Don't Give up the Ship
 
To See the Chicago Olympic Planning Committee's preliminary proposal to the IOC Click Here.

See page 66 for the Rowing Venue.


 
   
 
"Don't Give up the Ship"
Mayor Daley very receptive to 2017 Legacy Plan


Dear Fellow Boaters,

Members of the Chicago Yachting Association met in true Corinthian Spirit with Mayor Daley, Wednesday, November 14th to present to him the 2017 Legacy plan for the 2016 Olympic rowing venue.  They received a warm reception from the Mayor who appeared very interested in the plan.  He was open to the concept and saw the many valuable points in the plan. 

Mayor Daley is becoming more aware of the boating community and their needs.  Discussion was held on how the 2016 Olympic Committee plans would affect our harbors, with emphasis on DuSable, Monroe and Burnham.   An open minded give and take followed between all participants.

At the conclusion of the meeting it was clear that we are now able to be part of the solution.  Mayor Daley will follow through and pass our 2017 Legacy plan on to the Olympic Planning Committee.  The next step will be Chicago Yachting Association representation at a November 20th meeting with the Superintendent of the Chicago Park District Tim Mitchell and Doug Arnott of the 2016 Olympic Committee to present this plan to them. 

We are encouraged by the response from the Mayor to the 2017 Legacy Plan.  The Chicago Yachting Association will continue to be in close contact with everyone involved in the Olympic bid and continue to represent the boater’s interests.  We look forward to keeping you informed.   To see the presentation, go to colyc.com, Columbia Yacht Club’s website.  Please pass this on to your fellow boaters.

Don Koster, Commodore, Chicago Yachting Association
Peggy Brennan, Chairman, Columbia Yacht Club Olympic Research Committee
Tony Cimino, Vice Commodore, Chicago Yachting Association
Frank Gagliano, Civic Chairman, Chicago Yachting Association
Gary D. Hooper, Commodore, Columbia Yacht Club




















Dear Chicago Yachting Association Members.
 
At this point we all view the 2016 Olympics in Chicago as an exciting venue for all the citizens of Chicago and adjoining states.
 
Please review the following preliminary plans with cautious optimism that Chicago yacht  clubs and boaters will be respected as the Olympic momentum increases.
 
The Chicago Yachting Association with strong support from member organizations and all Chicago boaters will monitor and strive to work with planners. We would like to, and need to participate in the Olympic experience to minimize negative impact on yacht clubs and boaters.
 
We all know that this will not be a one year bump in the road for our yacht clubs and boating enthusiast as we know it today. This event will be a defining moment for all.
 
Regards,
 
Don
 
Don Koster
Commodore
Chicago Yachting Association


Click HERE to see the Power Point presentation from the 9-26-07 General membership Meeting

Keep abreast of developments at http://chicago2016.org/



 "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP!"

  
In February of 2007 the Flag members of the Club Ship Abegweit met the Chicago Olympic Exploratory Committee about the 2016 Olympics.  At this meeting the Flags were presented with a plan for the rowing venue that involved moving the Club Ship from its present location, north and east, next to the walking path by the Chicago River.  We are in support of Mayor Daley’s bid to bring the Olympics to Chicago in 2016, but we need to keep abreast of the situation.  The rowing venue proposed will displace Monroe and DuSable boaters for an extended time as well as causing an unknown period of downtime for the Club. Columbia Yacht Club seems to be absent in the rendering above. Is this just an oversight? We need to be part of the solution.

Here is part of the official press release from the Olympic Committee: 

Chicago Officially Submitted as USOC Applicant City for 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games
September 04, 2007

Chicago 2016 -

Chicago Advances as USOC Applicant City for the
2016 Olympic and ParalymPic Games

September 4, 2007 (Chicago, IL) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley and Pat Ryan, Chairman and CEO of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee today thanked Jim Scherr, CEO of the United States Olympic Committee for officially submitting Chicago as the United States Olympic Committee’s Applicant City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The USOC has given us an opportunity to showcase Chicago around the world and to advance the Olympic Movement.  And I want to thank the USOC again for this vote of confidence in our city,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley in a press conference at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. “We are looking forward to working with the International Olympic Committee and convincing them why we believe Chicago is the best host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The International Olympic Committee is expected to announce Chicago along with several other Applicant Cities on September 14, 2007.



What we ask is for our members to fly “Don’t Give Up The Ship” flags as a show of support to keep our harbors as they are, and to ask the Olympic Committee to explore other venue’s for the event.  These flags may be purchased at the Club Ship Abegweit’s counter merchandise area by the bar.  They are $3.00 each and are 3' by 5'.



This rendering shows a bridge crossing the mouth of Burnham Harbor.  Will it be high enough to accomodate tall masts?

The Olympics will be a momentous moment for Chicago.  We applaud the benefits it will bring the city.  We would like to be sure the event will not cause undue hardship to thousands of Chicago’s boaters.  Members are encouraged to contact Peggy Brennan, Chairman of Columbia’s own Olympic Watch Committee to keep informed on this subject.   "Don’t give up the Ship!"