AUGUST 2017
8/29/2017 0 Comments
MEET AND GREET WITH DR. ERIC STELNICKI, from Caribbean Plastic Surgery who invites you to Cocktails and Conversation.
STYC TENNIS SIGN UP
Good Day STYC Members,
St. Thomas Yacht Club is once again offering an Intramural High School Tennis Program and Group Tennis Lessons for Juniors. Chris Lorenz, our new tennis pro, will be offering classes and programs on Tuesdays through Fridays at the times shown in the attachment and may also be available for private, semi-private or small group lessons at other times. Please print the registration form (also available on the STYC website), fill it out and bring it to the managers office if you are interested in classes for your children or yourselves. These junior programs will also become available to non-members children beginning Friday September 1st, so sign up soon to be sure to get a spot, as numbers will be limited.
Classes for Juniors and Adults will begin the week of September 10th. Information about Adult Clinic “10 packs” is listed under Adult Tennis in the Court Sports portion of the STYC website.
Please email Chris Lorenz at styctennis@gmail.com with any questions. You may also call him at 617-230-4719.
Program Descriptions
Registration Sheet
Hope to see you on the courts soon.
Chris Lorenz
St. Thomas Yacht Club – Tennis
styctennis@gmail.com
JUNE 2017
Congratulations to IOR Director Ann Nicolosi and her team of Hollis and Tim Krysveld, Marni and Rob Richards, Carlos and Maria DiBlasi, Julie and Mark Lonski and many others on a successful 25th addition of the Opti Regatta.
Without nearly 50 volunteers and Ched and the Galley Staff we would not be able to run a regatta of this magnitude.
Thank You and well done everyone.
Wedding
The Club will be hosting Kim Murtha’s and Steve Bellowe’s wedding this Saturday, June 24th beginning at 6 P.M.
Please Register your boat with DPNR and provide a copy to the Club no later than Noon on June 30th.
ANTILLES HIGH-2017 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
6/2/2017
The Antilles School Sailing Team won the National Championship in Team Racing over the Memorial Day weekend, winning the Interscholastic Sailing Association’s Baker Trophy. This year’s event, marking the end of the High School Sailing Season, was held at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. The Baker Trophy, established in 1990, is awarded to the top team racing school among the 7 districts across the USA. School teams reach the Nationals by competing successfully in district championships.
Twelve teams descended upon ODU for the two day event and competed in CFJs provided by the university and the Virginia High School Sailing Foundation, with racing held near the mouth of the Elizabeth River off of the Old Dominion University docks. Competitors were faced with challenging conditions with winds oscillating back and forth through every compass point except due east and velocity, equally temperamental ranging seemingly randomly up and down from 0 to 10 mph with gusts to 15 mph. Despite the difficult race conditions, a preliminary round of 30 races was completed constituting complete rounds for each of the two divisions and the fleet was divided into Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Only one complete round of racing was completed in the Gold Division, with Silver and Bronze unable to finish racing before the thunderstorms rolled in Sunday, marking the end of the regatta.
The Antilles School winning team consisted of seniors and team co-captains Sam Morrell, skipper and Caroline Teare, crew; sophomore Teddy Nicolosi, skipper and senior Ryan Hunter, crew; sophomore Chris Sharpless, skipper and junior Ryan Hunter, crew. All 3 graduating seniors, will sail on the collegiate level next Fall, Sam Morrell at Boston University, Caroline Teare at Georgetown, and Ryan Hunter at United States Merchant Marine Academy.
“We went into the event feeling strong. After the first day, we were in a solid position overall. The team’s skill, maturity, and passion for the sport showed on the second day as we swept the Gold Fleet,” said Morrell. “I really think that Antilles can be a top contender for this trophy again next year.”
Antilles out-sailed Point Loma Academy of California who came in second, followed by third place Milton Academy of Massachusetts.
Edgar Diminich of Ecuador, who is about to launch an Olympic 470 sailing campaign, coached the team to victory this year. “I was only with this team for one year, but I am so grateful to these kids for the heart and the effort they put into their training,” said Edgar. “It has really paid off.”
It is the first time in eleven years that Antilles claimed top honors in this decades-old competition; 2012 saw the school rank second place. It is the 7th National Championship Title won by Antilles School hailing from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Attention Attention
It is that time of year again. Please Register your boat with DPNR and bring or send a copy to the Club before June 30th to avoid late penalties.
