Page 21 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

BELMONT YACHT CLUB

By Welcome to the (virtual) BYC! This has been quite hosted was a small Fourth of July BBQ. It went well but
Commodore an unusual year. We started the year in fine fashion, was much more complicated due to social distancing
Mark Linenberg setting our agenda for work on the JOHN B. MACK, requirements, etc. So we decided to cancel the rest of
beginning the prep for our annual regattas, the There our planned events. We missed hosting the August
& Back and the Rainbow Regatta, in addition to our in- CYA Meeting, but with our dock under water and the
club race. Just as we were setting our dates in comes COVID requirements it just was not possible.
the Corona Virus that tossed everything up in the air.
Then there is the matter of the water. Our access dock,
So we put everything on hold and hunkered down
like many others, has been covered with several inches
along with everyone else and waited. While we waited,
of water for most of the season. Our Harbormaster
we did some planning for improvements in the hope
Kevin arranged for a raised walkway to the club, for
that we would be able to use the club at some point.
which we are exceptionally grateful! It made access
As soon as we were able, we had two windows replaced significantly less watery for all.
with tempered glass and finished the renovation of
With the major windstorm we had, we, like many
the head that we began last season. We decided to put
others, suffered some damage. We lost the awning
everything else on hold, as we knew the season would
from our upper deck, which took out our flag pole and
be short.
our flying burgee as well. All are being replaced, but as
We decided to cancel the There & Back fairly early with everything else this year, it’s taking longer than
in the discussions. We also initially cancelled the usual to get things done. We are hoping to have the
Rainbow Regatta but, in conjunction with Jackson new awning in time to put it up to check the fit and
Park Yacht Club, decided to go ahead with it. We are then immediately take it down for winter storage.
glad we did as we had eleven boats run the race.
As with many other events, this season been short
Not bad for a second year, and with COVID to boot!
and sweet. Here is to next season: May it be a much
We decided not to run our intra-club race to the
longer, better season for all!
disappointment of several of our members. But we felt
it was not prudent to do it. The only club event that we
2020 yachting in chicago 21