August 2018 Compass

Compass Highlights

A Day at the Lake... 

...was the big news at SSYC in July, and it was a resounding success.  We have plenty of coverage, including the Commodore's column, a report from the Power Boat Director, a Marketing Group update, and a photo spread.  

It's Time for the Corn Roast...

...this Saturday, August 11.  Get advance tickets through Thursday and save. 

The Million Dollar View...

...Can we keep it all winter, or do we need the space for boat storage?  See what the House Committee and the Waterfront Services Committee are grappling with.

 SSYC Day at the Lake Was Stupendous

Jerry Kedziora

By Jerry Kedziora
Commodore

Since I misplaced my dictionary of synonyms, I just have to fall back on the word WOW. The SSYC Day at the Lake was a huge success.  It started with a great breakfast.  The flea market followed with a lot of members, guests and folks from the neighborhood looking for good deals and bargains, along with a lot of sellers looking to provide them. I was one of the buyers, but as reported in last month’s Compass, since I didn’t want my wife to know and have her roll her eyes at me, again (I’m worried she’s getting cross-eyed) I kept the things that I bought top secret. I’m positive that I made some great buys.  Well, I hope I did.

Then in the late afternoon, Jean and I attended the Adirondack chair auction. The chairs were truly works of art, and the smooth voice of auctioneer Tom Gale finally convinced Jean and me to jump in and bid on some of the chairs. Alas, we fell short, losing out to Bill Pink and his wife Kari on two of the chairs. Drats!

The whole Day was great fun. Mother Nature even cooperated with a day of nearly perfect Wisconsin weather.

Thanks to all of those volunteers who worked so hard to make the Day such a success and to all of those who donated their artistic talents including the work of Kevin and Angel Wilcox’s kids.

The money raised was just mind boggling. The primary beneficiary of all the hard work is Big Brothers and Big Sisters. It’s a Great organization, and I’m proud of our Club’s long association with them. You’ll see additional details in George Graubner’s article below, along with plenty of photos.

Congrats to Hank Schroeder on 50 Macs

On another note, it never ceases to astonish me whenever someone manages to accomplish 50 of something. Either the person is nuts, obsessed or can’t count that high. My congratulations and my hat’s off to our colleague, Member Henry (Hank) Schroeder. This year, Henry, as I call him, and lots of other words as well since I have sailed with him, completed his 50th Mackinac Race on Matt Mergener’s boat; Instigator.

What a race! -- memorable because of its tough conditions.  Matt’s crew and boat hung in there, and Henry got his 50th Mac and a big boat bite to remember the race by.

Corn Roast is August 11

The next big event for our Club is the Corn Roast on Saturday, August 11. As usual, I’ll be manning the corn roaster with an ear of corn in one hand and a beer in the other. Stop by and say hello.  Just don’t ask for samples of either the corn or the beer -- ‘ya gotta get your own. Make plans to attend this great event and consider buying your tickets early. It’s a great deal.

Thanks for Assessment

On the business side of things, I want to thank all of those members who attended the June General Membership meeting and passed by an overwhelming majority the sorely needed assessment for capital projects and other work.  And I would also like to thank those who responded to my letter asking for donations from Life members. The money will be well and wisely spent.

Financial Report On Tap in September

Carrying out my pledge to the membership, the Finance Committee chaired by Financial Secretary Steve Williams will be reporting to the membership at the September General Membership meeting on second quarter financial results. Because of hard work and carefully watching our expenses and spending and in spite of having to cover unbudgeted expenses, our Club’s financial condition is improving from when I took office last November.

Be a Club Patron

Please support your Club during our events, both the seasonal activities like the upcoming Corn Roast and our weekly activities like Wing Night, Taco Tuesday and Thursday pizza night.

And don’t forget Friday nights. Jean and I both had Chef Sam’s salmon entrée for dinner last Friday night.  Our dinners were exceptional, and we sure didn’t go home hungry.

A Successful Day at the Lake  

George Graubner

By George Graubner
Vice Commodore

The Power Boaters have had an exciting last few weeks, culminating with SSYC’s Day at the Lake on July 7.

The Club’s Marketing Group, led by Sam Graubner, secured Brian Kramp of Channel 6’s Morning Team (including the Wake Up and Real Milwaukee programs) to visit the Club for live broadcasts on Friday, July 6, previewing the event.  

Sam scripted and organized the shoot and recruited Cookie Mueller to represent SSYC and be the main spokesperson during the live segments.  These segments included an overview of SSYC, a look at the Juniors program, the Auxiliary, and SSYC’s contributions to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  Sam also arranged for Annie Jurczyk of BB/BS and two of their adult/child pairs to be present.  They boarded Gary Johnson’s power cruiser Mi Casa and Peter Engel’s sail racer Rogue and took to the water while talking about BB/BS and the Day At The Lake. 

It was incredible coverage for South Shore Yacht Club and the Day at the Lake.  Additionally, Channel 4 was there to cover the Day at the Lake itself and interviewed Commodore Jerry Kedziora.  We could not have paid for this kind of advertising – and it was free! 

The Day at the Lake itself was filled with a super Flea Market, Breakfast, Lunch, Silent Auction, Chair Auction, dinner and music.   The Flea Market was a great success, and the number of vendors who paid to rent tables were the most we have had in a very long time.  Our breakfast and lunch were highly popular and we exceeded last year’s numbers.  The “All American Picnic” was a hit with a good turnout and the SSYC Food Staff, headed by Chef Sam, outdid themselves.

Lastly, our Silent Auction and the Chairs Auction were terrific! It was interesting as to how the chair auction idea came to be. It started with meeting two fellas at the State Fair Boat Show who were starting a business making and selling Adirondack chairs, and taking their card.  It was that company, Fire and Feast, which produced the chairs for our event.

I know in the beginning there was some skepticism, but I agreed to take the risk.   As it turned out, we were successful, and with Tom Gale as our Auctioneer, we were able to sell 18 Chairs!  We had many volunteers who stepped up, but there should be a special shout out to Nancy, Nate, Cara and Sam G. for putting this all together.

Approximately 40% of those who bought the chairs and silent auction items were non-members.  This shows that tying the Day at the Lake with an Open House was extremely beneficial. 

I’m sure everyone wants to know the outcome of the auction.  We still need to take into account our expenses for the Day at the Lake and future expenses for the BB/BS Boat Rides for the kids and their sponsors on August 19.  We will have signage costs, lunch and the kids’ gifts for the August 19 event.  Once those are determined, we will be able to let you know the final results.  Please sign up with your boats to take these kids and sponsors out on the lake. Contact Doug Reading at 414-397-9070 or,  at , if you’re interested in participating.

Time Out Thursday is August 16

Coming up August 16 is Time Out Thursdays Margarita night, hosted by Carol & Erv Schloemer. This event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. under the Canvas Cove.  Look for great food and fun games.  

Annual Cruise is August 24 - 26

Plan to join our fleet cruise August 24 to 26 to Reefpoint Marina in Racine.   This is a weather contingent event.  I am working on locating a few restaurants that we can attend either Friday or Saturday night. During the day Saturday, you would be on your own for walking around Racine downtown or using the pool or hot tub at Reefpoint.  George Artka has a “buy one night and get the next night free pass.”  We can also forward it to you, just give me a call or email me.  

Plans are underway for a get together Friday upon arrival.  Please let me know if you are interested in going.  Send me your email and I can keep you informed as to contact info at Reefpoint.   My phone is 414-791-8439 or better yet my email is .       

Day at the Lake Boosts Marketing Goals for SSYC

By Sam Graubner
Marketing Group Chair

I’m happy to say that our marketing efforts seem to be helping SSYC’s visibility within the Club and the overall community. 

The marketing strategy was to obtain cooperation of various SSYC committees in promoting SSYC’s efforts in giving back to the community, specifically in helping Big Brothers/Big Sisters, including a dedicated fundraiser.  This was pivotal to the success of our Day at The Lake on July 7. 

The BB/BS fundraiser that was central to Day at the Lake opened the door for our marketing efforts and resulted in media coverage not only for SSYC, but also for BB/BS. 

What is most amazing is that the Marketing Group didn’t have a budget.   No monies were allocated to market or advertise Day at the Lake.  All external marketing efforts were successfully completed by using social media (primarily Facebook, but also our website and eblast) along with press releases to the media.   BB/BS cooperated in marketing Day at the Lake as well.

As a result of our marketing efforts, we obtained incredible coverage on Channel 6’s Wake Up Milwaukee and Real Milwaukee programs on Friday morning, July 6.  Channel 6’s Brian Kramp, along with his photographer Suzanne, spent more than three hours at the Club, broadcasting regular live spots from the balcony, from the front lawn, from Gary Johnson’s Mi Casa and from Pete Engel’s Rogue.  Cookie Mueller was “the voice and face of SSYC” and did a terrific job representing the Club and explaining what Day at the Lake was all about.  Brian’s enthusiasm for the project came through, and he had great kids, Big Brothers and Sisters, and representatives from BB/BS to interview. Here's a link to the coverage from his blog page You'll also find plenty of photos in the accompanying photo spread.