MAY 2017
Good Day STYC,
St. Thomas Yacht Club sailors continue to preform at the college level.
The last two weekends New England College Sailing wrapped up the 2016-2017 regular season.
First with the woman’s national qualifier and awards:
All NEISA First team skipper – Nikki Barnes ’17 CGA
Women’s Sportsmanship – Taylor Ladd ’18 Harvard
Co-Ed qualifier and awards:
All NEISA First team crew – Graceann Nicolosi ’20 Yale
All NEISA First team skipper – Nikki Barnes ’17 CGA
All NEISA First team skipper – Ian Barrows ’17 Yale
and from St.Croix
All NEISA Second team skipper – Mack Bryan
Co-Ed Sportsmanship – Nikki Barnes ’17 CGA
Senior Award – Nikki Barnes ’17 CGA
Rookie of the year – Graceann Nicolosi ’20 Yale
Sailor of the Year – Ian Barrows ’17 Yale
These results are amazing! Not only were our STYC/Antilles youth sailors recognized for their great work on the water (1st team skipper, 1st team crew, Sailor of the Year & Rookie of the year!) but they also won BOTH sportsmanship awards that are voted on by their fellow sailors. Wow!
Way to go Team ISV!
College Nationals are May 22 – June 2 at the College of Charleston
A note from Val Wilder
To all members,
It has been my pleasure and honor to be your Tennis professional this year. I set out trying to be the best tennis professional the club has ever had! I believe our programs were better than any other year, they were bigger and had a lot more energy and passion than there ever was. Having someone at the courts/ shop 65-80 hours a week made everything come to life. Thank you all for your comments and compliments, they were very appreciated!!!
The Innovative Choice Wireless Tennis Tournament was a success. We had many show up or play who had never played before. One of the highlights for me was watching Osa Notting and Morgan Avery win the 8.0 mixed doubles, in their first tournament ever, in the finals, in the third set tiebreaker!!! Watching Osa jump up and down like a 10 year old girl was exciting. Also, watching our own Denise Holmberg and Joyce Bailey cruise through the 8.0 Women’s doubles to take the crown easily!
I’ve never been one to rest so here’s my hopes for the future:
- Build the tournament next year into a major senior national tournament, ages 40-85. I believe piggybacking the Florida Seniors circuit will bring so many more players to the island.
- How about some clay courts at STYC? I’m doing some research into making our fragile hard courts, which were not put in properly in the first place. Making them clay courts would eliminate many construction problems and make our courts cost efficient, unique to the islands, and easier on our bodies.
- Get more organized! I do listen to your comments. I have already enlisted the help and advise of many of the islands pros and officials to help coordinate a year round tennis schedule. I feel this is sorely neeeded and will benefit everyone.
I do appreciate all your support and help making the programs better and bigger, growing our pro shop and become the best on the island. I am looking forward to next year already and wish all of you a long and happy summer!!! See you in September. Don’t forget, I may be in Texas but don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions—-Val Wilder, 817-891-1500
The St. Thomas Sailing Center is hosting another Open House on Mother’s Day May 14th from
1:00 – 4:00 P.M.
This is a great chance for current members to come for a sail and learn all about our terrific new programs. The first six months of the Center have been very successful and we feel the sky is the limit. Come and be part of the excitement.
Please Click Here for full flyer.
VI4Vets is holding a charity dart tournament in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Dart League May 20th at the Hull Bay Hideaway. Play starts at 2:00 P.M.
Please click here for complete flyer.
APRIL 2017
JR SAILING ACTION!
4/27/2017 0 Comments
Antilles Qualifies for Mallory High School Sailing Championships
The Antilles Sailing Team qualified for the Mallory Trophy fleet racing championships last 
weekend in Miami. Co-captains Sam Morrell and Caroline Teare handily won the A-division fleet of the regatta. B-division was shared by Chris Sharpless sailing with Robert Hunter and Teddy Nicolosi with Ryan Hunter as crew.
Sixteen schools from Florida and South Carolina participated. Racing was in 2-person 420 dinghies off Coconut Grove in Miami in a range of wind conditions from light and shifty to steadier breeze.
