Visit their Open House on Saturday, August 15, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

By Sarah Opdahl

For anyone who’s wondered about the plethora of sailing vessels at Chatterton Point on Candlewood Lake, there’s a wonderful answer: The Candlewood Yacht Club (CYC). In existence since 1937, less than a decade after the creation of the man-made Candlewood Lake, the club has a robust slate of benefits. Their mission says it all, that the CYC “encourages and promotes sailing and sailboat racing on Candlewood Lake. We have many events to promote camaraderie among our members.”

With an interest in growing its membership, the club is happy to share the news of their successes, which start and end with their engaged members. When asked about his favorite aspect of being a member, Past Commodore and current Board Member Bob Bovaird said, “the camaraderie of the club.  These are people who help each other without being asked and are always happy to lend a hand.  We see each other every week for six months and then wait for the ice to thaw to get back on the lake again.”  He is joined by CYC Membership Chair George Greczylo in enthusiasm to expand their membership, and all members are excited to welcome residents to an Open House on Saturday, August 15, noon to 5:00 p.m. A family-friendly outing, the event will feature fun sailboat rides, lively conversations, and delicious refreshments.

Sailing is at the heart of all that CYC does, and they offer sailing lessons as well as slips for members’ boats. There are regatta races every Sunday at 1:00 pm on Candlewood Lake, which can be viewed from a boat, from Chatterton Point, or from Candlewood Isle. CYC also hosts the national Flying Scot Regatta every October, at which sailors from all over the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic take part.

There is a sincere drive in the CYC to introduce sailing and enhance skill for any interested parties, including lessons for adults and children. The very-popular sessions and programs are being expanded next year, however prompt enrollment or placement on a waitlist is encouraged.  The Junior Sailing Program is a major draw to the club, and a never-ending source of such joy for its members. It is open to all children from 8 to 15 years old—whether they are club members or not. A recent CYC press release declared, “The goal is simple: introduce young people to the lifelong enjoyment of sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Each session is limited to four campers, allowing for individualized instruction during four-hour afternoon classes held each weekday. Campers learn how to rig and sail both Optimist dinghies (Optis) and Sunfish sailboats.”

While for some children the camp may be a lark, others become passionate about sailing, such as fourteen-year-old Sam Quigley, who serves as a counselor-in-training and operates the safety boat under the supervision of Camp Director Eric Kent. Sam is considered a top young sailor at the club and, the press release extolled, “was accepted this year into the prestigious Oakcliff Sailing Program, which has helped develop many of the nation’s top competitive sailors, including future Olympians.” It’s no wonder that the CYC has received generous boat donations to help support the Junior Sailing Program, including a lovely sailboat from member Prachee Kale, when her husband Brian Barnier passed away. In addition, retired school principal and author Lawrence Chizak donated his Boston Whaler Harpoon 5.2 to the club, giving the junior sailors the opportunity to develop their skills on a larger sailboat.

With no paid staff, the CYC’s members are integral to the group’s volunteer efforts, which results in deep friendships and generations of shared experiences. Many members have been part of the club for five decades or more and have served in various leadership roles, such as Jon Orr, who has been a member for 65 years, and Bob Bovaird, who has been active in the CYC, along with his wife Peg, for the past three decades. Newer members have an equal opportunity for leadership, including Sue Blanch, who joined CYC ten years ago and went on to become the third woman to serve as Rear Commodore in the club’s history.

The club offers a series of fun-filled member engagements throughout the sailing season, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day celebrations, along with Lobster Night, Smokehouse BBQ Night, and Oktoberfest.

There’s so much to discover at the Candlewood Yacht Club—sailing at all levels, a robust community with lots of opportunities for social and volunteer engagement, and more. Club members hope you stop by their Open House on the afternoon of the 15th at Chatterton Point, or simply reach out to George Greczylo at Membership @CandlewoodYachtClub.org or 203-746-9303; you will surely be glad you did.