Commodore Jerry Kedziora, right, was interviewed by Channel 4 during Day at the Lake.

In addition to the Channel 6 coverage, on the day of the event, Channel 4 stopped in to cover our event and interviewed our Commodore.  Click link to view:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57bkxnAZRk. 

SSYC’s Day At The Lake was a great success and was well attended by not only club members, but guests and non-members.  Per Membership Director Patty Thompson, 46 visitors listed themselves as “interested” about club information and are now on the prospective member list.  She also signed up five new members as well as two who rejoined.  The marketing tactic of working with various committees within the Club was an important foundation to this event.  Thanks to George Graubner for taking this idea to the Board and obtaining its blessing to move forward.  A special thanks to Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization for obtaining their stamp of approval to move forward.  And, thanks to Fire and Feast, who manufactured the chairs for our Chair’s Auction.   We accomplish more together -- and it worked!  

The follow-up analysis of this event is also important.  Some 40% of those who purchased items in the Silent Auction and Chair Auction were non-members.  During our marketing campaign, our Facebook numbers increased, and over 6,900 people saw our posts. This included promos for the Flea Market, Silent Auction, Open House and Chair Auction.  The good news:  we are steadily increasing our followers and numbers of people that “like” SSYC’s Facebook Page.  Why is that important?  By gaining external exposure, we may capture more people who may be interested in SSYC.   

I believe in the Power of Marketing!  We need to get even more of you talented Members to pitch in and share your ideas and talents. Little ideas can grow into big accomplishments.  Please feel free to contact me, Sam Graubner, at 414-520-4680 or .

Can We Keep the Million Dollar View All Year?  

Gary Johnson

By Gary Johnson
House Chair

I have heard you Members loud and clear.  You want the best possible benefits of everything the Club has to offer. As house director, I feel obliged to fulfill this goal.

The number one complaint I hear at this time is that we block the view on the north side bar area during the winter with storage boats. I’ve had numerous Members say they would rather pay to not have the boats stored there rather than have to look at the hull of a boat all winter instead of the skyline view of Milwaukee.

This topic was brought up at the last Board of Directors meeting and was tabled for further discussion for the next meeting August 14. I have also been asked to start a petition so we can see how many Members are really interested in not having the view blocked. I have talked to Waterfront Services Director Bob Karnauskas and he said he would look into the matter and that it would be difficult to come up with a plan since he has reservations for numerous storage spots this winter, most likely more spots than we have available.  [Editor's Note:  See Bob's Waterfront Services article for further discussion on the issue.]

This is the "million dollar view" of the Milwaukee skyline out the north window on the lower level that House Director Johnson is discussing in his article.

However there may be some creative ideas that could help.  I can assure you I’ll be working every possible angle to secure the view out the north side because you asked for it. So if you have ideas, let me know.

From the Dockmasters Shack...

A few things to remember:

--Please use the proper trash receptacles. Boat garbage should be put in the dumpster at the front gate. Recycling bins have new signs and are located by the tent.

--Please buss after yourselves. We do not have a buss staff.

--Once again, no butts on the grounds. Please tell yourself this is your second home.  Members and guests should use the proper butt disposal devices located around the grounds. 

Dining Room Upgrade Approved

The dining room upgrade has been approved. Work should start in early September. We will come up with a plan so we don’t interfere with our food service. A special thanks to the Auxiliary, Cara Gaitens and Nancy Pluta for all their fund raising efforts. They have made a huge effort getting this project off the ground. 

Winter Storage Requests Due; Projects Are Addressed  

Bob Karnauskas

By Bob Karnauskas
Director, Waterfront Services

Winter storage is probably not on too many Members’ minds. However, if you wish to be on the waiting list, please submit your deposit immediately. As space permits, Members on the waiting list will be issued storage contracts around this Tuesday, August 7, based on seniority.

I have been asked to evaluate whether we can avoid storing boats on the north side of the bar to open the view to the Milwaukee skyline. [Editor’s Note:  House Director Gary Johnson also addresses this issue and a survey the House Committee is conducting; see his article in this issue.]

The demand for winter storage already exceeds our capacity. The reduction of our capacity to open the view would mean turning down more Members for winter storage as well as a corresponding loss of revenue to the Club. Because contracts have already been executed for the coming season, any reduction in storage capacity is unlikely to occur this year.

Please send me an email with your thoughts on this matter.

Deferred maintenance addressed

Several deferred maintenance items have been addressed. The new fuel tank monitoring system was installed, the diesel fuel pump was repaired and the tender is back in service.

