| Commodore’s Message |
The weather is improving just in time for the peak of seasonal member activities. We just returned from the kayaking/camping trip to Lake Wenatchee State Park where I got to help out as “kayak dock boy”, or at least I think that was what the group was calling me when I wasn’t listening. I wear the label proudly.
Back on the island, there’s much to do no matter what your water interests are. Sailing lessons, racing, cruising, kayaking, Windward Women gatherings and of course our summer social events. Be sure to read the full newsletter to find out what’s happening, when and where. It’s a perfect time to also lend a hand to help out wherever you can. Many hands make less individual work.
Next up for me is crabbing. I have to admit to being very excited about the coming weeks of crabbing leading up to the Crabfest on the 10th. This year we are BACK – no restrictions – members and their guests all welcome. I have several volunteer crew members to help with the crabbing on my boat. However, it’s not too late if someone wishes to come out to help on my or one of the other boats for a day or two. I’m sure we can find a spot for you on one of the boats. All that is needed is a crab license and a willingness to pluck a feisty crab out of the pot. Contact Vice Commodore Bruce Morris if interested.
Though there are many opportunities to dive in to help out your fellow members right now, I’d like to call out two important considerations for the fall. Yes, reluctantly, we do need to start planning ahead to fall programs and activities :
Commodore’s Ball
The Commodore’s Ball is our one big ‘fancy’ shindig of the year. This is a dinner/dance held at the Useless Bay Country Club scheduled for Saturday, November 12. You can get all dressed up or come in more casual attire, but it’s an evening of socializing, music and celebration. We haven’t had one since 2019 and it’s time to renew the tradition,and add some new ideas as well.
Lee McGuire has graciously agreed to be a co-chair for the event and has already started gathering information from prior years’ events. She’s in need of at least one (or more) partner(s) to lead the planning of the event. Man or woman, newer or more seasoned member – dust off those event planning skills that might have atrophied during the pandemic. The planning is where the fun begins! If you can help, contact bilgerat@swyachtclub.org or me.
Board Elections
We are beginning the process to search for new SWYC Board Members. There are two known vacancies that we need to fill for the next year. Patty Maxfield, Secretary, will be stepping down as is Kathy Rodgers, our Membership Chair. Both will be sorely missed as their work has been foundational in keeping things flowing smoothly. If you have an appetite to become more involved in steering the club into the future, now is your opportunity.
The commitment: The board meets twelve (12) times a year, typically on the second Wednesday of the month. Meetings typically last no more than 2 hours although it is somewhat dependent on how much visiting we do before, during and after the meeting. We have moved to a hybrid format so that board members who cannot be present physically have the opportunity to participate via Zoom. The term is for one year. If the position suits you, there are no limits on how long you can stand for re-election. The Commodore is the only term limited position – two (2) years and then off the board.
Member Relations – Duties include welcoming new members, presenting their application for membership at board meetings and being a member advocate to make sure that we don’t go stale.
Secretary – Duties include taking minutes at board meetings and ensuring minutes are approved and uploaded to the website for members to access. The Secretary is also the historical reference of sorts at our board meetings.
Please consider stepping up to join the SWYC board. You do not need to have prior board experience nor have been a member for a minimum number of years. It is a great way to quickly meet new people if you are relatively new to our community as well as being “in the know” about future activities. Contact me, Commodore Pete Grimlund, if you are interested in learning more. commodore@swyachtclub.org
Calm seas, fair winds and clear skies to you,
Pete Grimlund
Commodore
South Whidbey Yacht Club
| Welcome New Members!! |
Please welcome this month’s newest members to the yacht club. We look forward to meeting them at our upcoming events.
Charles “Chuck” Sanders
I’ve sailed a few times when I was younger but am still a beginner sailor. After my wife Stephanie and I moved to Whidbey Island two years ago from Boulder Colorado, I took the SWYC adult sailing lessons August/2021. I got the bug and bought Derek Pritchard’s beautiful SF Pelican, but need to continue learning this summer, with our two sons who live in the Seattle area. My wife and I are retired (I am an architect and she was a legal secretary) and are really enjoying our new life and adventures on amazing Whidbey Island. My other two main activities are gardening, and historic preservation volunteering.
