Commodore's Message
We just returned from a relaxing trip to West Beach Resort on Orcas Island with the kayak group. It was a perfect season ending adventure on the water – for me, out fishing on our boat and for Barb, exploring with the kayakers. We did not see any whales however we did have a family of otters who seemed to believe that the dock and any boat tied up there were for their exclusive enjoyment. Our boat seemed to be the party boat as each morning we would arrive to discover the leavings from the previous evening’s festivities. Cute as they are, I wish they would take their celebrations elsewhere.
While the activities on the water are fun in and of themselves, we truly enjoy the evenings with our SWYC family – sips and dips on the dock during cruises, evening shared meals and bonfires with the kayakers, beverages with the racers as they revisit some exciting portion of the day’s races and of course, our monthly meetings.
If you were not able to participate in our activities this season, you can do so vicariously by checking out the pictures on SWYC website or SWYC Facebook page. Planning for 2024 will begin in the coming months and kick into high gear in January. If you see an activity of interest, reach out to the interest group leader for more information and to be included in the planning process.
SWYC Board elections are in October. My tenure as Commodore comes to its conclusion with this election. Bruce Morris, our current Vice-Commodore, is positioned to step into the leadership of the club joined by some existing board members and a few new board members. Look for the ballot in the coming weeks and if you can, join us at the Commodores Ball in November to celebrate the new leadership.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to all who have made my tenure on the SWYC Board and especially the last two years as Commodore, such a rewarding experience. It has been a privilege to serve. I look forward to seeing how our SWYC family grows in the coming years.
Calm seas, fair winds and smooth sailing to you,
Pete Grimlund
Commodore
South Whidbey Yacht Club
SWYC Business
Watch for these Emails Coming in October
There will be three separate emails coming directly to your email inbox this month. Be sure to watch for them. Your responses are important!
- 2024 SWYC Board of Directors Ballot
- 2023 SWYC Founders Award Nomination Process
- Commodore’s Ball Invitation and RSVP Instructions
October Membership Meeting
Wednesday, October 18
Greenbank Progressive Club and Zoom
3090 S Firehouse Rd.
Greenbank, WA 98253
- 6:30 Socializing/Sips & Dips to Share/ Zoom Opens
- 7:00 Announcements
- 7:15 Program
Guest Speaker — Glen Quinton
Remember to bring your own plates, silverware and glassware as part of SWYC’s goal to reduce waste in the environment.
GLEN QUINTON
SWYC Member and YSA Volunteer
Glen and Tina Quinton joined SWYC in January 2022. As a new SWYC member and avid sailor, Glen jumped in and participated in helping with the YSA Youth Sailing Classes this past summer. And loved it! He will share his experiences, what was involved on his part, and how other new and longer time members can be involved in the future — and the joy of passing on the love of sailing to this next generation.
Greenbank Progressive Club
or Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83453425452?pwd=NkQwMUEzbFRDT0NlUTlnNTB0QzZYUT09
Meeting ID: 834 5342 5452
Passcode: 399324
Our next membership meeting will be in January, 2024. We will instead be enjoying the Commodore’s Ball in November and the Holiday Party in December.
For future programs and dates, see the event calendar on the SWYC website.
New Member Social/Orientation
We don’t have any new members to announce this month, BUT there is a New Member Social/Orientation next Sunday, October 8 at 4:00 pm at Pete and Barb Grimlund’s home. Any new member who has not yet attended a New Member Social/Orientation is invited and encouraged to come meet other newbies and a few of us longer time members, ask questions, learn more about the different groups and activities within the club and how you can connect easily to people of mutual interest.
Email commodore@swyachtclub.org if you will be joining us. We’d love to see you there.
20th Annual Commodore's Ball
WATCH FOR YOUR INVITATION!!
Coming directly to your email inbox ~ October 10th.