Some water accumulation in the gasoline tank was detected during our recent annual inspection, and this required replacement of the fuel to assure its continued high quality. Thanks to all who helped get these important Club resources back in good working order.

The cranes were also inspected in June and no major concerns were identified. Bob Aring reviewed the inspector’s findings and will address the inspection recommendations.

Ralph Winkler volunteered to address a few rotting boards and loose cleats on our floating dock. He went a step further applying some paint and installing new dock lines. Ralph suggested we have the best looking raft on the lake (see photo). I agree.

Members Larry Willegal and Chuck Hanna have graciously accepted the challenge of dressing up our carousel awning. A few new bolts and a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for its appearance. Thank you, gentlemen for your time and efforts.

Our honey-do list includes additional maintenance items that could typically be accomplished in an evening or Saturday morning with teams of a couple volunteers. Please let me know if you can help us out. Your offering just a few hours of your time would be greatly appreciated.

Join the Waterfront Services Committee

Our next committee meeting is on Thursday, August 16 at 6:30 pm. New faces, ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Our committee minutes are posted on the website. Log In and go to For Members/Members Home/Committee Reports/View Committee Reports/ Waterfront Services Committee.

This is the raft that Member Ralph Winkler has offered to spiff up.  The carousel awning that Larry Willegal and Chuck Hanna are updating can be seen in the background of the picture above.

Save June 28 for the 2019 Queen's Cup

By Scott Burke
Special Events Director

Next year’s Queen’s Cup Race will be sailed on June 28, 2019, with the finish in St. Joseph, Michigan, hosted by the St. Joseph River Yacht Club.

Make sure to mark your calendar and watch for the registration announcement in February to enter. Who knows, yours could be the next name added to one of the oldest trophies in yacht racing.

Another Batch of New Members for Club

By Patty Thompson
Membership Director

Meet our Club's newest members:

Pam and Steve Elhard	Holly and Greg Orlowski
Chuck and Sandy Stollenwerk	Melissa Lucas
Andy and Kimberly Hochradel

Four new Active Members and one new Associate I member were accepted by the Board of Directors at its July meeting.

As to the Active Members:

Steve Elhard, with wife Pam, keeps a boat at McKinley and lives just four blocks from SSYC.  The couple sailed in this year's Queen's Cup, and they've been coming to the Club with friends so thought it was time to join.

Melissa Lucas already has friends at the Club and is always looking for new social outlets.

Living in the Tippecanoe neighborhood, Gregory Orlowski and wife Holly have attended events at SSYC and have enjoyed the people and the warm welcome they've found here.

Likewise, Charles Stollenwerk and wife Sandy have friends who are members and have found everyone they've met to be very friendly.

And new Associate I member Kimberly Hochradel and her husband Andy moved to Bay View a year ago.  They're interested in learning more about sailing and fishing, found the Club, and "we just did it!"

Be sure to say hi when you see these folks around the Club.

Membership by the Numbers (as of mid-July):

Active: 490

Associate I: 8

Associate II: 9

Life: 178

Life Surviving Spouse: 46

Non-Resident: 73

Resignations: 4 Active

Changes: 1 Active to Non-Resident

Deceased: Life Member Warren Emery

Terminated: 1 Associate I

A Big Thank-you to All Queen's Cup Volunteers 

Scott Burke

By Scott Burke
Special Events Director

My thanks to the members of the Grand River Sailing Club, especially to Mark Erickson, Commodore Nathaniel Beighley and the people of Grand Haven for their hospitality and warm welcome to all of the racers and the SSYC finishing team.

Thanks also to all of the volunteers and the Special Events Committee at South Shore Yacht Club. This includes Dave Wehnes PC, who was PRO for the start and his team, including Rip Edmundson, “the voice of the Queen’s Cup," and Mary Edmundson who led the check in volunteers; John Archibald, who was the PRO for the finish and his volunteer team including: Fran Aring, Debbie & Jim Pruski, Bruce Nason PC and Carolyn Nason. Thanks to Bob Aring PC for spending many hours scoring the race. Thanks to Commodore Jerry Kedziora for taking care of the trophies and flags and all of his support throughout the year. Thanks goes to Howard Millard for allowing the Queen’s Cup Race starting team to use his boat to start the race and Gary Johnson as the check in boat. Thanks also to Linda Frey Magnusson and Cara Gaitens for all of their help as well as the volunteers on the pin boat Lily E, driven by Jim Pinter, and the count boat driven by Ralph Winkler. And, a big thanks to Barbara Drake for organizing all the volunteers that made the 2018 Queen’s Cup possible.

