Commodore's Message
CRABFEST
Our largest outdoor event is coming up next month! This may come as a surprise to a few people – those wily crabs don’t catch, clean & cook themselves. This event requires a tremendous amount of work for a few dedicated skippers and all of them will greatly appreciate volunteers to help out. You can take a boat ride, help catch and/or watch the crab wrestling, or help with cleaning or cooking the monsters. Please send me or Bilgerat a note letting us know how you can help. Look for more details later in this newsletter.
Youth Sailing Classes
Next month YSA will start the Youth Classes. These classes require a lot of time and effort by the few people who are active in the YSA organization. Please consider volunteering a few hours to help them out and keep this vital service to our youth afloat. Contact Bob Rodgers or Sarah Dore to learn how you can help.
Spring & Summer Boating Activities
Reminder to take a look at our website to see all the activities our wonderful Fleet Captains have planned! Do you know you can participate in Cruising activities without a boat? You can enjoy all the fun of cruising without the expense of a large boat. There are a number of cruise destinations where one of our many skippers will take you as a passenger and you can book a hotel or short-term rental ashore for the night. If that interests you, contact Jim & Kathy Rogers for more information.
Go Boating with a Friend!
Commodore Bruce
Aquapalooza
No matter the chilly and damp weather, our first Aquapalooza was a success. Enjoy these photos of the event.
Adult Sailing Classes
The always popular adult sailing classes were a big success. Thank you instructors!
Kayaking by Fleet Captain Barb Grimlund
The cool and rainy weather hasn’t stopped the SWYC kayakers from getting out on the water. Earlier in May, as part of the cruiser’s Aquapalooza, at least one kayaker was out there on the water – plus, we even got rear commodore Phil Simon in a kayak for a little spin around the marina!
Practicing Kayak Rescues at Goss Lake
May 25 and May 26 was our annual kayak rescue practice. 12 hardy kayakers braved the rainy cold temperature and cold water of Goss Lake to purposely capsize and practice their re-entry skills. It is indeed a humbling and sobering reminder of just how challenging it is to get oneself back in the kayak. Our goal was to be better prepared and have more confidence should we ever capsize while out on a paddle. Big thanks to Jack and Ann Holton for leading this training.
Glendale Beach Paddle
On May 31, Glendale Beach was the destination for another morning paddle followed by lunch at Cozy’s. Clear skies, smooth waters and sunshine. Great way to start out our weekend.
Upcoming Paddling Events
- June 25 – Salt Water and Conditions Rescue Practice at Robinson Beach on Mutiny Bay
- July 1 – Evening Paddle and Sips ‘n Dips on the Beach – Robinson Beach, Mutiny Bay
- July 15 – Penn Cove Paddle and Lunch
Windward Women by Fleet Captain Katy Shaner
June is busting out all over! Bring it on for the Windward Women!
The Windward Women had both a hike and a tour in May. On Friday, May 10th, 8 WW walked Putney Woods with SWYC member Mary Stewart who organized and led the hike. It was a sunny day, perfect for hiking Putney Woods with all its many trails. With Mary’s map of the trails, we found our way through more than 600 acres of forest and 15 miles of trails. We entered the park from Keller Road and hiked about 2.5 miles of flat forest trail, mostly in the Metcalf Woods.
Hiking gives us such a good chance to be in the natural beauty of Whidbey Island and get a chance to get to know each other even better.
After the hike, 5 of us enjoyed a picnic at the Goss Woods Community Beach where we saw both a sea otter and a young family of Canada geese swim by.
On Wednesday, May 22, 11 Windwards took a tour of the Schooner Suva with a presentation before the tour at Coupeville Library. Pete Wells, the president of the Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation shared slides and stories about the Suva. Afterwards we walked to the Coupeville Wharf to board the Suva for our tour. The Suva is a 68-foot long, wooden pilot boat is almost 100 years old, having been built in 1925. We shared Happy Hour at the Front Street Grill. Fun time.
