Commodore's Corner

Hope this finds you a little warmer by the time of reading. Boy, have we had some winter temperatures so far this year! I just returned from the St. Petersburg Boat Show and, thanks to many of our wonderful, existing members led by Kurt Greissinger, we had a booth for the first time to promote the club and recruit new members. Kurt and I experienced an amazing temperature change Sunday morning with 30 mile an hour winds and rain going from 70 degrees to 50 degrees in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, we still had quite a few diehard boat lovers coming by to learn more about our fine club. This experience with Kurt just demonstrated how wonderful of a membership we have at CYC.

Our Long Term Planning Committee is working diligently to provide as much information as possible for Project Keelstone to our membership. Hope to see you at the club. We have a great deal of activities in the very near future with fun for all of us. 

Wishing you fair winds and following seas, Rod

True North

Chaplain's Log

Happy Valentine’s Day

“What the world needs now, is love, sweet love; it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”

Note: Looking back at my CYC files, I noticed that I have been writing Compass articles since 2014. This month, I re-read my February 2020 submission and decided to re-issue this for 2026. I hope readers may enjoy this once again. I wish all my CYC Family many blessings this month and a very Happy Valentine’ Day 2026

Jackie DeShanon’s hit song still resonates today, but long before it topped the charts in 1965, Valentine’s Day spread the good news of love in the hearts and homes of the western world.

While there are several traditions surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day, many trace it back to one of the early martyrs of the Christian Church, Valentine of Rome, This particular Valentine was a priest who devoted his life to helping soldiers and caring for those in prison. While little is known concerning the details of his life, the story goes that in 296 AD, he was arrested because of his faith, and during his trial, he healed the blind daughter of the judge who was trying the case. Shortly before his death, he sent the young girl whose sight had been restored a farewell note of encouragement and signed it “Your Valentine.” Pope Gelasius the First set the date of February 14th as St Valentine’s Day in the year 496, and over the course of many centuries that day continues the custom of sharing “Valentines” notes and gifts with those we love.

However, I suspect that if the real St Valentine were among us today, then perhaps he would encourage us to listen once again to the words sung by Jackie DeShannon back in 1965 because St Valentine’s life was a lifetime of compassion and mercy directed not merely towards those he held most dear, but to the poor, prisoners, strangers, and all hose in need of hope, healing, compassion and love.

This Valentine’s Day might be a good time to remember that what the world needs now might not simply be a another box of chocolates, a night out on the town, or a Hallmark Card. “What the world needs now is love.....No not just for some, but for everyone;” and the gifts of love we may all be most in need of are the ones that truly come from the heart: words of kindness, acts of mercy and generosity, gestures of patience, a willingness to listen, and a readiness to forgive. These are the lasting gifts which lie at the very heart of St Valentine’s Day, and then as now, they have the potential to bring hope and healing our way, and in so doing to change the world for good.

Happy Valentine’s Day! May it grow and last throughout the year.

frbob.wagenseil@gmail.com

Yachting

The Yachting Committee holds its meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm in the Boardroom. We began January 2026 by welcoming guest sailors from the Dunedin Boat Club, discussing the spring racing schedule, and reviewing recent race results.

CYC/DBC Winter Howler Regatta – January 3

Congratulations go to Larry Steele and *Riva* for securing third place, and to Curtis Wold and *Chances R* for finishing fourth.

SPYC Salt Pines Cup (to CYC) – January 8-10

Competitors wrapped up the event with a fantastic finish at the CYC Gasparilla Party, which featured trophy presentations and dinner.

Celebration of Yachting

Join us on Wednesday, February 11, at 6pm in the Dry Dock as we welcome back Neil Harvey, renowned Australian open ocean sailor. Neil will share captivating stories from his sailing adventures and discuss the latest boat technology and its influence on cruising. Race Committee volunteer polo shirts will be available to pick up. All members interested are welcome to attend, and light appetizers will be served.

Race Calendar

January

31 Winter Spring Howler Gulf Race #2

February

11 Celebration of Yachting 6pm

28 Pass-a-Grille Run

March

7 Pennington Cup

28 Clearwater Challenge

29 Dunedin Cup

April

11 Winter/Spring Howler Gulf Race #3 (DBC lead)

27 FWSA Rainbow Regatta (ICW from CCSC) w/ Bow Chasers, RC Volunteers needed

June

20 Summer Solstice

Calling all boaters! Join us for a sunset cruise out on the Gulf

Cruisers

Don’t Stay Aweigh

“Insanity It Seems” let loose in the first round of horse races at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, January 17 followed closely by “Alcohol” and “Kindred Hearts” with a good showing of “Tell Me Some Lies.” “Mo Trump” garnered loud cheers and resulted in a big payoff for several Cruisers.  It’s all fun and games for the Cruisers who by now can call the races a much-anticipated yearly event hosted by Gary and Sondra Newcom.

