THE B I N N A C L E - Columbia Yacht Club

SPRING 2015
T H E
B I N NACLE
New Race Added to
COLORS Regatta
Cruising Fleet
Calendar Announced
2015 is the
Summer of FUN(d)
Blue Jacket 40
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“performance cruiser”. Complete with the high performance, 3 sail package, she is truly an
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Do
Ultimate Cruising Performance
Blue Jacket 40 In-Stock
Special Columbia Yacht Club Incentive Package
Larsen Marine is offering this 2014 model with a special incentive package for Columbia Yacht Club
members. Call for incentive details and personal tour of the Blue Jacket 40 in our heated showroom.
Dealer of the Year
Award Winning Sun Odyssey 349
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Boat Sales & Financing • Full Service Yard • Interactive Electronic Showroom • On Site & Online Ship Store
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
www.larsenmarine.com
Waukegan, IL (847) 336-5456 Fax (847) 336-5530
Spring 2015
ON THE WATER
IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE ABBY
06
22
31
From Our General
Manager
32
Bar & Grill
34
House Committee
36
BINGO BRUNCH
37
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
08
10
12
BEER CAN
Changes are on tap for this
summer’s Beer Can racing
RACING
New races are added to the
COLORS Regatta
24
SUMMER OF FUN(D)
Join in this summer’s funfilled slate of LLS
fundraising activities
14
Power Fleet
15
DOCK
16
CRUISING FLEET
18
SKIPJACKS
20
SEA SCOUTS
All are welcome, no motor
required, at Power Fleet parties
New additions and
improvements to our docks
Report from this year’s US
Sailing Conference
She (and he) Sew Sails
by the Lakeshore
Yards and yards of fabric,
miles of thread and dedicated
members delivered new
spinnakers for Columbia boats
SAILING SCHOOL
Introducing this summer’s
Sailing School Coaches
STAYING ON COURSE
27
Meet the Board
28
getting social at
columbia
Your 2015 Flag Officers and
Board of Directors
Your Club is all over social
media — are you part of
the fun?
There are new menus, more
outdoor seating and lobby
cocktail service planned for
this summer
Our volunteer weekend
warriors keep Columbia ship
shape—and full of improvements
You’re here on a Sunday, so
it’s kind of like church. Bingo
Brunch is quickly becoming
the most popular event aboard
the Abby.
Even with a frozen lake,
the Cruising Fleet found fun
in the off season
It’s another capacity crowd
for our unique learn-to-sail
program, so we’re looking for
captains and crew to join us
on Tuesday nights
Changes are in store for Ship
#5111 this season
COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB • 111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
312 938-3625 • COLUMBIAYACHTCLUB.ORG
ON THE COVER
TEAMS FROM UNIVERSITY OF
CHICAGO LAB, BROTHER RICE/
MOTHER MCAULEY, JONES
COLLEGE PREP AND UIC ENJOY
SPRING PRACTICE ON “COLUMBIA
BAY.” PHOTO BY KURT THOMSEN
The Binnacle is published by and for members of Columbia Yacht Club. Submissions related to the sport of yachting,
Corinthian spirit and related activities are welcome. Articles, announcements and photos (with captions) should be sent
for consideration to binnacle@colyc.org. For advertising specs and rate card, email binnacle@colyc.org.
Editor: Mary Alyce Blum / Art Director and Design: Tracy Howard / Design: Amy Jeppsen Stern, Jepdesign / Harlen
Fleming, Dr. Graphx Publicity Committee/Editors: Cathy Bredlau, Denise Hockley-Cann, Nita Haas, Marybeth Johnson,
Mike Korbel, Jill Lambert, Sara McMurray, Kim Williamson / Photographers: Stu Friedman, Mary Ellen Johnston.
Thank you to all our contributors and advertisers.
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
3
IN THIS ISSUE
May
1
Whiskey and
Bluegrass Dinner
2
Derby Day Party
3
Bike Tune Ups
5
Skipjacks
Bar & Grill Cmte Mtg
Stewards Mtg
Race Cmte Mtg
6
7
Jazz Night—Velocity
9
10
12
13
After the Yards Party
Boats Cmte Mtg
Mother’s Day Brunch
2
Bar & Grill Cmte Mtg
Race Cmte Mtg
Stewards Mtg
Skipjacks
3
Jazz Night—North
Coast Trio
Beer Can Racing
4
Activities Cmte Mtg
Associates Cmte Mtg
Island COLORS
5-7 Goose
Regatta
5
9
10
11
312 Case Chase
Dock-in Movie Night
12
Sailing School Parents’
Orientation
13
16
Boats Cmte Mtg
17
18
Beer Can Racing
Skipjacks
Beer Can College
14
Book Club
Membership Cmte Mtg
House Cmte Mtg
16
Commodore’s Reception
19
Finance Cmte Mtg
Board of Directors Mtg
Skipjacks
20
21
Beer Can Racing
22
23
4
Activities Cmte Mtg
Associates Mtg
June
Publicity Cmte Mtg
Dock Cmte Mtg
Trivia Night
Dry Creek Winery
Dinner
Cruising Fleet
Memorial Day Cruise
24
25
Bingo Brunch
26
Wine Down for LLS
Skipjacks
27
Beer Can Racing
General Membership Mtg
28
Wine Club Mtg
Poker Night
29
Power Fleet Poker Run
Kick-off Party
Memorial Day
CLUB OPEN
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
Skipjacks
Beer Can Racing
SUP Yoga
Book Club
Membership Cmte Mtg
House Cmte Mtg
Finance Cmte Mtg
Board of Directors Mtg
Skipjacks
Publicity Cmte Mtg
Dock Cmte Mtg
Trivia Night
Taste of the Great Lakes
Fleet Summer
20 Cruising
Sailstice
Day
21 Father’s
Margaritaville Brunch
23 Skipjacks
24 BEER CAN
26-27 Michigan City Night race
28
Stand UP Against Blood
Cancers Regatta
30
Skipjacks Graduation
Party
July
Cmte Mtg
1 Activities
Associates Cmte Mtg
Fleet 4th of
3-5 Cruising
July Cruise
Dock-in Movie Night
4
5
7
8
9
11
16
19
21
22
29
Independence Day
Celebration
Dog Days on the Dock
Bar & Grill Cmte Mtg
Race Cmte Mtg
Stewards Mtg
Miner Family Winery
Wine Dinner
Book Club
Membership Cmte Mtg
Power Fleet Pot Luck
on the Dock
Boats Cmte Mtg
Publicity Cmte Mtg
Dock Cmte Mtg
Trivia Night
Bluegrass Brunch
Finance Cmte Mtg
Board of Directors Mtg
Beer Can Racing
Beer Can Racing
August
1
2
4
Fran Byrne Regatta
Chester Kuttner Regatta
Bar & Grill Cmte Mtg
Race Cmte Mtg
Stewards Mtg
Night—Velocity Trio
5 Jazz
Beer Can Racing
6-7 Skyline Regatta
Cmte Mtg
6 Activities
Associates Mtg
8 Boats Cmte Mtg
12 Beer Can Racing
Club Mtg
13 Book
Membership Cmte Mtg
14 Jr. Sailing Banquet
15-16 Air and Water Show
15 Cruising Fleet Pub Crawl
From our Commodore
JOE McGINNIS
“We are entering
what promises to be
a great year.”
Dear Fellow Members,
Spring is here, on-water boating activities have begun. Boatyard
activity increases as launch dates come close.
That’s not to say the off-season has been quiet at Columbia. Thanks
to the work of many volunteers, the January House projects are complete.
The Safety at Sea seminar was a sold-out success, and Stu Friedman and his
ad hoc Sailmaking Committee, more than a dozen strong, made two brandnew spinnakers for the Club J/22s. Committee activity at Columbia is ramping
up: an excellent new menu is offered by the Bar and Grill; Membership is busy
welcoming new members; Dock and Boats are preparing equipment for later
use; a new structure to replace the gazebo is being planned.
All this activity occurred along with the usual springtime groups of
Columbia volunteers—Publicity, Binnacle, Race Committee, Skipjacks and
many, many others—working hard with our excellent staff to make the
operations of the Club appear to be effortless. Did I miss anyone? I hope that
any volunteers I may have failed to mention will understand that this does not
reflect a lack of appreciation. Thanks to all involved.
Beer Can racing begins its new format with Morgan Kinney’s
assistance through her new position as offshore manager. She will guide many
new and improved on-the-water events this summer for the power, cruising
and racing fleets.
Good communication and coordination between our volunteer
committees and the Club Staff has provided excellent return both to the
committees and to the Club in general. We are entering what promises to be a
great year.
Through the good management and careful record keeping by Nick
and his staff, we now have the benefit of documented experience to help us
anticipate our current workload and to predict our next areas of concern. As
we try to predict where our next large necessary expenditures will be required,
we are developing a list of projects that could help the Club attain its goals over
the next decade.
