chicago yacht club board of directors

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Press Releases ORBA Director Michael Kovacs Elected to Board of Chicago Yacht Club

Publication 01.22.20

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is proud to announce that Director Michael Kovacs has been elected to serve on the board of Chicago Yacht Club for a two-year term.  Michael also serves on the Chicago Yacht Club’s Finance Committee.

CHICAGO —    Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA) , one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is proud to announce that Director Michael Kovacs has been elected to serve on the board of Chicago Yacht Club for a two-year term.  Michael also serves on the Chicago Yacht Club’s Finance Committee.

“For most of my career, I have been focused on serving clients. It’s now time to give back to the community some of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years,” said Michael. “Chicago Yacht Club, like many private clubs in the America, is at a critical time of recruiting new members and maintaining facilities through capital expenditures. My background, advising business owners with similar assets, should help the Board make critical decisions.”

Michael has served as an accountant for closely-held businesses for more than 30 years. He joined ORBA in 1986, became a Director in 2000 and is the chairman of the firm’s Real Estate Group. Michael’s work focuses on providing accounting, tax and business consulting services to mid-size companies in a variety of industries, including real estate, manufacturing and financial services. His client base has included some of the largest marina real estate deals in the United States.

About Chicago Yacht Club Founded in 1875, Chicago Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world. Chicago Yacht Club is ranked on the top 10 list of U.S. yacht clubs by Platinum Clubs of America. The Club is home to more than 1,400 members, including a winning America’s Cup skipper, Olympic medalists and hopefuls and outstanding boaters of all types, from ages 4 to 100. The Club offers year-round activities for its diverse membership at two locations on the city’s shoreline, at Monroe and Belmont Harbors. It is recognized as a leader in sailing education, with one of the largest junior sailing programs in the United States.

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA) is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm located in downtown Chicago serving privately-held companies, individuals and not-for-profit organizations. ORBA’s Certified Public Accountants have experience with accounting and assurance, business advisory services, financial and estate planning, fraud investigation, tax, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. With some of the highest levels of direct client involvement in the industry, ORBA is where clients go to build long-standing, meaningful and successful relationships with resourceful, proactive business and tax advisors. For more information or to subscribe to our blogs: Visit  www.orba.com . Connect with us on  LinkedIn ,  Facebook  and   Twitter .

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ORBA Adds Salt Lake City Office to its Accounting, Tax and Advisory Practice: Experienced Local CPA, Darin Fullmer, to Manage SALT LAKE CITY — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest full-service accounting, tax and advisory firms, proudly announces the opening of its first office outside the Midwest in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Home  News  US Sailing Announces Additions to Board of Directors

US Sailing Announces Additions to Board of Directors

US Sailing has named two new members of the US Sailing’s Board of Directors, as well as one reelection, who were officially elected on Wednesday, November 8 at US Sailing’s Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, CA.

The newly elected and re-elected members of US Sailing’s Board of Directors are incumbent Tony Rey (Newport, RI) and newcomers Matt Gallagher (Chicago, IL) and Laura Grondin (West Hartford, CT).

Rey, Gallagher, and Grondin will each serve a four-year term.

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of sailing community leaders,” said US Sailing Board President Rich Jepsen. “We have worked diligently to ensure US Sailing’s board and leadership represents varied aspects of our sport, and Tony, Matt, and Laura are wonderful examples of this.”

Tony Rey grew up racing and sailing in Larchmont, NY, crewing on IOR boats in the area and racing dinghies year-round. He was a college All American and winner of the 1990 Hobbs Sportsmanship Award. Since college he has lived in Newport, RI and built a successful career racing and coaching at the highest levels of the sport; including 3 Americas Cup campaigns (2000, 2003, 2007), US Sailing Team coach (Athens 2004), and competing and winning internationally in regattas in a variety of classes from J70s to TP52s to Superyachts. Currently, Tony organizes race charters for some of the more prestigious regattas in the world through his company Cloud10 Racing and is the director of Doyle Sails Newport.

Matt Gallagher is a lawyer and Managing Member of Gallagher, Niemeyer & Abrams, LLC in Chicago, IL. Gallagher has been actively engaged in US Sailing for a number of years, and currently serves as Chair of the US Sailing Offshore & Technology Division; Chair of the Membership Committee and member of the Governing Committee at the Storm Trysail Club; Congressman for the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC); Board member of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation; Chair of the Membership Committee at Storm Trysail Club; Sailing Committee member of New York Yacht Club; and Chair of the 2024 ORC Worlds.

Laura Grondin is the owner and CEO of V Industries, Bingham & Taylor, and Hartford Technologies. Grondin serves as Chair of the International Melges 24 Class Association and is a past Commodore of the Groton Long Point Yacht Club. She has participated on numerous boards, including membership organizations, as a chair, treasurer and/or director. Grondin has sailed for many years, and has been a sailing instructor, college racer, cruiser, crew, skipper, yacht club member and officer, and a one-design class leader. Among her many successes on the water, she has been nominated twice for the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award and was a finalist in 2022.

