January 2026

To IGSS Members,

       On behalf of the Board of Directors and Flag Officers I hope everyone had a great holiday.   We wish all our members and their families a healthy and prosperous New Year.   2026 is going to be great!

       The Holiday Party was a rousing success.   Almost 60 members attended the cocktail party and 40 stayed for dinner.   We would like to see more members attend to enjoy the camaraderie and festivities.   The Holiday Party is typically scheduled for the first Saturday in December.   Mark your calendars now.   Thanks to Mary Corkell, Vice Commodore, the Board of Directors and volunteers that helped her make the Holiday Party a great start to the holiday season.

       Mary made a special announcement introducing the exciting new partnership between IGSS and Quantum Sails.   Quantum will be the sponsor for the 2026 IGSS Mac Race caps.   Please continue to patronize all of our sponsors.   These companies contribute to our organization and help to make our parties fun for all.   Our 2026 sponsors include Quantum Sails, Mount Gay Rum, Chicago Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, Crowley’s Yacht Yard, ACR Electronics, and Evolution Sailmakers.

       I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has approved a new program that will allow spouses of deceased members to apply to become a “Patron” of IGSS.   Patrons will pay the same annual fee as all members, will receive all IGSS correspondence and will be invited to IGSS parties (and receive drink tickets).   Numerous spouses of deceased members have expressed a desire to continue to be a part of IGSS, because it has played such an important role in their lives.   They do not want lose the connections made with the IGSS.   A spouse of a deceased member can continue to be a part of our organization by becoming a Patron.   Interested spouses should contact a Board member to apply.  

        Our philanthropic efforts include support for both the Mackinac Island Emergency Services Fund, and the Chicago Maritime Society.   As you have recently seen in IGSS correspondence from Jennifer Hyla, Secretary, the IGSS Mackinac Island Emergency Service Fund has supported another grant request for a Rescue ATV/Ambulance in 2025!   This is the third grant request the IGSS Emergency Services Fund has supported on Mackinac Island!   In talking with Stephanie McGreevy, Executive Director and CEO for the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, she stated that   “The Island Goat Emergency Service Fund is deemed as one of their most important funds due to its positive impact to everyday life on the island.”   The latest grant request is a great example of that.   Your generous contributions have gone a long way and we encourage all of our members to donate whatever they can to these two organizations.   Donations can be made on the IGSS website.  

        IGSS merchandise sales continue to grow, especially at our events.   Members can also purchase IGSS merchandise from Team One Newport (IGSS has our own “Club Store”).   Access our club store through the Team One website (Club Stores/Organizations).   Lands’ End and Team One merchandise can both be accessed through the IGSS website.   This is a good time to stock up on sailing gear for the upcoming racing season.  

        We rely on all of our members for pictures, especially pictures showing our sponsors’ products.   Please send any and all of those photos that you took to:   Photos@IslandGoats.Org   We use these pictures in the slide shows you see at our parties.  

        Save the dates:
As we look forward to 2026, please put the following dates on your calendars.
•   Spring Dinner and new member Induction: Saturday, May 2nd
•   Pre-Race Party: July 10th
•   117th CYC Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust: July 10 & 11
•   Mac Island Post-Race party: July 14th  

        Wishing all our members fair winds and following seas in the New Year.

Cheers

Rick Hayes, Commodore
Island Goats Sailing Society