It is time to develop plans for our future. If anyone has ideas and
suggestions, we need to have them in written form. There are undeveloped
areas of the Abby that can be efficiently utilized to support more members and
more boating activities. Ideally, we can expand to accommodate both. In the
meantime, we will continue to support and serve our current members.
Thank you to all our great members and staff who have put forth
outstanding efforts to provide me with optimism for a terrific boating season.
Here’s to a good summer.
Joe McGinnis
Commodore
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
5
ON THE WATER
Changes on Tap
for Beer Can Racing
By Morgan Kinney
Offshore Manager
morgan@colyc.org
The Columbia Yacht Club Beer Can
Committee released the Notice of Race for
the 2015 Chicago Beer Can Series with an
official start date of May 27. The Wednesday
night series is not only a time-honored
tradition for Columbia, but the entire Chicago
sailing community. The series itself has casual
roots laced with serious racing, and changes
to the 2015 NOR hope to amplify both the
tradition and the competition.
Seventy-four boats from five sailing
clubs registered for the 2014 Series; however,
more than 100 would come to the line on any
given Wednesday. “One of the biggest struggles for
Wednesday night racing in past years was knowing who
the competition was. With five organizations registering
their own boats under their own scoring programs, there
would be 12 boats in a start, but you end up being
scored against only two or three,” explained Beer Can
Chairman Steve Kindra.
In an effort to include all Wednesday night racers
and increase the level of competition, Columbia decided
6
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
ON THE WATER
early last fall that all fleets would be united in 2015,
regardless of organization, under one scoring program Yacht Scoring. “It is for the benefit of each team that we
race against as many boats as possible. The only way to
get better is to race against the best,” remarked Thomas
Barnes, Columbia Treasurer and Beer Can racer of 35
years.
Another new development for the Series is the
addition of an inshore course for daysailors and dinghies.
The inshore course will be a drop mark course with halfmile legs, located between the south outer breakwall and
the Adler Planetarium.
Shortly after plans for the inshore course went
public, there was a surge of interest in taking the 420s
out to the races. “Once we saw the demand for dinghy
racing here in the downtown area, we were happy to
offer the Columbia 420s up for charter,” said Sailing
Director Kurt Thomsen. Just two short weeks after
the boats were made available, they were completely
reserved for all the races this season.
The talent runs deep in the 420 section. Sailing
coaches, Olympians and ex-college racers make up a
majority of the fleet. Sailing Coach TJ Valentor explained,
“I race big boats every other day of the week, and I
don’t own a boat, so I rarely have the opportunity to race
dinghies in the summer - not to mention drive my own
boat for Beer Cans.”
TJ and her sister/crew Allie make up another fun
statistic in the 420 section: 40% of the skippers are
female. Sailing is one of the few sports where both sexes
can be on the same team or race against each other in
the same section. “I haven’t really had the opportunity
to compete against other women since junior sailing and
college. It always brings a great camaraderie and level
of ‘chill’ to the race course,” said an enthusiastic Cate
Muller, who campaigns her own Melges 24 and drives
a Beneteau 40.7 for weekend and
distance races.
As of March, the Beer Can
Series stood at 59% of last year’s
entry numbers. The Beer Can
Committee looks forward to a
successful season on the water with
a more comprehensive Wednesday
night racing program.
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
ON THE WATER
Columbia COLORS Regatta
Kicks Off 2015 Racing
By Morgan Kinney
Offshore Manager
morgan@colyc.org
There are a few elements
that have become
mainstays in the COLORS
tradition: Goose Island
Beer Company, Chicago’s
original Distance Race and
two buoy courses.
Can’t get enough Goose
Island COLORS? Neither
could we! That’s why
Goose Island COLORS is
now a three-day event
Fri Jun 5 - Sun Jun 7!
8
TH E B I N NACLE W
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ON THE WATER
312 Case Chase
Distance Race
Buoy COURSES
Kick off the first weekend of
racing on Friday night with a race
around the cans in The 312 Case
Chase. Are you new to racing?
An underestimated cruiser? Or are
you just dying to test out a new
set of sails before a weekend on
the buoy courses? The 312 Case
Chase is for you! This race is
purely for fun and bragging rights,
and will not count in the series
scores. If you are registered for
either the distance race or buoy
races, The 312 Case Chase
is included in your registration.
And if you want to be part of
Goose Island COLORS without
committing to the whole weekend
of racing, you can register for this
race for just $25.
The fun continues with the
Distance Race on Saturday. Race
Chairman Olof Andersson first
introduced the Distance Race to
COLORS in 2011, and several
other Chicago regattas adopted
distance races into their events
soon after. The longer course is
ideal for boats that are unable to
maneuver around the buoys easily,
like the JV66 Defiance, and the
Andrews 77 Ocean. Other great
contenders are boats that will be
competing in the Mac Cruising
Section and teams heading out
for the first time together. The
number of registrants for the
Distance Race has doubled in just
three years, and Columbia hopes
it continues to grow.
The two buoy courses will be put
to use Saturday and Sunday. In
terms of registration, we expect
the trends to hold – the largest
fleets will be the Beneteaus 36.7
and 40.7, Tartan 10 and J/105.
The goal for 2015 is to bring in
more regional talent, who will be
travelling to Chicago for the Helly
Hansen NOOD the following
weekend. “As our Goose Island
COLORS continues to grow, a
third circle for sport boats and the
smaller one designs is part of the
plan,” added Andersson.
We’re looking for great
competition from all sections in
both race circles. A few boats
to watch this year will be J/111
Kashmir, J/109 Certainly, 40.7
Sociable, and 36.7 FOG. 2014
was the year of the upset - the
first year that Kashmir didn’t place
first in their section for COLORS,
so you can place bets that they’ll
be after their throne. Certainly,
Sociable and FOG have all
proven to be the top dogs
in this annual shake-thesheets regatta, with top
three finishes for the past
five years.
Regardless of where
you finish, the parties
aboard the Abby are the
place to be. Last year,
Goose Island premiered their
Devon Ale at the Saturday
after-party and we can’t wait to
taste what they have in store
for us this year. Pick up your
12-packs of 312 Wheat, 312
Pale and IPA for the motor back
to the harbor - don’t worry, these
beers come in cans!
VO
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TH E B I N NACLE
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ON THE WATER
Meet the Sailing School Coaches
Prams
Jen McDermott a US Sailing Level One certified instructor, and has been a
water-holic from a young age. Her love for being outdoors and on the water
made it an easy decision to be part of the Columbia sailing program. This is
her 4th year teaching the Pram group. She enjoys working with the children
and nurturing their enthusiasm for sailing. With her quick wit, humor, and
energy the kids are laughing all day long!
Jen will be graduating from Colorado State University in May. After
she finishes her summer here (and before beginning work on her master’s
degree) she plans to take a year off and teach English in Buenos Aires,
Argentina.
Jen McDermott
Optimist Green Coach
Grace Williams grew up sailing all different types of boats on Lake
Michigan in Chicago and Minoqua, WI before joining the team at Loyola
high school. At Loyal, Grace traveled and competed in numerous national
championships. She is currently finishing up her senior year at University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she will receive a bachelor’s degree in
Economics. After graduation, she is interested in tech and big data sales.
Grace will be taking a June class to become a US Sailing Certified Level
One instructor.
GRACE WILLIAMS
Beginner/Intermediate 420s
Matt Arntzen, US Sailing Certified Level One instructor, grew up sailing
at Columbia Yacht Club. He joined the junior program when he was eight
and 12 years later he is still here. Matt raced Optis when he was younger
and grew to race C420s on the team. With the Columbia team, Matt had
the opportunity to travel and race around the country. He enjoys racing
keel boats and has participated in many distance and buoy races. Matt just
completed his sophomore year at Depaul University.
MATT ARNTZEN
10
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
Christopher Beccaria, US Sailing
Certified Level One instructor,
also grew up sailing at Columbia
Yacht Club. He began sailing in the
optimist class and then moved into
the C420, representing the Club
at regattas throughout the US.
Christopher attends the University
of Miami, studying finance and
economics. And, of course, he is on
the sailing team.
CHRISTOPHER BECCARIA
ON THE WATER
By Kurt Thomsen
Sailing Master
kurt@colyc.org
Registration for summer Sailing Camp is
open to all, with special pricing for members.
Meet the coaches for this year’s sessions.
Optimist Coach
Scott Szawlowski, US Sailing Certified Level One instructor, is returning
this year to coach our Optimist Racing team. Scott grew up sailing at
Columbia Yacht Club and other clubs, competing across the country with
great success. He has coached for multiple years and has a passion for
teaching sailing as a sport. This year Scott is graduating from the University
of Colorado with a degree in Genetics, but hopes to continue coaching
wherever the world takes him.
