October 2018 Compass

Compass Highlights

Candidate Searches are Underway... 

...The Commodore's column brings you up to date on hiring a new General Manager and Account Administrator. 

There are Heroes Among Us...

 ...Read about them in the Volunteers article. 

The SS-SSS and MBOS Fleets...

...wrap up their seasons.  See the Fleet Captains' reports.

 Searches Underway, Trademark Registered 

Jerry Kedziora

By Jerry Kedziora
Commodore

Searches Underway

I want to take this opportunity to update our Members on the searches for the two positions currently vacant.

As I reported in last month’s Compass, I established an executive search committee that will be responsible for selecting a suitable candidate to assume the position of General Manager. The members of this committee are all of the Flag Officers, Club Counsel Seth Goettelman, and SSYC Auxiliary President Cookie Mueller PC

After two presentations to the committee, we agreed to retain the services of Strategic Club Solutions (SCS). This firm comes highly recommended by several professional groups, including the highly respected Club Managers Association of American.

SCS is moving forward and has received a strong response from highly qualified candidates. SCS will be pre-screening the candidates, and they have developed a scoring system to qualify the candidates and present them to the executive committee for consideration. As it stands now we may be in a position to start interviewing candidates as early as mid-October.

We are also making progress on the vacant office staff position. The executive committee retitled the position as Account Administrator. We developed a job description and interview questions and we started interviewing candidates this week.

Get That Card

The other day I helped a Member get access to the Club thru the pedestrian gate, where he was waiting for the gate to open after he had pushed the “buzzer.” I recognized the Member and asked if he had his membership card. He said no. If you have not gotten your membership card, please do so. We are training more staff and Members to help you with this very easy process. Make an appointment or stop by the Office. As a reminder, you need your membership card to start a tab at the bar and to allow you access to your Club – without using the buzzer.

Where to Go for Info

As I requested in the September Compass, since we are just a little short on staff, please have patience in getting your questions answered. Our Club’s website is a good resource and many of your questions can be answered by logging there, www.ssyc.org . Under the For Members tab are links to information, our by-laws, rules and regulations and other important information and documents.

Another great resource is MySSYC on our website, which among other things includes real-time information about your personal accounts, status of you monthly minimum, payments, etc. Please read the article by Dave Wehnes PC in this issue.

If you find that you need additional help or can’t get your questions answered, please feel free to contact the appropriate committee chair, staff member or me. All of our contact information is listed on our website.

Officers New and Old

At the September General Membership Meeting, we held our annual elections. I would like to thank the membership (I think!) for having the confidence to elect me to return for 2019 as your Commodore, and for electing the slate of candidates presented by the Nominating Committee, most of whom are returning flag officers and directors.

I want to thank Rear Commodore Greg Gaitens for his years of service on our Board and to our Club and for his advice, steady leadership and wise counsel. He will be missed.

Newly elected to the Board of Directors is Glenn Ponting.  We look forward to welcoming Glenn to Club leadership.  He and all of the others elected will be sworn in at the Change of Watch ceremony on Saturday, October 13. Our annual Change of Watch ceremony is a great tradition. If you have not made a reservation, consider attending. There’s a great dinner, music and dancing, and I promise to keep my speech short.

The other part of this tradition is awarding the Al and Erv Nickel Award to a Member or Members who have over time generously shared their time, talents and resources to make our Club a better place.

This past year has been very challenging with the absence of a GM in December and currently. I want the membership to know how helpful your Board has been to get our Club through these challenges, the extra time they have put in above and beyond the call to duty to keep our Club moving forward. They are a great team. Our Club is very fortunate that we have this committed team in place.

When you’re down at the Club please take a second to say hi not only to me but our Board members as well.

On the same note, our staff has also “stepped up.” Without our staff, it would be difficult indeed to get anything done. When you get a chance – and any time is a good time – say thanks to them.

