Commodore's Message
July has flown by. Two cruises to Canada on either side of the Crabfest has kept Barb and I on the go for the entire month. Plus a Canadian fishing trip in there too. We started crabbing for the July Crabfest shortly after returning from Victoria, B.C. We shared the crabbing adventure with a number of our club members who were willing to crew on our boat, Sun Dancer. With their assistance and those of a number of others, we were able to supply enough of the feisty little critters to satisfy all who attended the Crabfest. Many thanks go out to the Crabfest organizers – Melody and Jim Carney and Bruce Morris and all of the volunteers too numerous to list who made it a success.
SWYC Club Members’ Boats at Port Browning
All in all, becoming a part of the SWYC was one of the best lifestyle decisions we made when retiring to South Whidbey. Diversity of activities to enjoy and wonderful people to enjoy them with.
As we slip into August, club activities will begin to wind down. I for one, really have appreciated those of you who answered the call to volunteer your skills and services to plan and lead activities in cruising, kayaking, racing, social events and programs, windward women and youth sailing. It has been a FUN season.
Looking to the future, we have a number of new faces who have joined our family in the past few years. We strongly encourage you to become more active in the coming year to help plan and lead new adventures and programs in 2024. Without your participation and those of the more seasoned club members, none of these activities would be happening.
Which leads to my special request. Overseeing all of this is your volunteer board of directors. They are the ones who look out into the future to provide the leadership and guidance needed to make sure each interest group has the resources it needs to be successful. Whether you are retired or working, a stint on the board is beneficial to everyone, including you. Most board positions require only a few hours per month of your time – very doable. And you do not need to be a long term SWYC member to serve. Fresh ideas are very welcome.
There are four vacant board positions to fill this November in addition to roles in each of the interest groups. Board meetings are held each month on the second Wednesday of the month. We prefer to meet in person but meetings can be hybrid Zoom meetings if board members can’t attend a meeting in person. If you have enjoyed the activities and programs offered, please consider taking your turn as a board member this year. The term is for one year, or longer if you choose. The club needs you and your ideas. Spence Byrum is leading the Nominating Committee this year. Please contact Spence if you would consider serving.
Calm seas, fair winds and smooth sailing 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.
George and Kat Bivoino
Kat and George are avid boaters. They love boating to various destinations by themselves and in groups, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. They currently own a Cutwater 28 power boat. They are eager to participate in our club activities.
Michael Mroz
Mike describes himself as a novice sailor, having distant experience on a 49 foot Ericson yacht. He is eager to gain the skills necessary to pilot a boat. Ideally, he could participate in some sailing activities in order to progress on that goal. Currently, Mike owns a kayak. When not on the water, Mike is an avid bicycle rider on the island, golfer, Pickleball and Bocchi ball player and retired soccer player. He also enjoys photography, woodworking and Asian cooking.
John McFarland
John’s been paddling different types of recreational kayaks for several years, but only a year or so of sea kayaking. He’s new to sailing after taking the SWYC Pelican class last June. He has an Aqua Finn and is looking for an El Toro as he thinks they look like a lot of fun. And eventually maybe working up to trying a Laser. He’s looking forward to meeting some nice people that share the same interests.
Dean Petrich
Dean owns four kayaks and a canoe. In his youth, he spent his summers sailing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Dean says, “Now my boats sit waiting to be used, and it would be fun to join others.”
Joanne and Paul Peyton
Joanne and Paul learned about the club through their acquaintance with Duane Rawson, Bill Brown, and Bob Rodgers. They enjoy cruising in their 1973 Roughwater 36 trawler. The couple purchased the vessel almost ten years ago. The boat required a comprehensive rebuild — work that they accomplished themselves.
Joanne is looking forward to sailing lessons in the future. Meanwhile, they both are excited to exercise the club’s reciprocal slip privileges.
Jonathan Phay
Jon is a novice sailor who lives in Greenbank. He took a couple of sailing classes in college and has always wanted to develop the skill. His daughters are not interested yet as it’s still something new, but he’s really hoping that when they see their dad involved they’ll also develop an interest as well. Jon recently purchased an older Laser and enjoyed the sail/races in Holmes Harbor. He’s always wanted to get into the world of sailing .
Jon is a Deployment Support Specialist at Providence St. Joseph Health.
There is no monthly membership meeting in August. The August Social takes the place of the meeting. Our next monthly membership meeting will be Wednesday, Sept 20.
For future programs, see the event calendar on the SWYC website.
August Social
SWYC AUGUST SOCIAL
Thursday, August 17
4:30 (Happy Hour) until ??
Penn Cove Taproom
5488 S Freeland Ave
Freeland, WA
Come join your fellow members for an evening of relaxing over a brew or beverage of your choice. The Braeburn Food Truck and Weiner Wagon will be open and people are also welcome to bring your own snacks and food. We will find a spot under the shade trees to gather up so bring your beach/camp chairs to ensure you have a place to sit. No reservation or RSVP required. Just show up, hang out, visit and share our summer boating stories. Guests are welcome.
Penn Cove Taproom holds an “Open Mike” session at 7:00 on Thursday evenings for anyone who might want to stay on for additional entertainment – or to participate?