SCOTT SZAWLOWSKI
Advanced 420s
Rose Edwards is a competitive sailor and freshman at one
of the top-ranked varsity sailing programs in the country,
Georgetown University. She began sailing at the age of
seven and has sailed every summer since. After mastering
introductory level dinghies, she began traveling with her club’s
420 race team, and started competing in some keelboat
and match racing events. Rose has a US Sailing Level One
certification and has previous coaching experience.
ROSE EDWARDS
Adults
Sean Palizza grew up sailing Thistles, Sunfish and J-105s with his father
out of Winnetka Yacht Club, Cedar Point Yacht Club and The Houston Yacht
Club. He then attended DePaul University, where he founded the University’s
sailing team and was Chicago Match Race Center’s media intern for the
summer of 2012. After graduating in 2013, Sean worked as an Assistant
Coach and Keelboat teacher for Columbia. In 2014, he spent the summer
season working as a charter boat captain in Spain, Greece and Croatia.
Sean is a US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor, US Powerboating Instructor,
and has his RYA Master’s License.
SEAN PALIZZA
V O LUM
LUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
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ON THE WATER
Join in Chicago’s Summer of FUN(d)
The Leukemia Cup series of events offer a way for all water enthusiasts—
power boater or paddler, racer or cruiser—to get involved in the fight against
blood cancers. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Illinois
Chapter. This summer’s line-up includes:
STAND UP Against Blood Cancers Stand-Up Paddle Races
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015 • 11:00 aM Columbia YC
supchi.com
Stand UP against blood cancers by gathering your friends for a day filled
with outrageous costumes and fiercely fun competition.
• $200 per team of four, three rounds, single elimination
• All equipment provided
• Prizes for top fundraisiers, finishers and best costume
• After Party with food and free cocktails!
Leukemia Cup Poker Run & After Party
Saturday, August 8, 2015 • 1:00 PM Chicago Corinthian YC
pokerrunchicago.com
Start your engines for the Power Boat Poker Run, followed by the legendary
After Party with gourmet food, open pour drinks, live music and silent auction.
On the lawn at Corinthian YC.
• $125 entry fee includes one hand and one ticket to the After Party
• Additional hands $25
• After Party tickets $100
Red Sky Night
Friday, August 21, 2015 • 6:00 PM Columbia YC
REDSKYNIGHT.ORG
Best party of the summer! Plentiful food, open pour drinks, amazing live and
silent auctions, live music and more, under the stars and under our tent.
• $115, $135 after 8/14, reservations encouraged
Leukemia Cup Regatta & Post-Race Party
Saturday, August 22, 2015 • 1:00 PM Columbia YC
LEUKEMIACUP.ORG/IL
Raise a sail in the fight against blood cancers. Two courses, three sections.
Rockin’ party, cook-out, awards and live music afterwards at Columbia.
• $125* entry fee includes official 2015 LCR cap, boat name
on t-shirt and personal fundraising web page
• Open pour Gosling’s/Goose Island wrist band $25
*$150 after 7/31, $200 race day
12
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
ON THE WATER
LCR Sponsorship
Opportunities
Available
R
REG ATTA
•
UP
C H IC AG O
The Leukemia Cup’s RAINGUTTER REGATTA
stirred up quite a bit of friendly competition
among participants at Crowely’s Yachta-palooza in
on March 28. Racers huffed-and-puffed their
•
way to winning Gosling’s Rum in each of three
LE
C
UKEMIA
one-hour heats. Watch for details on a greater,
grander Raingutter Regatta at this year’s Leukemia Cup
Post-Race party on August 22!
INGUTTE
RA
Join us as a sponsor, and show the
Chicago boating community that your
business recognizes the value of our
commitment to creating a world without
blood cancers.
As a sponsor, you’ll receive highimpact impressions before, during and
after the event. Outreach efforts stretch
across multiple platforms, including
print, direct mail, e-marketing, social
media and public relations. In addition,
you’ll be included in chapter-wide
outreach to all LLS supporters—
expanding your sponsorship well beyond
the Summer of FUN(d).
BY TRACY HOWARD
LEUKEMIA CUP REGATTA CHAIR
LCR.ILC@lls.org
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
•Showcase your business to a highly desirable demographic
•Build awareness and familiarity through a presence at events
all summer long
•Differentiate your brand as a goodwill partner in the community
•Entertain clients and reward employees
FAMILY SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
•Honor a loved one by helping to fund a cure
•Celebrate a team’s effort with meaningful recognition
Sponsorships are available at many
levels, for each of the events in the
LCR series. Take advantage of the
opportunity to access the key audience
and event that aligns best with your
marketing and outreach goals.
Email
LCR.ILC@lls.org
for complete
details.
For all the latest info on the Summer of FUN(d),
visit each event’s website or email
LCR.ILC@lls.org
Join the team behind the events that have raised more than $2.5 million locally for blood cancer research
WE’RE LOOKING FOR
NEW BLOOD
FRIDAY, MAY 8
LEUKEMIA CUP COMMITTEE RECRUITING EVENT
6-8 PM COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB
Learn how you can help–a little or a lot–
we’ve got jobs for everyone
FOOD!DRINKS!FUN!
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
13
ON THE WATER
Power Fleet Ready for
Summer Fun
Happy spring from the Power Fleet! It’s time to put
winter behind us and look forward to long sun-filled days
on the dock and our boats.
It’s been rewarding to see more power boaters on
the dock each year, taking advantage of our unbeatable
dock space and friendly white cap service. Whether you
are coming to Columbia from Montrose for lunch, from
the new 31st Street Harbor for Saturday night fireworks,
or just motoring around the corner from your Du Sable
slip to enjoy our friendly camaraderie, Columbia’s docks
are there for you. You’ll even make some new friends;
you can’t escape, it’s simply the culture of Columbia.
The Power Fleet has another great summer
planned, so open up those calendars to mark down
these dates: the annual Pot Luck on the Dock on
Saturday, July 11 (the same day as the start of the Mac
race) and the Poker Run on August 8.
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
By William Grant
Power Fleet Chair
powerfleet@colyc.org
If you’ve missed our Pot Luck the last couple
years, or are new to the Club, come on down and
check it out. Everyone is welcome: racers not on Mac,
associate members and cruisers alike, it’s not just us
stink potters. While the racers head up to the Island, we
take over the dock to eat, drink, and be merry! Bring a
dish and a drink to share, and sign up for the Poker Run
while you’re there.
We had a fantastic turnout last year for the
Poker Run, which raised more than
$100,000 benefitting the Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society (LLS). It’s
a great day on the water, part of
our Summer of FUN(d) series of
fundraising events for LLS. We are
proud to support
Corinthian Yacht
Club, which
organizes this
event. With your
help this year will
be even more
successful!
We are
always looking
for new ideas for
on-the-water activities, cruising destination ideas or just
any way to squeeze in a party! If you are a power boater,
associate member or even a sailor with an interest in
the power fleet, consider joining our committee. It’s
not much of a time commitment: we plan a few parties
and brainstorm how Columbia’s power boaters can get
better acquainted and have more fun – on and off the
water. I encourage anyone interested in sharing ideas
and meeting new people to join our committee. Being on
the committee is a great way to reach out and have your
voice heard!
I would love input on new activities Columbia
members would like to see, any ideas you have for
events or other suggestions. Please contact me if
you’re interested in joining the Power Fleet committee
powerfleet@colyc.org.
Don’t be a stranger and don’t forget the
sunscreen.
By Rich Allen
Dock Committee Chair
dock@colyc.org
Docklines
Greetings, fellow Columbians. As I sit at the bar and write
this article I am reminded of what the Club is about. It is
32 degrees and a high school team is out happily sailing
from our frigid dock. It’s early in the spring and yet it
seems like summer is years away. But actually, it is right
around the corner.
Time to dust off our boats, paint, wax and fix broken
stuff. While our boats have been hibernating, the dock has
not. Bryan and his staff repaired the ramp and dock from
a bad November storm, replacing the kick plate and lower
ramp to make dock access easier. We have also been
doing regular maintenance projects such as replacing
dock boards and wailers.
Before the season begins, we plan to install new
coolers and ice dispensers on the rail deck this year, as
well as provide free, yes free, filtered water. We’ll be
selling refillable water bottles for boater to have on their
boat.
For Regular Members, now is the time for a reminder of
our check-in process.
1 Bring a copy of your registration and boat insurance
to Columbia’s office to pick up your dock stickers.
2 If you plan to store a dingy on Columbia’s dock or a
gas can in the gas locker, you will need to register
each with the office. Remember, no gas cans larger
than six gallons are allowed and only one can for
each member is allowed.