Queen’s Cup® Mark is Registered

And finally, I’m pleased to announce that our application for protection for the Queen’s Cup trademark was successful. Some 80 years after we started using it, our Queen’s Cup mark is again registered under the Club’s name with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).  From now on, we’ll be announcing that registered status with the little circled-R, for example “Queen’s Cup® Race,” for at least the first mention in any article, merchandise or advertising.

The registration certificate from USPTO for the Queen's Cup® trademark

The story began when I was Special Events Chair responsible for the Queen’s Cup Race. While negotiating with sponsors, it was brought to my attention and confirmed by research that the trademark had lapsed. I was concerned that anyone could sell Queen’s Cup merchandise using the Queen’s Cup name.

With the help of the Auxiliary and their very generous donation, we retained attorneys from the Michael Best law firm who specialize in trademarks and intellectual property to file for the trademark with the USPTO.

We have just learned that the registration we applied for was granted by the USPTO on September 18. This means that any of our Queen’s Cup merchandise and advertising can be marked with the registered trademark, putting the world on notice that only SSYC has rights to the name in connection with a boat race and clothing. This will also assure our suppliers and sponsors that we are within our rights when we order Queen’s Cup merchandise from them or seek their support for our named event.

Again, I want to thank the SSYC Auxiliary for their generous donation to cover the legal cost.  Once again, the Auxiliary through their contributions brought about by their commitment and hard work brought this issue to a successful conclusion.

More New Members Sign Up

Patty Thompson
Membership Director

The Board of Directors accepted seven new Active Members at its September meeting.  Be sure to say hello to:

Jim Keller used to visit the Club long ago on Jerry Hedtke’s boat.  His interest was renewed when SSYC Members who are neighbors in his condo development on Howard Avenue talked up the Club.		Brad Larson and wife Betsy are from Galesburg, Illinois.  Their sons live in Racine, so they’re in the area often.  They both sailed as children, wanted to get back into sailing, looked at available clubs and, as Brad said, “this one won.”
Kathy Mesa, with Monica Moe, has rejoined the Club after stopping by at the Day at the Lake Open House.  She said she missed the Club after a few years away.  She first joined because she grew up nearby, had seen SSYC as a child, and “always wondered what was behind the magical gates.”		Dennis Davidsaver, with wife Linda, has competed in C Scows on inland lakes with John Murphy and is interested in moving up to big water sailing, so much so that he plans to buy John’s boat at the Club.  He’s enjoyed sailing on that boat and plans to campaign it himself in the future.
Jim Driscoll and wife Rachel have lived in Bay View for 10 years and learned to sail seven years ago at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center.  “We’ve talked about this forever, and this was the year,” he said.  They’re in the market for a sailboat now.  Just before he was introduced to the Board, Jim had jumped into the lake to help with the kayaker rescue (see the Volunteers column).  A very modest hero, he didn’t say a word about it to the Board.		Heidi Hegwood comes from a family with long ties to Bay View and the farmer’s market here.  She and her husband Ryan live up the hill and expect to be frequent visitors at the Club.

Also accepted as an Active Member, but unable to attend the meeting, was Nicholas Galant.

Membership By The Numbers

Active: 499

Associate 1: 8

Associate 2: 8

Life: 178

Life Surviving Spouse: 46

Non-Resident: 73

Candidates waiting for induction: 2

Applications Received: 6

Resignations:

Associate II: 1

Recruiting efforts continue full speed ahead.  We had a table at Louie's Last Regatta, we talked to crew members at the "wall beer" parties after Wednesday Night racing, and we're considering a Fall open house around the Holiday theme, “Give the Gift of South Shore.” 

SSYC Heroes Save a Life

By Jerry Kedziora
SSYC Commodore

On the evening of Tuesday, September 18, a dark night, we were having a Board of Directors meeting when we noticed a lot of red flashing lights at our docks and on our grounds. A kayaker had become separated from her kayak and was spotted floating in the water in the well in front of the Club.

We learned that without any hesitation, Parker Gaitens, a member of our bar staff, had run out to the end of the dock, grabbed a life ring and jumped into cold dark waters, swum out to the kayaker, and saved a life. As Parker was swimming back with the victim, Jim Driscoll also grabbed a life ring and jumped in the water to assist.  Jim, a candidate for membership, was sworn in later that night as a Member.

