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Burnham Park Yacht Club Monthly Newsletter ● April 2016

Commodore’s Log

It is with a sad heart that we have to say goodbye to...

“old man winter.” We also get to welcome the 2016

Chicagoland Boating Season! For you early birds,

Westrec is hoping to have all the docks ready with

water and electric by April 15th! That is a refreshing

change from the last three winters and the damage to

the docks.

It is with a sad heart, however, that the powers that

be have transferred our beloved harbor master John

Massi to Belmont Harbor. The assistant harbor master

for the last 2 years, Cathy Ramirez has been promoted

to harbor master. Stop by the harbor office and

introduce yourself if you have not already met. We

should be in good hands. She has worked for the

harbor system for over 8 years.

Please mark your calendars for our Opening Day on

Saturday, May 7, 2016. It is Kentucky Derby Day and

our first of a number of New Member Open Houses.

Great food, great music and our own private horse

races will be held before the big race. Invite a potential

new member.

On another note, we are going to promote our to-go

menu for delivery to your boats. We own our tender and

mark boat, so we should maximize its use.

I have to mention a special thanks for a number of

our unsung heroes. Paulette Horne has hosted two

grounds clean ups and has braved freezing

temperatures and snow during them. She has waxed the

tender boat along with Phil Moulding. Our second set of

heroes are Dick O’Connell and Bill Hood. Both have

been the MacGyvers for the club by tackling plumbing,

electrical and structural issues. Dick has also been

working tirelessly on our 2016 membership booklet to

get it printed on time. Thank you all for your selfless

efforts.

Extensive work by our Treasurer, Phil Edwards,

is continuing to get the members who are behind on their

payments to pay. This is your last chance to prevent

your membership and use of the club from being

suspended. Call Samantha at the club to pay up. This is

not a good time to lose your club privileges!

For those of you who do get to come to the club,

pick up a copy of the 2016 social events calendar or

view online by clicking on the links “The Breeze” and

“On The Wind.”

With a Casino Night, Pirate’s Ball, Rendezvous,

and live music most weekends, this is going to be a

“banner” year. We deserve it.

See you at the club.

Sincerely,

Chris Edmo

P a g e | 2 Vice Commodore

Rear Commodore

Hello BPYC Members! Happy Mother’s Day to all! We will again be having a buffet extravaganza at the Club in honor of you all. PLEASE make reservations if you know you are coming to this event. We have also learned from studying the mechanics of our service that RESERVATIONS will make a major impact on our service. You are always welcome to your Club, but it will help us provide better service if we can know how many people are coming. This will hold true during the season on peak hours also. Please make RESERVATIONS whenever you can, especially for large groups. My Committee summaries: (or these things don’t just happen) Membership/Marketing. Tom Oconnell has been organizing plans for gaining future members. He is ready for our Season open houses. Keep in mind there is a $200 Club credit for every new member you sign up! Docks and Grounds. Paulette Horne deserves a big thank you for our landscaping and shed clean out. When you look at the flowers, manicured shrubs, flowers, and neat storage shed, think of Paulette and her committee. Park Relations. Algis Baliunas has already started on assuring we have wifi service at your dock. The systems are still being tweaked, but not completed. That should be accomplished by the time your boat is in its slip. He asks that you inform him if you do not have good wifi service. Just give Sam a call or tell her when you see her at the Club. She will notify Algis. He is also working on assuring we go without Security issues from the concerts this year. Lots of plans are in the works. House. Larry Harris has been working to see that our physical plant is ready for the Season. He has eliminated any code concerns we had in the past and is working on preventative maintenance. Bar and Galley. Howard Jacobson and his Committee have taken on an incredible task over the winter to analyze the Bar and Galley systems and procedures. This is the foundation of getting us good food and service. Numerous changes and improvements have been put in to practice and the results are great. If the winter events and Private parties are good indicators, we are all excited to see the Membership reaction this Season. Raise your Sails and start your Engines. The Boating Season is here! Scott Gordon Vice Commodore, BPYC

It’s that time of year again! Time to remove the shrink wrap and check the bottom paint. Time to get back to the club, see what’s new, and enjoy the spring weather. There is a lot that is happening behind the scenes!

Pam MacGregor is in charge of “Programs” and “Publicity” and doing a great job. The calendar is filling up quickly. She is constantly updating the web site with all of our upcoming events. Let her know if there is something you want to add.

Paul Stec & Brij Bharteey are working on two fun events, the “Fleet Review” & “Rendezvous”! They need our support. Let’s get in- volved this year!

Finally, Bill VanEmberg is chairing two committees, “Sail Fleet” & “Technology”. Thanks to Bill for all of the hard work!

