the Cat Cayer 20 16 spring

House Our New Executive HOP Chef Clinic Update Letter from your Board President calendar of events / Spring 2016

Dear friends, HOUSE RULES REMINDER June Monday, June 27th – Friday, July 1st I hope this note finds you and your family well. The Summer Season is here and the island will be filled with Cat Cay Kids‘ Camp Cat Cay Members and Guests. This is a good time to review As we enter the summer season, our social committee — along with our management Cat Cay Yacht Club several of the Club’s House Rules with your Children and team — has many events planned and we are all looking forward to seeing you and your July 1050 Lee Wagener Blvd. Guests to ensure the enjoyment of your fellow Club Members. Saturday, July 2nd families this summer. Suite 106 Spearfishing Challenge • Sponsoring members must be certain that their guests are Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 One of our most important events is our Clinic fundraiser which is scheduled to take registered in the Cat Cay Office immediately upon arrival Sunday, July 3rd place over Memorial Day weekend. As I am sure you will agree, the Clinic is a vitally Phone: (954) 359-9575 on the island. Independence Day Celebration important part of our Club and I ask for your generous participation. Fax: (954) 359-6427 • Pets must be leashed when on Club property. Pets are Friday, July 29th – Sunday, July 31st The above address is used for Many projects have been completed over the past several months in anticipation not allowed in the swimming pool or inside the NautiCat Live Entertainment @ Bu’s Bar all mail and small packages of your arrival and your Board of Directors is constantly working on new projects as Restaurant. They are allowed on the deck of the NautiCat being sent to and from the August well as supporting our team to elevate your membership experience. We have a new and Bu’s Bar as long as they are leashed and do not dis- island daily. Monday, August 1st Executive Chef who we are all excited to welcome into our Cat Cay family. Please join rupt the enjoyment of other members. For Reservations and Lobster Season Opens Information you may contact me in welcoming Chef Beat Meier who comes to us with 39 years of culinary experience • Children are eligible to drive a golf cart at the age of 12 the Cat Cay office phone in the in the club and hospitality industry. provided they pass the Cat Cay drivers course. Children 14 Bahamas at: September and older are allowed to drive provided that they observe Saturday, September 3rd (242) 347-3565 Interest in our Club remains strong, with our membership capped and five future the rules of the road and not found driving recklessly. Op- Labor Day Family Pirate Party Fax: (242) 347-3564 members on the waitlist and several applicants moving through the vetting process. erators found driving recklessly will be suspended from Ft. Lauderdale Office Hours: Our real estate activity also remains active both on re-sales and lot sales as well Monday - Friday driving. October 8:30 am - 5:00 pm as docks and multiple plans are being submitted for both new construction as well as Saturday, October 29th • All Members and Guests must wear cover-ups and col- renovations. Guest Chef’s Cooking Class & Dinner Island Office Hours: lared or non-collared shirts with sleeves at Bu’s Bar, the 7 days a week This is a great time to be on the island and I, along with our management team, hope NautiCat, Market, and Boutique. Shirts and shoes must 8:30 am - 5:00 pm November to see you soon. If you have any questions or need any assistance in planning your next be worn at all times in public areas with the exception of Thursday, November 24th Cat Cayer Newsletter is visit, please do not hesitate to contact the island office. the pool and beach. Proper sports shirts and shoes are re- Thanksgiving Day Dinner published by Cat Cay Yacht quired on the Tennis Courts. No jeans, shorts, or flip flops Club Ltd., Cat Cay, Bahamas. Friday, November 25th Submission of articles, Thank you, are allowed in the Victoria Dining Room. Post-Turkey Trot & Tree Lighting Ceremony announcements, or photos for • Music played in public (including the beach, boats in the publication should be emailed to Michael Skenian Saturday, November 26th Joanna Santana at: marina, golf carts, and homes) should be keep at a volume President, Cat Cay Yacht Club Annual Wahoo Tournament [email protected] such that others in the neighboring area cannot hear it. Saturday, November 26th Printing courtesy of: • Club Management is authorized to censure or suspend CCYC Commodore’s Ball Colonial Press from Club premises any person who violates the Club Rules or whose conduct in their judgement is such to war- December rant suspension. Suspension shall take place immediately Sunday, December 25th and shall be reported promptly to the House Committee Christmas Day Dinner for further action. Further action may include lengthy and Friday, December 30th extended suspension or permanent expulsion from the Cat Cay Winter Olympics island. Saturday, December 31st Cat Cay is a sanctuary for the enjoyment of its members and New Year’s Eve Celebration their families. The above rules are designed to help everyone have a safe and fun time on the island. Thank you for your help.