When Jim and Parker got back to the dock with the victim, another Member, Jim Kelly, was there and helped get her from the water up onto the dock and quickly started to administer CPR.  Once on the dock Parker helped in this part of the rescue as well.

When personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department arrived, they took over treatment of the kayaker and then took her by ambulance to a local hospital for further care.

I could write a lot more words, but you really need to see the interview that FOX 6 did with Jim Kelly, who talked about the intensity of the incident, truly sharing his feelings and reaction.  And read Jim Stingl’s excellent report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 

The Fox 6 report is at https://fox6now.com/2018/09/21/intense-experience-bartender-yacht-club-members-rescue-woman-from-lake/ and Stingl’s column is at https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/columnists/jim-stingl/2018/09/20/yacht-club-bartender-pulls-drowning-woman-lake-michigan/1363578002/

Because of this incident, I want to have more Members and staff trained in CPR and make sure we have the necessary emergency equipment with people trained to use that equipment. I will be talking to trainers and hope to have classes at our Club soon.

I have had offers of help for CPR training and equipment from Club Members including Shelly Galligan and Jim Baker. Another committed instructor is Cathy Bronk, who has done training at SSYC before and has been a great resource. As soon as we can get these classes organized, I’ll inform the membership to sign up and get trained.

Tent Down, Clean Up This Saturday

Many thanks to the volunteers led by the old tent master himself, Jim Casper, and Grounds Committee Chair Dick Olson last Saturday who showed up to take down the tent. Things went smoothly and the tent is all tucked away until next season.

Next up is the work party this Saturday, October 6, for the change of the grounds to winter storage. We need your help. I hope to see a lot of Members giving a hand.

Volunteers make your Club a better place. If you haven’t attended a work party, come on down. It’s a great way to meet new people and make friends and give back to your Club.

See you down at the Club.

General Meeting Approves Officer Slate

A strong crowd attended the September 20 General Membership Meeting.  The meeting elected the slate of officers and directors proposed by the Nominating Committee without opposition.  Elected to one-year terms were Commodore Jerry Kedziora, Vice Commodore George Graubner, Rear Commodore Gary Johnson, Financial Secretary Steve Williams, Treasurer Mark Humphrey and Corresponding Secretary Paul Bargren. Rear Commodore Greg Gaitens did not seek re-election. Elected to three-year terms as members of the Board of Directors were Bob Karnauskas, Seth Goettelman and Scott Burke.  Elected to a one-year term on the Board (filling the vacancy left by Johnson's election as Rear Commodore) was Glenn Ponting.

Robert Roberson, left, and John Archibald, right, were elected from the floor as the members-at-large for the Nominating Committee.

Rear Commodore Greg Gaitens, with microphone, explains a point, while Treasurer Mark Humphrey, center, and Commodore Jerry Kedziora, right, listen.

IT Committee Director Rick Trisco gave a report...

...as did House Committee Director and newly elected Rear Commodore Gary Johnson.

Member Jim Richter had a question, as Waterfront Services Director Bob Karnauskas listened.

MySSYC is Your On-line Portal into the Club's Accounting System

Here is where to find MySSYC on the Club website after signing in as a member

By Dave Wehnes PC
SSYC Webmaster

Have I spent all my minimum this month?  When did I pay my dues?  What’s the balance on my account?  Time to make a payment on line?

All of this – and more – is available to Members on-line at MySSYC.  The site has been live since Spring 2017.

MySSYC is associated with the Club’s NS-Connect accounting system.  MySSYC is the portion of the system that members see; there’s plenty more to the system in the “back office” to account for the many aspects of managing Club finances and accounting.

To access MySSYC, go to the Club website at ssyc.org, hit the MySSYC link and sign in. 

Call or visit the Club Office and they can explain the initial sign-in process to you. (For security reasons, we don't publish that in the Compass.) Your initial password, assuming that you have never used the system before, is in one of two formats depending upon when you joined the Club.  One scheme was used for anyone who was a member prior to February of 2017.  Another scheme applies to members who joined after that date.   