A great big thanks to Club Manager Pat Nora and our welcoming staff, including Kristin Banks and Joena Vitale, Ken Thompson and his dock masters, and Chef Sam and his team. The racers, sponsors and guests could not say enough good things about this wonderful team.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors: North Sails (and to North Sails’ Tom Pease for arranging the weather briefing), Harken, Harken Derm, Mount Gay Rum, Wisconsin Brewing, Pirates Lair, West Marine, and B&G.

 NW Mark Takes a Trip  

Scott Burke

By Scott Burke
Sail Race Director

The Northwest race mark decided to take an unexpected journey on Lake Michigan just before the start of the Tanger Regatta on July 14. The big question for a week was which way did it go and how far?

The mystery was solved when a report came in that it was stuck on a private beach in Oostburg. 

A quick trip north revealed what an onshore storm can do to a race mark and a beach. The mark was deposited several yards from the water and was partially buried in sand. It appears beach erosion is not a problem this year.

Thanks to Cheryl Kelly, Craig Griffith, Bill Bronk and his trailer, Jimmy Soike, Christopher and Barbara Burke, and a couple of shovels, the wayward mark was returned home to SSYC. We will need to replace some line and chain before it can be returned to its rightful place on the race course.

Here you go:

Another Puzzler

Club Historian Charlie Clarke is at it again with another nautical crossword puzzle.  Answers below.  No fair peeking.

Greg Gaitens

Only Owned Boats Belong in Slips  

By Greg Gaitens
Rear Commodore

Member Privileges and Club Revenue

I received a few inquiries last month about putting boats in slips. I want to take the opportunity in this month’s Compass to review how slips are managed over the course of the season.

Per the Slip License, a Member can put any boat he or she owns in his or her slip. For those Members fortunate enough (or unfortunate, depending on your view point) to own more than boat, alternating boats in your slip is permitted. But to be clear, you must be shown as the owner, or listed as one of the partners in the boat, on the insurance, registration and/or title in order to put the boat in your slip.

In addition, any boat owned by an SSYC Member while in the Member’s slip needs to carry the required $300,000 of liability insurance.

Finally, as stated in the Slip Rules and Conditions “No yacht, other than a yacht listed on the Slip License, may be docked by the Member in the assigned slip”. So the Slip License needs to be kept up to date, especially if multiple owned boats will be docked there.  Please notify the office and dockmaster when switching boats. If the dockmasters and office are not kept current, it is likely the dockmasters will assume the boat belongs to a traveling yachtsman and instruct the office to invoice transient fees.

On a related matter, please support your Club by keeping the dockmasters informed when your slip will be vacated for more than 24 hours, such as when you’re out on a cruise. This will allow your slip to be rented to transient boaters and generate transient dock fees.  Transient dock fees make up a significant source of annual revenue for the Club. This transient revenue is counted upon when the annual budget is created. Per the Slip License, “When the Member’s vessel is not docked, the Club may use or allow the use of the slip in any way. The Member must notify the dockmaster if the slip will be vacated for more than 24 hours”. It is important for the dockmasters to be current on vacated slips. In this way they can maximize revenue by accommodating as many traveling yachtsman, for as many days, as possible. Non slip holding Members using SSYC slips are subject to transient dock fees.

Update on Ice Damage to A Dock 

The insurance company is moving forward on processing the claim submitted by the Club to cover damage to A Dock caused by ice. The company requested additional detail from the contractor, Big Lake Marine, about the scope of work. It is expected an agreement will be reached between the insurance company, Big Lake Marine and SSYC within the next few weeks. Repairs will likely begin in Fall shortly after the docks are closed for the season. It’s possible Big Lake Marine could get started sooner.

Volunteer for a Slip Work Party

Volunteering for a Slip Committee work party is a great way to support your Club.

The Slip Committee welcomes all volunteers. If you would like to join the Slip Committee, or participate in Slip work parties, please let me know via email.

A Dock Party!

Here's an idea to have some fun, meet some other Members, and extend the summer.  Boaters on D Dock and E Dock gathered recently for a Dock Party.  Close to 75 Members and guests attended.  The organizers provided the grills, and the rest was pot luck and a mellow good time on a weekend afternoon.  Sam Graubner photo.

With August Comes the Corn Roast 

Greetings,

Well here it is August.  What a season we have been having, and the fun is just starting. This Saturday, August 11, brings the annual Corn Roast with great food and music, this year featuring "Caught in the Act," an eight piece horn band that will have you dancing all night long. Get advance tickets for just $11 until this Thursday, August 9. Order from the office.