Morrell and Teare sailed consistently and were in the lead in the division the entire regatta and finished 13-points ahead of their closest competitor. “We were consistent,” explained Morrell. “High school racing placed an enormous premium on consistency”.
Antilles got off to a rocky start in B-division with Sharpless and Ryan Hunter losing a protest. The high points allotted for this foul were a short-term setback which were easily overcome when Teddy Nicolosi and Ryan Hunter were substituted and managed a string of consistent finishes, including two 1st places int he last series.
In the end it was the host school Ransom Everglades which took the top spot. Antilles was in 2nd with St Thomas Aquinas from Fort Lauderdale in 3rd.
High school sailing offers sailors two Championship events- the Mallory in fleet racing and the Baker for team racing. Antilles has qualified for both this year with the events taking place next month in, respectively, Boston and Norfolk, Virginia.
The Antilles team tied for 4th in the 2016 Baker Trophy.
The STYC Opti Race team
The STYC Opti Race team is sailing in the Opti South American Championships this week 
and next in Encarnacion, Paraguay. Racing starts today and continues through the 30th. Representing the Virgin Islands are Katherine and Winn Majette, Mia Nicolosi, Caroline Sibilly, Alejo DiBlasi, Andy Yu, Rob Richards, Max Van den Driessche and from St. Croix Mathieu Dale. Congratulations to the team and good luck.
Please follow these links for more information.
http://stthomassource.com/content/category/news/
http://viconsortium.com/virgin-islands-2/south-american-championship/
http://2017southamericans.optiworld.org/es/default/races/race
The Virgin Islands Sailing Association has updated its website! Please use the link below to check out the updated Sailor Status Guidelines. This is a great time to update your/your sailors’ resume as well.
Nazareth by the Sea Episcopal Church will be holding an Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday Morning at 6:00 A.M. Everyone is welcome.
Reverend Wesley Williams will lead the Service.
The Board of Governors would like to welcome our new members this month.
Michael and Jennifer Johnson
Taylor and Denise Melton
Jeff Curtin
Peter Nelson
Michael Sauvan
Rob Wardrop
Karen Korsgren
Nick and Alexis Varassche
Chris and Sarah Lampe
and
Arthur Harthman
We look forward to seeing them around the Club.
The Junior Sailing Committee needs your help
With coach boats for the International Opti Regatta starting June 12th.
We are looking to charter Rigid Bottom Inflatables. Please contact Ann Nicolosi, 773-610-1372 or Greer at 775-6320.
Thank you in advance.
This Saturday marks the end of the first IC 24 racing Series.
Racing starts at 1:00. Anyone who wishes to participate should come down atNoon and we will find you a spot to race.
We will have a casual awards ceremony with libations and pizza from Slice. Hope to see you there.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
4/4/2017 0 Comments
Thank You, Thank You!
If you have volunteered for the Club in the past year please join us at
the Yacht Haven Grande Pool
Sunday April 9th from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M.
Please click here for complete invitation.
A Thank you from Ingrid Avery
I sit here in an April Fools snow storm trying to figure out the perfect words to say on this email blast! Let me start by saying how much Dad would have loved his celebration of life at the Club. He was a more the merrier kind of guy and we certainly had more there on Sunday! As my mom and I walked up the ramp towards the awning I was blown away by all the familiar faces some I had not seen in close to 40 years! I want to thank each and everyone of you for making that day special. I need to highlight a few of you.
Lynn Reed and Kaye Knoefel for rallying the troops and having food was amazing. It really helped the experience feel more complete! As for the troops they rallyed (and you know who you are) Thank you for saying yes to our family! Bill Canfield for M.C.ing the sharing part of the event. The stories from that day put me into a new level of grieving, which is a good thing, as you all reminded me of the man before his dementia. For that I am extremely grateful.
I would also like to thank Christine Thompson and my sister Anne Avery Gardner for all of the wonderful pictures. It was fun for just a moment to be back in that space of the Yacht Club and reflecting on the old days with so many great poeple about a man who will forever live in our hearts. One of my favorite conversations I had after the stories was with someone who had tears in their eyes and said “I want to be a better person after being at your dads celebration”. Dad would have liked that outcome! Be well! Ingrid
Congratulations to Mateo Di Blasi and Julian van den Driessche
On their sailing at the BTC Commander Defense Force Challenge Cup Regatta in Nassau,Bahamas. With a diverse field from throughout the Caribbean Team ISV came home with a podium finish! Congratulations to Mateo on his 3rd place overall in the Laser Radial Fleet. Julian finished the weekend in 8th. This was a first Radial event for both young sailors.
