Spinsheet -August 22, 2025

Farewell to Summer

The floating docks may be out, but summer still lingers.  How quickly time flies!  This summer was no exception. With the awards given out, the clubhouse closed, and the first named hurricane of the season, we can reflect on a truly wonderful sailing season with minimal disruption!

In our brief 8-week season, we hosted a series of memorable events: Commodore's Cocktails, CYC Beach Day, Two Luncheons, the Sailing School Picnic, Karaoke Evening, Last Hurrah, our annual regatta and signature Regatta Gala. In between, CYC also hosted the GILL two day regatta. 

These events, and the success of the season overall, would not have been possible without the efforts of countless volunteers. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

As we reflect on another incredible summer on the water, we want to extend heartfelt appreciation to the talented and passionate leaders who have shaped our sailing school experience this season and for many seasons past.

First and foremost, we would like to recognize Schuyler Bartlett, who has served as our Program Director for the past three summers. Under Schuyler’s steady leadership, our sailing school has grown in both strength and spirit. Her commitment to nurturing both instructors and sailors alike has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to the role.

We are also fortunate to have had an outstanding team of senior instructors, each of whom has brought three seasons of leadership and specialized expertise to our programs:

• Ryan McGauley, our 420 Race Team coach, who has inspired a new generation of competitive sailors with his calm focus and deep technical knowledge. During this year, Ryan coached race team members in six away regattas where our sailors achieved impressive finishes, including a FIRST PLACE finish in the Southern Mass Sailing Association Durant Trophy.

• Cody Lamoreux and Cailyn Murphy, our Opti Race Team coaches, whose dedication and consistency have built a solid foundation for our younger racers.

• Chad Bartlett and Tucker Lamoreux, co-directors of the Helmsmen 420 program, who have worked tirelessly to develop our more advanced sailors with skill and sportsmanship.

• Amelia Gassner and Sarah Lenox, who co-directed our Opti classes with care and creativity, bringing leadership and continuity to our youngest fleets.

• Julia Szymanski, who stepped into a solo leadership role in the Recreational class this season after two years as co-director, continuing to grow the fun, skill, and confidence of our sailors.

• And a special shoutout to Julia Scipione, our Opti Green Fleet coach, whose encouraging spirit helped even our most hesitant sailors take their first bold step into the world of regattas.

Each of these individuals has played a vital role in shaping our community—not only as skilled instructors but as mentors and role models. The camaraderie and excellence they’ve fostered continue to reflect in the smiles and successes of our sailors.

Mark you calendars : Sailing School registration for next year is targeted to open in April 2026.

CYC 420 and Opti Race Team

Throughout the season, we have the chance to offer our gratitude to the Volunteer and Social Committees, without whom our season would not function.  Alicia Downs and Sarah Lipson are stepping down as volunteer chairs and we are thankful for their tireless efforts on our behalf.  Jen Gilmartin also held the reins of our social committee.  We benefit from her limitless creativity and dedication - thank you!

 We are also deeply grateful to all those who lend their boats, particularly the Beetle and Catboat owners whose generosity makes our crew class and adult sailing classes possible. Your support is invaluable.

At CYC we place a large public emphasis on our fantastic sailing school.  This is not to overshadow our vibrant racing program that allows a multi-generational fleet of sailors the opportunity to take advantage of all that a season on Pleasant Bay offers.  These programs do not happen on their own and we would like to extend a big thank you to all the CYC members who worked to make our racing happen multiple days each week this summer. The CYC Race Committee of Sam Benson, Jeff Howell, Carolyn Paczkowska, Catie O'Sullivan, Anne Sampson and Co-Chairs  Marshall Bartlett and Ted Dickson oversee all our racing activities all summer. The Dock Committee – led by Co-Chairs Dorothy Cary and Melissa Dickson and members Carol Barrow,  Em Dickson, Anna Marie Johansen, Melise O’Sullivan, Nick Proia,  Angela Scipione, Karen Sheldrick– ensure every race goes off smoothly and places are recorded correctly.  Our scoring team of Ann Carson and Michael Klepikov have brought innovation to the complicated task of correctly scoring all the CYC races this summer. Finally, our Patrol, led by Patrol Co-Captains Mike Szymanski and Andy Caggiano, have kept our sailors safe on the Bay all summer.  After many seasons on the water keeping us safe, Mike is stepping down as patrol co-captain and handing the reins to Andy.  Please give your thanks to Mike and volunteer support to Andy next summer!

Twelve months a year, a great deal of behind-the-scenes work goes into managing CYC. I am tremendously grateful for my support team: Bart Wesp, Gwen Shipley, Nick Proia, Carrie Spring, Marshall Bartlett, Julie Murphy, and Barb Shipley, among others.

Your hard work and dedication make everything possible.

During the closing meeting, we welcomed Emily Richmond as Rear Commodore and our newest Flag Officer.  We look forward to her guidance and added voice!

