For Paul and Susan Herer, the J/100 WHAAT’S UP was more than just a sailboat—it was a vessel for countless unforgettable memories, from racing fully-crewed or double-handed to cruising and adventure. Yet, as much as they cherished the sleek racer-cruiser, the Herers envisioned a greater purpose for the boat: inspiring the next generation of sailors. That vision became a reality with their generous donation of WHAAT’S UP to the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation (CYCF), under the direction and leadership of Greg Miarecki, where the boat has already begun transforming young lives through sailing.
Now a training vessel for Sea Scouts and youth sailing programs at the CYCF, the J/100 was donated with a full UK Sailmakers inventory—a reflection of Susan and Paul Herer’s long-standing relationship with UK Sailmakers Chicago.
A Memorable Farewell Sail
The Herers bid farewell to WHAAT’S UP with one last thrilling journey, sailing the 29 nautical miles from Waukegan Harbor to the Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Station in just 4.5 hours. The sail was nothing short of exhilarating, with gusts over 32 knots from the west/northwest and 3-5 foot waves.
“It was a sleigh ride!” said Paul Herer, describing the boat’s performance as it reached speeds of 11.2 knots under challenging conditions. The couple relied on their UK Sailmakers X-Drive Carbon mainsail and Technora headsail to navigate the journey, employing multiple reefs to manage the blustery wind. They were joined by Caroline O’Malley, CYCF’s program manager, and her student, Mya, making it a fitting handoff for the boat’s new mission.
A New Life at the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
Under the CYCF’s stewardship, WHAAT’S UP is now the flagship of the Monroe Community Sailing Program. Launched in 2024, this initiative aims to introduce sailing to youth from underrepresented communities in the Chicago area.
Caroline O’Malley highlighted the boat’s pivotal role in the program’s success: “Because of Paul and Susan’s incredibly generous donation, we were able to create the Monroe Community Sailing Program this past summer. In 2024, the program’s first season, about 80 young participants went sailing for the first time on the J/100. We can’t wait to expand the program next summer and spend more time on WHAAT’S UP!”
Maggie Shea, CYCF’s executive director, also expressed her gratitude.
“We are so appreciative of Paul and Susan Herer’s generosity. We would not have been able to launch the Monroe Community Sailing Program without this boat donation. Our young participants learned so much about sailing and teamwork aboard WHAAT’S UP.”
Making Waves in the Community
The Monroe Community Sailing Program aligns with the CYCF’s mission to make boating accessible to all. Founded in 1992, the Foundation has grown exponentially in recent years, increasing its youth participation from nearly 400 in 2022 to over 1,500 in 2024. Programs like the Monroe Community Sailing Initiative are integral to this growth, offering transformative experiences that go beyond the water.
“Most of our kids have never been on a boat before. In fact, many of them have never even seen Lake Michigan,” O’Malley noted. “Our goals are to make them comfortable, excited to come back, and ready to dive deeper into sailing.”
Through hands-on lessons, participants not only learn the mechanics of sailing but also develop critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The J/100’s performance and versatility have made it an ideal platform for these lessons, giving participants a unique opportunity to experience a high-performance vessel firsthand.
Inspiring the Future
For the Herers, knowing that WHAAT’S UP is now inspiring the next generation is deeply fulfilling. “If the J/100 inspires just one sailor or racer for the future, we will have fulfilled our obligation to inspire the next generation of sailors,” they said.
As the CYCF prepares to expand its programs in 2025, the impact of the Herers’ donation is just beginning to unfold. Thanks to their generosity, WHAAT’S UP will continue to serve as a gateway for countless young sailors to discover the joys and challenges of life on the water.
To learn more about the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation and its programs, visit www.chicagoyachtclubfoundation.org. Donations to support their initiatives are always welcome and appreciated.