The House Committee a tradition Cat Cay’s Annual Easter House Hop

Normally in charge of the business of boating, the Club’s Commodore takes on the role of chief “house hunter” and asks all new homeowners to participate. Commodore Mauricio Quirch asked this year to an enthusiastic Guillermo and Lisette Quirch, Rene Garcia and Luis and Ana Machado, who participated. Members and guests were treated to a special night visiting Far Niente (Quirch), Villa Jacavi (Garcia) and Casa Luna (Machado). The homeowners offered tasty treats themselves and the Club provided a bar, servers and bartenders at each residence, serving the island’s signature drink: the Cat Cay special. Why participate? “I picked to have a home on Cat Cay because of its privacy, proximity, security, friendly staff and it’s family-oriented membership,” said homeowner Luis Machado. “…and this is a great way to meet your neighbors and fellow members,” he continued. He and The egg hunt isn’t the only tradition his wife, Ana, finished construction on Casa Luna — that that takes place on Cat Cay every Easter. boasts a timeless Dutch-Caribbean architecture — in Each year, the island hosts the annual House Hop where new owners open their homes and invite fellow members to June of 2015 and spend time there with their children step in and be treated to mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres and refreshing cocktails. Mikel, Nikolette, and Navila. Guillermo and Lisette Quirch and Rene Garcia are This year’s event took place on Saturday, March 26 from 6pm to 10pm. also recent owners and are enjoying having their own little slice of our island paradise. Known for its casual, laid-back ambiance, Cat Cay’s House Hop really represents the friendly character we take pride in at the Club. And well, it’s somewhat like an egg hunt but instead of searching for colored eggs, the hunt is on for old and new friends, great food and drinks and the warm and friendly atmosphere Cat Cay is known for. Welcome To Our Make it a Memorable New Members! Memorial Day on Cat Cay

Cornelis & Ananda Wit On Saturday, May 28, during the island’s Memorial Day festiv- Boca Raton, FL ities, the Cat Cay Medical Clinic Foundation hosts its fourth annual Sponsors: Michael Skenian and Lane & Leticia Bess fundraising dinner and auction. Featuring a casual, Caribbean theme, Luis Machado Watsonville, CA the event will once again be hosted by actor — and Cat Cay’s own — Children: Chelsea, Courtney and Enrique Murciano. Murciano will emcee the one and only event held been an indispensible tool in working with Cameron to raise funds for the island’s clinic and as usual, will boast a bevy of critical patients that need off-island transfer- Sponsors: Lester Quam and Robert Cury coveted items. This year’s up-for-grabs items include jewelry, Jimmy ring for treatment. Helena Cisneros-Alzetta & Buffett concert tickets, wine, trips and much more. The foundation Aside from special projects such as these, Filippo Alzetta hopes to raise between $200-$300k, with all proceeds going directly the clinic is a safe haven — everyday — for Pinecrest, FL to the clinic. Children: Ricardo and Camilla those seeking medical attention. In 2015, 687 Sponsors: Oswaldo Cisneros Andres & Silvana Cisneros The mission of the Clinic is to deliver top-quality, free healthcare patient visits were charted for an average of 13 and Mauricio Quirch Key Biscayne, FL to the many Bahamians that live on Cat Cay and provide emergency visits per week.“The collection of 35 volunteer Children: Alejandro, Andrea and Nicolas support to the many members and guests that visit the island each doctors provided 52 weeks of uninterrupted Sponsors: Oswaldo Cisneros and year. Open for emergencies on any day and at any time, the clinic Mauricio Quirch coverage and we remain grateful for their is also available for non-acute situations during their regular office thankless dedication to our island communi- Boland & Andrea Jones hours. Atlanta, GA ty,” continues Hicks. Children: Ansley, Bo and The monies raised at the annual event go to fund the clinic’s day- Beyond these most notable programs and Braden to-day operating expenses. Any surplus funds are used to upgrade enhancements, the clinic also added digital Sponsors: Thomas D. Bell and Eduardo & Melina Cisneros existing equipment and to institute other special programs, such as Robert Cury Coral Gables, FL X-ray capability, an additional AED station Children: Gregorio, Natalia and Emilia the recently established Employee Wellness Program. for a total of nine on the island, a slit-lamp to Sponsors: Oswaldo Cisneros and Mau- Last year’s event helped fund the successful Wellness Program expand ophthalmology services, a new ultra- ricio Quirch which is now going strong on the island. “That project has been a sound machine, an updated computer system Fernando & Melissa Roig huge success,” says Jeff Hicks, one of the clinic’s board members. with electronic medical records system and Lighthouse Point, FL “We have had some problems with obesity, hypertension and diabe- much more. Children: Ava Nicole tes among employees and this is really helping.” A special thanks to all of the members who Sponsors: Carl Doverspike and Thomas & Nancy Cornacchia already donated items or became sponsors James Dunn Darien, CT The monies raised were used to fund the grand opening of a new Children: William, Victoria, Julia, gym located in the village and the wellness program includes clin- for the dinner and auction. And a very special Alexandra and Thomas Joseph ic-funded wellness trainers visiting the island on a monthly basis to thank you to Clinic Board Members Jeffrey Sponsors: Jean-Francois Roy counsel employees on diet and exercise needs. It also includes elec- Hicks, Kevin Hutton (Medical Director) John and John Devaney tive nutrition and fitness classes, free of charge, for all employees. McCranie, Jorge Freeland, Rochelle Higgs, Cliff & Georganne Wiliams Marc Kaiser, Jane Heron and Luis Machado Fort Myers, FL This past year, the clinic also partnered with Baptist Hospital in Children: Erin and Lucas Miami. This joint venture has allowed the clinic to be digitally con- who all donate their time to make our island a Sponsors: Robert Cury and nected with one of South Florida’s premier healthcare networks for better place for all. Marc Kaiser real-time telemedicine consultations with specialists and has also We hope to see everyone at the event!