3 For member convenience, a sail repair locker is
located forward, right next to the exit from the
Club Ship to the dock. Please be mindful of other
members and remove repaired sails within two
weeks. We will be clearing out the locker every two
weeks and any sails left longer will be removed and
disposed of.
4 Also as a reminder, all boats using Columbia’s docks
will be subject to a mandatory ESD power check.
This is simply a check to see if you boat is leaking
power into the lake, which is potential hazard.
5 New this year, we will be an inspecting all sail lockers
on the rail deck. Remember no visible impairments
such as curtains are allowed and also no flammable
solvents or liquids are allowed in lockers at any time.
With that, lets all go out and have a fun, safe and happy
summer on the water.
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
15
ON THE WATER
Cruising Through the Off Season
KEEPING IT HOT
The Cruising Fleet celebrated its
10th Annual “Some Like It Hot!”
Chili Cook-off on February 7. Event
Chair Extraordinaire Paul Uhl made
sure that more than 100 people
had a great time on the Rail Deck.
Thanks to all who entered their
favorite recipes, dressed in oneof-a-kind costumes and created
fabulous decorations! Thanks also
to everyone who came and enjoyed
the festivities while showing their
appreciation by voting for their
favorites. Congratulations to all the
winners!
16
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
ON THE WATER
BY CINDY HOPKINS
CRUISING FLEET CHAIR
cruisingfleet@colyc.org
2015 CHILI COOK-OFF
CRUISING THROUGH WINTER
WINNERS
Mother Nature did not cooperate
for our February Ice Boating
Weekend in Wisconsin. There
was enough ice, but too much
snow. We will likely try this
event again next year. Thanks
to event chairs Liz Horton and
Debbie McCaskey for their hard
work organizing what would have
been a fun weekend! Part of the
group that would have gone up “ice boated” on the Abby, which was
encased in ice, for dinner together instead.
Our Spring Kickoff party was held on March 21, with a
fantastic turnout of returning and new members. It was great to see
everyone! We shook the snow off the sails and shared details about
the rest of our events for this year over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
We hope that you will join us for our
many other events this year. Our holiday
weekend cruises to destinations around
Lake Michigan are always fun and popular.
We also have several events planned that
don’t require a boat. Anyone is always
welcome to join our activities, and we have
had more than one attendee cruise over
to the other side of the lake in a land yacht! Join our mailing list
and have all the details delivered to your inbox by emailing
cruisingfleet@colyc.org. We look forward to a great season of
cruising – on the water and on land!
BEST OVERALL CHILI
Stu Friedman
BEST ROADKILL (MEAT) CHILI
1 Stu Friedman
2 Perry and Rita Weinberg
3 Dustin Domer
BEST VEGETARIAN CHILI
1 David Brown
2Team Whisper
3 Susan Hoffman
MOST POPULAR CHILI
1 Michele Carney
tie
Stu Friedman
2 Myer Blank
3 Jeff Vander Meade and Daniel Rowe
BEST-NAMED CHILI
1 Jeff Vander Meade and Daniel Rowe
Jamaican Me Crazy Chicken Chili
2 Robin Scrofani and Kirstin Hartman
Chili con Prozac
3 Michele Carney
High Plains Drifter
Team Whisper
Where’s the Beef?
tie
BEST DECORATION/PRESENTATION
1 Michele Carney
2 Myer Blank
3 Linda Zager
Robin Scrofani and Kirstin Hartman
Jeff Vander Meade and Daniel Rowe
BEST SIDE DISH
1Team Whisper
2 Myer Blank
3 Jeff Vander Meade and Daniel Rowe
tie
CRUISING FLEET 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 25
May 23 – 24
June 20
July 3-5
August 15
Sept 5-7
November 14
Clean and Green Boating Seminar
Memorial Day Cruise to Jackson Park
Summer Sailstice Lunch Cruise
4th of July Cruise to South Haven, MI
Chicago Craft Brewery Pub Crawl
Labor Day Cruise to New Buffalo, MI
End of the Year Party
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
17
ON THE WATER
Calling all Columbia
Sailors! Skipjacks is Back
By Robin Scrofani
Skipjacks Chair
skipjacks@colyc.org
At some point, each of us was introduced to being
on the water by a parent, relative or friend who
already knew the magic feeling of being out on the
lake. And, thanks to them, we each developed our
own love for sailing. That sharing, that willingness
to teach and pass along the lure of boating is
exactly the idea behind Skipjacks, our unique
learn-to-sail program for adults.
And that’s also where you come in!
Columbia sailors and R1s, we need your help.
Members who have helped in the past will tell you
just how rewarding it is and how much fun they
have. Okay, except maybe the weather doesn’t
always cooperate, but sailors aren’t going to let a
little rain get in the way.
If you love sailing and sharing your
knowledge, why not sign up to be one of our
volunteer skippers? If you can’t commit to all six
weeks, don’t worry. We’re happy to have you for
all the on-the-water sessions or any part of that.
If you can only come one Tuesday night, we still
want you.
All you Columbia Associate sailors, we
need you, too! You don’t have to have a boat to
participate in the best intro-to-sailing program
around. There’s always a spot for crew,
and we need instructors and organizers for
the first two nights. Please
• •
contact Robin or Morgan,
•
skipjacks@colyc.org
•
•
•
•
18
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
•
ON THE WATER
Off-season Marine
Education at Columbia
Columbia members must have
been feeling the cabin fever this
year! How do we know? When
registration for US Sailing’s Safety
at Sea Seminar and a Splicing 101
Workshop opened up, both events
sold out almost immediately. Seems
like everyone was ready to do
something that made them feel like
they were on the water again.
Columbia opened its doors
to more than 130 sailors of all
backgrounds for Safety at Sea – a
one-day seminar presented by
Milwaukee native Brian Adams. The
seminar is highly recommended for
the Race to Mackinac, prompted by
the Wingnuts tragedy of 2011.
The incident makes us all think
twice when we’re out there. After
the informative and useful day-long
seminar, hopefully everyone is a little
more prepared and equipped if and
when all hell does break loose.
Splicing 101 was a free
workshop brought to the Club by
Crowley’s Yacht Yard. Attendees
learned how to make a professional
double-braid eye splice – perfect for
some new docklines!
More upcoming marine
education events planned for this
season include: Racing Rules
& Sailing Sharp and the Quantum
Sails Seminar Series. If you
have an interest in learning more
about a particular on-the-water
topic, send an email to Offshore
Manager Morgan Kinney at
morgan@colyc.org.
Columbia members raced around the world this winter in the
Volvo Ocean Race Virtual Regatta. The online sailing game
follows the seven VOR teams around the world from one stopover
to the next and has more than 165,000 players. Not only did the
Virtual Regatta offer good practice for course plotting, it was a
great way to forget the dreary winter blues. Fourteen members
competed against each other in two legs from Abu Dhabi to Sanya
and Sanya to Auckland. Stu Friedman took first place in the leg
to Sanya, winning a Volvo Ocean Race duffle bag, and Yaman
Battikhi won a Line Honors prize pack in the leg to Auckland. Real
congratulations to the virtual skippers.
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
19
ON THE WATER
Sea Scout Ship #5111
WORK PARTY
Sixteen of our Sea Scouts, leaders,
friends and family turned out for our
biggest showing ever at a winter
work weekend. They were mixing
and grinding, priming and painting,
dusting and vacuuming, getting
the rail deck, bar, main salon and
new alfresco dining areas ready
for the coming season. All in a
day’s work as service to our charter
organization. It is part of the Sea
Scouts credo, and they are proud
to do it.
ON TARGETS
In early March, eight youth and four
adults assembled in the classroom
for training in the use, care and
safety of firearms, specifically .22
caliber rifles. Two military veterans,
who are also Scout leaders and
NRA trained instructors, spent
six hours with us to provide
the required training before we
head over to shoot at an Indiana
Boy Scout camp Memorial Day
weekend. Our resident CFD Safety
Rescue Diver, Wally Gorzen, father
of our twin senior Sea Scouts,
Jared and Liam, arranged the
contact. The training was set up by
Jared and approved by Nick Philp
1
and the Stewards Committee. We
thank them all for supporting our
marksmanship adventures.
WHIRLYBALL & ELECTIONS
The off-season also saw our annual
Whirlyball outing – two hours of
fun and games scooping a whiffle
ball with a plastic basket and
shooting it toward a target while
whirling about in bumper cars,
laughing and cheering whenever
the scoreboard would light up.
Then the youth members went off
and held elections for new officers.
Congratulations to our new young
leaders. May they serve us proudly.
CHOWDAH FEST
For the fifth year, adult leader
James Bruno Lago and his Imagine
Festivals partner Jeff Reid invited
top Chicago seafood chefs for
Chowdah Fest. This year saw an
all-time high of 15 restaurants
cooking up their delicacies. Nearly
200 generous donors tasted and
voted their People’s Choice, along
with official prizes from an expert
panel of judges. This year’s winner
in the non-traditional category
was Frontier Chicago, featuring a
delicious “Gumbo-Yowdah”– Cajun
style with andouille sausage from
Chef Brian Jupiter.