After that, change your password to something secure you can remember.  Don’t forget to use a 4-digit member number by adding zeroes in front if your number is less than four digits.

The "I forgot my password" function is not operational until you have signed in successfully at least once.

If you are still having problems after contacting the Office, they can give you the phone number of the webmaster, who can help you through the process. 

In addition to accounting information, MySSYC includes an on-line member directory!

Please note that MySSYC is really part of our accounting system and is provided by that vendor.  As such, we don't have a lot of control over how it operates.  Also, please understand that it has its own sign-in database, separate from the one on www.ssyc.org.  There is no reason why you cannot keep your password the same on both ssyc.org and MySSYC, but it is up to you to set them up that way.

Getting Rid of the Deadwood

Among the many trips our SSYC tender drivers made this summer were a number of excursions to collect logs floating in the slip area. With high water and lots of rain, this summer seemed to bring an extra dose of flotsam to our harbor. We're hospitable, but not for snags and deadheads. Thanks to the tender crew for towing them out of harm's way. (Gary Johnson photos)

Dry Sail, Dinghies and Kayaks Must Be Gone by Thursday; Clean Up Saturday

In preparation for the annual Fall Grounds Clean-Up, all boats and equipment must be off the grounds no later than this Thursday, October 4.  This includes dry sail boats, dinghies and kayaks
 
The Fall Grounds Clean Up will commence at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, for donuts and coffee, with the Clean Up itself starting promptly at 9 a.m.  This work party should be completed by noon, at which time a complimentary lunch buffet will be served.
 
This is an event when old and new members can network.  Please mark your calendars and we’ll see you on Saturday.  The Grounds Committee thanks the many volunteers who make these projects successful.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Dining Room Remodeling  

Gary Johnson

By Gary Johnson
House Chair

Hi everyone,

The House Committee will be taking on the dining room remodeling project in late October and early November.

We need volunteers to remove all artifacts in the dining and upstairs bar areas in preparation for painting. We also need helpers after the painting is complete to work on relocating the commodore pictures. I will be having a House Committee meeting soon to discuss all these topics.

We need volunteers, so if you have an interest in helping with the remodeling, please let me know at . Thanks in advance!

Food Surveys Return

By popular request, food and service surveys will be returning to the dining room. As always, we want your honest opinions. Also feel free to email me with any comments, concerns or questions about the food and beverage service at .

Well, it's a...

We're sure there's an explanation, but right now it's not quite clear what that ladder is doing on the backstay of Ken Thompson's Hermitage.  Swim ladder? New form of ratlines?  A backstay adjuster?  Telltale installer?  Ken?? (Gary Johnson photo)

Director's Car Ticketed for Improper Parking

By Scuttle R. Butt PVC

Well now this here’s Scuttle. Now that I gots my bar stool warmed up, and I won’t be sayin' how, I have a story to tell ya.

Did ya hear about the great parking violation da utter day. Hey?

It seems that one of our Dyrectors parked his Red Rave 4 in the inside lot, on da grounds, without no parking sticker in da window. Well let me tell ya dat one of the dock masters spotted da infraction and gave the villain a parking ticket.

Serves ’em right. I betcha that Dyrector was sorry he done that. I betcha that Dyrector was redder'n his SUV.

Da moral of this here story is that ya need ta git your sticker and git it on your car.

Which reminds me. There is still a bunch of youse guys that still have not gotten yer membership card. What daheck?

If you ain’t got no membership card there’s no way I can mooch a drink off of ya. So, get that card and be quick about it.

Well that’s all for now. My barstools all warmed up.  I ain't been Barfly of the Year 15 years straight for nuttin'.

Now whose gonna buy me that drink?  Hey, how about you, yeah you, the one with da red face.

New Tender Engine?

Rear Commodore Gary Johnson, who is also a dockmaster and tender operator and whose day job is flying jetliners, thinks he may have found a new engine for the tender.