We have just booked The Crocs for Louie's Last Regatta in September. And we have booked Logan's Run for the annual Halloween Party October 27. Don't miss It. The party is one of the best Halloween parties anywhere.

Some may recall we hosted Bombardier Evinrude's world premier several years ago. Well from August 21 thru August 27 we will be hosting them again. This will be a large show and will have many more participants than the last time they were here. We will be posting more details on this event, which is very beneficial to the Club, as they become available.

Bring a potential member to the Corn Roast, it will be a great way to show off the Club and all it has to offer. 

--Pat

Thanks for Using Blue Recycling Containers

By Nate Kraucunas
Recycling Captain

Thank you to all SSYC members, crew and visitors for using the blue recycling containers under the Canvas Cove tent.  I am told that they are successful about 80 percent of the time.  We still have 20 percent regular garbage ending up in our recycling containers. 

New signs have been put in place to help everyone remember to place only bottles, cans and plastic cups in the blue containers.  Any garbage should go into the compactor in the Recycling Center. 

Keep Recycling!

Auxiliary Will Hear from Sullivan's Skipper

Helen "Cookie" Mueller

By Helen “Cookie” Mueller, PC
Auxiliary President

The next South Shore Yacht Club Auxiliary meeting will be this Tuesday, August 7, at 7 p.m.  The guest speaker for the evening will be Captain Tiffany Krihwan.  Tiffany is the first woman captain of the Milwaukee schooner, the Denis Sullivan.  Tiffany has numerous sailing challenges and adventures that she will share with us on that evening.  Please plan on attending the meeting.

At the May 1 Auxiliary meeting, the Auxiliary membership voted to make a $3,000 donation to the SSYC House Committee.  House Director Gary Johnson had previously met with the Auxiliary Board to discuss the proposed dining room renovation project.  Major renovations will include painting the dining room, expanding the wait staff area and new dining room tables.  The work in the dining room is scheduled to begin in September. 

SSYC is very fortunate that the Auxiliary is able to continue supporting SSYC with monetary donations.  Since 1989 the Auxiliary has donated over $135,600 to SSYC to help with major projects and renovations. 

Thank you to Jan Weiler and the Auxiliary Ways & Means Committee for all of their hard work organizing and selling the 2018 Queen’s Cup merchandise.  All of the profits from the sale of the Queen’s Cup merchandise are returned to SSYC in the form of donations for improvements to the clubhouse and club grounds.  It’s wonderful to see everyone working together for the betterment of our club!  That’s what makes SSYC a great club! 

As the summer season is winding down, it is the perfect time of year to consider joining the SSYC Auxiliary.  If you are a SSYC member or spouse of a SSYC member, you are eligible to join the Auxiliary.  Applications are available at the club office or on the SSYC website.  Please contact me, Cookie Mueller, at if you have any questions regarding the SSYC Auxiliary. 

Just a Flesh Wound: Wound Care on the Water!

SSYC member and offshore medicine specialist Shelly Galligan has a new article of interest to sailors and boaters on her website, shellygalligan.com . She shares how to care for soft tissue injuries onboard. Though basic first aid applies, caring for trauma to the skin aboard requires a special offshore twist. You can read what Shelly has to offer at this link:  https://shellygalligan.com/wound-care/.

Gator Returns

Allison "Gator" Kent returned to South Shore as the featured speaker at a Juniors fundraising dinner.  Gator grew up at South Shore and sailed here as a Junior before sailing for the Wiscos at UW-Madison.  Then it was off to Australia, New Zealand and other exotic ports for her budding career as a professional sailor.  At right, she described some of her travels, and below, she posed with some of the SSYC Juniors.  Who knows, maybe some of them will follow in her wake someday.  Dick Johnson photos.

The Pot of Gold

South Shore was at the end of the rainbow one recent tranquil afternoon.  Gary Johnson photo.

Volunteers Keep SSYC Running

By Jerry Kedziora
SSYC Commodore

Volunteers make good things happen.

Here we are ending another July and there have been many volunteers who have made so much happen since we started our boating season.  I would like to highlight some of them.

Let’s start with George and Sam Graubner for all of the work they put into making “Day at the Lake” such a success on July 7, Sam with her marketing team and George along with the Power Boat Committee contributing their organizational skills. And don’t forget Tom Gale with his smooth lines (he even zinged me a few times) and his auctioneer’s skills.

Then there are Nate Kraucunas and Nancy Pluta, who arranged for some rather talented artists to donate their talents to turn plain Adirondack chairs into works of art for the Day on the Lake auction. Nate is also leading the way to improve our Club’s recycling efforts, which helps our Club with its mission to be a clean marina and a clean place to be.