June started with a Windwards social at Spoiled Dog. Karen Krug welcomed us to the Winery where we enjoyed Spoiled Dogs wines and the dips the Windwards brought to share. Nine of us enjoyed this social, as we sat outside under a roofed heated area. It was a glorious evening – perfect temperature, clear blue sky. A chance for each of us to share “She Tells, Sea Tales” – personal stories of being on the water both in a pleasant or a challenging way. Some harrowing tales were told. The kind of tales, where “you made it through gal”!! Lots of good cheer.
Throughout the summer WW will have socials, hikes and tours with guest speakers, even a book discussion! Check out the SWYC website https://swyachtclub.org/ under Windward Women and click on the event in which you would like to participate.
Throughout the summer WW will have socials, hikes and tours with guest speakers. Check out the SWYC website under Windward Women and click on the event in which you would like to participate.
All women of the SWYC are invited to participate. Questions? Suggestions? Interests? Contact Katy Shaner.
Racing
May 22 Pelican Race
June 4 Laser Race
The 2024 schedules of both the Laser Racing (Fleet Captains Zak Malbin and Carol Dean) and Pelican Racing (Fleet Captain Bill Brown) are now on the SWYC Calendar. Be sure to add these to your own calendar for a summer of fun competition on the water.
NEW THIS YEAR: Casual Sail Fridays! Casual Sail Fridays will be a more informal “go have fun and sail however you want” opportunity to be out at the same time as others. Pelicans or Lasers, the Casual Sail Fridays will begin on June 7 at 4:00 on Holmes Harbor, launching from Freeland Park. On the last Friday of June, July and August following the sailing, we’ll be having a club cookout in Freeland Park. Whether you are a sailor or just want to come down and watch, join the group for some good picnic eats with friends. Reach out to Sean Cruz for more information.
Pelican Fleet Captain Needed. We are still in need of a Pelican Fleet Captain for 2024. Please reach out to Bill Brown or Bruce if you are a Pelican sailor and can step up into this role.
Cruising
Photos of the June Cruise, led by Jim & Melody Carney — Gulf Islands, Sydney, Ganges, Nanaimo
Cruises coming up …
July Cruise – South Sound – Leaders: Jim and Kathy Rogers Details here
- Port Townsend
- Victoria
- Sooke
- Port Susan
- Barkley Sound
- Tofino
- Bamfield
- Neah Bay
- Clallam Bay
- Port Angeles
- Sequim Bay
- Port Townsend
- September 11 – Port Ludlow Marina
- September 12 – Pleasant Harbor Marina
- September 13-14 – Alderbrook Resort & Marina
- September 15 – Pleasant Harbor Marina
- September 16 – Home
Get details about this season’s cruises on our website.
YSA: Volunteers needed for Shore Support During Youth Sailing Classes in July
Shore Support for the Youth Sailing classes is needed the weeks of July 8 to the 12th, July 15 to the 19, and July 22 to the 26th.
There is the choice of two shifts 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, or all day. Email Sarah at sdore@widbey.net with availability. You will have to have a background check thru the parks department. Note: The background check requires a few days, and sometimes as long as two weeks.
Safety Matters #13: Hypothermia by Clay Canfield
Hypothermia is the subject of this month’s Safety Matters, even though it may appear to be somewhat repetitive from earlier months, because we are now well into the season of warm weather, cold water, and many people either caught unaware or new to cold water sports. As with virtually all safety concepts, there are numerous misunderstandings regarding hypothermia. I am including herein a link to a Coast Guard “Cold Water Survival” article that gives excellent, scientifically proven concepts to keep in mind.
Among those concepts one really stands out: “It is impossible to die from hypothermia in cold water unless you are wearing flotation. Because without flotation you won’t live long enough to become hypothermic.” I refer you to the article for further enlightenment on this.
https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-12-08&category=cold-water-survival
By way of repetition from earlier articles, I am reiterating the advice that we should all dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature while sailing. We should always wear a suitable PFD while on deck or exposed to the weather. Please note that there are numerous “survival time” charts available, yet survival time is not really quantifiable enough to rely on these charts. I refer you to the following link:
https://www.coldwatersafety.org/survival-estimates
If you are ever interested in seeing what the Coast Guard sees when rescuing people in the water, I highly recommend going to youtube and searching for Coast Guard Alaska, Coast Guard Cape Disappointment, or Coast Guard Florida. I think you will not only learn quite a bit about hypothermia, but also about how well the Coast Guard team operates.