Kennedy Horstman
I have been a resident of south Whidbey since 2008 and I have not spent nearly enough time on the water. I spent time sailing sunfishes and lasers when I was a kid and I’m interested in getting back on the water – particularly in boats small enough to give me a real kinesthetic experience of sailing. My partner has had more time on the water as an adult – kayaking and volunteering with Schooner Suva in Coupeville – but would like some sailing opportunities closer to home. We’re interested in the social aspect as well. It’s hard to imagine we wouldn’t enjoy the company of other club members hale and hearty enough to sail Holmes Harbor and around Whidbey.
Summer General Membership Meetings**There are no general meetings in July or August. In July we have the Crabfest in place of the meeting and in August, we have the SWYC Summer Social in place of the general meeting. The next general meeting is set for September 21st. Seth Muir, Executive Director of Sail Sand Point will be our guest speaker. Please reach out to Dan Mooney if you have any questions about our programs.** |
| Crabfest – Sunday, July 10 |
Ahoy all Members and Guests!
It’s time for the Annual SWYC Crab Feast
at Honeymoon Lake Community Club House
4343 S Honeymoon Bay Rd
Greenbank, WA 98253
A great festive event with Dungeness crab, burgers, and dogs.
Live Music Provided by “Locomotion”
1300 – Setup Starts
1500 – The Feast begins…Don’t be late
PLEASE BRING WITH YOU:
Appetizers ~ A -J
Side Dishes ~ P – Z
Dessert ~ K – O
Wine, beer, and water will be provided
SWYC supports the “Whidbey Island Green” effort, so bring your own tableware and crab cracker
ALSO BRING:
Your favorite beach chair
A canopy if you want some shade
And some guests!!!
To defray costs, $5 pays our way!
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Volunteers are still needed. Can you help?
Crab Cleaning and Cooking on July 9th
(sounds like an unpleasant detail, but this is actually a lot of fun 🦀🥳
Crabfest on July 10th
– Setup at 1:00 pm (when the party actually starts)
– Cleanup at end of the Feast
– Trash set up & removal
– Ice Pickup
If you can help in any way, please send a message to:
vice.commodore.swyc@gmail.com
| Nutshell Pram Auction to Support YSA |
BUILD A NUTSHELL PRAM
FUN PROJECT TO BUILD A NICE BOAT
WILL BE SOLD TO HIGHEST BIDDER AT
CRAB FEST JULY 10
GREAT SUMMER PROJECT
ALL PROCEEDS TO YSA/SWYC
ALL PIECES PRECUT MARINE WOOD
COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS AND PLANS
ALL HARDWARE INCLUDED
CONTACT:
PERRY LOVELACE
https://swyachtclub.org/membership-directory/#!directory
| SWYC Youth Sailing Association |
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2022 Sailing Classes Update and Help Needed
Adult Classes
Congratulations YSA on the completion of three adult sailing classes on Lone Lake during the month of June. These are so much appreciated by the participants and the community!
Youth Classes
All youth classes are filled with a waiting list. This is a hugely popular program for our kids here on Whidbey.
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**NEW ** “Tours” of the YSA Youth Classes
As announced in the last club meeting, Bob Rodgers would like to have more membership awareness of our Youth – Learn to Sail (YSA) operations. So, for the 3 weeks of camp, July 12th weekdays through the 29th he is personally inviting club members onsite for a personal tour of the facilities YSA is using this year and to view the program activities while in operation. The tour will include a boat ride on Deer Lake to see both the Beginners and Intermediate teaching locations. Since you’ll of course need to stay out of the way of the students, only one or two people at a time and only one or two “tours” a day will be scheduled. Email Bob of your interest for which day and either morning or afternoon session you prefer. Be sure to include your contact info. Tours should last about 30 to 60 minutes and might get cancelled if necessary. He’ll confirm the day and time and will provide directions.
