Recently, US Sailing, the United States’ National Governing Body for the sport, announced the results of its 2024 Board of Directors election, held during the annual Board Meeting in Bristol, Rhode Island. They elected a new president, Henry Brauer, a Staff Commodore of Eastern Yacht Club, and a new vice president, Laura Grondin. Additionally, Matt Gallagher of Chicago Yacht Club was chosen as secretary, alongside two new members-at-large, Mike Van Dyke, Staff Commodore of Long Beach Yacht Club, and Bob Kottler, who is currently an ICOYC Director from Southern Yacht Club. Continuing Directors include Pamela Healy and Stan Honey of St. Francis Yacht Club and Judge Ryan of San Diego Yacht Club.

To sum, half of the 14 US Sailing Board Members hail from ICOYC Member Clubs.

It’s no secret that yacht clubs are where many young sailors get their first taste of the sport, or their first great regatta result, or continue a family legacy of membership, or find a venue where they can include on-water activities a part of their everyday life. But when it comes to supporting and creating the future leaders of sailing as it continues to evolve, drawing new representation from various sectors of society, including new aspects and disciplines of the sport, what role is your club playing? How does your club make new leadership opportunities available and identify highly skilled and dedicated individuals to take our sport to new heights at the national and international level? Is there an emphasis on leading beyond the walls of your clubhouse? How do your members inspire other members to volunteer their time and talents?

These are some of the questions we might be asking as many of our clubs experience the turnover in leadership that often comes around the new year. At the ICOYC, we also have a path to leadership with representatives from our Member Clubs serving in key roles to sustain and inspire our organization. Different levels of participation in ICOYC leadership are available, from committee membership to President, and our leadership development program is much like most clubs—as experience builds, an individual continues to add value to the organization and receives all sorts of opportunities to give back.

Each year, at the spring All Members Meeting, ICOYC elects Officer and Director positions and appoints some Committee posts. If you have an interest, make a call or send an email to the current leaders to hear more. There is no other way that ICOYC can become aware of your interests. You can make a difference!

MEET THE OFFICERS & DIRECTORS >>