months! the weather outside and pretend it is County Stout. We are featuring They do a fantastic job, juggling still boating season! coffee and hot chocolate in high-end events, a packed bar, busy The menu has undergone some November and December. deck and dining room and late night tweaks to incorporate more winter food for hungry racers. A particular dishes, making the most of available WINE DINNERS thank you for all their efforts for the seasonal produce. Some of the new There are six Wine Dinners held special events over the summer, fall and winter dishes included are each year, aiming to spotlight including October Lobster Boil, for Scottish salmon fillet, pan seared different wine regions. Wine and which they managed to freshly cook with tomato and fennel over risotto. spirit tastings are also planned more than 250 lobsters, 36 at a time This is the healthiest farmed salmon for the coming months so watch in our very small kitchen! Thanks on the market, raised in a perfect out on the website, monthly billing also to our Committee Members for and healthy environment for their statement or the Weekly Update for their time, effort and input. growth. The fish are never harvested details. under stress, which you can taste in TRIVIA NIGHT DINING OPTIONS — WINTER HOURS their superior flavor. For those who The craziest night in the prefer meat, there is lamb shank, bar is now back on its DINING ROOM BRUNCH/LUNCH slow braised with Alberto’s secret winter schedule, the second Tuesday - Friday 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. recipe, red cabbage and classic Wednesday of each month. Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. polenta. For some Argentine flair, try Get the racing crew together DINING ROOM DINNER the skirt steak, marinated in cilantro for a different kind of Wednesday - Sunday 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and served with chimichurri, potato competitive challenge! and shallot empanada. Football, hockey and BAR BRUNCH/LUNCH For those looking for some- basketball will be shown in Tuesday - Friday 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. thing lighter, a delicious fall the bar all through the winter Saturday - Sunday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. salad: seasonal mix of marinated so come down and watch BAR DINNER and roasted butternut squash, the game on the ship! Tuesday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. pomegranate seeds, chevre, Specials are regularly Friday - Saturday 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. pecans and arugula with lemon herb posted on Facebook and Friday - Saturday 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. dressing. tweeted, so “like” or follow Some changes made over the the Club to keep up to date BAR SPECIALS summer that will be staying are the with the latest prix fixe menu smoked salmon, chicken pot pie and offering or drink specials. TUESDAY $2.OO off mixed drinks and the new salads. Many will be happy We pride ourselves on our wines by the glass to learn the very popular chard & flexibility so please make THURSDAY Half-price beer and sangria Brussels sprout salad stays on the sure the Chef and Wait Staff $5 burger night, including Burger menu. If you haven’t already this, are aware of any food of the Month give it a go; don’t let the ingredients allergies, dietary restrictions or WEEKENDS $3.00 Mimosas put you off as it is nothing like those special requests. Also, re- $5.00 Bloody Marys soggy sprouts of childhood. member that this is your Club: if there is anything you don’t see on the menu, please ask.
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 35 ON THE ABBY
BY DAVE STURDY HOUSE CHAIR Who’s Ready to Varnish? [email protected]
Throughout the summer our dedicated staff worked to skills or just want to to maintain our Club Ship. Teaming up with house contribute to keeping committee members, dock lines were replaced, the the old girl looking great, exterior spaces were repainted, exterior railings were we can find ways for refinished, and infrastructure facilities were replaced. you to meaningfully Meanwhile, the House Committee is examining contribute on the House what must be done in the years to come. While the Committee. list of projects is created, priorities are assigned, when you come and estimated costs determined. Finally, the January to the Club to work— projects are finalized. The projects were reviewed at remember, it’s boat work. the November 20 House Committee meeting. Any Wear old clothes and member interested in House committee can still be bring any hand or small a part of our upcoming winter fun, so don’t despair if power tools you can you missed the meeting. contribute to the cause For old and new members, here is what to (for the day—you can expect in January. take ‘em back home work will start on Saturday, January 4 at 9 a.m. with you). New this January, volunteers are encouraged and end about 4 p.m. on January 19. Most work is to notify the House Chair via an email to house@colyc. completed on Saturdays and Sundays. As usual, a org if you plan on coming in. This is to ensure smooth delicious lunch is provided. For those who are available project assignment and (perhaps more importantly) that we during the week, times and days are flexible, and we have ample food on hand. Spur of the moment help is, of welcome your help course, welcome. All members are welcome to be a part of the watch the Weekly Updates and special notices as House Committee. Whether you have special how- January approaches for more details.
