The 2026 Sailing Season is around the corner!

Sunday May 3rd is Opening Day for the sailing season - we hope to see everyone out!� Thank you to all who made the Winter Social a BIG success and great turnout.

AT THE HELM

By Commodore Dwain Springer.

Commodore�s Corner � February 2026

The Winter Social is a couple weeks behind us, the crocus and snowbells are beginning to peek above the soil, and the dynamic late winter weather continues to excite then disenchant with tantalizing sniffs of sailing weather then reminding us that its Mr. Heat Miser is in control. No worries, though, spring is coming, and it�s time to get out the scratch pad and start thinking about May.

Many of us put our boats away for the winter, with a list of mostly minor things for our craft, either hardware-driven or sailing strategy and planning. For me, hardware involves replacing two cleats that won�t close and also redeveloping the outhaul purchase. �Software� includes thinking about writing down things that didn�t work this year (sailing the middle), and reinforcement of fitness regimens to help keep the bruising and aching down; it doesn�t help a racing strategy to blow out a shoulder early in the season!

Your plans may vary. Some are fortunate to have ready-to-go boats and make fitness a regular activity. But no matter which path you follow, there�s still always that little bit of apprehension and excitement dueling for first place as the first race day approaches. If you�ve got a good game plan and a solid boat, the challenges and apprehension will be appeased.

A couple of things to remember: the boats have been (mostly) sitting since October or November. Even in perfect indoor conditions, they�ll be a bit dusty. Take the time to clean the ship ahead of time, as it will give you focus on some things you might otherwise overlook on Day 1. Check all the screws and fasteners, including captive rings. We often forget that those little gems somehow work their way loose and the last place you want to see a dammit ring is in the bilge or scuppers (tech-tip for regatta pros, always have a handful of spare rings, if only to toss into your opponent�s boat while they aren�t looking ��).

Don�t forget the trailer. Tires especially need a bit of care � they don�t get replaced or watched the way your car tires do, and I�m pretty sure except on industrial or commercial vehicles, no one has a trailer TPMS to alert of a low-pressure situation. Our tires tend to crack before the tread wears and cracks are the prime sources of slow leaks. Wheel bearings need occasional repacking � our typical mileage each year doesn�t warrant a high-profile maintenance plan but if it�s been more than five years, it�s probably a good idea to repack the bearing.

How ever you plan your late winter and early spring work-up to May, enjoy the weather. There�s a plethora of streaming media channels to watch � many international classes are still holding regattas in the southern hemisphere (and Florida), and it�s fun to watch and arm-chair helm.

We�ll have the race schedule up shortly and ensure you�ve gone online to register for your two race deck opportunities before the start of the season. I look forward to seeing you all out there! God Bless and Sail Fast, just not as fast as me!

Dwain

�

From Lori Grewe, Vice Commodore

Members are starting to sign up on Signup Genius, thank you very much.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CA5AB28A0F4C34-62067869-dryrace#/

From Greg Marston, Treasurer

As of February 24th, we have 8 memberships paid and 6 boat storage fees paid. Membership and storage fees are due April 1st. You can send forms and checks to:

Greg Marston, CCSA Treasurer

813 White Horse Lane

O'Fallon, IL 62269

Membership, Boatyard forms

Pdf�s of the forms were sent via separate email.� Links to forms will be in future editions of the newsletter.

2026 Sailing Calendar and Events

�From Bill Kline, Rules Expert/Advisor

�KABOOM�

Definition: �� 1) a brand of bathroom cleaner

2) the sound experienced as the boom contacts one�s head (see �crash gybe�).

One of the dangers of sailing is the possibility of injury and concussion due to the impact force generated by the boom. A recent study in New Zealand found that more that 20% of the sailors surveyed (with an admittedly small sample) reported a head injury due to contact with the boom.

Many of high-performance sailing classes like the 49er, Moth, and most foiling boats now require protective head gear. This is also becoming popular in junior sailing and instructional programs.