Greg Gaitens

Slips Close Oct. 26; Work Party Oct. 27  

By Greg Gaitens
Rear Commodore

Slips Close Friday, October 26

As per the 2018 Slip License, the deadline for all slips to be vacated and prepared for winter has been set as Friday, October 26.  The fall slip closing work party will follow the next day, October 27.

Slip holders, it’s your responsibility to remove all mooring lines and associated rigging, center cables, wave boards, bumper posts and any other appendages attached to finger piers that extend below the bottom of the pier stringers. In addition, all attachments to center pilings also must be removed by October 26.

If you kept your boat in a slip this season, under the terms of the lease, you have the responsibility to prepare your slip for winter. The Club may impose a fine of $100 or more to you if the work party has to properly prepare the slip for the winter.

Materials not timely removed will be removed and disposed of by the Slip Committee. The Slip Committee reserves the right to determine the method of removal and disposal.

Copies of the 2018 Slip License and 2018 Slip Rules & Conditions are available for review on the Club’s website under For Members/Members Home/Slips.

If you have any questions about proper preparation of your slip for winter, please feel free to contact me on my cell (414) 232-5758 or via email at

Change to Slip License and Slip Deposit Due Date

In support of a suggestion made by Members, the Slip Committee will be making a change to the due date of slip deposits. Historically, slip license renewals and the required $200 minimum non-refundable deposits were due in early January. In an effort to reduce the financial impact of slip deposits, slip fees, membership dues and Holiday bills all coming due at the same time, the slip license renewals and required $200 minimum non-refundable deposit will now be due in mid- November. Watch for details.

Slip Closing Work Party Saturday, October 27

Volunteers are needed for the annual fall slip closing work party that, as noted, is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 27.  Please plan on supporting the Slip Committee and your Club by participating. The work party will be removing safety ladders, raising wave boards on face docks, removing life rings and cleaning up docks and finger piers not properly prepared for Winter by the slip holder. Fines may be assessed to Members whose slips are not properly prepared for winter as indicated in the 2018 Slip License.

Dock Improvements

The Slip Committee will continue with work parties replacing the planking on the finger piers and South side of the U after the slip closing work party. We currently have enough planking to complete the project at the south end of the U and a few more finger piers on E Dock.

Slip Waiting List  

We have 19 Members on the slip waiting list. The slip waiting list is managed by Member seniority. If you desire a slip for the 2019 boating season, contact the office and get on the waiting list ASAP.

Update on Ice Damage to A Dock

The insurance company received the additional detail they requested from the contractor, Big Lake Marine, about the scope of work, material and labor costs. The insurance company had their representative visit SSYC and inspect the damage on A Dock last week. It is expected an agreement will be reached among the insurance company, Big Lake Marine and SSYC within the next few weeks. We hope to see repairs start before winter.  

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.

Get on Lift Schedule Now; Water Around Gas Tank a Problem

Bob Karnauskas

By Bob Karnauskas
Director, Waterfront Services

Haul out

We are ready for the fall haul out, which starts this Saturday (October 6) and continues through October 27. The schedule is very full, so I encourage you to contact the Office to get on the calendar if you haven’t already done so.

Help out our launch team by arriving early with your vessel ready to go at your reserved time. Have helpers present to assist. Please go the SSYC website and review “A Quick Guide For Those Storing Boats at SSYC - Top 10 Ways to Make Your Launch/Lift a Success.” Go to For Members / Members Home / Winter Storage.

Gas Tank Issues

As I reported at the fall General Membership Meeting, water accumulation in the gasoline tank buried in the front lawn of the Club is a continuing risk. The spill containment basin around the fill pipe is immersed in water after each rainfall (see photos). Quotes were requested from three gasoline tank installers for advice on how to solve this problem. The contractor recommendations were unanimous: knock out and raise the concrete pads as well as install waterproof covers over the tank access manways. Improving drainage around the concrete pads will also be performed. Cost will be about $10,000, which Waterfront Services cannot cover in this year’s budget. We will do our best to seal these covers over the winter until we have funds next year.