Cat Cay Medical Clinic Office Hours 9am–10am & 5pm–6pm Daily • Other hours available by appointment Reached on VHF Channel 8 To donate to the Cat Cay Medical Clinic Foundation, please call 954.359.9676. many — but for his skill in managing a large staff in

different styles of dining facilities and multiple din-

ing venues in several countries. Extremely organized

Con and with an eye for detail, Chef Meier is inspired by

the smallest and largest of challenges. Whether it

fid is creating a signature appetizer for a catered func-

tion or encouraging the best from his staff while he

ent shares his knowledge with them. Kitchen ial Keen to creating new menus from scratch, Chef Meier is also adept at becoming familiar with exactly

what his guests want and we know this new adven- Meet the Executive Chef a cook apprenticeship at the stunning lakefront Hotel Hermitage in Lucerne — and graduated with ture for him will be no exception. He likes to say that On April 25, the palm trees of our island par- honors. After another post in Switzerland, Chef he always wants to continue learning new and excit- adise were singing a delightful song as we wel- ing things to cook and here on Cat Cay, that sounds Meier moved to the states to expand his culinary comed our new Executive Chef, Beat (pronounced like music to our foodie ears. knowledge and management style. He held sev- BAY-ot) Meier. eral different positions at prestigious clubs during With over 39 years of experience, Chef Meier Chef Meier’s Grilled Rare Tuna with Tomato-Cucumber Salad & Tahini Sauce his first few years stateside, working his way up to is a dedicated culinarian with a vast amount of Ingredients Directions the Executive Chef role at the Country Club of Vir- knowledge in many different areas. From working • 4 tuna steaks Tahini Sauce ginia in Richmond. There, he played a major role in the sun-stamped beach towns of Vero Beach Combine the tahini paste, water, and garlic in a food pro- Tahini Sauce cesser and process until smooth. Add the lemon juice and in two kitchen renovations, operated several food and Hobe Sound, Florida to the snow-capped ha- • 1/4 cup tahini paste process again; if the tahini is still too thick, add more water • 1/4 cup water, hot (it should be thick, but not like peanut butter). Season with vens of Snowmass, Colorado and Davos, Switzer- outlets, started cooking classes and stood out as • 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced salt and pepper. Set aside. • 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed land to the slightly-more-bustling towns of Buffa- a shining star. Consequently, he went on to cre- • Salt and white pepper Salad Toss all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrig- lo, New York and Fort Worth, Texas, Chef Meier is ate menus, constructed new kitchens, introduced Salad erate until needed. • 2 large tomatoes, diced ½ inch Eggplant poised to meld his creativity — gathered from his healthier options and implemented new inventory • 1 seedless cucumber, diced ½ inch • 2 teaspoons red onion, finely chopped Cut four 3/4 – inch thick disks from the thickest part of the • 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley eggplant. Brush each slice with ¼ tablespoon of the olive oil, plethora of experience — and bring a new flavor to systems at the lucky clubs that stole him away. • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil season with salt and pepper, and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, • Salt and pepper or until golden brown and soft. Or, preheat the broiler and Cat Cay. Literally. Chef Meier is a welcome addition to our culi- broil 4 inches from the heat source, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Eggplant Born in Switzerland, Chef Meier started his nary staff. But, not just for his impressive resume • 1 eggplant Tuna • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Heat grill to 350 degrees. Drizzle tuna with EVOO and grill career at age 15 in his home country, completing of gastronomic creations — although there are • Salt and pepper each side for about one minute. Chill until served. a quick word with Kerri Topping