The traditional category winner
was Maddy’s Dumpling House, with
Chef Chrissy Camba serving up
a traditional Manila clam chowder
w/bacon, roasted pork & salt cod
dumpling, Sichuan oil, fried garlic,
scallions and fennel fronds.
And the Fan Favorite, award
as voted by attendees, was Shaw’s
Crab House. Celebrating the
restaurant’s 30th anniversary, Chef
Arnie Tellez cooked up a delightful
1 Brian Key of Hugo’s Frog Bar serves up his King Crab & Corn Chowdah 2 NRA
instructor teaches Christine and Nina how to hand off a rifle 3 Skipper Marty
Bernstein and Boatswain Jared Gorzen enjoy chowdah 4 Newly elected youth
officers of SHIP 5111 and their insignia 5 Awards are announced for winning
chefs at Chowdah Fest 6 Debbie Martin and her young guest cheerfully help
at winter work party
20
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
New England Clam Chowdah.
This fundraiser benefits only our
own Sea Scout Ship #5111, and
the support and setup from general
manager Nick Philp and his staff
were again superlative.
SKIPPER, ISLAND GOAT, CAPTAINS,
A NEW PILOT & REGIONAL
OFFICERS
After completing a 25th Chicago
Mac last summer, this Skipper was
invited to join the esteemed Island
Goat Sailing Society. And, after 35
years a sailor, this old goat has also
gone back to school, studying with
Captains Al and Fred for his 50 ton
Master’s license. One year ago,
two of our own graduated from the
USMA Chicago course. First Mate
Francis Baumgart and Junior Mate
Alex Zoiopoulos successfully passed
rigorous exams, and Alex was hired
last summer as Captain aboard
the Shoreline Sightseeing vessels.
Looks like he will return to them
this summer, after his engineering
studies at the University of Illinois
Champaign.
And, our Boatswain Mate,
16 year-old Keaton Martin, has
recently completed his solo flights
toward earning his small plane
pilot’s license. Keaton has also
been selected to serve as Task
Flotilla Area 7 Boatswain Mate of
Administration. He joins Shipmate
Alex Zoiopoulos, who earlier this
year was selected Central Region
Boatswain. We tend to set our
sights rather high, then achieve
our goals.
2
ON THE WATER
By Marty Bernstein
Skipper, SHIP #5111
WINDS OF CHANGE
The winds of change are blowing,
and they appear to be headwinds,
and so we either adjust our trim
and sail on, drop sail and head in,
or head in a different direction. Of
course, this is metaphorical.
The powers that be at the
newly consolidated Pathways to
Adventure Council of the BSA in
Chicago (formerly the Chicago Area
Council), have formed the opinion
that Sea Scouts should not be
sailing, training and racing on big
boats. In spite of the fact that Ship
5111, along with other Ships in the
council have been doing just that,
and doing it very well for more than
10 years, this is the edict that has
come down. It is the decision of one
individual who is unaware of our
program, our history, our passion,
our reputation or the team we have
built, retained and advanced. He
3
has decided that our big boat be
sold, replaced with smaller boats
already in the program, and a few
more small boats to be acquired by
donation.
Perhaps the most disconcerting
piece of this new puzzle is the
decision to moor all of these
vessels at 31st Street Harbor.
Ships from as far away as Skokie
or Montrose Harbor area face very
long commutes and severely limited
public transportation options. How
can this be a good thing for these
“geographically limited” programs?
No matter. It is now the way it’s
going to be, at least for the near
future. It may turn out for the better.
Or it may not. Some of the Ships
may disband in the face of this, or
like Ship Privateer at Chicago Yacht
Club, acquire their own vessel and
run their own local program. There
are many options.
We at Columbia,
our Sea Scout Ship, (the
pride of the Chicago area
Sea Scouts) now face a
dilemma; to maybe stretch
the metaphor a bit, a sea
change. Our best and our
4
brightest, outstanding youth from all
over the area, are passionate about
big boat sailing. They have done
service projects across the lake
during our long cruises. They have
taken the helm and all positions
in the Wednesday evening race
series, and brought home the brag
flags and hardware, and they’ve
been recruited by other big boat
programs. We have taken ten of
them on Mac Races over the past
seven years. The donations to the
Mac Race venture, and additional
fundraising efforts championed by
those donors have helped defray
the cost of keeping a big boat in the
Sea Scouts.
Chicago sailing schools at
all yacht clubs are brimming with
small boat programs, and they are
a great way for beginning sailors
to learn the fundamentals of boat
handling, points of sail and safety.
We have no argument with Sea
Scouts forming a small boat sailing
program. It’s a great idea; but why
should that exclude youth who have
the experience and desire to sail
on big boats from doing so? For
the moment, we may be down, but
we’re not out. With any luck, some
great friends and support, and a lot
of behind the scenes discussions, a
favorable “wind shift” just may see
our Sea Scouts on the water and
back at the dock on a big boat again
this summer.
5
6
VOL
LUM
UME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
21
IN THIS ISSUE
Report from the Road:
US Sailing Symposium
At the end of January, just after
the boat show, Kurt and I jetted
off to New Orleans, LA for the US
Sailing National Sailing Program
Symposium. Needless to say, we
were pretty wiped out, but looking
forward to warmer temperatures and
meeting up with the country’s sailing
industry professionals.
The NSPS is a conference
for on-the-water managers,
program directors and industry
representatives. The conference
features keynote speakers
presenting on topics including
on-the-water safety, volunteer
recruitment, weather, creative
programs, sports psychology,
environmentally friendly practices
and much more. It is a great
opportunity to steal…um, develop…
new ideas for Columbia.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF US SAILING
22
22
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
GOING FOR PRO
We registered for a one-day race
management class to become US
Sailing Certified Club Principal
Race Officers (PROs) like Olof
Andersson. For those who don’t
know, PROs are like the CEOs of
the Race Committee. PROs write
Sailing Instructions, manage the RC,
determine the course, adjust races
based on conditions, and assure
compliance with the SIs.
Before the class we had
to complete a study guide. No
problem, we thought. This will be
a breeze, we thought. It wasn’t.
So, we set up our study room: a
couple computers, rule books, and
handbooks all open and strewn
about the hotel room. It wasn’t that
we didn’t know the answers. The
issue was finding the citations to
prove our answers. The questions
are also worded poorly and I would
get hung up on the proper English.
US Sailing even acknowledges that
the questions are worded in a tricky
manner, allegedly to produce a
better race management team.
We quickly realized each other’s
strengths. I knew the administrative
work, like writing SIs, class rules,
scoring, etc. Kurt was better
versed in the actual setup of the
races. We were stuck in the room
for a few hours and even called
in our personal PRO to answer a
list of questions and clarify some
technicalities for us.
As you might imagine,
certification is not a quick process.
Besides the class, prerequisites
include serving in each role of the
RC more than a few times and
being comfortable directing a race.
Kurt met all the requirements, while
I am short just a few, but well on my
way to be finished by the end of the
2015 season.
IN THIS ISSUE
BY MORGAN KINNEY
OFFSHORE MANAGER
morgan@colyc.org
ASK THE EXPERTS?
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
When US Sailing answers your
question with, “I don’t know. We
haven’t gotten to that yet,” you can
only take comfort in the fact that
Columbia is ahead of the game.
The race management class
itself was brutally long. Or at
least felt that way, since it was
75 degrees, sunny and breezy
right outside the windows of
South Shore Yacht Club. One of
the more interesting and positive
aspects of the class was how
many attendees were under 35 about half the class. Since most
of the Race Committees I’ve seen
don’t attract this demographic as
participants, I decided to ask the
instructor, Matthew Hill (who also
happens to be the US Sailing Race
Administration Director) what US
Sailing is doing or recommends
organizations do in order to attract
younger RC members. That’s
when I received the disheartening
response, “I don’t know.” At least he
acknowledged the problem.
Kurt, Olof and I tackled the
next couple days using the divideand-conquer method. As in any
conference, some of the seminars
are less informative than others. I
got the short end of the stick on
seminar selection. After attending
what seemed like a commercial
pitch for Sail Flow, I met up
with Olof who immediately said,
“COLORS is going green!” He
had just attended a talk lead by
Sailors for the Sea - a clean regatta
initiative. Kurt also scored big at a
presentation about pitching events
to the industry leaders.
Another seminar I had high hopes
for was “Volunteer Management for
Regattas.” At this talk I again asked
the question, “How do we attract
younger volunteers?” The presenter
responded, “That’s more of a meta
issue,” and moved on to the next
question. I was irate! How could all
these industry experts and leaders
just keep ignoring this issue? The
woman next to me gave me a look
and whispered that she had the
same concern.