Crab Fest!
THANK YOU!
What a great day our members and guests had for this year’s Crab Fest! Thank you Melody and Jim Carney, and Bruce Morris for organizing the event and the crab catching. And a big thank you to all the crab catchers, cleaners & cookers, set-up people, clean-up people and folks who brought a dish to share. Over 36 volunteers helped in some way to make this a memorable fun day for our members and their guests.
SWYC Annual Fishing Trip to Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
Eight SWYC Members had another great fishing trip up in Port Renfrew, BC. Not as many fish this year, but still plenty to bring home. Also plenty of time on the water admiring the Pacific coastline of Vancouver Island and the abundant wildlife including lots of whale each day. And of course fun camaraderie each evening with group gatherings and dinners at the house. Thank you Starke for planning this awesome trip.
Art Raffle Fundraiser for YSA - 20th Anniversary Committee
A beautiful piece of artwork has been donated to the club as a fundraiser for YSA to support their programs and defray the cost of the new safety boat. This print is from fellow SWYC member Kathy Parks and depicts the colorful Pelican races here on Whidbey. The matted print is 50″ x 14″ and would be a colorful addition to any boater enthusiast’s wall. Thank you Kathy for this generous donation.
You can be the lucky owner of this beautiful piece of art. Raffle tickets will be sold at the August Social and at our September & October Membership Meetings, or by contacting Emily McArthur directly (Membership Directory). Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3/$25. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Commodore’s Ball.
What a great way to support our club safety program and possibly own this delightful print.
Kayaking
KAYAKING THE WATERS OF WHIDBEY AND BEYOND
Sum, sum, summertime. A time to delight in being on the water. Kayakers, let’s paddle!
Saturday July 8th, an enthusiastic group of 9 paddlers joined trip leaders Diane Lagerstedt and Katy Shaner to launch at Glendale Beach Preserve. Our flotilla of 11 decided it was best to paddle into the south wind towards Possession Point and let the wind carry us back. It made for a nice 2-hour paddle. What we loved…gentle rollers, chatting up the crab pot boys, slightly overcast skies, new boats for Tina Quinton and Marilyn Jones. What we learned…Bailey’s Corner is the best post paddle burger!
Due to the prediction of 17 knots wind, trip leaders Jann Ledbetter and Katy Shaner decided to cancel the Sunday, July 16thpaddle from Captain Coupe’s Park.
But more paddles are planned.
RSVP for these on our SWYC Group Me App.
- Tuesday, August 15, 9:15 AM – 12:00 PM. Possession Point Kelpbeds
- Thursday, August 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Baby Island Paddle
- Saturday, September 9, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Bioluminescent Paddle.
WEST BEACH RESORT KAYAKING AND ALL CLUB TRIP
The all club/kayaking trip to Orcas Island is fast approaching. The trip is September 21 -24. Twenty one SWYC members have signed up to participate in this trip which is not only for kayakers but for the whole club membership as well. Along with kayaking the waters of Orcas, we will gather for sips and dips, a potluck and even a ‘night on the town’ at a favorite restaurant in East Sound. Remember to schedule the ferry reservations to Orcas Island. Contact Katy Shaner or Barb Grimlund, bilgerat@gmail.com, for more information and confirm that you are participating in this trip.
YSA – Youth Sailing Classes
YSA WRAPS UP ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON
Congratulations and a big THANK YOU to the Youth Sailing Association of the SWYC for wrapping up another highly popular and successful season of youth sailing classes this past Friday. This year the group extended it’s regular season to provide a class specifically for youth in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs. Special recognition and appreciation to our club volunteers who devote 4+ weeks of their summers to providing these lessons – plus the time for planning, set up before classes and take down after the classes, plus taking the required certification training. Now that’s a real commitment to fostering our next generation of sailors!
Sailing/Racing
LASER FLEET
The laser fleet continues to have awesome breezy racing on Holmes Harbor every Tuesday with Starke as P.R.O as we enter our summer II series. Bring a picnic dinner and come down to Freeland Park to watch the races, which start at 4:30 pm. The laser fleet is still looking for volunteers to do safety boat/race committee. It’s a great way to get involved with the lasers, especially if you don’t feel like your sailing skills are up to racing part.
Race results are posted on the SWYC website. Race Results
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PELICAN FLEET
Pelican Racing Resumes after Youth Sailing Break
SWYC 2023 Pelican racing concludes with two more race dates in August. The series will move to Monroe Landing on the north side of Penn Cove, technically in Oak Harbor, as Lone Lake has developed algae toxins well above the state recreational limits. First races will start at 4:30 on August 9th and 23rd. Series results and standings to date can be found on the Club website link: Race Results
August 9th is also party time!! Past Commodore Deb Richardson will be hosting an after race pot luck at her home at 3486 Camano Vista in Greenbank. Racers , crews and Pelican fleet supporters should bring appetizers, side dishes or desserts. Watch your email for directions and parking instructions.
For additional information, contact Bill Brown.
Cruising
UPCOMING SEPTEMBER CRUISE
Ahoy Cruisers! Come join Bill and Jill Brown for a September Cruise to the Central Sound.
