The First Hundred Years: Clearwater Yacht Club, 1911-2011

48. In 1993, CYC members decided to organize an event that would give something back to the community. The first UPARC Fun Day was held. Residents of UPARC’s group homes for adults with disabilities were invited to the club for a day of fun in the sun. This has become an annual club tradition. 49. In 1996, CYC held its first “Blessing of the Fleet”—a worldwide yachting tradition. 50. In 1997, the CYC Cruisers were formally organized as an interest group in the club. Membership swelled in the late 1990s and early 2000s. 51. The Laser Midwinters East race was held at CYC for the first time in 2000. 52. In 2004, the CYC Cruisers started the annual tradition of the “Sock Burning Party” held on the eve of the Blessing of the Fleet. 53. In 2006, five graduates of the CYC Youth Sailing program (Emily Billing, Brad Funk, Paige Railey, Zach Railey, and Kurt Taulbee) were selected as Olympic hopefuls by US Sailing. They began the grueling round of races around the world that leads to the selection of a single sailor to represent the US in the Olympics in a very small number of sailboat classes. CYC named this group of promising young athletes the “Fabulous Five!” 54. In 2006, Paige Railey was named Female Rolex World Sailor of the Year. She was the first American and the youngest athlete to have won this prestigious award. 55. The Solmates were formed in 2007. This is a group of women who enjoy racing, sailing, and the accompanying camaraderie. The Solmates were also instrumental in forming the CYC Sunfish Team and the Regatta Safety Committee. 56. Zach Railey won a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team in the Finn Class and brought home the silver medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 57. In 2010, Emily Billing joined the Yale University Sailing Team. 58. In 2010, Paige Railey, Zach Railey, Brad Funk, and Brad Kendell are training in preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Appendix D 149