After the presentation, it was
nice to have the presenter make a
point of finding me to say that he
didn’t mean to dismiss me, but my
question, “is just too large of an
issue.” The woman seated next to
me and I swapped a couple ideas,
but they were things Columbia
already has in play, like teaching our
junior racers how to mark set.
Even with a few disappointing
moments in some of the seminars,
the benefits of NSPS outweigh
the negatives. As a direct result
of discussions at the conference,
we’ll be working this year to make
our events more green, using
sustainable options when possible.
We also want to introduce new
race management initiatives. Most
importantly, we are able to represent
Columbia and be a part of the
national discussion shaping the
future of sailing.
VOL
LUM
UME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
23
IN THIS ISSUE
Columbia Members
Make Spinnakers for
Otto and Carolyn
Or, The Battle with Panel
12
Birth of a DIY Project
It started innocently enough. With
the success of our J/22 program last
summer, we wanted spinnakers to
use for classes and racing. Imagine
our surprise to find out that sails are
expensive—especially when trained
professionals make them. Using the
old adage, “if you want something
done right, but you can’t afford
to do it the right way, make them
yourselves,” we looked for options.
Enter Sailrite. As it turns out,
the company that sells the monster
sail-making sewing machines
also designs sails. In the fall, we
submitted an order for two class
spinnakers, and six weeks later, we
got a box of pre-cut panels
(88 of them), needles, thread and a
boatload of tape. Now all we
needed were sailmakers or, er,
“volunteers.”
On a frigid Saturday in
February, roughly 15 sailmakers
arrived to find the rail deck
scattered with red, white and blue
panels. Our task, in a nutshell:
1 Lay out the panels using the
mapping provided
2 Tape the panels together into
six sections and sew those
sections together
3 Tape and sew the sections
together along impossibly long
seams
4 Assemble the corners (rings,
webbing, anti-chafe); and
5 Apply the luff and foot tapes.
24
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
1
2
3
IN THIS ISSUE
By Stu Friedman
5
4
In what some called a case of the
blind leading the more blind, Stu
Friedman and Holly Kawula, armed
with two Sailrite LSZ-1 machines
and a solid Bernina home model,
lead the team into battle.
This is Easy!!
Everything went smoothly. Walter
Kawula was appointed chief
engineer, which involved absolutely
no additional responsibility, at
least we thought. Steve Call and
Bruce Conrad proved masters of
basting tape. Vanessa Gates and
friend rocked a section as well.
Paul Murray, Suzanne Glow, Perry
Pakravan, Mark Gillingham and
several others pitched in. Even star
junior sailors Phoebe Lincoln, Lillian
Nemeth and Katie Faris helped. But
the day’s MVP was Susan Tonon,
who seemingly single-handedly
sewed 1,000 feet of zig-zag stitches.
We discovered that spinnaker
making isn’t that difficult. The 44
panels fit neatly into six sections.
The machines ran beautifully. The
rail deck was a perfect venue.
Everyone got along. By lunch time,
we almost had one sail put together
and were ready to install the tapes
and corners. We adjourned to the bar
for some burgers, beers and back
slapping.
The Rubik’s Cube of Spinnaker
Building: Panel 12
Then confusion set in. Perhaps it
was the lunchtime drinks. Maybe
the real sailmakers had placed a hex
on us. Or maybe Sailrite decided to
switch April Fool’s day to February.
But panel 12 didn’t fit.
We took apart the sail. We
put it back together. Remarkably,
it still didn’t fit. Walter made head
scratching an Olympic sport.
Holly measured fifteen times.
Stu delegated. Still, evil panel 12
refused. We were at an impasse.
Finally, Walter, Holly and Susan
figured out a fix. We sewed a little
tuck-in seam, and voila, we had a
kite. Drinks were served. There was
much rejoicing.
We reconvened with a smaller
team on Sunday. Not realizing the
free beer was finished the previous
day, rock star J/22 sailor Martin
Cooney and our own Sailing Master,
Kurt Thomsen joined in. We made
quick work finishing Spinnaker 1
and, with the last-minute help of
Woody Hansmann, past Commodore
Bill Bartz, and even Commodore Joe
McGinnis, we finished most of our
work on #2. Who said the afterguard
doesn’t get their hands dirty?
Now, it’s time to get them on the
water. We’ll be using them for two
events this summer:
Spinnaker Class: Starting on
Thursdays, June 4-11, we’ll be
holding a class on flying a spinnaker.
The class is designed for both newer
sailors and veterans looking to learn
spinnakers.
Experienced Match Racing: This is
still in the planning stages, but we’re
expecting to launch an experienced
match racing series this summer.
Watch your weekly updates for more.
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
25
IN THIS ISSUE
The Activities Committee
Needs You!
Admit it: You’ve been looking for
a way to become more involved
with the Club, but you’ve got a few
reservations about how much of
a commitment you’re really willing
to make. The fact is, committee
involvement can be as flexible as
you need it to be, and there’s no
better place to get started than by
joining the Activities Committee.
What, you may wonder, will
being a part of the Activities
Committee get you?
•Socialize with fellow members
•Share great party ideas
•Impact COLYC with a sense
of fun and camaraderie
•Help plan and host events year-round
•Become a better sailor*
Join Activities Committee today for
a more exciting Columbia tomorrow.
Email us with questions or party
ideas at activities@colyc.org
We’ll see YOU at our monthly
committee meetings on the first
Thursday of every month at
6:00 p.m.!
DOG DAY ON THE DOCK,
LOBSTER FEST, JULY 4TH
CELEBRATION AND THE
KIDS’ HALLOWEEN PARTY
ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MANY
EVENTS ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
MEMBERS PLAN
26
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
*Becoming a better sailor
is not guaranteed
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet the 2015 Board
For a Club that is run by and for its members, Columbia relies on those
who serve as Flag Offices and Board members for our continued success.
They offer their time and talents as stewards of our Club. Each year at the
December annual meeting the membership elects their Commodore, Flag
Officers and new Board members. Congratulations to these members, and
thank you for your service to the Club.
2015 COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB FLAG OFFICERS
JOSEPH J. McGINNIS
COMMODORE
CRAIG L. HORTON
VICE COMMODORE
SCOTT B. JOHNSON
REAR COMMODORE
KENNETH E. HAAS
SECRETARY
THOMAS E. BARNES
TREASURER
2015 COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FRONT ROW: KENNETH E. HAAS, CRAIG L. HORTON, JOSEPH J. McGINNIS, SCOTT B. JOHNSON, THOMAS E. BARNES. BACK ROW: MIKE LANE,
WILLIAM GRANT, CHRIS DUHON, MIKE HETTEL, ANDREW KELLY, LISA DeSANTIS, JEFFREY VANDER MEADE, ROBERT HORENKAMP, RONALD
VOISARD, STUART FRIEDMAN
VOL
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UME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
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T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
ON THE ABBY
Culinary Adventure on the Horizon
Mark your calendar for these special events
DRY CREEK WINERY DINNER
Friday, May 22 - 6:30 P.M.
Enjoy wines from one of the oldest and most prestigious family owned
wineries in all of Sonoma on the upper deck of Columbia Yacht Club.
Aperitif and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 P.M. followed by a four course meal
of local meats and produce.
MARGARITAVILLE BRUNCH
Sunday, June 21 - 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
MARGARITAVILLE
BRUNCH
Conch fritters, lobster benedict, Margaritas and live music by Frank Whiting
will assure you drift off to Margaritaville. Treat dear ole dad to this fun brunch
for a Father’s Day outing or simply sluff off with some friends. A Columbia
Yacht Club tradition not to be missed.
FATHER’S DAY
MINER FAMILY WINE DINNER
Wednesday, July 8 - 6:30 P.M.
Family owned and committed to biodynamic, sustainable and organic
practices, this Napa Valley Winery is stunning. We will work with local farmers
to offer amazing mid-summer fare. The dinner will end with fireworks from
Navy Pier at 9:30 P.M.
POWER FLEET POT LUCK & DOCK PARTY
Saturday, July 11 - 4:00 P.M.
Send the Mac racers off with well wishes, then head to the dock for
a fun pot luck! Bring a dish to pass–the Power Fleet will provide free
kegs and live music! RSVP to Bryan@colyc.org to reserve dock space.
POT LUCK & DOCK PARTY
BLUEGRASS BRUNCH
Sunday, July 19 - 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Bluegrass and bourbon before noon? Yes please. Our favorite southern
style musicians, The Dogpatch Ramblers, return to play the car deck while
we enjoy southern cuisine and bourbon trail inspired cocktails.
July 19 ~ 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
POT LUCK!
Featuring
Saturday, July 11—4:00 P.M.
