This year’s evening theme will be Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki journey to the Polynesian islands. Kon Tiki left Callao Peru on the afternoon of April 28, 1947 and arrived 101 days later traveling 4,300 miles to land at an islet off Raroia atoll in the Tuamotu group of Polynesian islands simulating what was believed to be pre-Columbian materials and technologies; the journey may have been the moon walk of its day. The Explorers Club flag was flown atop the balsa raft during its voyage.

Richard Garriott de Cayeux, The Explorers Club newly elected President will be available at the event to meet and talk with Explorers Club members and guests. Speaking of a moon walk, Richard has done just about everything but a moon walk. Garriott’s “explorations have taken him on scientific expeditions across 7 continents, to both poles.” As a private astronaut he has orbited the earth and was among the very few to live on the International Space Station. He has also journeyed to the deepest point in the Ocean, the Marianas Trench March 1, 2021. Richard becomes the first person ever to visit all these destinations.

Special Co-Host the Honorable Daniel S. Goldin HON’01 — From 1992-to 2001 Dan served under three Presidents, two Republicans and one Democrat, as the longest-tenured Administrator of NASA. There were 61 shuttle flights during his leadership including 174 robotic space missions to other planets, asteroids, and comets in our solar system. He also initiated the development and building of the International Space Station. From senior management at TRW, to Administrator of NASA, to visionary entrepreneur, Dan has been involved in space sciences businesses and numerous other technologies, including semiconductors, AI and aeronautics, as well as national security and climate change. His leadership at NASA will continue to impact space exploration for many generations in the future.

Special Co-Host Ambassador R. James Woolsey — Jim has held five appointments for four Presidents in two Republican and two Democratic administrations, including having served as the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and as Under Secretary of the Navy. He has had a transformative role in our country’s national security. Jim has also been a major advocate of moving away from fossil fuels and using leading edge technologies to replace them, along with other measures to fight climate change.

House Committee Chair: Jonathan M. Conrad, MED’87

Vice Chair: Rodney H. Brown MN’02

Committee: Deirdre B. Brennan MR’04, Kellie Gerardi MR’13, Shade Mazer SM’18 and Gaelin A. Rosenwaks FR’06

The Explorers Club 3 Island BBQ will celebrate this expedition and the exploration accomplishments of our membership featuring some food and drinks of a Polynesian Island BBQ, with dancing and music provided by one of New York’s best party DJs, Victor Lesser. Very casual island and summer attire is suggested. The two most originally dressed festive man and woman in the themes of Polynesia native dress or Kon Tiki’s Crew look alike will each receive a special door prize, an in person signed copy by Jim Woolsey, the former CIA Director’s newest book published in 2021 “Operation Dragon”.

BBQ Feast from the menu include: Hors D’oeuvres such as Polynesian Coconut Shrimp, Pacific Island Pimento Mini Grilled Cheese, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and Roasted Tomato & Grilled Pineapple Brushetta. The main course includes BBQ Chicken and BBQ Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers and vegetarian Impossible Burgers and veggie Hot Dogs. A large assortment of condiments to choose from including Polynesian grilled pineapple slices, lettuce and tomatoes, onions pineapple chutney, pickles. Salads will include Roasted Potato Salad with Rosemary and Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Mixed green salad with Hearts of Palm, citrus vinaigrette. Dessert will include Brownies, Pecan Triangles, Coconut Cookies and mini–Tropical Fruit Tarts. Our featured cocktail will be a 3 Island Mojito served with light and dark rum and will be featured when you arrive, as well as a full premium bar and soft drinks.

The event will be held at Club Headquarters, 46 East 70th Street; check-in at 6:00 pm and cocktails at 6:15 pm, with dinner served approximately 7:00PM (food service over at 8:45 PM) and event ends at 10:00 PM.

This event has SOLD OUT

We will require a copy or picture on your mobile phone of a “Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card(s) or New York State Excelsior Pass with your name to be presented upon receiving your wrist band to enter the BBQ. No refunds the evening of the BBQ will be available for those that don’t present adequate Covid 19 vaccination card(s) or New York State Excelsior Pass. We will have a limited supply of masks at the check-in and will be supportive of anyone wanting to wear a mask. We will also monitor the public health announcements.