Commodore's Message
CRABFEST
Your Crabby team wasted no time in hauling in a record crab catch for CrabFest. Please join me in thanking all the dedicated volunteers who caught, cleaned and cooked the wily devils. A great example of the big and small efforts that combine to create an extremely successful boating program.
Boating Photos
Boating photos go a long way toward telling our story to both members and visitors on our website. Where do all those great photos on our website come from? From photo savvy members with cameras! If you have boating photos to share, please contact your Fleet Captain about how you can share those memories with both your fleet and all members.
Summer Boating Activities
I look at the SWYC calendar almost daily, but I am still amazed by the sheer number of boating & social activities. So again I want to thank our incredible Fleet Captains for their efforts in bringing all of these wonderful activities to our members. If you aren’t looking at our calendar as you plan your week, there’s a good chance you are missing out on something!
Go Boating with a like-minded Group!
Commodore Bruce
Tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Katy Shaner arranged for another tour of the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders yard last month. It was fascinating, if a little bittersweet. Our guide, Matt Nichols, was a day or two away from retirement.
Nautical Garage Sale
Thanks to you, the SWYC’s first Nautical Garage Sale was a success. We took in over $900 and most of those proceeds will be going to the Youth Sailing Association. A big thank you to all who brought items to sell, volunteered to staff the sale and generously donated proceeds toward YSA. A special thank you to Phil Simon for allowing us to use his front yard in Lagoon Point for the sale.
Kayaking by Fleet Captain Barb Grimlund
The SWYC Kayaking Camping trip did not disappoint this year. Even though the weather and wind weren’t ideal for longer kayaking paddles, our hardy group found hikes, natural hot springs, communal dinners and campfires to enjoy together. And of course, the last morning was ideal! We had the peaceful lake all to ourselves. We’re already investigating sites for next year’s event. All SWYC campers are welcome, whether you are a paddler or not. Join the fun!
Following Baker Lake, SWYC paddlers had a rescue practice in salt water on Mutiny Bay. It’s prudent to practice in the cold water of the Sound with currents and winds in addition to practicing the basics on a calmer Goss Lake.
On July 2, another group of paddlers enjoyed a late afternoon paddle on Mutiny Bay followed by a picnic at Robinson Beach on a lovely evening. It was great to see several of our newer members out at this event.
Upcoming Paddling Events
- July 15 – Penn Cove Paddle and Lunch
- July 21 – Lake Washington Mercer Slough Paddle
- August 3 – Possession Point Kelp Beds
- August 7-9 – Kayak Camping to Sinclair Island (currently full and wait-listed)
- August 11 – Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival Paddle
Windward Women by Fleet Captain Katy Shaner
July is here and that means summer on Whidbey Island! Activities abound for the Windward Women.
The month of June came to a close for the WW with a hike on Monday, June 24th at the WCLT protected property Possession Sound Preserve. Six of us hiked the trail down to the beach overlooking the Sound where Mukilteo could be seen in the distance and the Cascade Mountain Range beyond. A half-mile sloping trail led us to more than a half-mile stretch of natural bluff and beach. We picnicked on the beach on benches provided by Mother Nature in the shape of logs.
New to the WW this is gathering at WICA’s Happy Hour Under the Tent. Musicians and groups are scheduled to play during the given Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday nights from June 23 – August 26 from 5:00 – 7:00. Our first was the Friday, July 5 when the Marimba Band brought exhilaration and bounce to the evening. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase. Saturday, July 27 will be our next time at Happy Hour Under the Tent when the Women’s Jazz Showcase performs.
What a delightful fun evening was our Happy Hour sips and dips potluck this past Thursday, July 11 at the home of Leslie Flohr and Greg Mackay. Ten of us had the pleasure of an abundance of delicious snacks, a fantastic view of the Sound with the Olympics far off, sailboats sailing by and eagles flying above us. Each time we WW have gathered together and shared stories about ourselves, we have had a chance to grow together in friendship.
Another first for the WW – the Wayward Sirens. That is the name of the singing group that is forming to sing together making ‘fantastic’ music. Seven of us met this past Friday, July 12 at the home of Debra Richardson’s. We chose songs and sang away. For starters the songs we chose each have a sailing theme or related to it. The “Skye Boat Song” (words from Outlander) and “Sloop John B”. More to come with the hope of one day sharing our voices with members of the SWYC!