20TH Annual Commodore’s Ball
Dinner, Awards and Dancing to “Outta Control”
Saturday, November 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Useless Bay Golf & Country Club
Attire: “Nicer”
The SWYC Founder's Award
FOUNDER'S AWARD NOMINATIONS
What a year we’ve had at SWYC and YSA! 2023 has seen a new rush of members and every interest group has reached new heights. Kayakers, Cruisers, Racers and full-on member activities have all experienced great adventure, fun and conviviality. Our YSA Beginners and Intermediates programs were all full and we added an extra week of beginners for Big Sisters Big Brothers of Whidbey. Laser racing had a full season with more than 10 boats each week. All in All, a bumper year of volunteers helping our community thrive.
Each year at the Commodore’s Ball, we honor an individual who we recognize has gone well beyond his/her contribution to the Club with time, energy, expertise, and encouragement
To recognize this individual, we come to you for your nominations. Someone you feel should be recognized for outstanding work throughout the past year. Have you been volunteering next to someone who you have been impressed with their dedication? In reading the monthly newsletter or attended a social or a meeting did you get to know someone who contributes much to the club?
*****Please take a moment to send your nominations for this year’s Founders Award and a brief description why you are nominating this person to Perry Lovelace. Go to the Membership Directory for his email address. Feel free to let Perry know if you have any questions. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Oct. 20th. *****
Description of the Founders Award
The South Whidbey Yacht Club Founders Award was established by the Board of Directors with the intention of honoring Club members who strive to fulfill the Vision & Mission of the SWYC community, as directed by the Club Bylaws.
Criteria for the Award:
All members of the SWYC are eligible for the Founders Award. The recipient will be determined by the Founders Award Committee, based solely on nominations from members in good standing. Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the core values of the Club and must have consistently excelled in furthering the Founders’ goals of education, community outreach and conviviality.”
Nominations:
Candidates for the Award will be sought and considered annually. Members are asked to read the Vision & Mission statements and consider their choices carefully. If a Club member meets the Award criteria, please submit your nomination to the Chairman of the Founders Award Committee by email, outlining your reasons for proposing a particular candidate. Sponsors must be willing to meet with the Award Committee and speak in support of their recommendations if so requested by the Committee. The Committee will consider all nominations and make a unanimous decision, which will remain confidential to the Committee. The name of the recipient will be announced at the Commodore’s Ball in November. Past recipients are eligible for the Award after a period of three years.
Past Award Recipients:
2022 – Perry Lovelace
2021 – Katy Shaner
2020 – Debra Richardson
2019 – Kathy Rodgers
2018 – Lisa Irwin
2017 – Michael Scott
2016 – Pat Sasson
2015 – Bob Boehm
2014 – Russ Ernest
2013 – Don McArthur
2012 – Tom Stinson
2011 – Derek Pritchard
2010 – Bob Rodgers
2009 – Emily McArthur
2008 – Ed Halloran
2007 – Bill Brown
Award Committee:
Perry Lovelace (Membership Directory)
Katy Shaner
Debra Richardson
SWYC 20th Anniversary Artwork Raffle - Last Chance!
The 20th Anniversary Committee is wrapping up our year long celebration with the raffle of this beautiful print of an oil done by our own club member Kathy Parks. Raffle tickets are $10 ea. or 3 for $20. Funds will be donated to the safety boat fund for Youth Sailing Assn. Tickets will be available at the October general meeting and at the Commodores Ball. The drawing will be made at the ball. Winner need not be present, but we hope you will be there to help us wind up the 20th Anniversary of SWYC.
SWYC Holiday Party
WE NEED YOU!
The SWYC Holiday Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 at the Greenbank Progressive Club. BUT, we have no one to plan and lead the festivities – so maybe no party? 🙁 🙁 Bah Humbug!! We need to have at least a couple of co-leads plus a few elves to help with details.
There’s already a spreadsheet from past parties. It’s pretty simple and easy – and fun to get into the spirit and celebrate with friends. We already have some entertainment ideas.
Maybe one of the interest groups can take this on? The laser racers? kayakers? cruisers? Contact Bruce Morris, Mark Conover or bilgerat@swyachtclub.org if you’re willing to help this year. Ho! Ho! Ho!