Wishing you a safe boating season, I am
Clay Canfield
New Members
Mary Erickson and Don Bollinger
“Don started river canoeing in the midWest in 1970, whitewater kayaking in 1977, sea kayaking in 1990, and sailing in 1988. He took several on water sailing classes in the early 1990s. He has been sailing with friends since and on a 22 ft Tanzer since 2000. He chartered several larger boats for B.C. Coast destinations including Desolation Sound and Princess Louisa Inlet.”`
This couple’s deep and diverse nautical experiences are going to make for some fun listening as we coax stories from them at upcoming meetings.
Sponsors: Barb Grimlund and Barb Hardman
Maryann Etchells
“I grew up fishing in NY and MA, sailing and boating. In WA state I have done a lot of kayaking and enjoy bumping into the odd seal in Holmes Harbor and Bowman Bay. Can’t wait to get out with everyone. I have just moved to Goss Lake in Langley in December of 2022 and am 53 years old. Now that I am settled in I am ready to socialize and participate in the community. I grew up fishing in the Hamptons and Cape Cod, sailing with friends on the Long Island Sound, and taking sailing classes at Wellesley College. I have been a kayaker for the last fifteen years taking tours around Deception Pass kelp beds at Bowman Bay, and triathlete in my thirties swimming in the Puget Sound and nearby lakes without need of a wet suit. Ah youth! 🙂 In high school I ran a high adventure Explorer Post doing outdoor activities. Living in Scotland I hiked and toured various islands. Here in the PNW since 1996 I have participated in many kinds of outdoor activities throughout the state. I currently own two sit on top kayaks to share and a 10′ boat. I hope to find a fun group of like minded people to do kayaking, potlucks, walks, crabbing, clamming, and maybe learn to navigate the waters with a boat for fishing with groups of you all if that is an interest. I’d love to learn both sound fishing in boats and salmon fishing at Bush Point! “
Maryann’s enthusiasm for the club is impressive. She has already participated with Windward Women, and is eagerly assessing her kayak equipment, looking to join up with Kayak Fleet Captain Barb.
Sponsor: Katy Shaner
Robin and John Porter
“Currently working on a MiniSail that I got for free (similar to a Laser) and a West Wight Potter 15 that hasn’t seen water in over 20 years. Robin and I are both retired now and would enjoy both the social and sailing aspects of the Club. Our daughter and son-in-law live in Greenbank and were both active on the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. And we have two grandsons who don’t know how much they will love sailing…..yet.”
John flew for the Air Force, then for a major airline. Robin also served in the Air Force, before moving to a career in journalism. More recently, Robin has worked in the field of conflict resolution, serving as a certified ombudsman with the King County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Sponsor: Mark Conover
Coming Events
Monthly Membership Meeting
Speaker: Rear Commodore Phil Simon
The inside scoop about Langley and South Whidbey Island
6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 19
Greenbank Progressive Club (And Zoom)
Greenbank Progressive Club (And Zoom)
Our very own Rear Commodore Phil Simon and his family have a rich history in the South Whidbey Island Community. Phil will share his stories of Langley history and the inside scoop about South Whidbey Island. Come hear the inside story from Phil.
You will find additional details, including Zoom meeting link, here.
Tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Thursday, June 20 @ 10:00 am
The SWYC Windward Women’s tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders was so successful that another tour has been planned.
It will be Thursday, June 20, 10:00. Meet at Matt Nichol’s office on 7777 E. Shoreview Dr. overlooking Holme’s Harber. Parking is limited. Overflow parking will be in the Nichols Brothers boat ramp area along Shoreview Drive.
See how their operations works, what kinds of boats they build and gain a greater appreciation for Freeland’s commerce and the role Nichols Bros play.