TM12202013-001 Nita Hass Viking Travel BC Ad.pdf 1 12/20/2013 5:51:43 PM
Send the Mac racers off with well wishes
then head to the Columbia Dock for a fun
Pot Luck!
Free Kegs and Live Music
Hot Browns $7
RSVP Dock Space: Bryan@colyc.org
Blu egrass Menu
BBQ Ribs, Slaw, Beans and Corn Bread $21
C
Fried Catfish, Red Beans and Rice $16
BBQ Pull Pork on Texas Toast $9
Fried Chicken and Collard Greens $13
Grilled Shrimp with Comeback Sauce and Rice $15
Bluegrass Bar
Lynchburg Lemonade
Fran McGinnis, GRI
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312.915.4738
312.560.6690
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e-fax: 781.609.0044
Fran@FranMcGinnis.com MY
www.FranMcGinnis.com
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Mint Juleps
Georgia Peach Tea
Fran McGinnis Real Estate
Fran McGinnis Real Estate
Professional Service With A Personal Touch
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Operated by Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC.
ON
THE
ABBY
ONTHIS
THEISSUE
ABBY
IN
BY NICK PHILP
GENERAL MANAGER
nick@colyc.org
From our General Manager
BY NITA HAAS
MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR
membership@colyc.org
As I prepare for my eighth summer season
at a Columbia, I have an overwhelming
sense of great things to come for our Club.
Membership is strong, the management team
is growing and our committees are seeing
a revival all around. The season is already
promising to be grand, with a full schedule of
events, seminars and regattas. Regardless of
Mother Nature’s plans, we will certainly have a
great time aboard the Abby.
Sailing education, racing, cruising and
power boating are always a strong focus for
NICK PHILP
the Club. This year they are especially so.
The various committees involved in boating activities, with the help of newly
appointed Offshore Manager Morgan Kinney, are all making giant leaps
forward to improve our offshore programs. The sailing school is seeing many
kids return this season, the J 22s will be used for some new educational
outreach and Skipjacks is on track for another terrific success. The Cruising
and Power Fleets are as active as ever, and the Race Committee is thriving
in numbers and educational events.
Aboard the Abby, boy, will we have fun. Thanks to amazing volunteer
work in January, our outdoor dining area is greatly expanded, stretching all
the way down the port side to the tent entrance. Already there is an amazing
events calendar planned, and the Bar and Grill team is poised for success.
Food and Beverage Manager Ryan Conlin will be running the floor. And, I’m
happy to announce that Carla Sprenkle has returned to Columbia as the
Bar Supervisor. Rounding out the team, Chef Alberto is entering his second
full season as Chef de Cuisine and I will, of course, still be heavily involved
with the events and the lovely (in my opinion) wine list.
With Columbia expanding and improving services, I encourage you to
make us your destination before and after downtown events. Join us for a
night cap after the concert, lounge in the salon after a regatta or meet up
with friends to enjoy our unique view of the city skyline. 2015 will certainly be
our best year yet.
STAFF CONTACT
INFORMATION
ANY COLUMBIA STAFF
MEMBER CAN BE REACHED
BY CALLING THE CLUB AT
312-938-3625
(312-WET-DOCK)
OR VIA EMAIL AT THE
ADDRESSES BELOW:
NICK PHILP
GENERAL MANAGER
NICK@COLYC.ORG
TIM MULLEN
ASST. GENERAL MANAGER
TIM@COLYC.ORG
ALBERTO GARCIA
CHEF DE CUISINE
ALBERTO@COLYC.ORG
RYAN CONLIN
FOOD & BEVERAGE
MANAGER
RYAN@COLYC.ORG
KURT THOMSEN
SAILING SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
KURT@COLYC.ORG
MORGAN KINNEY
OFFSHORE MANAGER
MORGAN@COLYC.ORG
CLAY VANCE
HOUSE MANAGER
CLAY@COLYC.ORG
BRYAN RAYMAKER
DOCK MANAGER
BRYAN@COLYC.ORG
VHF CHANNEL 78
JANET MARTINEZ
OFFICE MANAGER
JANET@COLYC.ORG
TOM TRULIS
CONTROLLER
TOM@COLYC.ORG
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1 51 5
I S ISSUSEU E
2 2T H
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H EB IBNI N ANCA LC EL E
PHOTOS BY BILL HANYZEWSKI
31
23
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ON THE
THE ABBY
ABBY
ON
Ice in Our Drinks, Not On the Lake
With the ice finally melted off the
lake and boat yard work underway,
here are some updates to what is on
offer to eat and drink at Columbia
this spring.
Updated Menu
The new menu includes new
seasonal items alongside some old
favorites. On the lighter side, look for
the roasted parsnip salad with frisee
greens topped with hazelnuts, bleu
cheese and a wheat beer vinaigrette.
A more warming appetizer to share
on those cool spring evenings, the
queso de cabra is a creamy mound
of goat cheese surrounded by
tomato and basil sauce with plenty
of toasted fresh bread to dip. For
something unique, try the short rib
stuffed piquillo peppers – Nick calls
them “wizard hats”: peppers stuffed
with a tasty mix of short rib and
32
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
manchego cheese finished with a
pepper coulis.
Some entrees have been given
a fresh look. Salmon is always a
favorite, and for this season’s take
it has been seared and sits atop
seasonal vegetables, a parsnip puree
finished with lemon butter. A popular
winter dish, the chicken thighs
remain on the menu, now served
in a cremini broth with poached
shitake and a mushroom leek bread
pudding. Also new is a short ribs
entrée, served with cauliflower mash,
Brussels sprout leaves and a tasty jus.
Outside Seating
The January weekend warriors built
and installed new decking all along
the port side of the ship, greatly
expanding the outdoor dining area.
There will also now be cocktail
service in the lobby, as well as the
aft part of the port side with new bar
stool seating on its way. For those
summer evenings when you want
to stay outside as long as possible
but still be close to the bar, or you
just want to take in the activity at the
dock while enjoying a cocktail, this is
the place for you!
Jazz Nights
Is there a better way to spend a
Wednesday evening than enjoying
delicious meal evening out under the
stars accompanied by the sounds of
smooth jazz? On the first Wednesday
of each month, the Upper Deck is
the place to be. These special nights
continue through the end of the year
with the weekly fireworks for a finale
(reservations required).
In the Bar
The Bloody Mary at Columbia is a
thing of beauty, especially with the
garnish of an olive, pickle, pepper
jack cheese, salami, and the jalapeno
bacon swizzle. Next time you’re in
the mood, why not try one of our
signature bloodies? Sample the
Scallywag: Purity vodka, Sriracha,
ON
ONTHE
THEABBY
ABBY
By Sarah Tromans
Bar and Grill Chair
barandgrill@colyc.org
Clamato, and a Guinness float. Or
spice it up with the Hellfyre, which
combines Hellfyre hot pepper vodka,
Sriracha and our house-made Bloody
Mary mix. Not a fan of the spice?
Cool off with the Cuc-y Mary, with
Effen Cucumber vodka.
There’s always something new
worth trying in the bar. Check out the
chalkboard or ask your server what
the newest craft beer or cocktails are.
A big thank you to Nick, Ryan,
Alberto and the team for the great
work they do at keeping our energy
up over the busy summer months!
We’ve all seen the fantastic job
they do juggling high-end events, a
packed out bar, busy deck and dining
room, and late night food for hungry
racers. You can help the team,
and help everyone enjoy summer
Bar and Grill service by making a
reservation. Especially in the summer,
reservations become more important
as everyone wants to sit outside so
please call in advance if possible.
Columbia prides itself on flexibility,
so please make sure the Chef or wait
staff are aware of any food allergies,
dietary restrictions or special requests
and they will be accommodated
wherever possible. Also, as always, if
there is anything you don’t see on the
menu, please ask.
DINING OPTIONS Summer Hours
Dining Room
Tuesday
Dining Room closed
Wednesday – Thursday
11.30am – 10.30pm
Friday11.30am – 11.00pm
Saturday
9.00am – 11.00pm
Sunday
9.00am – 10.00pm
Bar
Tuesday
11.30am – 10.30pm
Wednesday – Thursday
11.30am – 10.30pm
Friday11.30am – 11.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 11.00pm
Sunday
9.00am – 10.00pm
VOL
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UME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
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ON THE ABBY
Volunteering is So Pervasive It’s Invisible
By Scott Johnson
Rear Commodore
This past January, members and
crewing non-members swarmed
the ship to accomplish a myriad
of tasks from feeding the
workforces to:
1
We take for granted all the things that have been pioneered by
concerned, active volunteers. The greatest good you can do for
another is not just share your riches, but reveal to him his own.
Thus everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You
do not have to have a college degree to serve. You do not need
to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You do not
have to know Archimedes Law of Buoyancy to serve. You only
need a graceful soul generated by compassion for the well-being
of your community.