2024 Port Renfrew Fishing Trip Opportunity!
TWO SPOTS STILL OPEN!! MUST RESPOND QUICKLY!
Where: Port Renfrew, BC, Canada
What: Fishing for Halibut and King Salmon
When: Sunday, July 7th thru Thursday, July 11. Two travel days and three fishing days.
Approximate Cost: $1600 – $1700
$750 Nonrefundable deposit due NOW. Your commitment needs to be communicated by Oct 13.
Includes:everything except lunch on the first day and personal beverages.
Including Housing, Meals, Fishing Guides and Equipment, Fishing Licenses, Ferry Fare and gas for Drivers
Our past take-home catches have been anywhere between 18 pounds of fish per person and as much as 75 pounds of fish per person. It can pay for itself in savings on your grocery bills! Plus you have the fun of fishing and enjoying the BC coastline.
Contact: Starke Scott Link to Directory: Membership Directory
Kayaking
KAYAKING THE WATERS OF WHIDBEY AND BEYOND
Ah, summer has come to a close for paddling the waters of Whidbey. But what a way to end the season. Two fantastic September paddles plus the Orcas Island 4-day event!
On Friday, September 15, 12 of us put in at 8:30 PM and paddled from the shores of Sandy Point for the bioluminescent paddle. What a night! Clear skies, still water, bioluminescence (not a lot, but some sparkles), a stillness and a chance to relax and enjoy the wonder of the stars and the world around us. After the paddle we gathered around the fire-pit for refreshments and sharing our experiences. Thank you, Dave Davis and Barb Hardman, for this magical evening.
The next day, September 16, nine of us headed north to paddle with the Oak Harbor Yacht Club kayakers. Putting in at 4:00PM from the OH Marina we paddled across the harbor to the estuary nestled among the grasses that wandered gently through the marsh lands. It was calm and quiet and a delight to meander. Back to the marina, the winds had picked up, so we were somewhat challenged on our return. All good, though. Ending the evening, the SWYC and OHYC kayakers had a chance to socialize over a meal at the restaurant of the OHYC. Thank you, Jack and Ann Holton, for organizing and leading this joint event.
Next Event:
Friday, Oct 6, 5:30 pm. Kayaking End-of-Season Pot Luck Dinner 2023 Recap and 2024 Wish List. At Grimlund’s. All interested SWYC kayakers are welcome to join us whether you kayaked with us in 2023 or not. Maybe 2024? or even this winter?
Baker Lake Camping Trip – 2024 – SAVE THE DATE
For those of you planning ahead for 2024, we have again reserved the two group sites at Swift Creek Campground on Baker Lake for two nights – Sunday, June 16 and Monday, June 17, checking out on Tuesday.
Mark your calendars and let Barb G know so that we can be sure you’re on the event communications list. Link to the event is here: 2024 Baker Lake Camping
West Beach Resort Kayaking and All Club Trip
What a fantastic trip to West Beach Resort on Orcas Island! 15 kayakers plus 7 additional SWYC members & two cruising boats. Four days of paddling, some fishing, shopping, hiking, campfires – with gourmet s’mores thanks to Diane L. – and of course excellent eating, both potluck and dinner out in East Sound. Sun, a little rain, clouds and winds, but it didn’t keep us off the water or away from island activities. And some pesky, silly otters that Pete has already mentioned in his message. Haha!
Next year’s return trip to West Beach Resort is already set for Thursday – Sunday, September 19-22. If interested, make your reservations now. Or stay elsewhere and join us for paddles and social events. See Barb Grimlund if you are interested in the trip and especially if you would like to reserve one of the three bedrooms in the Farmhouse. It’s much more economical.
Sailing/Racing
LASER FLEET
SWYC’s laser fleet wrapped up an incredible year or racing: 21 sailors (at different times), 14 race nights, 50 races!