Coming up Tuesday, July 16, 3:00 – 5:00 will be our book discussion Bijaboji – North to Alaska by Oar by Betty Lowman Casey. Betty named the canoe her father rescued from the sea and gave her, after her four brothers – Bill, Jack, Bob and Jim. “Betty Lowman was 22 years old in June 1937 when she climbed into her beloved red dugout canoe Bijaboji and set out on a journey from Puget Sound to Alaska. Traversing some of the most treacherous waters on earth, the journey would have been a risky act for an extreme adventurer in any era; for a young woman in the conservative 1930s, it was a venture of almost unimaginable daring.” We will have a sips and dips book discussion at the home of Katy Shaner.
On Thursday, July 25, at 11:00, following the book discussion of Bijaboji, the WW will take a tour of the Anacortes Maritime Heritage Center where Bijaboji is on display and also the P.T. Preston, a stern wheel steamboat. Lunch will be in Anacortes.
The WW will get back to hiking towards the end of July. This time it will be Friday, July 26, starting at 9:30 at Whidbey Institute. We will hike the trails of the Legacy Forest with a picnic lunch in front of the Story House. The 106-acre property trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk daily. Forest and fields lined trails – a sense of peace prevails!WW will have socials, hikes and tours with guest speakers, through September! Check out the SWYC website https://swyachtclub.org/windward-women/#!event-list 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
Pelican racing is on a break for a couple of weeks while many of the Pelicaneers are assisting with youth sailing lessons.
Next races will be on July 31st at Monroe Landing.
July 9 Laser Race
According to Laser Co-Fleet Captain Zak Malbin, “we have had an awesome summer so far- good turnout, awesome race committee, good breeze, nice waves to surf, and lots of capsizes! Everyone is having fun and the competition is very close. If anyone wants to watch some exciting sailing with a leeward mark close to shore, first start is at 4:30 PM on Tuesdays at Freeland Park!”
Cruising
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 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.
New Members
Callahan McVay
Callahan discovered the club through Facebook. There is a good chance you have encountered this prominent member of the community. He has operated Callahan’s Firehouse Glass Studio in Langley for fifteen years.
As a younger man, Callahan commercially fished for halibut in the North Pacific. He is a member of the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union. More recently he rows for fun and fitness in the waters off Langley, rain or shine.
Sponsor: Mark Conover
Heather and Dave Mosebar
Heather and Dave have maintained a little house on Columbia Beach for many years. Home base was previously in Redmond. Dave’s recent retirement motivated a permanent move to the island. They have upgraded to a larger house on Columbia Beach, and now are preparing the original house for sale in September.
During a brief chat, it was learned that Dave owns a sea kayak, and a Duroboat with which he enjoys crabbing. Finally, Dave has a strong interest in sailing. He took the ASA 101 Keelboat class down in California.
The Mosebars have two adult sons. The eldest is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who is currently flying helicopters for that service. He will soon transition to C-130 transport aircraft.
Their younger son is attending a culinary institute in Colorado Springs
Sponsors: Mark Conover
Coming Events
Crab Fest - Sunday July 14
Members and Guests Welcome
Show up early if you want to help out.
Ahoy Mateys! 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 members and 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 (2:30 pm) 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!
- 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.
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, 3:00 pm!
All SWYC members are invited to participate in the Orcas Island trip September 19 -22, or whichever days you can join us. Although most of us will be kayaking, there are ample opportunities for entertainment on Orcas. Shopping, dining, exploring, hiking, boating, communal dinners and entertainment to name a few. Even if West Beach Resort accommodations aren’t available, you can stay at one of the other properties on Orcas and join the group for activities.
Let Barb Grimlund know if you are joining the event or if you have questions. Also, be sure to make you ferry reservations.
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 Items For Sale
Our new member, Callahan McVay, has a spare rowboat for sale.
Boat, trailer, cover, two sets of oars
Light as Air rowboat built in 2023
$10,000
Please text message Callahan: 360-395-5823
Please text message Callahan: 360-395-5823
Holy cow, you scrolled down this far? You will be rewarded with a joke.
Why don't crabs donate to charity?
Because they are shellfish!
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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South Whidbey Yacht Club
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Greenbank, WA 98253