There are many things to love about Cat Cay but one of the Guest tennis professional, Juan things that Kerri Topping loves the most on the island is the tennis center. Manuel Benitez, joined the Cat Cay circuit of MEET “It’s a pleasure to play on Cat Cay where island tournaments bring together teaching professionals just over half a year members of all levels for a day of fun,” said Kerri. ago. And he’s already made an impression. But, tennis wasn’t always just for fun for her. His first visit to the island, during this past year’s holiday break, introduced our members Kerri grew up in New York where she learned to play tennis at the age of to an energetic young player that one day nine. By the age of eleven, she began playing USTA tournaments and trav- hopes to be at the top of the ATP rankings. eling to faraway places — for a young girl — like Canada and Puerto Rico. One day soon, that is. “Playing tournaments was a wonderful experience that allowed me to travel and stay with lovely families and make lifelong friends,” said Kerri. Benitez was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1995 where he grew up playing tennis with his After her teenage years, Kerri played tennis for the University of Virginia, father and brother. As a Junior, Benitez was another great experience. At UVA, her team clinched the Eastern Collegiate the number one player in Colombia in the Un- tournament after her and her doubles partner defeated the number one der 14, 16 and 18 age group. He was also the seeded team from Princeton. number one junior player in the South Ameri- Today, she plays on the women’s team at Riviera Country Club in Miami can Tennis Confederation U 16, COSAT (Con- where she lives and, of course, for fun on Cat Cay. federacion Sudamericana de Tenis) along To make sure that our members have the best experience on the island, the with other titles throughout COSAT and the Club brings in guest tennis professionals on a regular basis to run clinics, THEITF (International Tennis Federation). give lessons and take part in friendly matches with the members. His career high in came in 2012 when he was Last year, Kerri met Juan Benitez (see story, opposite page). “Juan has been ranked 244 as a Junior. But, as his coach Jean- a terrific addition to the island with his winning personality that invites play- Luc Fontanot might say, those were his for- ers of all levels to feel comfortable and to have fun. He’s a terrific player, mative years. instructor and person and we are lucky to have him,” said Kerri. For Benitez, Benitez later went on to play collegiate ten- this wasn’t so much a job as it was a great experience on the way to the top nis at Baylor University (Texas) in 2015 but of the rankings. And like Kerri, he considers tennis not just a sport but a way recently took a short break to hone his game to see the world and make lasting friendships. and his competitive strategy. And to take on Want to play, too? Tennis buffs — and even those that are not — can enjoy projects such as Cat Cay. “I really enjoy teach- two newly-resurfaced and lighted tennis courts and with the island’s cli- ing people to play tennis or just helping them mate, there is a game to be had any time of year. And if you play with one of to polish up their skills enough to play with our Club’s winningest members, Kerri, be sure to prepare for a great match! their friends. I think my passion for the sport comes through when I’m teaching or running a clinic and people enjoy that,” says Benitez. “The next phase of my tennis career is just starting so I’m happy to be able to work on different projects whilst focusing on my game fighter with a lot of character. “The mak- The term “tennis” is thought to derive Watch for more news about Cat Cay’s and my new professional goals.” ings of a true champion,” says Fontanot. from the French word tenez, which Summer Camp (June 27th – July 1st.) Juan Manuel Benitez is confirmed as Juan Manuel Benitez Benitez started working with French-born Currently ranked 1200 in the ATP, Beni- means “take heed” – a warning from the our next guest tennis professional. PROFontanot in December of 2015. Fontanot, an tez is always a crowd favorite at tourna- server to the receiver but we figure that He joins all of our other great coun- a Man on a Mission ATP coach who formerly worked with lumi- ments because of his charisma. He re- with Benitez, it is just a warning that we selors, including: Camp Leader Sissy, nary Benjamin Becker of Germany, saw that turned to the island during spring break will see a lot more of him…here and on Marine Biologist Ryan and Sailing In- Benitez was not just a gifted athlete but a true and is clearly a favorite here as well. the big courts. structor Alex. Ladies’ Weekend 2016