From the Helm

October 11, 2023

by Matt Gallagher

The CYC Foundation supports boating in four ways: introduction to boating; induction to continuing boating education; developing boaters’ skills; and inspiring young boaters to greatness. Today, I want to share with you what we’re doing on the inspiration front. 

Sailing as a competitive sport has not one, but two Mount Everests: The Olympic Games and the America’s Cup. Every four years the Olympics feature the peak of athletic competition in defined classes, while the America’s Cup has since 1851 inspired sailors to greatness in the longest-standing competition in international sport.

Chicago-area sailors have competed in both events through the decades. In 1987, Buddy Melges and other CYC members challenged for the Cup via their Heart of America syndicate. While ultimately unsuccessful in winning the cup, Buddy and his team inspired many in the Midwest to greatness, including CYC members such as Taylor Canfield who have themselves competed for the “Auld Mug.”

Numerous Chicago area sailors have competed in the Olympics, including CYC member Dick Stearns who won a silver medal in Tokyo’s 1964 Games. Today, CYC’s own Maggie Shea and Steph Roble are aiming to return to the Olympics in France in 2024, once again competing in the 49erFX class as they did in Tokyo 2021. The Foundation is proud to support this campaign.

By supporting the CYC Foundation, you can be a part of helping inspire future generations of sailors. Over the next month, we have three exciting opportunities to do so. On October 27, come to CYC to watch the movie Melges: The Wizard of Zenda about Buddy Melges’ life and career; donors to the Foundation’s Competition Fund are invited to a VIP reception prior to the main event. On November 19, come meet Maggie and Steph and learn about the campaign for Paris 2024 at A Night to Inspire: Powering the Competitive Sailing Journey (non-CYC members, register here). Finally, to celebrate the Heart of America campaign, order a commemorative Heart of America team Rugby—the perfect Christmas present for the sailors in your life (order deadline is very soon! October 17). Proceeds benefit the Competition Fund.

Be a part of the Foundation’s effort to inspire youth boaters to greatness and help us support the development of the next Buddy or Maggie or Steph.