Bob’s contact information is in the membership directory https://swyachtclub.org/membership-directory/#!directory ,
Be a big help for our Youth Learn to Sail Program. Become a Shore Support Person.
Our Youth Program is full. Our first day of camp is July 11 and runs weekdays to July 29. We need to fill out our Shore Support team. We use club members, one or two at a time to be present each hour we have kids onsite. Remain on shore while most class staff and students are out on the water. Duties are few and easily understood. Enjoy a day, or more, by the lake!
Being onsite is an important element of our safety and security protocols. Bob Shepard is handling the sign-up sheet this year. Shifts are 9am to noonish, and noonish to 2pm. You can sign up for multiple shifts or just one. You can come with a friend or on your own.
Want more detail, have some questions?
There are at least 20 shifts left to fill so contact Bob Shepard, prefers email. Bob’s contact information can be fount in the member directory.
https://swyachtclub.org/membership-directory/#!directory
| Kayaking News |
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Bowman Bay
Kayaking with the SWYC
Summer has arrived!!! And that means, ‘Let’s get on the water’.
The paddle on Saturday, June 18 was a huge success. Seven of us put in on a low tide, (weather started the day with overcast and a drizzle) so our 10:30 put in was rescheduled for 12:30 by Dan Mooney who organized and led the paddle. The skies started to clear, the sea was a gentle roll and the current with us on our start but more challenging on our return. But hey, we’re tough. Go for it. We did. And all agreed, “What a good day to be in our kayaks and out on the waters of Whidbey Island.”
Another smaller group took a 3-day, 2-night camping and kayaking adventure to Lake Wenatchee State Park June 22-24. Wind, waves and smooth-as-glass paddling. We had it all. Not to mention yummy campfire cooking, sun and stunning mountain views. A nice get away. We’ll bring the sailors next time to enjoy those mountain winds.
Members of the kayaking group continue to reach out to fellow members for spontaneous paddles. The SWYC “Mutiny Sands Branch” spent a sunny Saturday afternoon on the water paddling and enjoying their friendship.
Our next scheduled paddle is Monday, July 18, at Monroe Landing north of Coupeville. We will put in at 10:00 at a 2.6 falling tide. High tide at 8:59 and low tide at 3:16. Monroe Landing is an excellent put in. Good size park. Popular. Good parking. Scenic. Options to paddle north or south. With a portable toilet June 1 – September 1.
Want to join this paddle? Contact Katy Shaner by accessing her email address online through the SWYC membership directory.
If you are interested in and are not yet on the SWYC kayaking list, please contact Katy Shaner and she will add you to the list.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
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| Windward Women |
Date Shifts and Seeking New WW Lead
The bi-monthly meetings of Windward Women are shifting months to remove conflicts with holidays like New Year’s, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Our next gathering will be August 5, followed by gatherings in October and December. Watch for more information in late July.
After two years, Patty Maxfield, is planning to step back from facilitating the Windward Women group. (THANK YOU PATTY!) She is hopeful that one of the great SWYC women will be willing to take a turn. It’s pretty easy, and fun besides! You don’t have to live on the island year round to be the organizer. Please let Patty know your questions and interest!
The Windward Women gather bi-monthly, the first Tuesday of the month. Email Bilgerat@swyachtclub.org to get on the mailing list!
| Cruising |
Next up – The San Juan Islands Cruise
Dates: Friday, July 15 – Saturday, July 23
Leaders: Bruce Morris and Barb Bergmann
Join for the whole cruise or for parts of it, or extend your trip at either end. Be sure to let Bruce and Barbara know your plans.