US Sailing would also like to thank outgoing board members Russ Lucas (2017 – 2023) and Justin Shaffer (2021 – 2023) for their service to the board and US Sailing.

“US Sailing is grateful to Russ and Justin for their exemplary service,” said Jepsen. “Your efforts have been instrumental in making the Association stronger, making sailing more enjoyable and popular in America, and driving excellence on the international sailing stage.”

US Sailing’s Board of Directors is also pleased to announce the appointment of four new committee chairs. Briana Provancha will serve as Chair of the International Selection Committee, the committee of volunteers responsible for developing the processes for selecting athletes to represent the United States in international sailing competition, including the 2024 Olympic Games, replacing JJ Fetter. Ed Cesare was named Division Chair of the US Sailing Offshore & Technology Division, replacing Matt Gallagher as he joins the Board of Directors. Taran Teague will retire from the Race Management Committee, replaced by new Chair Tom Duggan. Finally, Renae Mintz will serve as Chair of the DEI Committee, assuming the role in place of Donald Lawson, who has been missing at sea since July of 2023. US Sailing is grateful to those who have served on its dedicated committees, especially those in leadership positions, and would like to thank all outgoing leaders for their service to the board and US Sailing.

US Sailing held its annual election to fill the open seats on its Board of Directors from September 19 – October 29, 2023. All current adult and family members were entitled to vote online. In addition, members voted in person at the US Sailing Annual Meeting.

About US Sailing

The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing), the National Governing Body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and advancement for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island, US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org .

Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->

The Chicago heat is no joke this year. Here are some tried and true ways to stay cool in the city this summer.

Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times

How to beat Chicago’s heat in the water, from pools to water parks to boat rentals

These are the best ways to stay cool right now without spending too much or going too far..

There really is nothing like summertime, but now the temperatures are here and you may find yourself looking for some respite. One tried-and-true way to stay cool through this heat wave is by diving in the water, from jumping in the lake to learning a new skill such as sailing or paddleboarding. Here are eight ways to soak up the cool without spending too much or going too far.

The rooftop pool at Cabana Club on the 6th floor of The Robey Hotel.

Brian Rich/Chicago Sun-Times

1. Find a pool to jump into

The Chicago Park District manages 50 outdoor pools across the city, along with 27 indoor pools. The city’s outdoor pools opened Monday and close just before Chicago Public Schools resume in August, according to the park district. Open swim is free, while lap swimming requires a membership ($25 for one month or $42 for three months).

Single day pool passes for purchase:

• Some Chicago hotels sell day passes to their pools. At the InterContinental, a day pass to enjoy one of the oldest pools in the city is $40 for adults and $25 for kids. The pass also includes access to the hotel’s sauna and fitness center. 505 N. Michigan Ave.
• The Robey in Wicker Park sells day passes to its Cabana Club, a rooftop bar that has a small pool — better suited for a quick dip than a full pool day. Adult tickets are $15 during the week and $30 on the weekends (kids are $10 any day of the week) and include access to amenities such as Wi-Fi, towel service, a welcome drink and more. 2018 W. North Ave.
• Some gyms, like Life Time at One Chicago, also offer a day pass for $50 , which includes pool access. 15 W. Chicago Ave.

Suburban water parks with non-resident passes

• Orland Park’s Centennial Park Aquatic Center has water slides and a lazy river. Day passes for non-Orland Park residents are $25 Monday–Thursday and $26 on weekends and holidays. 15600 West Ave, Orland Park.
• The Heritage Park Family Aquatic Center in Wheeling is a massive outdoor water park featuring large, faux rock structures and waterfalls. There are diving boards, a sand play area and waterslides. Day passes are $15, and kids under 2 get in free. 105 Community Blvd., Wheeling.
• One of the largest water parks in the area, Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center in Des Plaines, has multiple water slides, cliff dives and a zero-depth pool to soak in. General admission is $20 for adults, and $17.75 for kids 17 and under and seniors 60 and over. 2025 Miner St., Des Plaines.

Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain offers a way to stay cool while experiencing public art.

2. Play at a splash pad

From June to August, dozens of local parks offer spray features — AKA splash pads — that are perfect for the young (and young at heart) to cool off on a hot day.

Perhaps the most visible splash pad in the city is the Crown Fountain in Millennium Park , which includes two 50-foot towers with a shallow pool in between. Designed by artist Jaume Plensa, the fountain is a boost to both public art and a welcome chance to cool off. 201 E. Randolph St.

The city also has a handful of water playgrounds , many of which are adjacent to outdoor swimming pools.

Chicago’s beach season runs through Labor Day.

Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times

3. Take a trip to the beach

One of the best — and easiest — ways to cool off in the summertime is to hop in Lake Michigan. With 26 miles of lakefront access to enjoy, there is no shortage of options. The city’s beach season runs through Labor Day.

