Chicago Yacht Club hires Skip Dieball

Skip Dieball

The Chicago Yacht Club (Chicago, IL) has hired Dennis “Skip” Dieball as their new On the Water Director. Dieball, an accomplished sailor and professional coach, is a multi-class champion with many world and national titles.

Dieball also brings a career of 25 years in the marine industry where he was most recently a sailmaker. As a proprietor of his own sail loft, he has partnered with some of the best-known brands in the industry.

Chicago Yacht Club engaged in an international search for their on the water director. Dieball was selected from field of strong candidates because of his leadership capabilities in the sport, his business background, and his significant accomplishments as a competitor and coach.

“The Chicago Yacht Club has been a leader in the private yacht club world for some time,” said Dwight Jenson, general manager. “As a top five Platinum Yacht Club, it is important that we maintain an industry leading on the water program and Skip is a great addition to our team.”

Dieball will be tasked with leading the growth and development of a year-round calendar focusing on a diverse platform of water-based activities and world class events such as the storied Race to Mackinac.

Chicago Yacht club has a broad range of well over one hundred marine assets ranging from Optis, Club 420s and Lasers to their signature fleet of Sonars and Tom 28 sailboats. Skip will focus growing Chicago Yacht Club’s on the water programs for the full range of youth and adult members.

“It is an incredible opportunity to work with such a prestigious organization as the Chicago Yacht Club. The incredible wealth of organizational and event expertise will allow for continued promotion of all waterfront activities,” said Dieball.

“I’ve had the good fortune to travel and race sailboats all over the world and work with some of the top teams. I’m looking forward to applying this to the Lake Michigan market.”

“We are proud to add Skip to our on the water leadership team” said Lou Sandoval, commodore of the Chicago Yacht Club. “His reputation and solid leadership background will complement and elevate our program; we look forward to seeing the impact he will make to CYC.”

Skip grew up in Toledo, Ohio and raced actively on Western Lake Erie. Beginning in classes such as the Interlake, Highlander, Thistle and Lightning, his participation in these events allowed Skip to hone his skills and compete at the top of the sport.

In 2015, Skip and his team won the prestigious Etchells World Championship in Hong Kong. He has earned nominations twice for the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Award, as well as the US Sailing Sportsman of the Year.

Skip will be leading the selection of CYC’s coaching staff for the 2020 season and will begin his transition in the next few weeks.

For a detailed look at Chicago Yacht Club On the Water 2020 programming and offerings, click here.

Source: Sara Proctor, Communications Director, Chicago Yacht Club