Page 42 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

JOSEPH CONRAD YACHT CLUB

By Marek Witkowski, Commodore
“ We cannot direct the wind but we

can adjust the sails”

The year 2019 marked a major milestone for Joseph Conrad early with a week-long sailing excursion to Cayo Costa on multiple
Yacht Club. JCYC celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding. vessels. Calm waters, friendly winds, and warming sun made sure
To commemorate this magnificent event, JCYC brought together that we had a great adventure and made lifelong friends.
members, friends and people passionate about sailing for a major
Soon after it seemed like the world stopped. Travel, sports, social
celebration to remember the founding fathers. In 1969, they
events and more came to a halt, all due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
founded the first Polish yacht club outside of their native Poland.
Patiently we waited and eventually the season opened but with
They named it Joseph Conrad Yacht Club, after the renowned Polish
many changes. Members of JCYC could not wait to get out and catch
sailor and novelist, Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski, AKA Jozef Teodor
some waves. No, it wasn’t the same. We followed the state guidelines
Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski. None of them ever imagined that this
to keep our friends and loved ones safe, but we still enjoyed the
new chapter of their lives would bring them and many others so
season as much as the situation allowed. The Club was proud to take
much joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment for the next 50 years.
part in organizing Polonia Cup Regatta 2020 at Montrose Harbor,
JCYC is a home to accomplished sailors. Some sailed around the with over 2 dozen vessels taking part. It was heartwarming to
world; some sailed across the Atlantic; some took first place in the approach the end of summer and the season on a positive note.
Race to Mackinac Regatta, to name a few.
All of us at JCYC hope that the new year will be pandemic free, the
The year 2020, on the other hand, brought unprecedented times for world will be in a better place, and we can happily enjoy the 2021
JCYC, as it did for everyone all over the world. But it did not keep boating season!
the Club members from their love of sailing. JCYC started the season

Marek Witkowski, Commodore of JCYC

42 2020 yachting in chicago