The superfecta of fun reined in a stable of 52 participants who scaled the stairs to the Skye Terrace for a luncheon buffet, betting, and dessert while overlooking the tracks. Every attendee received a betting ticket in advance for a chance to win big during the day. We wager more than a few came out winners, especially those who weren’t afraid to bet on their own choices and throw extra money into the pot. The Clearwater Yacht Club Cruisers sponsored the third race which gave us a nice mention in the Official Program and on the scoreboards. A high five goes to those who won the raffle to watch our race from the guardrail and have pictures taken with the winning jockey and horse team.



Absolutely no losers for this day of mingling. Cruise Director Carey Sauer plans more for the rest of the year with weekends away at marinas, yacht clubs and even another round of the Villages. Never a dull month for this group. Stay tuned to learn more about the new official program to unfold. If you are not yet a Cruiser and would like to join us, please reach out to Carey at cycruisers1@gmail.com. 

Boat or no boat, you can join in our adventures. Dues for the year are $125. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month. Mingle at 6 PM, meeting starts at 6:30, followed by dining upstairs. 

Bow Chasers

The Bow Chasers hosted the Florida Women’s Sailing Association’s (FWSA) General Meeting on January 21st. Nearly 70 women sailors attended the meeting which included discussions on long range planning, recruiting and further sailing education. The attendees comprised women sailing programs from Dunedin, Tampa, Sarasota, St. Pete and Venice and, of course, the Clearwater Yacht Club Bow Chasers. Funds were raised for the Young Woman Sailor of the year award. FWSA promotes women in sailing through this annual prestigious award that signifies accomplishment in sailing as well as a monetary award that helps the female sailor continue with their sailing career.

Christy Poorman was able to procure our Guest Speaker, Ally Blake, ABC meteorologist from Tampa Bay 28. She spoke on weather and conditions in the Tampa Bay Area that have an impact on activities on the water. All Ally requested was a boat ride! Thank you Ally! Many thanks to the dining room and kitchen staff for providing an excellent buffet luncheon and dining experience to the attendees who had high praises!

Bow Chasers had some post holiday fun on Jan 21st at their annual White Elephant party. Many Thanks to Mary Kay Delk for hosting once again! Who will be the lucky holder of the white elephant this year? Congratulations Genevieve Fortunato!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2026

Please join us. Meet new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.

Calling All CYC Women who Love being on the Water!

April 15th Marine Max will be at CYC presenting their “Women on the Water” program with Captain Keith.

Come and learn or improve your skills in steering, docking, anchoring, reading marks, with chalk talk then practice what you learned on the water! Stay tuned for more details. Class size will be limited.

Also, on the horizon…

GALENTINE SOUP CRUISE

Thursday February 12, 

Ladies put your best soups and recipes out for all to see. A fun and cozy evening to hangout, chat and sample soup recipes. A pot luck of soups! Watch your emails for details to follow.

Why Knot - Learning to tie knots is a practical skill that can be used for everything from out door survival and first aid to everyday home tasks and hobbies to boating, sailing and fishing.

Sour Sough Bread Class

Learn the wonderful world of Sour Dough Bread from Genevieve Fortunato, a seasoned Sourdough baker. This was a sold out event last year. For $40 you will leave with a jar of sourdough starter, a bowl to make it and later your bread and tons of instructions and recipes. Genevieve Fortunato does a great job teaching and is well prepared!!!

And a Mixology class!

Stayed tuned to CYC blasts for details.

SAILING CORNER

Many Thanks to the Yachting Committee for supporting the expenditure for new mainsails for the Sailing Prams! The Prams will be ‘screaming’ out there with the new sails!

On April 27th, The Bow Chasers will host the annual FWSA Rainbow Regatta with the Dunedin Windlasses out of the Clear Community Sailing Center (CCSC) on Gulf Blvd. This Regatta hosts both Sunfish and Opti/Pram classes and up to 50 entrants.

If you are interested in sailing, the sailing Bow Chasers meet on Tuesdays at 9:15am at CYC, west side, where the prams (dinghy sailboats) are kept neatly in the rack. Come on down and see what we are all about as we rig and sail the historic prams designed specifically for Clearwater by Clark Mills circa 1948. We’re always looking to Mother Nature to provide us with perfect pram sailing weather. 

As a member of CYC you are also members of the CCSC (Clearwater Community Sailing Center) on Gulf Blvd. across from Sand Key Park. If you are new to sailing or just need a brush-up on your skills, you can make arrangements with CCSC. They are very accommodating and willing to teach their skill.

Book Club

THE CYC BOOK CLUB meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6pm downstairs in the Boardroom or Members' Lounge. All members and their guests are welcome to join our stimulating and fun-filled discussions. If you enjoy reading, this is the place to be! Many of us stay for dinner. If you plan to do so, please make reservations with the office online or at (727) 447- 6000. All books are predetermined by the members prior to discussion. Our upcoming meetings will feature the following:

February 17

THE MEASURE by Nikki Erlick

March 17

THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali

April 21

BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall

May 19

THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES by Kristin Harmel

June 16

THE FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon

July 21

THE MOOR'S ACCOUNT by Laila Lalami

For more information or to get involved, email PC Curtis Wold at woldca@gmail.com.

February

January