FROM THE EDITOR...
**By Steve VanderVoort, Telltale Editor**

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over and gone. Winter is here and the Holidays are ahead of us. It's a busy time of the year, but perhaps we can take a few minutes to reflect on this past sailing season, on-the-water adventures we had, new friends we made, and the good times with our sailing buddies. And let's, for a moment, reflect on the bigger picture....

This organization is unique in the Chicago area, a true community sailing program that promotes sailing opportunities for people in our diverse Chicago community who might otherwise find sailing unaffordable. It's supported by our members, both financially and through their volunteer efforts. We can be proud of the hard work we all put in during year and be grateful for the opportunity to help sustain this vital organization.

WELCOME OUR NEW MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR: RICH COSTELLO

As we are getting ready for next season, we want to acknowledge and welcome one of our maintenance volunteers, Rich Costello, who has stepped up to take on the role of Maintenance Coordinator. This is a key position in our organization as it keeps our boats seaworthy, enabling us all to enjoy the sport we love. The job involves coordinating off season repairs, getting the boats ready for launch and monitoring and coordinating on the water maintenance, not to mention getting our boats safely back to the yard. It is a big job and we are glad to have Rich in the role.

Tom Peterson and Joe Cannon served in that position for many years, and we are grateful for their contributions. In the recent past Don Burman in many ways functioned as a Coordinator without officially assuming the role. Pat Webster provided behind the scenes assistance as needed. Of course, none of this work gets done without our dedicated maintenance volunteers: Specialty Teams leaders and Members, Boat Team Managers and Members, and ad hoc Members who step up as needed. We want to thank all of those who made our 2022 season a success, and we want to encourage all of you to continue to support our efforts to keep our boats well maintained.

REMINDER TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL YEAR-END SURVEY

By Ashleigh Luttery, DEI Coordinator

Please do your part in making Sail Chicago better! We’re asking for your feedback on instruction, program sails, social events, volunteer opportunities, communications, and member engagement/belonging. Please note the survey came from info@sailchicago.com and be sure to check your junk and spam folders as well. To take the survey click here. Many thanks to you all!

VISIT TO THE CHICAGO MARITIME MUSEUM JANUARY 21

By Deb and Jack Griffin, Social Coordinators

Join us for socializing and learning about Chicago's great maritime history! Members and their families are invited.

We will have appetizers and beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, wine and seltzers) in the gathering area, but they are not allowed in the actual museum area. Docents will be available to answer questions.

Parking is free and should be ample, but depending on other events going on, it may be a bit crowded. Please visit their website for mass transportation information. The address for the museum is 1200 West 35th Street Chicago, IL 60609. Registration is required. To register, click here.

113TH CHICAGO TO MACKINAC RACE

Have you ever experienced the thrill of being a part of the Chicago to Mackinac Boat Race? While most of us probably haven’t, we can still vicariously experience the thrill of battling nature and other boats to be the first to reach the Island. Just take a few minutes to watch the video of this hard-fought race, and enjoy the ride!

SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS

Norris Larson passed away on November 11. He was a fixture in our organization, having joined in the 1950's when Sail Chicago was still part of American Youth Hostels. Over the years he has volunteered in almost every capacity, from board leadership to instructor, to Tiller Time skipper, to writing content for this newsletter. This was his monthly column, where he highlighted the activities of many of our member volunteers. He was everywhere, tireless in his service, quick to a laugh or a wry comment, and always, always committed to the success of Sail Chicago.

But above all, Norris was a sailor. Not contented with just sailing on Lake Michigan, he sailed boats all over the world. He had his USCG Captain’s License. He’s made transatlantic crossings, and he was always ready to offer a story of his adventures. Just this summer, he and his wife spent a month sailing around the Aegean Sea, visiting the Greek Islands. He was sailing to the very end.

God speed, Norris. We will miss you. May you have fair winds and bright seas forever.

SAIL CHICAGO REMINDERS

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