Our next committee meeting is on Thursday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. New faces are always welcome. Our committee minutes are also posted on the website.

Above, water accumulates in the collar around the gas tank filler cap after a rainfall and is assumed to be leaking into the tank.  Below, the tank is buried in the front lawn of the Club.  The access ports for the gas tank and other tanks can be seen in the grass.

Off on the Loop

Dorothy Mietz and Brian Adams are off on the adventure of a lifetime.  They left SSYC at dawn one recent September morning to start their tour of the Great Loop, the 6,000-mile route that comprises the Great Lakes, the Mississippi, the Atlantic Coast and many places in between.

They'll be carrying the SSYC burgee aboard their 42-foot 1987 Grand Banks Classic, Seasons.  Bon voyage! (Bruce Nason photos)

Rag Doll, Sabotage are SS-SSS Boats of the Year

By Barbara Drake
SS-SSS Fleet Captain

The season series results for the Wednesday night South Shore Social Sailing Series, or SS-SSS, were posted after the last race.  The program used four throw-out races in determining the final results.  David Wehnes filed a request for redress about the throw-outs, and a protest was heard the following Wednesday.  It was decided that three throw-outs would be used to determine the 2018 Season Series results, which are listed below.

2018 BOATS OF THE YEAR

Spinnaker Section

Rag Doll – Peter Reiske

Jib and Main Section

Sabotage – The Sabinash Family

The boats listed above will be receiving invitations to the Winner's Dinner. 

I apologize for the late posting of two races this season.  My husband and I were the Race Committee in the early 1970s.  We ran the weekend races, SS-SSS, the Queen's Cup® Race and any regattas that were scheduled during the summer.  With SS-SSS, I used to sit at the end of the bar and figure the results with paper and pencil.  We did not have computers, we didn't even have calculators.  I also had to use carbon paper from time to time to get a second copy because a copy machine was not always available. 

After my husband died in 1982, I rejoined the Race Committee and was a co-captain for SS-SSS with Ned Reiter and Peter Welty.  When they resigned I found myself in charge.  Bobby Franke and I were reminiscing the other night of how we used to go out, just the two of us, and run the SS-SSS races.  When we came in I would score the race and post the results on the bulletin board.  We did not have a website.

Then people started getting interested in race committee and asked if they could come out on the Lily E and help run the races.  We started with the A-team and gradually had enough volunteers for the AA-team. Having this many volunteers was nice because it gave us a week off, and we could sail with friends if we wanted to.  Eventually I delegated the scoring to other interested volunteers.

Various people have been involved in the scoring program.  Before the 2019 Season, we are going to investigate other scoring programs that may be available, and I will be a part of these decisions and actively involved in the scoring next year, so that all races will be posted on the night they were sailed. 

If you are interested in the Race Committee, or in the meetings that we will have concerning the scoring of the races, call me at 414-276-4051 (no email, please).  Your interest and involvement will help us to continue the great racing program known as SS-SSS.

Thank you for your continued support.

Thanks for a Successful MBOS Season in 2018

Big boat action like this mark-rounding during the Tanger Regatta was a hallmark of this year's successful MBOS season.  (Scott Burke photo)

By Cheryl Kelly
MBOS SSYC Fleet Captain

Hello all! It’s been a wild season for sailing this year in our weekend PHRF fleet in the Milwaukee Bay Offshore Series.

As we reach the end of our season, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in this year’s season…

To our many racing competitor teams – thanks for coming out and putting your all into every race. Your participation made for a super competitive season and promises to continue the excitement into next year. We look forward to seeing you all at the spring Crew Search party at SSYC to share stories and help recruit new racers to join us in MBOS.

To our many racing skippers – thanks for providing leadership and your boats throughout the season as a platform for the success and growth of our fleet. You all continue to be great examples of sportsmanship and commitment to racing.