In older news…
Four teams of STYC racers participated in the 2017 Club 420 Mid-Winter Championships held over Presidents Day weekend and hosted by the US Sailing Center in Jenson Beach, FL. The top finishers were Antilles Sailing team co-captains Sam Morrell and Caroline Teare placing 9th overall in the 52-boat gold fleet. The duo counted 5 top five finishes in the 11-race series.
Teddy Nicolossi sailing with Robert Hunter closed out the series with a 16th, followed by Ryan Hunter and Victoria Flately in 18th. Club 420 class rookie Mateo DiBlassio sailing with Hobie James landed in 37th which earned them a 6th overall in the Junior classification.
Conditions were varied over the three days of racing with both light winds and fresh South East winds offering full trapeze conditions . The final day saw lighter and shifter North West winds.
“The Club 420 class is super-competetive,” said Sam Morrell. “One mistake and you lose 10-places. It’s great racing. Hard work but very rewarding.”
The Antilles High School team is back at the US Sailing Canter at the end of March for their team race qualifier on their march to the Baker Trophy, the US High School team racing championship. The team finished in a tie for 4th in the 2016 Baker Trophy.
The Club will be hosting Ms. Kendall Canfield’s wedding this Saturday at5:00 P.M.
The Ceremony will take place on the dock. As a result the dock will be closed starting Friday evening and remain so until Sunday morning.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
MARCH 2017
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
3/14/2017
Good Day,
The Club will be hosting two Celebrations of Life this weekend.
Richard Skeffington will be honored on
Saturday, March 18th at 4:00 P.M.
Past Commodore Richard Avery’s Life will be celebrated
Sunday, March 19th at 3:00 P.M.
The Avery’s have asked that if anyone has pictures of Dick to please bring them by the Club.
FEBRUARY 2017
The Innovative Choice Wireless VI Open Tennis Tournament is coming up
soon! The dates have changed slightly and play will begin Thursday,
March 2. The opening event will be Wednesday night at STYC and is open
to all. Ticket and RSVP information is below. Entry registration has
also been moved to this Friday, February 25. Please sign up and spread
the word!
Player registration to the Innovative Choice Wireless VI Open includes
entry to the three evening events with meals and drink tickets, as
well as a Tournament Shirt.
Here is the link to register online at USTA’s website!
The schedule of events is as follows:
Wednesday March 1, STYC, 6-8pm, Innovative Choice Wireless EATS: A
Taste of St. Thomas! A variety of local restaurants will be providing
a tasting of their specialties.
Thursday March 2, STYC, Capital Air Wine Social 6-7pm, wine tasting
and hors d’oeuvres, 7-8pm Pizzas by The Galley and Slice VI Craft
Pizza and Café
Friday March 3, Open Evening. Dining available at The Galley at STYC
with advance reservations, or try of our many local restaurants!
Saturday March 4, Caribbean Night at STYC 6pm – 9:30pm. Events to
include local Caribbean fare, music, entertainment, and the grand
raffle drawing.
Capital Air is generously providing the Grand Raffle Prize, a round
trip day flight for 6 people to Anegada! Tickets will be available all
week for purchase at the STYC for $10 each. Estimated value of the
prize is $3600.
A passport ticket to all three events for non-players is available for
$50 and will be sold starting this week at the STYC. Passports for
players will also be available on Wednesday March 1, during player
check-in.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We have many volunteer opportunities available. Easy way to get a
good amount of community service hours! One full day will fill 13% of
your 100 hours required!
STYC Tennis Players; this is a perfect opportunity to show your
appreciation for our club’s overwhelming support it has given to our
tennis program.