Some favorites include:

• Montrose Beach , where there’s a dog-friendly beach and ample bird watching alike. Montrose is also Chicago’s only beach that allows kiteboarding. 4400 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
• Ohio Street Beach , which offers lockers for swimmers to protect their belongings. Whether just taking a dip or training for the triathlon, bring your own lock. 600 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
• Margaret T. Burroughs Beach — AKA, 31st Street Beach — boasts some of the best views of the skyline. 3100 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive .
• Promontory Point in Hyde Park has lake access and trails for walking or biking. Check out this full WBEZ guide to the park . 5491 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
• 63rd Street Beach is one of Chicago’s largest beaches and also features one of the city’s biggest and oldest beach houses, which was completed in 1919. The beach also has a nonmotorized boat launch. 6300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Electric Boat Company (@chicagoeboats)

4. Rent a boat

Whether on the river or the lake, getting out on a boat is the perfect way to enjoy a summer day. Luckily, there are so many options, from the adventurous to the laid back.

Chicago Electric Boat Company ’s diverse fleet of boats ranges from comfortable cruisers such as the Duffy electric boats (rentals from $155), which are prime for sitting back and relaxing with drinks and snacks on the water; to modern classics like the Retro Boats, which are refurbished and retrofitted with eco-friendly electric motors (rentals from $145). Chicago Electric Boat Company has four locations on the river: at Marina City , the Chicago Water Plaza , the Chicago Riverwalk downtown and at the new Rockwell on the River on the North Branch. 300 N. State St. Marina Level – Unit EE. You can even hire a certified captain to drive if your whole crew wants to take advantage of a day on the water without the stress of manning the ship.

Chicagoans are likely familiar with one of the most popular boat experiences on the Chicago River: The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tour (from $54). 112 E. Wacker Drive.

Multiple companies offer kayaking tours of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Manuel Martinez/WBEZ

5. Go paddling

Kayak Chicago , Urban Kayaks and Wateriders offer tours at multiple locations along the river and Lake Michigan.

The city’s boathouses are also a great place to rent a kayak or canoe to paddle the water. You can rent a canoe or kayak from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak at the Clark Park Boathouse (3400 N. Rockwell); a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board from the Lincoln Park Boat Club at the Lincoln Park Boathouse (2341 N. Cannon Drive); and kayaks from REI the Ping Tom Memorial Park Boathouse in Chinatown (300 W. 19th St.).

This WBEZ guide to kayaking outside the city includes more than a dozen other recommendations.

Chicago’s yacht clubs offer sailing lessons to kids and adults.

6. Take a sail

Chicago’s yacht clubs offer sailing lessons to both adults and kids brand new to the sport. All the courses get new sailors out on the water and cover the basic skills you’ll need to be comfortable setting sail.

• Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club has four-week adult sailing lessons at different levels. They also offer a “women on the water” course, designed by and for women sailors. Courses are $385 for non-club members. The club also offers a variety of youth sailing programs ; prices vary. 601 W. Montrose Ave.
• Columbia Sailing School ’s learn-to-sail introductory course teaches all the sailing basics over two sessions ($220). Youth summer sailing programs are also offered. 111 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
• The Chicago Yacht Club ’s sailing education program is spread out across three sessions and costs $730 for non-club members. Summer sailing school for youngsters is broken up by age group. 400 E. Monroe St.
• Jackson Park Yacht Club ’s learn-to-sail program is led by seasoned sailor Erica Trejo. The three-session courses include both classroom and on-the-water instruction and cost $499 for non-club members. Junior sailing classes are also available. 6400 S. Promontory Drive.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Rowing Foundation (@chicagorowing)

7. Try out rowing

No matter if you’re an experienced rower or brand new to the sport, you can join the city’s vibrant rowing community. The Chicago Rowing Foundation (CRF) hosts camps, clinics and seasonal teams from its location out of the Clark Park Boathouse . Adults can sign up online for a learn-to-row class (from $200); youth can join the summer or fall camp to prepare for teams that run during the school year. 3400 N. Rockwell St.

The Lincoln Park Boat Club , which rows out of the Lincoln Park Boathouse, Clark Park Boathouse and Lathrop Homes Boathouse, also offers youth teams and camps. Its nine-session learn-to-row courses for adults (from $310) are popular for beginner rowers. 2341 N. Cannon Drive.

You can take stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, lessons on Lake Michigan.

8. Stand up for paddleboarding

If you’re up for a different kind of challenge, give stand-up paddleboarding — also called SUP — a go on Lake Michigan.

If you’re new to the sport and want to give it a try with some help, local outfitter Chicago SUP offers private lessons ($100) and group lessons (from $75) from its locations at North Avenue Beach and Diversey Harbor.

Further north at Montrose Beach, Kayak Chicago also rents stand-up paddleboards on the lakefront. Closer to downtown, Urban Kayaks offers rentals at Monroe Harbor.

If you’re a yoga fan, Chicago SUP’s on-paddleboard yoga class (from $75) challenges your balance while stretching your body. You can even take their full moon SUP yoga class on Lake Michigan under the glow of the night sky.

Tip for first-timers: You’ll want to pick a nonwindy day to avoid the waves. We also recommend bringing a dry bag for your wallet and phone, waterproof sandals (such as Chacos ) and a carabiner to clip your keys to your belt loop so you don’t drop them in the lake.

Courtney Kueppers is an arts and culture reporter at WBEZ. Freelancer Erica Zazo contributed reporting.

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