Chicago Yacht Club announces new Commodore and Club Officers
by Sara Proctor 6 Jan 2019 05:45 PST
The Chicago Yacht Club announced today that its membership has elected the club's officers and Board of Directors. The 2019 club officers are Lou Sandoval, Commodore; Nicholas Berberian, Vice Commodore; Dwain Lutzow, Rear Commodore; Louis Rosenthal, Treasurer; and Rick Lillie, Secretary. All five officers began their tenure on January 1, 2019.
As Commodore, business leader Lou Sandoval takes the chief leadership role of the club, overseeing the Executive Committee (known as the "Flag Officers") and Board of Directors. Sandoval succeeds Leif Sigmond, an accomplished sailor who, most recently, won the Corinthian class in the Farr 40 World Championships this past October.
Sandoval commented, "It is a privilege and honor to serve the Chicago Yacht Club community. Our impact on the City of Chicago and the international boating community is broad and multi-faceted, from leadership in major sailing events, power boating events, and the development of tomorrow's sailors. I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the history of our club and to work alongside talented fellow members."
"We are grateful to Leif Sigmond for his strong leadership of our Club during the past two years." said Greg Miarecki, Past Commodore and chair of the Nominating Committee. "And we are looking forward to building upon our success under the leadership of our new Flag. Lou and his fellow Flag officers are accomplished businessmen and boaters, with a deep passion for the Club and our sport."
Sandoval's team unveiled its vision for the coming year, having recently undergone a strategic planning session. The new team board plans to enhance adult and youth "learn to sail" programming and deepen boating education for experienced and novice boaters. One of the top five yacht clubs in the United States, as recognized by Platinum Clubs of America, Chicago Yacht Club focuses heavily on introducing new people to boating. Alongside the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, the Club runs many philanthropic events and programs, including the Chicago Regatta, its Sea Scout program, and Sight Impaired Cruises run in connection with Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind.