Page 31 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB

Since 1892, Columbia Yacht Club has been
known as more than just a ship on the lake, a
sailing organization, or a dining room. It has
been known and continues to be celebrated
as the Club that fosters a deep sense of
pride and camaraderie among its members,
officers, and staff.
The camaraderie of Columbia members
during the pandemic has been awe-inspiring
and humbling. From generously donating to
our employee furlough fund early in the shut-
down period to gracefully and fully embracing
new safety policies and guidelines upon re- COLSS provided 28 students with full elementary school students participate in
opening, our members show time and again scholarships for summer sailing experiences. throughout the year. Students learn the
they are the reason Columbia is a special These range from 4 members of our Opti Race principles of how to measure wind speed and
second home to so many. Team participating for the entire summer, direction, and how to engineer the tools to do
to 24 students participating in our brand- so, learn about buoyancy, simple machines,
More than a home for members, Columbia
new Siebel Sailors Program, which focuses marine debris and its effect on Lake Michigan
Yacht Club is proud to serve as the home
on increasing opportunity and diversity in and more!
for Chicago’s premier sailing school: The
the sport of sailing and allows us to include
Columbia Sailing School. The school operated During the same time period, Columbia
under-represented youth in sailing. The Siebel
at between a 30-40% capacity all summer member Joe Cannon was named “Volunteer
Sailors Program will continue in the fall and
long, hosting between 80 and 90 students of the Year” by US Sailing. When Joe learned
spring seasons, with 50% of the participants
per week at the Club facility. Students about US Sailing’s Reach program and
in the program coming from under-resourced
participated in STEM Adventure Camps, US Columbia Sailing School’s goal to get as many
areas of the city and receiving full scholarships
Powerboating Certification Courses, and students as possible from Chicago connected
to participate. Columbia Sailing School is the
all levels of Dinghy sailing from beginner to with free marine-based STEM education and
Primary Center in the Midwest for the Siebel
advanced racing. Through one of our newest sailing opportunities on Lake Michigan, he
Sailors Program, with satellite centers at
courses, the Youth Keelboat Camp, students immediately wanted to be part of it. Joe has
Jackson Park Yacht Club in Chicago, Sheboygan
sailed in Colgate 26s. Instructors performed been instrumental in several areas at the
Youth Sailing Center in Sheboygan, WI, and
health screenings on every student each Columbia Sailing School ever since. He has
Sheridan Shores Sailing School in Wilmette, IL.
day, and disinfected all equipment between added to the STEM curriculum, been involved
each use. The extra work was well worth Earlier this year, Katie Tinder, Sailing in nearly every field trip, worked with
the opportunity to have been able to provide Program Manager for Columbia Sailing students of all grade levels and has always
great experiences for our participants in a School, was awarded the Sperry Topsider found ways to connect with students to make
safe environment this summer. Local Ambassador Award from US Sailing their learning experiences exciting. Cannon
Association which is awarded to individuals for also donates time for fleet maintenance and
contributions made to their respective sailing gives feedback and suggestions for grant
communities. Sperry Local Ambassadors writing. The impact Cannon has had on
have a passion for sailing and they share that Columbia Sailing School is immeasurable. His
passion with others to get out on the water contributions and commitment have led to
and support the growth of our sport. Katie has Columbia’s recognition as a US Sailing Reach
dedicated her energy to providing the youth Midwest Center of Excellence, a US Sailing
of Chicago with a positive experience with accredited Community Sailing Center and the
sailing and Lake Michigan, removing barriers Primary Siebel Sailing Center for the Midwest.
that have previously prevented students from Since he started volunteering, his attitude has
under-resourced areas from participating in a been: “If it’s for the betterment of the kids,
sport typically reserved for the affluent. then I want to help.” He puts the students
before himself and is an amazing resource and
Columbia Sailing School also received the US
mentor for both our staff and students.
Sailing Reach “Midwest Center of Excellence”
Award and Grant for their Marine-based
STEM educational field trips that many local
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