It takes a lot of volunteers to help run the club! Join a committee and make a difference. Steve Theis

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Secretary

Treasurer

News from your Secretary: Did you know.......how the yacht burgee came into fashion? Originally it was authorized by Congress in 1848 on the recommendation of the commodore of the New York Yacht Club as a signal to be flown by yachts holding special licenses from the Secretary of the Treasury so that they could be exempted from having to enter with or clear customs every time they put out to or returned from sea. The design was prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy and introduced into use in 1849. As indicated by the use of the term "signal" in the enabling legislation, it was never the intention that this flag would replace the standard national ensign as a means of identifying a yacht's nationality, nor did the law authorize it to be used in that fashion. When the secretary of the New York Yacht Club solicited members' ideas for a design in late 1848, he specifically described the flag as a "distinguishing flag to be worn at the masthead," not as an ensign that would have been worn at the stern or gaff. Eight years later, the authoritative Rogers' American Code of Marine Signals (1856), which was approved for official use by the Navy and Treasury departments, stated that "the Yacht Flag is only displayed above the telegraphic numbers of the Yacht Club vessels." Burgees and Flags of Yacht Clubs are a signal of membership in a yacht club or other boating organization. It is usually triangular, but sometimes swallowtailed or even rectangular. It traditionally flies at the forward most masthead. Alternatively, in a single masted sailboat or in a motorboat with no masts, it flies at the jackstaff at the bow. Flags indicating the presence on board of an officer of a yacht club or other organization are traditionally displayed at the head of the mainmast.. Let’s all fly our burgee proud for our Burnham Park Yacht club. Let’s get this boating season started. Your Secretary, Bonnie Riordan

Thanks to Samantha and Chris Edmonds for all of the help in cleaning up our delinquent member accounts. In the last 2 ½ months we have taken the delinquent accounts from 41 down to 13 which have been suspended and are posted on the bulletin board per our bylaws. Everyone who stops in please congratulate Samantha on becoming our new Manager. She has taken care of us all winter long and really shown an amazing amount of dedication to the club! I am looking forward to getting this boating season started and getting back to Burnham Harbor. I look forward to the club getting busy and catching up with everyone. We have already scheduled two open houses and we are making a strong effort on new membership. Talk to the other boaters on your dock and bring them in to check out the club. We are all excited about the 2016 boating season! Looking forward to seeing you soon, Phil Edwards Treasurer

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Programs

Dock and Grounds

Happy Spring!!! Saturday, May 7th we will celebrate the Opening Day of our Club for the new season. Our 1st Open House will be from 1- 3pm. There will also be a Kentucky Derby party with special drinks and buffet. Johnny V will perform at 7:30pm. Sunday, May 8th will be our annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Please make your reservations to join us for this beautiful event. Last year we celebrated with 80 families. Sunday, May 29th our Memorial Day celebration will kick-off with The Royale Polynesian Revue performing on our patio. The troupe is composed of a fire/knife dancer, musicians, and male and female dancers. Chef Sal will have a luau-themed buffet and everyone will dance and enjoy this very special event. There will be a DJ – Karaoke Show afterwards.

BPYC is always looking for suggestions on future live music. If you have a favorite band or type of music, we would love to hear from you. Submit ideas to: pamela6341@yahoo.com

Pamela MacGregor

Welcome back to another great season at Burnham Harbor. Many of your fellow members have been busy getting the club ready for the 2016 Boating Season. I would like to thank all of those who have participated in the Club Clean-up and shed clean out. We also have been getting our boats ready to be launched for opening day. Getting the club ready for the season takes a lot of time and hard work. Please consider donating your time in upcoming events to keep our club Paulette Horne Sound Inc. 630.718.3166

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Junior Sailing Program

Start Racing Fast Are you new to sailboat racing and would like to get up to SPEED quick- ly? An intermediate sailor who would like to improve your standings in the fleet? Then come to Burnham Park Yacht Club’s two-day, Start Rac- ing Fast, seminar from 10AM-3PM on Saturday April 23 and Saturday April 30. You and your crew will benefit from topics including: boat preparation, rig tune, sail trim, crew communication, start strategies, race strategies, tactics, getting around the corners, and rules. The seminar will be led by Gerard O'Neil, USCG Licensed Master and Dennis Bartley owner of the J30 Planxity, both are long time Chicago racers with a long list of NOOD, Verve, and other regatta wins in one-design classes such as J/30 and J/105. Dennis is also a US Sailing card carrying judge. The cost is $75 per person which includes lunch for both days. All pro- ceeds will go toward the BPYC’s Junior Sailing Program. Attendance will be limited to 75 persons, so reserve your spot now by contacting Dick O’Connell at 630-456-3638 or emailing at r.oconnell@sbcglobal.net. Burnham Park Yacht Club is located at 1500 Linn White Drive, Chicago at the Museum Campus.

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2016 Grand Opening/Open House/Kentucky Derby Party

We will be hosting our own horse races before watching the big Kentucky Derby on TV at 5pm.

Join us at Burnham Park Yacht Club on May 7th starting at Noon for this Triple Crown Event!

Meet and Greet potential new members from 12pm-3pm.

Enjoy music by Johnny V starting at 7:30pm.

Tender service will also be available.