Meanwhile, new Member Larry Willegal teamed up with long-time Member Chuck Hanna to start work on remodeling the carrousel that stands duty 24/7 outside. We use the carrousel at many outside events and parties as a place to serve up food and drink.  Over the last several years it’s gotten just a little worn looking and shabby. It’s great to see that kind of teamwork. Since its donation to the Club by the Auxiliary, I can’t tell you how many times I've had drinks and food at the carrousel and how much their work is appreciated.

Did you ever wonder why our Queen’s Cup Race brochures always look so good?  It’s because Kathy Reading shares her talents to design the promotional flyer that helps promote the Queen’s Cup Race. Many thanks to Kathy for all of her work.

Another member who I would like to highlight is Donna Kleczka.  Over the last several years Donna has advised and helped to steer the Audit Committee. Donna is retiring from the Audit Committee, and she’s been great to work with. If anyone with accounting experience would like to volunteer for this important committee that helps oversee the financial health of our Club please contact Audit chairman Rick Schoos.

One group of people that I think do a great job is the SSYC grill team. Take Ed Hahlbeck. I see him grilling so much I thought he was a professional grill master like you see on PBS. (I really think that he learned his skills from his wife Rebecca.) And those of you who missed Marnee Karnauskas’s breakfast at the Day at the Lake missed out on great way to start the day.

SSYC’s Annual Corn Roast -- the event, not PC Kenny Dziubek’s corny jokes -- is coming up on August 11. Entertainment Director Vince Verhasselt is looking for volunteers to help out at this annual fun event. Give him a call or email him and offer to help.

I wish I could highlight all of the volunteers who help make our Club a great place to be. I encourage all members to volunteer. There is always something to do. If you like hammering nails and turning screws, the Slip Committee could use your help.  If you like working on and maintaining boats, the Water Front Services and Race Committees could use your help with their boats. Or consider helping out on the House Committee. If your talents lend themselves to other things, our Club could always use your help regardless of your talents and skills.

Being a volunteer is great way to meet your fellow members, make new friends and contribute to making South Shore Yacht Club a great place to be. Committee chairpersons are listed on our Club’s website. Contact them; they will be glad you did.

In the Spirit of Ron Lemke

By Kenneth Dziubek PC

The late Ron Lemke was a long-time Member of South Shore Yacht Club. Along with his father Orville Lemke PC, they would complete many projects at our Club. They didn’t expect anything in return other than knowing that the job was well done. That was its own reward.

Ron had to fight cancer, and as with so many of our friends and relatives, it was hard to watch the struggle.  He died at age 64 in 2015.  But part of Ron’s legacy to us all was the way he conducted his love affair with SSYC.

Ron was an early riser and would walk through the Club property looking for what could be done quickly that morning to police the grounds. He would pick up twigs, paper, trash and the occasional beer can and deposit it in our recycling center. Or say someone had left a pile of used dock lumber.  Ron would pull a saw out of his vehicle and cut the lumber into pieces small enough for the dumpster.  This was all done quietly and without fanfare.

So let’s remember folks like Ron and think twice before we toss our cigarette butts on the ground, bring junk from home to the Club for disposal, or leave long sections of lumber for someone else to cut up.

Any time you walk through the grounds, take a look around and see what you can do to make things better – in the spirit of Ron Lemke.

Join McBoat and MCSC for Venetian Night August 18

McBoat and Milwaukee Community Sailing Center invite you to the Second Annual Milwaukee Venetian Boat Parade on August 18, 2018.

Boats will compete for top honors by decorating with lights and other creative additions, and will slowly parade through McKinley Marina, including cruising past Milwaukee Community Sailing Center and Veteran's Park.

MCSC will be the place to be, with food and drink concessions, prime viewing areas, music, and the official judging stand. This event is open to McKinley Marina members as well as the general public. But get there and get your spot early - the parade of boats starts at 8 p.m.

This event is being organized by McBoat (McKinley Boat Owners Association) in partnership with MCSC and Milwaukee County Parks.

If you'd like to register to participate and compete in the Milwaukee Venetian Boat Parade, please visit https://www.mcboat.org/mke-venetian-boat-parade

Don't forget to RSVP and invite your friends on our Facebook Event.

Check Out Links; Like SSYC on Facebook

Check out the newly restored "Useful Links" page on ssyc.org.  It's all there:  connections to web pages in areas like Boating Equipment, Weather, Yacht Clubs and Stores. Look under the For Members tab on the Home Page.  Member log-in required.