Unfortunately there is no accepted standard at present for sailing helmet design and construction, so we have to adopt equipment from other sports.

Most of us who have been sailing for any length of time have experienced a significant smack from the boom. I�ve personally resisted wearing protective head gear for two reasons. First, the cool kids didn�t wear helmets. But more important was the lack of sun protection. For those of us who have experienced melanoma (or don�t wish to), there is no choice between a wide-brimmed hat and a brain bucket.

A bit of internet research leads to several options. This season I�m going to try a surfer�s hat that is a cousin to my �Tilley� but with an impact resistant liner. (Bonus feature is a chin strap that might actually keep the hat on during a gust.) So if I�m out on the course and hail �cowabunga� instead of �starboard� you�ll understand.

Your mileage will vary, of course, but the day is coming when protective headgear will be just as common as a PFD. All of the cool kids will be wearing one.

From Charles Bell, St. Louis County Liaison

DEVELOPMENTS STALL AROUND CREVE COEUR LAKE MEMORIAL PARK

Development in Maryland Heights, particularly in and around Creve Coeur Lake, has faced persistent obstacles for years. Nearly every major proposal encounters the same three barriers: federal land protections, environmental and floodplain constraints, and public resistance to perceived impacts to existing amenities. The following chronology highlights projects of particular relevance to the Creve Coeur Sailing Association that have stalled, been withdrawn, or delayed indefinitely:

2017 � St. Louis Ice Center

Withdrawn after strong public opposition and a successful appeal to the federal government, which halted the project despite more than $1 million already spent on site work inside a federally protected park where this type of development is prohibited.

2019 � Maryland Park Lake District

Withdrawn after a proposed 2,215‑acre redevelopment of agricultural land north of the lake�land protected by the Howard Bend levee�collapsed due to land‑owner disputes and the State�s decision to withdraw TIF support for floodplain development, eliminating the project�s financial viability.

2023 � Maryland Heights Apartments

Delayed 800‑unit mixed‑use project immediately north of Creve Coeur Lake faced intense public concern over floodplain construction in a critical wildlife flyway, along with the challenge of securing the necessary MXD (mixed‑use) rezoning.

2024 � Maryland Park Industrial Development

Stalled: a 30‑acre warehouse proposal on the Thies Farms property (east of the Boatyard) was unable to resolve floodplain engineering issues or secure financing, even after multiple rounds of zoning renegotiation with the City.

2025 � The Junction at 141 and Marine

Stalled after plans for a convenience store, gas station, and car wash failed to obtain required floodplain and environmental approvals, pushing development costs beyond feasible limits.

CURRENT PROJECTS WITHIN CREVE COEUR LAKE MEMORIAL PARK

East Shore Improvements

St. Louis County Parks is planning repairs, renovations, and small‑scale improvements along the East Shore, including a new boat ramp, dock, and improved site access and parking�enhancements that directly benefit the Creve Coeur Sailing Association.

Soccer Park Complex Repairs

The Creve Coeur Lake Soccer Park sustained major tornado damage in March 2025, affecting all 13 fields. Repair costs are expected to reach several million dollars.

Given these demands, St. Louis County Parks is prioritizing restoration of existing, successful facilities over new development proposals. This will further delay projects already slowed by funding shortages. Realistically, major lake improvements may take a decade�similar to the eleven‑year timeline for the most recent south‑end restroom project.

THE ROLE OF THE CREVE COEUR SAILING ASSOCIATION

Amid these long‑term development challenges, the Creve Coeur Sailing Association continues to provide and promote public sailing opportunities�serving as the only sailing venue for a region of more than three million residents. It is essential that we continue to value, support, and champion the programs and resources we enjoy on Creve Coeur Lake, Missouri�s largest and most significant natural lake.

Charles Bell

Board Member, Creve Coeur Sailing Association

Thank you to all who contributed to this edition!

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