2014 Officers and Board Slate
The nominating committee met with interested 2014 PROPOSED SLATE OF CANDIDATES candidates and members over the course of several FOR OFFICER AND BOARD POSITIONS weeks, listening to their concerns and ideas for making Columbia a better club for all of us. After FLAG OFFICERS meeting with everyone who expressed an interest, Commodore Joe McGinnis Kutty’s Ark the committee proposed a slate of officers, which Vice Commodore Craig Horton Ti Tae was presented at the October general membership Rear Commodore Scott Johnson Au Revoir meeting. These proposed Flag Officers and Board Treasurer ryan Johnson Perico Secretary ken Haas Denial members will be voted on at the next general membership meeting on Wednesday, December 5, BOARD MEMBERS at 7:30 p.m. All members are invited, so mark your Two-year Term Stuart Friedman Off Duty calendars now. Plan on attending so you can cast Two-year Term Bob Horenkamp No Reverse your vote for your Flag and Board representatives Two-year Term Lee Reighart My Doctor in 2014. Two-year Term ron Voisard Bequia One-year Term Debbie McCaskey Essence
ASSOCIATE REPRESENTATIVE One-year Term Jeff Vander Meade 36 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 Tuesday, December 31 Menu 7:00 p.m. Cocktails Passed Hors d’oeuvres Appetizers & Dinner Amuse Seafood Empanada Live Music by the Crocs
soup Champagne Toast Cremini Soup Grilled Shitake, Duck Confit, at Midnight Crackling Crouton and, of course, salad Grilled Romaine Table Side Caesar Brioche Croutons, Shaved Parmiggiano Regiano
entree Lobster Tail ++ Tarragon Lemon Beurre Blanc $110 per person Filet Mignon before 12/5 Red Wine Mushroom Reduction $125++ thereafter Asparagus Coins Pancetta Studded Buttermilk Mash reservations required call the office or register online at columbiayachtclub.org dessert no-show policy in effect Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème Dried Berries New Year’s Eve Bar Package after 10:30 p.m. Dinner wines, coffee & tea Plentiful hot & cold appetizers, bubbly toast at midnight $30++ per person
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 25 ON THE ABBY
Abby’s Allure Keeps Bringing ’Em In . . .
Andrea Arey and Tim Perlick split Sharon and Bruno Behrend moor Jayne and Donald Bush currently their time between homes in Tempe, their 22’ Catalina, Knot Knew, in live in Elgin. Mike has raced on Newport Beach and Chicago. They Monroe Harbor. They are interested in several boats, most recently on his are very committed to philanthropic becoming more involved in the sailing father’s boat, Joint Venture, on which endeavors and appreciate Columbia’s community through the many activities they recently completed a two-handed strong commitment to the Leukemia at Columbia. Bruno loves working with Mac Race. Jayne is a non-sailor and Lymphoma Society. They love his hands and is excited to use his who looks forward to developing her the Club activities and look forward to talents for the upkeep of Abegweit. boating skills through new friends at spending time sailing. House committee, consider yourself Columbia. alerted! Lisa Armstrong, another United Alyssa Carswell grew up sailing in employee and Skipjacks graduate, Jay Beno (Jerry) is a self-avowed Northeastern Ohio. She met another loves spending time at the Club. Upon “freighter and big ship junkie.” His new member, Mary Egan, at their jobs joining she immediately felt at home day job as a condo property manager flying for United Airlines when she with our friendly, outgoing members. equips him to contribute to Columbia noticed Mary practicing her bowline Lisa appreciates Club members who in the areas of finance and house knots in the galley. A new Skipjack, have taken her sailing so she could committee. Jerry has enjoyed power Alyssa looks forward to getting on the spend time on the water. It’s the boating and is interested in learning water. Corinthian spirit! to sail. Erik Carrier was first introduced Omar Baig is excited about joining Jacquie Berger and Marc to Columbia while spending time Columbia to bring him down to LaGuardia plan to take advantage on Wired with Brian Angioletti and the ground - literally! As a pilot for of Columbia’s family friendly activities Konstantin Selikhov. While he enjoys Southwest, Omar spends much of his with seven-year-old Owen. Marc crewing with them, with his own time jet-setting around the country. enjoyed Skipjacks this year and looks membership Erik can spend more He looks forward to flying over the forward to spending more time on the time on the Abby. city, looking down on Columbia and water. cruising over for a drink after his long Michael Cleary is excited to join trips. Katie and Michael Blanchard keep Columbia and motor over on his busy with their three girls: Abby, Belle 48-ft Chris Craft, Plan C moored in Belinda Bauer joins the ranks of and Harley. In his free time, Michael Belmont. He plans to participate in Skipjacks who enjoyed the program spends time on Bernard, his 36” the wine club and power fleet. And so much they join the Club to Catalina, in Monroe Harbor. He is living close to the club, Michael is continue the fun. Living in the city, interested in meeting fellow sailors looking forward to the many off- Belinda finds Columbia convenient for social activities and Lake Michigan season activities at Columbia as well! for spending time with friends old and crossings. new. Ann Crepin looks down on the Abby Steven Brooker enjoys his summers from her balcony and decided it was out on the lake as every power time to check us out. She loves boater does - cruising the lake on his Prince Edward Island and is thrilled boat, Mamunia, exploring the river that our Club Ship hails from there. and relaxing in the playpen. Steven Retired now, she plans to get involved is looking forward to meeting new and learn to sail next year. members, taking advantage of all the special events and stopping by for dinner and drinks after a long day out on the lake.