To our awesome race committee volunteers – thanks for giving us your time and commitment to making a good racing program for our regattas. We were lucky enough to have a great set of PROs as well as a combination of experienced extended committee members as well as some new faces. Your volunteer efforts are critical to our ability to race and are much appreciated.

We had help over the year from the following volunteers – in many challenging conditions:

Amelia Bifano

Angel Wilcox

Barbara Drake

Bill Jelinek

Bill Sprotte

Bruce Nason

Carolyn Nason

Dave Wehnes

Debbie Koelliker

Eric Jones

Erin Hill

Jonathan Wells

John Archibald

Jerry Kedziora

Rick Trisco

Rob Goss

Robin Olson

Scott Burke

To Angel Wilcox – thanks so much for taking the extra time to clean and repair our race flags this year.

To Chef Sam and Ed – thanks for supporting us with good food and bar service for our after race parties.

To our volunteers who worked tirelessly on getting the race committee boats ready for the season, already mentioned in a previous Compass article at the start of the season – thanks again.

Finally, thanks to our sponsors for the season – Eric Jones from World Yachts, Cheri Kent Jones from Resolute Realty and Dave Wehnes as a life member and long-time racer. Your contributions to our program this year in both funding and entertainment help have been invaluable.

We couldn’t have completed the season without you all. It definitely takes a village!

I know I’ve certainly learned a lot from you all this year and I look forward to your feedback and thoughts for the coming year. Be on the lookout for a Fall Fleet Meeting notification and calendar date – we should be able to confirm something for late November.

As a reminder, the 2018 SSYC Winner’s Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, to be held at the club. Invitations will be going out shortly to all winning competitors for the dinner. A party will follow at the club for the extended sailing community.

Down Comes the Tent

A group of volunteers met Saturday, September 29, to take down the big tent for the season.  With many hands, the work was handled quickly.  (Bruce Nason photos)

Important Auxiliary Board Meeting Oct. 10; Full Group Meets Nov. 6

Helen "Cookie" Mueller

By Helen “Cookie” Mueller, PC
Auxiliary President

It seems that the summer of 2018 barely got started and here it is already October.  The upcoming fall months are sure to offer some beautiful sailing and powerboat cruising opportunities.  Make sure you take advantage of Lake Michigan and the beauty that it offers. 

The Auxiliary Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, October 10, at 7 p.m. in the SSYC conference room.  The agenda will include a report from the Nominating Committee with recommendations for the 2019 slate of Auxiliary officers.  The Auxiliary Board will also discuss suggested Auxiliary charitable donations for 2019.  Auxiliary officers, board of director members and committee chairpersons are invited to attend the meeting.

The November Auxiliary membership meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6.  This is an important meeting for all Auxiliary members to attend.  The election and installation of the 2019 Auxiliary officers and directors will be held at this meeting.  Members will also vote on the recommended Auxiliary charitable donations for 2019.

Entertainment at the November meeting will be Julie Stuhlmacher with Trees from Home.  We will decorate tiny Christmas trees that will be sent to our troops abroad.  It’s important that during the holiday season we remember and honor the people who serve and protect our country.  Gift tags for the Holiday Giving Tree Program will also be distributed at the November meeting.  This program is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee.  The program benefits elderly and children from the Bay View Community Center and St. Ann Center.  Let’s help make this a wonderful holiday season for those less fortunate than us.

Auxiliary members are asked to volunteer at the club on Grounds Clean-Up Day this Saturday, October 6, beginning at 9 a.m. (or come at 8:30 a.m. for doughnuts and coffee).  The SSYC Garden Committee chaired by Pat Rakowski and Fran Aring needs our help in preparing the gardens for the winter season.  It’s a great opportunity to meet members and renew old friendships.

If you are a SSYC member or spouse of a member, please consider joining the SSYC Auxiliary.  Auxiliary membership applications are available at the Club Office or on the SSYC website.  Please contact Cookie Mueller at if you have any questions regarding the SSYC Auxiliary. 

Halloween Party Help Needed!

SSYC's annual Halloween Party is Saturday, October 27.  The Entertainment Committee needs volunteers to help organize the party and make decorations.  It's a great chance for new Members to get to know each other and get to know long-time Members, too.  This year's creepy theme:  "The Bates Motel."