Our community at the Columbia Yacht Club is in great part
the Abby – the most distinguished ship in the Chicago basin and,
for me, the home of the finest yacht club on the Great Lakes.
In an effort to continue our not-for-profit mission and
sustain our floating base, in January we traditionally cease
general operations and commit to a tally of projects.
34
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
• Removed and repaired floors in
lobby and bar to prep for new
floor
• Installed new wood-look
flooring in lobby and bar
• Expanded outside dining on
port side to tent entrance
• Installed new lighting on rail
deck
• Dug out old rail filler on rail
deck and filled with epoxy filler
• Prepped and repainted rail
deck floor
• Removed, sanded and
varnished exterior doors on
boat deck
• Repaired damaged ceiling
areas in lobby, upper salon and
dining room
• Repaired damaged floor area in
kitchen
• Added vintage-themed nautical
sconces in lobby for additional
casual lighting
• Relocated water/temperature
device for automatic overflow
in cold weather
• Removed, repaired and
remounted bar foot rail
• Revarnished bar
• Installed 240 electric in bar for
new coffee machine
ON THE ABBY
2
3
4
5
When passion and skill
combine, you end with
the stunning success that
currently shines within and
upon the ship. All have set
the bar rather high upon
this one. To everyone,
congratulations and a
profound thank you.
A noble leader
responds not to the trumpet
calls of self- promotion but
to the hushed whispers
of necessity. I have been
fortunate to have Mr. Dave
Sturdy (or as I refer to him
as ‘Sturdy Dave Sturdy’)
to serve as the Chair for
the House Committee, where he has been a linchpin
and leader for many years. Enviably, he is now passing
the leadership. With him will come one of his best
attributes: knowing that the secret of all success lies in
the organization of the non-obvious. All within
our membership need to take the occasion to privately
thank him.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
committed members can change and improve upon the
existing; indeed this is the only
thing worldwide that ever has.
Therefore, I am happy
to announce the expansion,
as the growing needs
dictates, to co-chairs for
this standing committee:
Mr. Joe Marciniak and Mr.
Martin E. Cooney. Both have
demonstrated an attitude
of positive expectation,
skills of importance to the position and keenness in
managerial organization – the spectrum for success.
Forthcoming, but paced, will be announcements of
facility improvements.
We are the captains of our own ships upon this
journey in life. It is and should be a comfort to all of the
membership that in times of stormy weather, you can
and will discover true friends, as those who have freely
given their expertise, energy and time - for they have not
hesitated, each in turn, to be a stalwart lighthouse.
1 Removing the old grout from the rail to prepare for painting on the
Rail Deck. Left to right: Doug Hoffman, Mark Smith and Perry Weinberg
2 Martin Cooney proofing the rails to be filled 3 Rail Deck repainting
project 4 New Car Deck for additional seating outside the bar 5 Martin
Acuna (staff) prepping for new lobby floor
VOL
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UME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
35
ON THE ABBY
And Bingo is its Name-o
What’s the perfect way to spend a
gorgeous morning on the lake before
the harbors are open? Turns out, for
Columbia members, it’s taking over
the Club Ship for (what’s becoming a
favorite tradition) The Bingo Brunch.
The upper salon, board room and
main salon become gaming heaven,
with filled-to-capacity crowds enjoying
Chef Alberto’s weekend brunch
specials while eagerly looking for five
down, across or even four corners to
make them a winner. It just goes to
prove that you don’t need fancy bells
and whistles to make a great time at
Columbia—just a group of our funloving members.
36
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
ON THE ABBY
Abby’s Allure keeps bringing
them in…
Even in the chill of winter, the charm
of our Club Ship shines through.
These new members have heart that
warm weather will return, so we
welcome them to Columbia.
Diana and George Carry are excited to join Columbia
get involved in the social scene as AM1 members. Living
in Hyde Park, they plan to expand their social scene
meeting new friends at the Club. Diana, working in
the education field, plays folk guitar in her spare time.
Taking advantage of George’s travel benefits as an airline
employee, they both love to travel.
Kate and Brian Crouch join Columbia along with Billy
(6) and Lauren (3 mos). Brian, a sailing instructor at
ColYC when he was in college, is excited to get back
on the water. He is ready to volunteer for coaching and
Race Committee, and will be a great addition to any race
crew. Smart Skippers will snap him up quickly! Smart beer
drinkers will definitely want to talk malt and hops with him
– he thinks we should start a beer club!
John Koutoupis was aware of the Abby along the
lakefront, but it wasn’t until he attended a “fantastic
wedding” at the Club last summer that he realized how
special it is. With summer around the corner, he wanted
to get a jump on membership. Plans include jumping right
in to groups such as the Power Fleet, volunteering for
committees and bringing his 47-ft power boat, Petrina,
down from Diversey to our docks.
Natasha and Keith Poole both grew up in Nova
Scotia, where Keith remembers riding the Abby back and
forth from Prince Edward Island as a child. These new
associate members have been in the Chicago area since
1999, and are currently living in Munster, Indiana, with
their three children. Walking and biking past the Abby, the
Pooles never stopped in the Club. Now, as members, the
family looks forward to creating a new generation of Abby
memories, as well as meeting members and getting out
on the water.
Sara McMurray
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COLYC member since 2011
ON THE ABBY
Flotsam & Jetsam
BURGEE SWAP
CARIBBEAN RENDEZVOUS
Columbia member and friend Karl
Olson noticed that the St. Croix
Yacht Club didn’t have one of our
burgees, and we didn’t have one
of theirs on our rail deck. So they
made a point of taking one down
with them this year, and now we’re
proudly represented!
Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI
was the destination of choice for a
gathering of Club members down
in the Islands at the same time this
past February. Bob Horenkamp
and his crew of Bachelor Party
revelers (including Lisa DeSantis,
Sarah Tromans, Mark Stratford,
Chad Willets, Adriana Calderon,
Matt Hickey, Shawna Pape and Jeff
JAY (OF THE SCYC) WITH MARILYN &
CHARLIE OLSON
BOB HORENKAMP, MATT HICKEY, MATT
HOWARD & LISA DeSANTIS AT BEYC
38
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015
Daeschler) met up with Tracy and
Matt Howard for an evening of boat
drinks and Anegada lobster. After
dinner, the group hopped a ferry to
Saba Rock for a toast to Bob and
his bride-to-be, Fiona Barbour.
MAST STEPPING
Did you know that you can step your
mast for FREE at Columbia? You
must read the instructions and sign
the release form prior to stepping
your mast. Item 2 of the instructions
requires prior experience and
current-year Columbia boat decal.
If you do not have the necessary
experience, the committee will help
you. If you are interested in joining
the mast stepping committee,
please email Bob Sperl. Call Janet
at (312)938-3625 to schedule an
appointment.
www.olsonsclassicyachts.com . (708) 481-3123
ON THE ABBY
VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2
TH E B I N NACLE
111 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
MEN U
pa s s e d hors d’oe u vre s
P E TI T S H R IMP COC KTAIL
B O U R S I N S TU F F E D BABY BELLAS
LA MB LOLLIPOP S
CO LU MB IA YAC H T CL UB and
CO MMO D O RE a nd MR S . J O S E PH J . Mc G I NNIS
r eq u e s t y o u r pre se nce at
THE
COMMODORE’S
RECEPTION
am u s e
C U R R I E D L U M P C RA B OV E R WATERMELON
a v o c a d o, wa te r c r e s s a n d Yu zu vinaigre tte
s alad
CO L U M BI A’ S C LA S S I C CAES AR S ALAD
pa r mi giano reggian o
din ne r
P R I M E F I L E T O F BE E F AU POIV RE
G R I L L E D M I C H I G A N AS PARAGUS
c h e r r y to ma to vin aigre tte
G A R L I C R E D S K IN MAS H
de s s e r t
DA R K C H O CO LATE & S A LTE D CA RA M EL EN TREMET
wh i te c h ocolate s ail
M O KA RA B I A A RA B ICA COF F EES
SAT U RDAY, MAY 16, 2015
CO C KTA IL S o n the uppe r d ec k at 6:00
din ne r win e s
K E N DA L L J AC KS O N R E S E RV E P IN OT GRIS
K E N DA L L J AC KS O N R E S E RV E CHARDON N AY
K E N DA L L J AC KS O N R E S E RV E CA B E R N E T S AUV IGN ON
D IN N E R u n d e r the te nt at 7:30
l i v e m u s i c by PA R I S S W I N G B A N D
yachting formal, black tie optional, $80 pp++ includes wine with dinner, cash bar
call the office for reservations 312-938-3625 or visit columbiayachtclub.org
no-show policy in effect, cancellations by May 15
T H E B I N NAC L E SPRING 2015