It was also during this meeting that the baton, tiller or mast was passed to Bart Wesp - our NEW COMMODORE!  Chatham Yacht Club is very fortunate to have Bart at the helm - one of the most capable and dedicated members of our community. 

Thank you once again to everyone who made this summer a success and thank you for the opportunity to serve as your commodore.  It has been an honor. 

With gratitude,

Tracy Dart, (Former!) Commodore

Bart Wesp, Commodore

Gwen Shipley, Vice Commodore

Emily Richmond, Rear Commodore

Nick Proia, Treasurer

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STAFF APPRECIATION FUND

Our sailing school staff has done a wonderful job this year! If you feel positive about the job these hard working young people have done for the last eight weeks, or if you want to give an extra thank you for your child's sailing school experience, please donate to the staff appreciation fund.  The club uses these funds to give bonuses to the teachers.   *This year, during the closing meeting, CYC has generously  committed and voted to match donations to the staff appreciation fund up $5,000.

Thank you!

CONTRIBUTE HERE 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR 2025 CHATHAM YACHT CLUB AWARD WINNERS!

Chatham Yacht Club Executive, Sailing Series and Sailing School Awards were presented during the closing meeting on August 16th.  During our awards meeting, a new award was introduced by Lucas Proia, the Work Hard, Be Kind Award in honor of John W Hughan. 

Congratulations to each of you!  

In case you missed it, you can see the full list here

Full List of Recipients

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To honor John Hughan, volunteers in Harwich pack food for those in need.

Last week, members of our CYC sailing school and community joined the Hughan family at their Youth Sailors Food Packing event.  Together they packed 26,000 meals supporting children and families throughout Cape Cod and Massachusetts.  This event brought sailors, instructors, and parents together from seven local yacht clubs from across Cape Cod.  The John W Hughan foundation partnered with @endhungerne to provide these opportunities for service.  #workhardbekind #jwhfoundation #endhungernewengland

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RECIPROCITY

Chatham Yacht Club is a member of the Yachting Club of America and included in their "Register of American Yacht Clubs". 

Not all yacht clubs participate.  Please consult the registry using the links on the reciprocity page of the website.  Each member yacht club has their own set of restrictions or guidelines pertaining to use of their facilities by visting yachtsmen and other yacht club members.  These yacht clubs should be contacted regarding any such restrictions prior to visitation to avoid any unfortunate miscommunication. 

If you wish to visit a reciprocal club, this is usually accomplished by means of a letter of introduction that Chatham Yacht Club will provide to you pertaining specifically to that club and dates requested.  "Blanket" letters of introduction are usually not accepted.  These letters of introduction are communicated between clubs and members via email. 

Please review the listing of participating clubs and then contact the desired club in advance to determine if the facilities or participation you seek are available to you and what requirements the reciprocal club needs for entry and access. 

As always, we ask our members to serve as ambassadors to our special club and abide by our Code of Conduct when visiting reciprocal clubs. 

RECIPROCITY

"Engagement on Pleasant Bay", by Ted Dickson

Read a delightful article about the CYC "formula for success"  and sailing on Pleasant Bay in this feature article.

Congratulations Ted!

Read the Article 

RACING RESULTS

Find a link to the full  season racing scores and results from CYC series to Race Team regattas.

Racing Results

RESTROOMS

The bathrooms remain accessible until it is deemed too cold to sail. Please note the code to the lock is 1921

LOST AND FOUND

Any boat or equipment on the waterfront area must have the member's name on it. (As it is in the membership directory…)

Any items remaining around CYC without a name is considered abandoned and will become CYC property. 

If you are missing any sailing article from booties to lifejackets, waterbottles and more - there is a small bin on the deck. However the contents will disappear in a day or so and unclaimed articles donated. (If the wind did not already blow them away!)

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CLUB HOUSE CLOSING AND CLEAN UP

THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who helped to clean and close our clubhouse and grounds.  It's no easy task but this year went very smoothly and we finished in record time!  CYC would not be able to open or close without your elbow grease, we are GRATEFUL.  See you next June when it's time to do it in reverse!

NOTE: The bathrooms remain accessible until it is deemed too cold to sail.  Please note the code to the new lock is 1921

CHATHAM YACHT CLUB HOLIDAY GEAR ORDERS

Prepare for the HOLIDAYS and place your CYC gear orders early!    Due to the custom and made-on-demand nature of the CYC gear, please allow for extended lead times to receive.  We have been advised that all online orders for the December holidays should be placed by November 7th.  

CYC Gear

PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF ANY WEATHER EVENTS

Any boats in the mooring field should be checked before and after - regardless if this is during the open CYC season or after the clubhouse is closed.  If you have a boat in the mooring field, please ensure your membership profile contains  accurate information (boat name, your contact details etc.) in the case  we need to reach you and notify of a boat situation. 

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