Destinations
July 15 – 17 Hunter Bay
July 18 Blakely Island Marina
July 19 Reed Harbor
July 20 – 23 Gulf Islands
August South Sound Cruise
Plans for the August cruise to the South Sound are being formulated, and input from prospective participants is sought. The current schedule starts on Saturday, August 20th and concludes the following Saturday, August 27th. That should give us time to get to a few points south of the Tacoma Narrows with some stops on the way down and back. Some popular points of call could include Bell Harbor in downtown Seattle, Winslow on Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor. As always, cruisers are welcome to join in parts of the itinerary and/or to extend their trip at either end of the published schedule. If you are thinking of going, please let Jill & Bill Brown know and suggest stops you would like to see included.
If you’d like to be on the Cruising email list for future updates, contact Jill and Bill Brown.
| Racing |
Pelican and Laser Racing are Underway!
Pelican Racing
We have held two Pelican race nights, both at our old favorite Lone Lake. We’ve had seven races so far and the top four skippers are within five points of each other. Here is a link to results so far. https://www.sailwave.com/results/southwhidbey/SWYC2022SummerSeriesPelicans.htm
The next races are scheduled for July 6th. The latest algae toxin tests at Lone Lake are still below the recreational limit, and additional test results are not expected before the 6th. While these limits may be exceeded by race time, they are set with extreme caution, and the water must be greatly over limits to pose a serious risk. We have thus decided to have one more race day at Lone Lake. Racers and spectators should use due caution. Don’t drink the water. Don’t bring your dogs. Don’t grip your wet sheets with your teeth. ….and let’s have another fun day of racing at our favorite little lake.
Laser racing continues at Holmes Harbor.
Check the SWYC website for the full schedule. If you aren’t racing, come on down to watch the competitors with fellow members!
https://swyachtclub.org/racing-calendar/#!event-list
| Upcoming Social Events |
Save the Dates!
Crabfest! – Sunday, July 10
Summer Social – Wednesday, August 17 – Penn Cove Brewery. Details coming soon!
Commodore’s Ball – Saturday, November 12 – Want to be the event co-chair?
Holiday Party – Wednesday, December – Original 12/21 date may get moved to the prior week. Watch for an update confirming the date.
Keep track of all the club events and updates at:
https://swyachtclub.org/events/#!calendar
| Members’ Tips and Training |
Website Tip for July
The SWYC website https://swyachtclub.org is an ever-changing but very important tool to our club. We need your help in keeping it current and useful to each one of us and to those outside of the club.
Tip – How to Access and Use the Membership Directory
Since we have made the decision to remove all personal email addresses from our public website pages, all members should learn how to access member contact information on our password protected on-line directory.
- On the SWYC website swyachtclub.org, go to the “Current Members” heading
- Click on that heading to get the drop down box
- In the drop down box, click on “Membership Directory”
- You will be asked to enter your log in information (log in email of the Primary Account Holder and password). If you do not know your password, you can request a new password. Follow the instructions to change your password.
- Once in the site, you will be able to access the contact information of all current members.
- Choose the name of the person you are looking for and click on their name. Their contact information will appear.
It’s quick and easy once you do it a few times.
NOTE – Contact information is only as good as how it is kept current. Each member is responsible for keeping their information current. While you are in the directory, be sure to check out your own information to ensure it is correct. If you want to make changes, go back to the “Current Members” heading, click on it and then click on “Manage My Account”. You can update all your information there. Remember that only the Primary Account holder can make changes. If you happen to log in with a secondary member email address, it won’t work.
If you have ANY questions about any of this, please email bilgerat@swyachtclub.org. (That’s me – Barb). I’m happy to help you. It’s important that you should be able to contact fellow members easily.
| *** If you know of any club member who is not receiving these newsletters or other club communications, please email bilgerat@swyachtclub.org. We’ll help them get connected. *** |
*** If you know of any club member who is not receiving these newsletters or other club communications, please email bilgerat@swyachtclub.org. We’ll help them get connected. ***
Looking for SWYC clothing, hats or gifts?Click here: Land’s End Store |
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South Whidbey Yacht Club
PO Box 316
Greenbank, WA 98253