Our Membership Committee is a great group of members who volunteer their time to help new members become engaged in the club. This starts with the Orientation Session which occurs on the Honorable William Wall, our floating clubhouse in the harbor, or at the new Trophy Room at the docks. After the Orientation, if you ever need help navigating the club or figuring out how to meet people and go sailing, then just reach out to any of the Membership Committee members. Members helping members is one of the many things which makes Manhattan Yacht Club so great, friendly and welcoming.
Rear Commodore Deiane Abajos
Welcome to all the new members as well as those of you considering joining MYC! We have created a committee designed to help you immediately get to know members at the club and come join us sailing, hanging out at the Willy Wall or at the clubhouse. Many of the new members joining didn’t have any connections at the club, or even any pre-existing sailing experience. That’s what makes our sailing club diverse and interesting. Throughout 10 years of being a club member, I can say that I’ve made great friendships, enjoyed the great competition on our J-24 races, sat back and relaxed doing a barbecue at the clubhouse, and enjoyed beautiful sunsets from the Willy Wall. I think many would agree that being part of our community positively changes your NY experience. We are all looking forward to meeting you! If you’re a already a club member and would be willing to help introduce new members, come join this committee!
Josh Ness
Josh lives in Brooklyn and began sailing in 2021. He’s a regular sailor at the club and has participated in several functions and races, including the Caribbean Regatta, Monaco Classic Week, and the Figawi race from Cape Cod to Nantucket. He’s passionate about improving his own skills as a sailor, as well as helping others discover the joy of sailing.
Tracy Steele
Tracy Steele is originally from Virginia and has been a New Yorker for over 30 years. As a kid, Tracy sailed with her family in the Chesapeake and has been a member of MYC since 2014. She races at the club every Tuesday and Wednesday nights and when she’s not on the water, you may find her on the slopes, at the beach or busy running her own interior design and home staging business.
Pat Kozu
Pat Kozu is an MYC member since 2007. She enjoys welcoming new members to the Club and bringing homemade cookies on sails.
Eric Dawson
Eric joined the club in May 2021. Since joining, he has raced on a Tuesday night racing team, joined the club for the 2023 BVIs Regatta, had the pleasure of welcoming new members as part of the New Membership Committee, and participated in the Benefit Committee for the Sailor’s Ball since its return in 2023. Eric looks forward to meeting you out on the water and introducing you to the amazing community that is the Manhattan Yacht Club!
Laura Kaufmann
Laura is a brand strategist and operations executive currently serving as COO for EEP Universe, a media startup devoted to creating female-forward and inclusive content for young adults. She donates her time to God’s Love We Deliver, The Good Dog Foundation, ACP, Taproot, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Laura is a passionate home cook, a seven continenter, an avid skier, and a (very novice) sailor new to MYC in 2022!
Kat Gamez
Kat Gamez, a dedicated scientist in biotech, has cherished fishing since childhood. Joining in 2023, her love for the sport drives her eagerness to learn, connect with fellow sailors, and experience the thrill of the open water. Committed to community involvement, she serves on the benefit committee for the Sailors Ball. Kat can often be found on the water, racing on Tuesday nights.
Taylor McLoughlin
Five years ago, I set sail with MYC and haven’t looked back. The club has been more than just a community—it’s been my portal to nature, growth, and globetrotting adventures. I enjoy the calm of cruising and the rush of teaching, but racing is where I truly thrive. Interested in racing? Let’s connect—I’m always eager to share my learnings/experiences!
Samantha Mendaros
Hi everyone! I joined MYC in 2023, and my experience so far has been incredibly rewarding, thanks largely to our vibrant community. From the start, I found plenty of ways to get involved and meet people, from fleet captain sails and race committee to social events and impromptu summer barbecues. A personal highlight was joining the club’s annual Caribbean trip, which introduced me to a totally different kind of sailing experience. It’s been a year full of adventures and new friendships. This season, I’m excited to be part of the Membership Committee and help new members navigate their way through the club’s many opportunities. If you have any questions or need some insider tips, I’m here to help!
Claire Davies
I have been a member of the club for 6 years and enjoy the weekend cruising and social life. I am also part of a Weds night J24 race team. In addition to actually sailing I photograph a number of the club events and stay involved over the winter organizing the sunfish race committee.