38 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE ABBY
Shannon Christian has been Suzanne Halaska raised three Skipjacks program to experience around Columbia for a while, having sons in Texas before returning to more of the cruising side of sailing. participated in Skipjacks and has her native Chicago three years ago. taken lessons through the sailing Suzanne plans to utilize her Columbia Chandra Klem-Haluczak and school. She already loves the Club! membership to enjoy the social Ron Haluczak have been Du Sable Shannon grew up in California and is aspects of the Club and learn to sail. boaters for the last five years, looking glad to finally be back on the water, at the Abby from Ron’s father’s boat, even if it’s only seasonally in Chicago. Paul Hermanson grew up in a 35 ft Carver they call High Life. Chicago and was a sailor from a very Power boaters, they love the water Mary Egan and Jim Guibault met young age. Paul sails with fellow and are anxious to join our parties, at work in the galley of a United flight. Columbia members, Ryan Johnson, not just watch the festivities from afar. They are pleased to join a growing Stu Friedman, Eric Schoefernacker Chandra has jumped right in, joining number of United employees at and Bart Korbel. With one cruising the Membership Committee. Columbia. Mary has been a Skipjack fleet Mac win under his belt, he’s on for two years and crewed on Beer his way to being an Island Goat! Elizabeth Kalmbach joins her Can races as well. brother at Columbia and is pleased Donna Hickey is a past boat owner to be able to entertain friends on her Colleen and Michael Everett are who wants to get back on the water. own, rather than just as her brother’s members of Sail Chicago who first She enjoys racing and, despite her guest. We love to see Columbia visited Columbia on a guest pass busy schedule, plans to squeeze in become a family affair! and quickly decided to join. Colleen as much fun at Columbia as possible. is interested in volunteering for Donna plans to get involved with Hunter and Susan Kingsley divide Columbia’s many activities. Membership. their time between Chicago and their primary home in Florida. Their 38 ft Shannon Gallagher visited Columbia Delia and Terry Hughes come to Hunter, Exquisite Female is moored with a couple friends who are new us from the land down under, so they down in Punta Gordo so they will be members. She quickly decided that talk with that wonderful Australian looking for “rides” while staying at the she’d like her own membership. accent. They have lived all over the city condo. Entertaining clients at the Shannon plans to dive right in to world and now call Chicago home for Club is on Hunter’s agenda. Columbia and wants to be involved the next three years. They enjoy good with event planning. Her talents in food, fine wine, and getting to know Bethleza and Josef Kory spend that department will be welcomed. new friends. Boating is not high on many weekends enjoying their their list but they are always up for an lakefront condo in Lakeshore East, Jorge Gonzalez Gale, a native of adventure. so Columbia provides a great “go Argentina, lives nearby in Lakeshore to” destination for them. Their East. He wants to meet boaters who Dawn and Jack Jensen bought a twelve-year-old son completed a will help him reach his goal of learning condo in Streeterville after raising a junior sailing program at Columbia more about Columbia and boating. family in the burbs. They feel that this spring, which sparked Bethleza Jorge, you’ve definitely come to the Columbia is the perfect “go to” club and Kory’s interest learning to sail. right place! for their new city life. Jack completed Sailing lessons are in the future next Columbia’s Skipjacks course this summer. Logel and Ed Gilmore are natives year; and they both look forward to of Chicago who currently live in increasing their sailing skills. Oak Park. The in-laws of Club member Boyd Jarrell, Ed and Logel Mary Ellen Johnson is a native of look forward to taking advantage of Chicago and current resident of the volunteer opportunities as an avenue city’s Edison Park neighborhood. for enjoying the social aspects of She looks forward to using what she the Club. learned during the Club’s Spring 2013
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 39 ON THE ABBY