The wrap-up celebration started with a tailgate one-beer celebration following their last race. Then they celebrated in style at Brad’s greenhouse with an end-of-the-season awards and pot-luck dinner.
Here’s the Top Ten Results:
Cruising
Our 2023 cruising season wrapped up with our September Central Sound Cruise. Thanks Bill and Jill for pulling it together. If anyone is interested in any off-season cruising, reach out to our Group Me Cruising Group to find fellow cruisers.
Watch for 2024 Cruise Planning meetings in early 2024.
Windward Women
UPCOMING EVENT - WHALE CENTER TOUR AND LANGLEY LUNCH
The next Windward Women outing will be on Thursday, October 26 at 11:00 AM. We’ll enjoy a tour of the Whale Center in Langley followed by lunch in town. Meet at the Whale Center at 11:00. Watch for more information from Patty the third week in October.
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!!
Be sure these dates are on you 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!
Commodore’s Ball – Saturday, November 11
SWYC Holiday Party – Wednesday, December 13::::: WE NEED A VOLUNTEER TO CO-PLAN THIS EVENT – or no party? :(:( It’s easy! – Let Bruce Morris or Mark Conover know if you can help out.
Keep track of all the club events and updates at:
Safety Matters!
P P P P P P P P P
SAFETY MATTERS #6: "The Nine P's"
By Clay Canfield, Safety Officer
Question: Ever hear of the nine P’s?
Proper Prior Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Pretty Poor Performance! This applies to almost everything, but especially to sailing, kayaking, and boating in general. The emphasis should be on “Prior.”
Planning includes but is not limited to: a) what are we going to do, b) how are we going to do it, c) what equipment and materials do we need, d) what are the risks and how do we mitigate them?, e) route planning, f) Menus, etc.
Preparation includes but is not limited to: a) making sure we have all the equipment and materials we planned for on hand and in place, b) servicing the boat, kayak, or other means of transportation, c) making sure all equipment and materials are in good working order, d) making sure our personal gear is in proper order, e) ensuring all required and needed safety gear is on hand and in good order, making sure we are personally ready and in good order, etc.
Practice includes but is not limited to running safety drills on all critical safety issues. This particularly applies to things like crew overboard drills when the skipper is the victim, or kayak capsizes. Personally I recommend conducting a crew overboard drill every time a sailboat is taken out. Capsize drills aren’t practical every time a group of kayakers go on an outing, but conducting a class every spring on kayak emergencies is a real good idea.
Next time you are planning an outing, remember the Nine P’s” Proper Prior Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Pretty Poor Performance!”
Members’ Tech Tips and Training
TECHNOLOGY TIP FOR OCTOBER
SWYC CONTACT INFORMATION
Why don’t you see members’ contact information (email addresses and phone numbers) in our newsletters?
It is our club practice not to publish SWYC members’ personal email addresses or phone numbers in our newsletter. Because our newsletter is on the ‘public’ pages of our SWYC website, that personal information is viewable and ‘scrapable’ by anyone who is viewing our website. Instead, we have been putting a link to our Membership Directory when you are asked to contact an individual member. Click here: Membership Directory
Our Membership Directory is password protected. Only active members have access to our directory information.
TIP: Take a moment to go to the Membership Directory. If you’ve forgotten your password, now is a good time to request a new one. The instructions are on the page. Your new password will be sent to the email that you have indicated as your ‘primary’ email.
If your ‘primary’ email has changed since you joined SWYC, take the additional step of going into your membership ‘profile’ and make the change so that important club communications are sure to get to you.
*** 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.
Beginning to look for holiday gifts? Getting outfitted for the fall boating season? Looking for SWYC clothing, hats or gifts?
Click here: Land’s End Store
PLUS A NEW LOCAL ON-ISLAND 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.
Visors from Savage Screen Printing and Embroidery
These are examples of some of the products that Savage Screen Printing and Embroidery, in Clinton, is able to create for you locally.
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Our mailing address is:
South Whidbey Yacht Club
PO Box 316
Greenbank, WA 98253