Join the fun and bring your scary ideas to the party.  Phone, text or email Jean Wolfrum at 843-822-7026 or  

Change of Watch Celebration is Saturday, October 13

First Aid Kits Need RRR This Winter

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 practical information about the care and feeding of your boat’s First Aid kit this winter. She reminds members to take their medical kits off the boat before haul out so they can put them through the three Rs this off-season: Review, Replenish, and Recombobulate. You’ll have your kit ship-shape for handling medical emergencies aboard next season. You can read what she has to say at this link: https://shellygalligan.com/your-boats-first-aid-kit/ 

Praise for the Unpaid Hand

The following is an excerpt from the March issue of the Compass from 1944, discovered and contributed by Dave Wehnes PC...

Old issues of the Compass are archived on the ssyc.org website.  They are organized by year, and you can find them by clicking here.  The archive is, unfortunately, not complete.  If you happen to have any old issues, pass them along! 

One of the things that makes these old Compass issues interesting is that Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Ross Lewis of The Milwaukee Journal was a member of SSYC and provided illustrations in many of them.

The Unpaid Hand

I doff my hat to the unsung crew
Who do the things they’re told to do
That hardy, loyal, faithful band
The toiling throng, the Unpaid Hand

The Unpaid Hand in his dungarees,
Rough and ready and aimin’ to please
A-pullin’ the sheets and cleaten’ em fast
So the Sassy Sal won’t finish last

The Unpaid Hand who boils and burns
On a windless day, and when the buoy turns
Are hell to handle and hard to make
In a sizzling sun on a listless lake.

The Unpaid Hand in a gale o’wind
Soaked to the bone --- his knuckles skinned
Settin’ the spinnaker and takin’ it in
Hoistin’ the genoa and swearin’ like sin
Hikin’ to weather to trim the boat
Bailin’ like hell to keep her afloat
Haulin’ the backstays, trimmin’ the main
Over’n, over’n over again.

And when the races have all been run
And when the boat he crewed on’s the boat that won
And the lucky skipper is steppin’ up
To get his flags and the silver cup

Back in the corner, feelin’ grand
With a nice little bun, sits the Unpaid Hand.

A New Fleet of 'Big' Boats Takes to the Waters at SSYC

By Andrew Van Sickle
DF65 Fleet

Tired of trying to find crew to race your boat? Concerned that your crew isn’t hiking hard enough on the rail? Still waiting for your PHRF certificate from LMPHRF? Then consider investing in the hottest new one-design racing yacht: the remote control Dragonforce 65! 

Last May, I purchased a DF65 in hopes of getting a group of people to race them in the horseshoe at South Shore Yacht Club. The boat requires a few hours of assembly to get up and running, but once completed it’s very simple to operate and sail. The boat sails with just main and jib, and all control lines are easily adjustable. Close to 20 members have already purchased boats with lots more interested. We’ve hosted several informal races around the Club, with as many as 7 boats on the starting line. An audio timer on a blue tooth speaker and some race buoys, constructed by Craig Griffith, are all that are needed to run races.

If you’re interested in learning more feel free to email me:
or join our Facebook group: Radio Sailing MKE

Mike Kuptz has organized a discounted price for SSYC members, email him here:

Put your crew and PHRF issues to rest and come join the fun!

Radio-controlled DF65s maneuvering before the start off the end of E Dock.

And they're off.

Fast action in close quarters.

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.

Editor's Note:  Members, have something to sell or give away?  Lost something?  Here's your chance to run a free ad.  It's very simple.  Go to the SSYC website, to the For Members tab, to Compass Submissions, to Submit an Article.  Give your article a title (like "Classified") then type in your short classified in the big text box and hit Submit. Upload a picture if you have one.   Do that before the first of the month in order to appear in the next Compass.  One-time ads for personal items only; no commercial ads, no standing ads.  All submissions subject to editing or deletion for good taste, propriety and brevity.