Adult Volunteers needed
Wednesday, March 1 4:00pm – 6:30pm Food Pickup/Delive 2 positions
Thursday, March 2 7:30am – 12:30pm Check-in/Concierge 2 positions
Thursday, March 2 12:30pm – 6:30pm Check-in/Concierge 2 positions
Friday, March 3 7:30am – 12:30pm Check-in/Concierge 2 positions
Friday, March 3 12:30pm – 6:30pm Check-in/Concierge 1 position
Saturday, March 4 7:30am – 12:30pm Check-in/Concierge 2 positions
Saturday, March 4 12:30pm – 6:30pm Check-in/Concierge 1 position
Sunday, March 5 7:30am – 12:30pm Check-in/Concierge 1 position
Middle and High School Student Volunteers Needed
Friday, March 3 3:30pm – 6:00pm Courtside helper 2 positions
Saturday, March 4 8:00am – 6:00pm Courtside helper 2 positions
Sunday, March 5 7:30am – 6:00pm Courtside helper 1 position
Sunday, March 5 7:30am – 6:00pm Ball Kids 9 positions
All volunteers will be given a signed community service form for their
hours served!
For further information please call, text or email Amy Tayler (352)
874-1108 amyusvi@mac.com.
Looking forward to seeing everyone out there!
Best,
STYC Tennis
ST. JOHN ISLAND HOPPER RACE
2/23/2017
0 Comments
St. John Island Hopper Race is this Weekend.
Please click here for Flyer
Here for NOR and here for Registration Form.
The Club is looking to compile a list of all Members who have rental properties available near the Club.
We seem to have many opportunities during the coarse of the year when we need to house visiting guests. We would like to see these opportunities go to Club Members.
Thanks in advance.
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS
2/9/2017 0 Comments
It’s that time of year again, race season! The St Thomas International Regatta (STIR) is looking 
for Race Committee volunteers on the water to help make the STIR a super fun and highly regarded competition. Many of you are expertly trained, some have not volunteered for some years and some may be new but prepared to be dedicated and just love to have a great time on the water.
There will be free drink and meal tickets however you need to sort your own accommodation and transportation please.
The dates for this year’s STIR are March 24th-26th.
We are still in need of Medical Personnel to man the Safety Boat. So if you are a Nurse of Doctor we need YOU.
If you would like to volunteer in the Race Committee (RC) for STIR please email the completed “Volunteer application STIR 2017” form to
oriel@stthomasinternationalregatta.com
Volunteer Form here.
NOTE: – If you would like to volunteer in the RC for “Round The Rocks” Race please let me know since there are limited positions in this smaller event. You would be required on the dock 8 AM Thursday March 23rd.
- -There is a pre-regatta brief for all volunteers during which the PRO’s will give instructions for your role at 5:30 pm on Thursday 23rd March. Please be there with welcome drinks to follow.
- There also will be a post-regatta party for all volunteers to be hosted by Yacht Haven Grande for a pool-side BBQ on Saturday April 8th.
- Preference will be given to volunteers who can make all STIR race days (from 5:30 pm on the 23rd then 8:00-5:00 on the 24-26th). However if you can only volunteer one or two days we are grateful for your time and will endeavor to include you.
- Deadline for Volunteer application is March 1st.
I look forward to seeing you, please stay in touch using our STIR VOLUNTEERS Facebook page. It is going to be a fabulous STIR 2017; thank you in advance for your time and help as well as for sharing our passion and making STIR one of the best international regattas.
Best regards,
Oriel Blake
On-the-water-coordinator
St Thomas International Regatta
+1.340.642.0656
oriel@stthomasinternationalregatta.com
www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com
CHOICE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
2/8/2017 0 Comments
The Innovative/Choice Tennis Tournament is around the corner. Play starts on February 27 and runs through March 5th.
If you would like to play it is not too late to sign up.
Registration forms can be found here
Please call Val if you have any questions or email him at
styctennis@gmail.com
817-891-1500
NORTH U CLINIC
2/3/2017 0 Comments
Our second North University Racing Clinic is underway this week. The Club is hosting 28 sailors from Nantucket, RI. All seven Club owned IC 24’s are participating. Please welcome our visitors and show them what makes STYC such a special place.
Congratulations to Cy Thompson
Who was just awarded Virgin Islander Sailor of the year by the Virgin Islands Sailing Association. Read the article here.
The Innovative/Choice tennis tournament is approaching fast.
The event starts February 27th and continues through March 5th.
We are desperately seeking housing for visiting players.
Twenty spots are needed so we really need some extra help this year.
Please contact Val by email styctennis@gmail.com or call him directly at
817-891-1500
Thank you in advance!
JANUARY 2017
1/5/17
You are cordially invited to The Commodores Clam Bake
Saturday January 21, 2017