Larry and Susan Harris

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Sail Fleet Captain

Burnham Park Yacht Club Wednesday Night Beer Can Racing

Burnham Park Yacht Club will again sponsor our Wednesday Night Beer Can Regatta. The Beer Can Regatta is an informal racing series for sailors to have a good time with their boat, family and crew. Any BPYC member with a sailboat is invited to participate. The racing is casual, and it's designed to make racing accessible to those new to the sport.

If you are new to the program and would like to discuss the details, I would be pleased to get together with you and answer your questions. Just give me a call or e-mail me (bill@quadrix.com). I can also help arrange for you to go out on other racers' boats, if you want to get a feel for it before getting started.

The 2016 Beer Can racing season will begin on Wednesday, May 25. The 14 race series runs May 25 through September 7. There will be a "tune-up" (practice) race on May 18 and no racing on July 20 or July 27.

Members from Burnham Park Yacht Club, MORF and Columbia Yacht Club all participate in the series. There are two "jib and main" sections, a T-10 section, and three spinnaker sections. We anticipate around 10-15 boats in each section’s start, which should make for fun racing.

Starts are designed to be as easy as possible. Radio check-in will not be required and the committee boat will make periodic courtesy radio announcements, including course, start times and any course changes.

The races start between 6:40pm and 7:10pm (depending on your section) and are over by 9:00pm. Most skippers and crew come to the Club after the race for special pricing on drinks and a simple buffet meal. Credit cards or club charge are accepted. We announce the night’s results and present the awards as soon as possible after the race. The food, drinks, awards and enthusiastic sailors result in lots of great conversation and fun.

2016 Beer Can applications are available at the Club. Please be sure to turn in your application at least two days before your first race, as there is some processing that needs to be done and you will not be scored if we have not had the opportunity to register you.

The registration fee is $100. Please contact me with any questions or to discuss how to participate in BPYC's 2016 Wednesday Night Beer

Can Racing!

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

Bill Van Emburg Sail Fleet Director bill@quadrix.com

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THE AUXILIARY

HALLELUJAH!!!!!! The harbor is open and we are seeing more boats coming in every day. On that note, the Auxiliary is having a Live Auction for boating Accessories on May 21st at Burnham Park Yacht Club. The Auxiliary would be happy to auction off your items for you, and if sold, we would appreciate a donation of 10% of the sale price. However, another option, if you wish, the items can be donated to the Auxiliary.

The items to be auctioned would have to be brought to Burnham Park Yacht Club starting around 11:30 A.M.; on the day of the auction. We would like all the items to be labeled with the owner name and the lowest price the owner would be willing to accept. Our auctioneer will be Bonnie Riordan.

There will be light fare, to be purchased if anyone gets hungry.

At 4:00 P.M., that same day, John Stanis, with Marine Engine Services LLC, will be having a seminar On Boat Batteries; and he will also be glad to answer your questions.

Also do not forget the Pirates Ball on July 9th.

See you in the harbor and at the club.

Geri Lauric, President The Auxiliary

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Club Winter Hours Through May 6, 2016

Monday—Thursday - CLOSED

Friday Dinner 5:00 pm—9:00 pm

Saturday Dinner 5:00 pm—9:00 pm

Sunday Dinner 5:00 pm—8:00 pm

CLUB OPENS FULL-TIME MAY 7, 2016

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUESTED

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April 2016

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1 April Fool’s Day Business Mtg-6:30pm Women’s Aux Mtg- 7pm

2 2nd Docks & Grounds Clean up 8am-1pm

3 4 March Madness College Basketball Championship

5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 Board Meeting- 6:30 pm

13 14 15 16 Chicago Maritime

Festival

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

10-3 Jr. Sailing Seminar Private Party 6pm

24 25 26 27 28 CYA Meeting-6:30 pm

29 30 10-3 Jr. Sailing Seminar Midwest Sail Fleet Meeting 6pm Open to BPYC members.

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May 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6

Social Meeting 6:30 p.m.

7 Full time hours ** OPENING DAY Kentucky Derby Party 1st Open House

8 Mother’s Day Brunch (3 seating’s)

9 10 11 12 13 14 WAX Educational Seminar 3:00 p.m.

15 16 17 Board

Meeting 6:30 p.m.

18 19 20 21 Wax Sale/Auction 1-4 WAX Educational Seminar

22 23 24 25 26 CYP Board of Directors Meeting 6:30 p.m.

27 Annual Naval Militia Patio Party

28 Catalina Fleet Margarita Party

29 BPYC Luau

30 Memorial Day

31

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2016 Flag Officers Commodore Chris Edmonds Vice Commodore Scott Gordon Rear Commodore Steve Theis Secretary Bonnie Riordan Treasurer Phil Edwards

2016 Board of Directors Two Year Directors

One Year Directors

Tom O’Connell Paulette Horne

Algis Baliunas Brij Bharteey Larry Harris Howard Jacobson Pam MacGregor Dr. Paul Stec Bill Van Emburg

Women’s Auxiliary President Geri Lauric

Past Commodores

Janet McCarthy Charlie Martin

1500 South Linn White Drive Chicago IL 60605 www.bpyc.com 312-427-4664