AUXILIARY

Auxiliary Board of Directors 2026



President: Aruna Chammout
Vice President: Emily Morkemo
Treasurer: Rachel Hickey
Secretary: Jenny MacEwen

Directors: Logan Bacon, Frances Barbour, Noelle Brewin, Ashley Fitz-Gerald, Amy Harrill, Emma Jesberg, Shannon Kaiser, Michelle Mourani, Mary Rankin, Julia Shumelda, Kristen Simmons

Honorary: Kari Cusack
Ex-Officio: Anne T. Russell

About the Auxiliary

The SFYC Auxiliary is proud of its over 70 years of service to The San Francisco Yacht Club, beginning in 1953 when a committee was created to raise funds to purchase new deck furniture! Today, the Auxiliary provides social opportunities for Members and their families in addition to developing and implementing selected fundraising activities to benefit Youth Sailing and other Club projects. Some of the many Auxiliary events and activities are listed below.
 

SFYC Auxiliary 2026 Events 


January 29: Auxiliary Meet-n-Greet — This is an event for Members who want to get involved as a volunteer. Auxiliary is always looking for extra helping hands.
2026 Auxiliary President: Aruna Chammout

February 18: New Member Engagement – This is an event initiated by Member Engagement Committee. Auxiliary will have a table at the event and engage the new Member. Any available Auxiliary Directors can come and support the event.

March 13: Auxiliary Past President Tea – Hosted Annually for the Auxiliary Past Presidents, this fancy tea is held on a weekday afternoon. The event includes tea sandwiches, desserts, tea, wine, decor and center pieces.

March 21 – Auxiliary Mother/ Son Dinner & Dance — Mothers, grandmothers, aunts or any mother figure are warmly invited to join their “sons” for a fun-themed event featuring delicious food, exciting games and an amazing DJ. Members’ guests are welcome.

April 5: Auxiliary Easter Buffet — Welcome Spring! The Easter Bunny arrives via boat and visits with Members and guests from 11:30am–1:30pm. Brunch seating is available every half hour in the Clubhouse and on the Deck from 10:30am–1:30pm.

April 26: Opening Day on the Bay — A Bay-wide event, this traditional “opening of the waterway” always take place on the fourth Sunday in April. Out on the Bay, there is a “Blessing of the Fleet” while at the Clubhouse, Members enjoy a BBQ from 12:00– 5:00pm with live music from 1:00–5:00pm. Reservations are not required for Opening Day; seating is first-come-first-served. Members’ guests are welcome.

September 13: Auxiliary Cup Regatta – This is a regatta for female Auxilary and Club Members. The event includes recruiting women to register as skippers and crews.

October 8: Auxiliary Fashion Show & Fundraiser Luncheon – Members and guests watch as Member-models display gorgeous fashions on our very own catwalk! This is always a fun day at the Club and includes a wonderful lunch and the popular marketplace for shopping. This event always sells out, so book early and bring your wallet.

October 24: Auxiliary Halloween — A kid-friendly, Members-only party, Halloween at the Club includes a buffet on the lawn and a DJ in the Cove House. The haunted house, costume party and decorations are always memorable. Because this is a buffet, it will not sell out. First-come, first-served with tables turning for the next Member as people leave.

November 11: Auxiliary Annual Meeting & Luncheon — At this Members’ only event, attendees enjoy shopping at the vendor marketplace, eating lunch with friends and then celebrating the annual awards at which the Auxiliary announces the SFYC’s Yachtswoman of the Year.

November 18: Auxiliary President Thank You Dinner – Honor the President and her work during the past year. This event is hosted off campus and is attended by current Board members only.

November 30 & December 1: Holiday Decorating – Decorating the Clubhouse and Cove House for the holiday season.

December 3: Auxiliary Get Lit – The official start of the holiday season, this is a fun evening during which all the boats in the harbor are lit up for the season. First, second and third place prizes for the most decorated boats are awarded in the bar. Don’t forget to make a dinner reservation in the dining room on this busy night.

December 11: Auxiliary Soiree – Celebrate the holidays at this Members’ only holiday dinner and dance. Reservations are required as this event will sell out. Black tie optional.

December 13: Auxiliary Santa Brunch Buffet – Santa arrives by boat at 11:30am and visits with the kids until 1:30pm. Brunch seating is available every half hour from 10:30am–1:30pm with fun kids’ activities throughout the day. This is always a sell-out.

Schedule of 2026 Auxiliary Meetings


February 12
March 12
April 9
May 8
August 13
September 10
October 15
November 12
December 10

All meetings are from 5:30–7:30pm in the Commodore's Room unless otherwise specified. 

 

Auxiliary Past President Video Interviews

Auxiliary Awards

  • The Auxiliary Special Service Award
  • The Nancy Rogers Woman’s Race Grant
  • The Ann Welch Women’s Sailing Award
  • The Marianne Mason Outstanding Yachtswoman of the Year
  • Youth Sailing Awards & Financial Support
 

Auxiliary Grants and Giving

The Auxiliary Gift Reserve has been established by the SFYC Auxiliary Board to provide gifts and grants which are consistent with the SFYC Auxiliary’s By-Laws and Mission Statement. All requests submitted with an SFYC Auxiliary Grant Application will be reviewed and considered for approval by the Auxiliary Board.

How to apply: Please first review the Auxiliary Gift Reserve & Mission to ensure your request meets our objectives. Then, Members are welcome to apply for an Auxiliary Grant by filling out the Grant Application form. Questions can be submitted to Rachel Hickey at [email protected].

When to apply: Grants are accepted from January through June and must be received by the Sunday prior to an Auxiliary Board meeting.