Kelsey Kreiling was introduced Mary and Greg McCormack just fitting that she join the Club, since to Columbia by Claudia & Michael got married last year and are up for she’s looked at it the distance as Wisbrod. Her family recently took up new ventures. Both plan to take she raced by before. It’s time to slow sailing as a family hobby/sport – a Skipjacks next year since they’ve down and experience what Columbia great way to have quality family time! never been on a sailboat before. offers! They jumped in big time, with a time- Greg jumped right in with a spirit share boat this summer. Kelsey is an of volunteerism: a member of the Linda Olson caught the sailing bug avid traveler who loves adventure. Leukemia Cup Committee, securing while spending time on her sister’s She’ll fit right in at the Club. the Leukemia Cup banners that were boat on Lake Erie. She enjoyed displayed on the Abby. Thanks, Greg! Skipjacks so much, she has taken it Peter Leonard is another new for the last two years. She is excited member reeled in by friends who just Heidi and Brian McGuire keep busy to join in on the various Club activities joined this summer. It’s always great with their three children and his career and get out sailing more. to see groups of new people enjoying as an association executive. When time together on the Abby. Thanks, it comes time to relax, they were Joe Papania and Edgar Santa Jason Wirth, for the referral. looking for a change of pace. While Cruz both hail from New York many of his peers belong to golf originally, and currently live in the Martin Lidaka is a Skipjack who clubs, Brian wanted to do something South Loop. They enjoy the pleasures loves the water. Martin says he will different, and their search led them of the Lake and the Club’s dock on bring “pizzazz” to Columbia. Though to Columbia. They look forward to board Joe’s 36-foot power yacht, he sails on Irie and other Columbia entertaining both family and business California Dreaming, which he moors boats now, his future surely holds a associates on the Club ship. in Monroe Harbor. boat of his own. Power or sail is yet to be determined. Any guesses? Lauren Mitrick enjoys the best Joe Papoutsis is no stranger to of two worlds: she can visit our Columbia. Growing up running around Erica Lindner and Joe Fridlin neighboring yacht club with her the Abby while hanging out with his plan to be married at the Club next parents, who are members there, father, Tom, Joe finally has his own summer which is only fitting since and enjoy Columbia with her friends. membership. An active sailor, Joe they met at Columbia. She fell for a She enjoys our lively social scene and takes pride in sharing what he learned guy making the best of the evening at feels at home here. Lauren enjoys around Columbia through instructing a fund raiser, trying to dance while in spending time on her family’s boat. others. Posting up in the bar and a neck brace. Be sure to ask them for seeing his family’s boat pictured on details. Joe loves “everything nautical” Kathryn Myers and Bryan Lorence the menu, Joe feels right at home. about the Abby. have lived in the Chicago area for 13 years. Their 24-ft power boat Caitlin Patrick definitely belongs Debbie and Michael McCarthy Copperline is moored in Belmont. at Columbia! She grew up on the have just packed their youngest off Bryan has been enjoying events at water and could swim before she to college so they have time on their Columbia for years with friends. Now could walk. Travel and living abroad hands. Deb loves the water and has he can cruise down to the Club on are passions of hers, but her favorite decided it is time to learn to sail. They his own, entertaining customers and times have been spent on the water. are eager to get involved in the life of friends. She looks forward to continuing that the Club through the many activities passion at Columbia. and committees. Lauren Pollina has looked at Columbia while running along the David Root is no stranger to lakefront and swimming in the harbor Columbia. It’s always a pleasure during the Chicago Triathlon. It’s only to welcome a new member who participated in the junior sailing
40 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 ON THE ABBY
program, loves the sport of sailing, is the perfect place for him to hang Maegan and Karl Watson are and knows Columbia well – having out with racing friends and trade excited to join a Club where they can spent much time on the Abby with sailing stories. enjoy three favorites: the food, drink friends. David has crewed on many and water activities! They’ve been members’ boats (currently on Atra) Amy and David Stender were led to married for about two years and love and is excited to join the Columbia Columbia by their son, Jack, who has spending time on the lakefront. As family. been in Sailing Camp for four years. self-declared “foodies” they can’t They, along with their daughter Cody, wait to experience the ever-changing Michelle Sibery might be a familiar are loyal Blackhawks fans. Amy looks Columbia menus. face to some in the Club – her forward to joining Jack in the sailing parents are members. Michelle ranks. Carol and Davis Wescot own a enjoys spending time on mom and marina on the Fox River but plan to dad’s boat, Kali – in fact, during our Lori and Ron Van Dell live in Austin make time to come down and play by interview, she was getting ready to but spend time at the Chicago condo the “big lake” as well. Future plans make the crossing to South Haven in “their favorite city” as much as include a boat purchase and a slip with the Cruising Fleet. possible. Lori has sailed Sunfish but in Du Sable. Then spending time at says “it’s time to grow up.” They both Columbia will be most convenient for Mark Silich enjoys restoring things want to get comfortable on bigger them. and is quite