Maximum number participants is 25 so the first 25 to respond will be included in the tour. Please respond to Katy Shaner. SWYC
All Things Nautical Garage Sale - July 6
The SWYC Nautical Garage Sale is still on for Saturday July 6th. It will be a part of the big annual Lagoon Point garage sale day. Our Rear Commodore Phil Simon has graciously agreed to allow us to set up on his Lagoon Point property at 3553 Seashore Ave. We will plan to be up and running by around 8:30 am. Please drop off any generally nautical items (boating, fishing, tools etc.) you would like to sell or donate prior to 8:30 am. Mark items with your asking price and initials. Contact Dan Mooney if you have any questions, or need to drop off items before the day of the sale.
Crab Fest - July 14
Volunteers Needed
Ahoy Matey’s! Our Crab Feast is fast approaching! The band is set, the volunteers are stepping up and plans are well under way. We had over 120 guests last year and 40 volunteers to pull this SWYC favorite event off. We have just a couple more helping jobs to pull this off… we would love to get a specific name on these tasks…
- Greeters: Mark Conover. our Membership Chair usually helps with this so don’t be afraid, as he will show you the way! He could use some help welcoming our members and guests to Crab Feast.
- A team of BBQ grillers to arrive early to fire up the BBQ and get the burgers and dogs going.
- Ice: we actually need 35 bags on Sat and 19 bags Sunday. Let Keith Brocker know how many you plan to bring to help on Saturday and let Melody Carney know regarding the event on SUN. Save your receipts for submission to our Treasurer, Starke, as these expenses can be reimbursed or donated if you wish.
- You might have thought we were kidding before about the lemon slicer…but if someone could arrive half an hour early (2:30pm) to get our lemons ready, we would be grateful.
- We also need a butter melting team to arrive at 2:30pm to melt and serve the butter for all that lovely crab that’s coming! (Could also slice the lemons mentioned above – a 2-fer!)
- We could also use a small portable burner to melt the butter.
- We could use a couple more folks for set up and tear down or clean up at the end.
Many hands make the work light…and more fun! If these are tasks you can help us tackle, reach out to Jim and Melody Carney. Our info is on our wonderful website in the Member Directory as is all the Crab Feast details. (include links to Member directory and Crab Feast Event info here?…)
If you have extra portable tables or you own shade canopy, bring them and remember to BYOE (“bring your own everything” – plate, glass, tableware… in our efforts to be more green!) Remember to bring two (2) extra bags for your group’s garbage and recycling – we are trying a leave no trace approach this year of pack your own in, pack your own out which goes along with our “Green” policy. We look forward to seeing everyone who can make it to Crab Feast on Sunday July 14, 3p!
Seeking Crabbing Captains and Deck Mates / Crab Wranglers
Crabbing season is coming up and opens July 1st, and the SWYC is forming our crabbing team. This is becoming more challenging every year as our crabbing fleet is dwindling. Please consider spending a few hour to help us out. Ways you can help:
- You are an experienced crabber, or
- You have a boat suitable for crabbing, or
- You have crabbing gear that you will not be using, or
- You want to learn a little about crabbing from an experienced crabber, or
- You just want to help the crabbers and watch the crab wrestling!
- You are willing to help clean & cook crabs the day before Crabfest (the pre-function party)
The only requirement to ride on the crabbing boats is a shellfish license with a crab endorsement. If you are interested in going out with the crabbing fleet, we recommend you get a crab license online now! If you don’t have a suitable boat, we will pair you up with a crabber who needs assistance.
Please join the team and help us catch a ton of crab for our Crabfest!
The cost of a crab license online:
License Type Resident (AGE 16-69) Resident Senior (AGE 70+)
Annual Shellfish / Seaweed $17.40 $7.50
Puget Sound Crab Endorsement $8.25 $8.25
(These are the online fees – if you buy at a licensed dealer, they add an additional fee)
2024 Calendar of Events
Check out our Calendar for the dates of all of our Annual Events. And be sure to get them on YOUR calendar!
Member Questions
Please send responses to: bilgerat@swyachtclub.org
Any rowers out there? A new member would love to chat with you!
Seeking accommodation
We have a member seeking housing as their current lease expires soon.
Looking for SWYC clothing, hats or gifts for the summer? Head to our Land’s End SWYC store for a wide selection of apparel and accessories. Two different SWYC logos plus Windward Women logos to choose from. Make your customized selection and order on line.
Click here: Land’s End Store
Or, you can choose a 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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