Meanwhile, keep up with all the latest happenings and photos by liking South Shore Yacht Club on Facebook. And check in when you're at the Club, using #SouthShoreYachtClub. Our page is SSYCMKE and you can find it right here.

SSYC A Strong Supporter of Ulster Project for Nearly 20 Years

By Bruce Nason PC

Since 2001, South Shore Yacht Club has been a part of the Milwaukee area Ulster Project. That program brings Catholic and Protestant teenagers from Northern Ireland to US cities for workshops and fun activities. 

It allows these teens to meet here on neutral ground, away from the strife that separates them at home.  Most are 14 to 16 years old. Typically they stay with host families from Catholic and Presbyterian churches in the Milwaukee area, and teens from those families join in the activities as well.

Organized in1975 the organization's motto is "Creating Unity Amidst Diversity." The goal is to educate and develop the teens as leaders to effect peace and change in their communities.

SSYC became involved through the efforts of Bay View residents John and Mary Fisher, whose son Danny was a SSYC Junior. Each summer the Irish visitors and their Milwaukee area sponsors are treated to a sailboat ride and cook-out at our Club. This year the boat skippers were John Achim, Todd Weiler, Jim and Cheryl Kelly, Mike and Mary Emery, Greg Hyland and Ken Bourgeois. Bruce and Carolyn Nason have been the SSYC sponsors for more than 10 years.

As the photos show, it was a beautiful and peaceful evening.

Photos above by Bruce Nason, photos below by Todd Weiler

A Race in the Fog

This year's Tanger Regatta on July 21 was downright eerie at times, as a fog bank settled on the course.  Sometimes skippers could see the marks; sometimes they sailed into the soup and they couldn't even see each other.  Club Photographer Bruce Nason captured it all from the committee boat.

Fireworks for SS-SSS

The Fourth of July was a Wednesday, but the SS-SSS Fleet decided to go out despite the holiday.  They still didn't race, though, because a heavy squall moved through about race time, drenching the fleet and turning the committee boat deck into a bathtub.  Suggestion for next time:  take the holiday off.

Bruce Nason photos.

Kaszube Cup Draws Dozens of Juniors to SSYC 

The annual Kaszube Cup featured strong competition among junior sailors from clubs around the Midwest in Optis, Lasers and 420s in mid-July.  Club photographer Bruce Nason was on the scene for some of the Opti racing.  Great fun!

Pictures Tell the Story of Day at the Lake

As noted in detail elsewhere in this month's Compass, SSYC's Day at the Lake on Saturday, July 7, was a smashing success.  (One measure of achievement:  it was the Club's biggest bar day ever.)  The festivities actually started on Friday, July 6, when Channel 6 broadcast live segments as part of its early morning news and feature programming.  Here's an album from those two days.  Photos by Bruce Nason (except as noted).

The Adirondack chairs decorated by area artists were lined up in the early morning sun on Friday in readiness for the television broadcasts.
Bruce Kramp of Channel 6 and videographer Suzanne broadcast live from the balcony on a perfect Lake Michigan morning.
Brian interviewed Helen "Cookie" Mueller PC, who was the voice and face of SSYC throughout the day, discussing the Club, the Juniors and the Auxiliary, among other things.
A Big /Little Sister pair was interviewed on the bow of Gary Johnson's Mi Casa.
And everyone went for a ride on Pete Engel's Rogue, too.  The trip included a live broadcast from the middle of the harbor.
The Day itself got off to a busy start with breakfast on the lower level and a bustling flea market, above, under the Canvas Cove.  It was the biggest group of sellers in years.  Sam Graubner photo.
Membership Director Patty Thompson took prospective members and folks who were just plain curious on tours of the Club (and took these photos of some of the visitors, too). Interest ran high, with more than 45 names added to the prospective member list, and at least a half a dozen signups.
Since a big part of the effort was aimed at generating support for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, they were on hand with a tent of their own to provide information and encourage contributions. Sam Graubner photo.
The Saturday afternoon highlight was the Adirondack chair auction.  Local artists donated their time and talents to decorate 18 of the chairs, and bidding was enthusiastic.  Prices ranged in the hundreds of dollars.
Winning bidders were happy, above, while some bidders were pretty relaxed, right.  Sam Graubner photos.
Chairs came forward one by one.  Here Nancy Pluta and George Graubner show the crowd the next offering.  Sam Graubner photo.	Tom Gale, center, was the auctioneer and drew the last dollar out of the crowd as they bid on the chairs.  Scott Burke, left, was among those providing assistance, while on the right is the artist whose chair was being auctioned.  Sam Graubner photo.