Their Itinerary:
- Monday, September 4th KINGSTON
- Tuesday and Wednesday, September 5th and 6th WINSLOW MARINA, BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
- Thursday, September 7 GIG HARBOR
- Friday, September 8th POULSBO
- Saturday, September 9 HOME
Think about doing the whole cruise or maybe planning your own itinerary and joining the group along the way.
Please make your own marina reservations and let Bill and Jill know what your plans are. Last year’s September cruise to the South Sound was great. Let’s make this one just as great!
If you don’t have a boat, you’re welcome to come by car and join up for dinner.
Jill and Bill Brown, Cruise Captains
Poulsbo Bainbridge Gig Harbor
SEPTEMBER CLUB TRIP TO ORCAS ISLAND
Dates: Thursday, September 21 – Sunday, September 24
Destination: West Beach Resort on Orcas Island, or OIYC (West Sound) or other Orcas Island marinas or islands beyond Orcas
Leader: Katy Shaner – This event is planned and coordinated through our kayaking group who will be kayaking around West Beach Resort and other Orcas locations. The trip is open to all SWYC members whether you are kayaking with the group or not. There is a mooring dock (if it hasn’t been pulled in yet due to weather conditions) and also mooring buoys available at West Beach. Because many of the kayakers will be driving to the island, there may be cars available to share to attend our club group activities (shared happy hours, dinner in East Sound and a group pot luck dinner one night. ) All club members are invited to participate in whatever way they enjoy. ** A reminder that to kayak on the planned paddles of this outing, you must meet the safety requirements of paddling a sea kayak, and have taken the safety requirements of the SWYC kayaking group. Skills listed on this page
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JULY GULF ISLAND CRUISE
The July Cruise was a fun time for cruising SWYC members who cruised to both the San Juans and Gulf Islands. Stops included Orcas Island, Port Browning, Maple Bay, Ladysmith, Pirates Cove, Montague Harbor and Stuart Island. They also were able to benefit from our SWYC reciprocity feature.
Bruce Morris and Barbara Bergmann were our cruise directors. Thank you!!
Windward Women
WINDWARD WOMEN
Upcoming Ebey's Landing Hike and Lunch at Ciao
The second annual Windward Women hike at Ebey’s landing will be on Tuesday, August 8 followed by lunch at Ciao in Coupeville. We will meet at the Ebey’s Landing beach parking lot at 9 am. A State Park pass is required. For those that don’t wish to hike, they can opt to join lunch only. Ciao opens at 11:30. An official email invite has already been distributed. Call or text Patty Linehan, the leader of this gathering, if you have questions. Membership Directory
All women in the SWYC are members of the Windward Women’s group and are welcome to join in all of our social and exploring gatherings. We usually meet every other month on the first Thursday of that month, but that can vary depending on the planned activity.
Watch for our upcoming events on our SWYC website calendar or reach out to Patty Maxfield to ensure you’re on the email distribution list.
Social Events
SAVE THE DATES!!
You’ll want to get these dates on your 2023 calendar. Please let Mark Conover, membership@swyachtclub.org, know if you will volunteer to help with any of these events. It’s a great way to meet other members – and you get to plan the party!
August Social – Thursday, August 17
Commodore’s Ball – Saturday, November 11
SWYC Holiday Party – Wednesday, December 13
Keep track of all the club events and updates at
Members’ Tech Tips and Training
TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR AUGUST
SWYC Newsletter - New Location
If you are reading this, you have found your way to the new way of receiving your monthly newsletter. Yay!
The newsletter has always been posted to our website, but now, with the update of our website tools, we are able to offer a new look, expanded capabilities and more of the photos you like to see of our events. Each month you’ll still receive a newsletter notification email on the first Sunday of each month. That email will have a link to the newsletter on our website. Same fun stories, more photos and the ability to get creative as we learn more about our new capabilities.
Even though we’ll send you the link each month, know that you can always access the most recent newsletter, plus past newsletters, at anytime by going directly to our SWYC website. You don’t really need the link, but it will be a reminder to look for the new publication. No more worries about ‘misplacing’ that emailed newsletter. We’ll continue to publish each newsletter on the first Sunday of each month.
Be sure to let bilgerat@swyachtclub.org your thoughts, comments and questions as we make this big change.
SWYC Zoom Meetings - Do You Have Your Zoom Account Set Up?
*** 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.
Getting outfitted for the fall boating season? Looking for SWYC clothing, hats or gifts?
Click here: Land’s End Store
PLUS NEW THIS MONTH – A NEW LOCAL OPTION
Savage Screen Printing & Embroidery in Clinton now has our burgee logo on file (Only the burgee. Not our other logos). SWYC members can stop in to Savage and have the logo applied to their own personal item, or select a hat from Savage’s selection. Stop by next time you’re in Clinton to better understand this alternative to Land’s End.
Land’s End still offers the greater variety of merchandise, more logo configurations and the ease of shopping from your home, but it’s nice to have a local alternative as well.
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South Whidbey Yacht Club
PO Box 316
Greenbank, WA 98253