a handy guy. He’ll boats and are considering private definitely be an asset to the House sailing lessons at Columbia. Lucie and Andy Winter come Committee. He has two daughters, to us via Sailor Al’s Captain class 8 and 11, and looks forward to Natalie Van Mater and Ted Stone and Skipjacks. They are looking enjoying family activities with them at are 2013 Skipjacks who didn’t want forward to using all of the wonderful Columbia. Mark decided it was time Columbia’s fun to end when the facilities here at Columbia. Both plan to do something different from his skipjacks classes were over. They had to jump right in, get involved and usual routine: Columbia gives him that such a great time that now Natalie join committees. We welcome their opportunity. and Ted are looking forward to buying participation. a boat. Wonder if anyone in the bar Nick Stama ran the Boat US support would be willing to give them advice boat for our Colors Regatta and is a or an opinion? fixture on the racing scene. Columbia
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 41 ON THE ABBY Flotsam & Jetsam
HOST YOUR EVENT AT COLUMBIA THE STROBERGS SAIL AWAY CALLING ALL MEMBERS YACHT CLUB – IN THE NEW TENT! Cruising Fleet members Pam and Share your enthusiasm for Columbia This year has marked the arrival Jeff Stroberg set off on their 42-ft by volunteering in January at the of the new and improved tent on Beneateau Grace early last July on membership booth for either the the aft deck. Those of you who an extended cruise with a somewhat Power Boat show or Strictly Sail. have been out there for an event, a lose itinerary. They used the One quick training session and you private party or the Wednesday night Cruising Fleet 4th of July Cruise will have all the information you beer can parties will have noticed to South Haven as their send off, need to share the Columbia spirit its very much improved look and headed up Lake Michigan, down with fellow boating enthusiasts. ambiance. Further improvements Lake Huron, across Lake Erie, For more information, email are still coming, with an awning to through the Welland Canal and into [email protected]. cover the port gangway between Lake Ontario where they picked the inside of the ship and the tent up the Oswego and Erie Canal late EMPLOYEES ON THE WATER for those days when the rain or wind last August—not too bad! Since On Monday, August 19, members is not cooperating! We had a busy then they’ve made their way to hosted our invaluable Columbia the Hudson, through New York staff aboard their vessels for the Harbor to the Delaware and then annual Employee Sail. Staff and Chesapeake Bay. By that point their families spent a glorious day on they had learned to relax in true the water, followed by dinner in the cruising form and had made it down tent. On Whisper, skipper Dorothy to Yorktown where, by chance, Liphardt took the helm. Joining her Paul Uhl ran into them while in Williamsburg in early October.
summer for catering and, as there is no better place to host an event on a summer’s evening than the aft deck, think ahead and consider Columbia for any events you may be planning next year – it is not The trio toured Colonial too early as summer weekends Williamsburg, and had a wonderful and crew Beth get booked up quickly. Catering dinner at Christiana Campbell’s. All Urech and Mark has gone from strength to strength afternoon and throughout dinner Gillingham were over the last few years and this Pam and Jeff spoke with great Isaac Arce and unique venue can accommodate animation of their journey so far, his family Cessy, Isaac junior, and anything from an intimate dinner on and how it was beginning to shape Brenda. Little Isaac is 6 months the Bridge to a large celebration or their future plans. You could see the old and was a perfect little sailor, corporate event with some great excitement in their eyes and hear it sleeping below for most of the sail! food and beverage options. As a in their voices, as they talked about Club Member, there are some price continuing their journey to Florida. breaks and other benefits to holding From Florida they have their sights your event here so please contact set on the Bahamas and then points Nick for further details. south. You too can live vicariously and follow them on their journey on their blog: wtfrwe.blogspot.com 42 T H E B I N N A C L E F A L L 2 0 1 3 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 T H E B INNACLE 111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
Children’sChildren’s HolidayHoliday PartyParty
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 11 A.M. UNTIL 3 P.M. HOLIDAY BRUNCH BUFFET BEGINS AT NOON SANTA ARRIVES FOR PHOTOS AND GIFTS AT 1:00 HOLIDAY CRAFTS ON THE RAIL DECK INCLUDE DECORATING GINGERBREAD HOUSES, ORNAMENTS AND MORE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR CRAFTS, BUFFET AND VISIT WITH SANTA KIDS UNDER 3–FREE! KIDS UNDER 14 $14++ ADULTS $28++ SEATING IS LIMITED– MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! NO SHOW POLICY IN EFFECT
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