Commodore's Message
Julia and I have finally returned to the Pacific Northwest and look forward to participating in the SWYC activities in person. I do want to thank our Vice Commodore John Porter for doing such a great job standing in for me and taking up the slack while we were away.
I have already had an opportunity to get out on the water to go Spot Prawn fishing for the first time. Our daughter Kristen (also a SWYC member) and I set off from John Wayne marina near Sequim on a gorgeous and fairly calm PNW morning and caught our boat’s limit. I am just hoping that this Summer’s Dungeness Crab fishing is equally successful!
Unfortunately we did not get back out West in time to attend the first Club meeting at Freeland Hall in May. By all accounts Freeland Hall proved to be an excellent venue. As previously announced we will be holding this year’s Crab Fest and Holiday Party at Freeland Hall and plan to hold all of our monthly Club meetings there starting next year. In the mean time we will be returning to the Progressive Club for the remainder of our monthly Club meetings this year (June, Sept. and Oct.). Our guest speakers this month, Stefan and Lori Maxfield, will be telling us about their experience circumnavigating Vancouver Island last year with their 2 young sons.
There are way too many things going on across the Club for me to mention them all here. So please give this month’s newsletter a good read to learn more about the fun and interesting events and activities we have coming up over the summer months. Just pick the ones that look best to you and come on out and join us!
Vice-Commodore's Report
Well, our boating season is off and running! Lot’s of Laser racing, adult sailing classes with YSA, a sail to the Small Boat Festival in Port Ludlow, and a day trip to Friday Harbor. What a great Spring so far!
A great new addition to our Club are our new members. New members John and Christina Klemser come from the American Boat Club of Deception Pass, and have a relationship with the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Their Club receives crab pots the Department recovers each season. These are reconditioned and available for sale. The money collected goes to non-profit organizations. Their Club, through Christina, is gifting 20 pots to our Youth Sailing Program! These are AVAILABLE NOW for $50/pot. Complete! Far less than half what a new setup would cost! And these are your tax dollars at work! If interested in a great deal for the 2025 season, contact me at 503 550-8644.
Lastly, on May 21, 2024, I suffered a serious heart attack. The “Widowmaker.” Surgery in Everett, cardiac rehabilitation in Coupeville, and a goal to recover. On May 18, 2025, I completed the Chattanooga IRONMAN 70.3. The 56 mile bike ride includes going through Chickamauga, GA (civil war buffs will know about this place). The point is to never let a day pass that doesn’t include appreciation. These are turbulent times, take time for self-care. With Dan back, I’m taking a slight break, and Robin and I are going to cruise the Inside Passage. Self-Care! Have a great meeting and I’ll see you at YaGotta Regatta!
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
Greetings Kayakers!
A fantastic group of very hearty kayakers braved a grey and rainy day on Deer Lake to voluntarily capsize themselves for the sake of safety. The T-rescue with a buddy, self-rescue with a paddle float, cowboy self-rescue and the heel hook self -rescue methods were all tested. Thank you to members Jack and Ann Holton and Dale and Ann Christensen for facilitating the training and hosting us for post rescue snacks and drinks plus a warm place to change out of our wet clothes!
– Nina/Diane, Kayak Fleet Co-Captains
Upcoming Events
- June 22-24: Kayak Fleet members will be heading out for the Fort Flagler camping trip.
- June 28: Ya Gotta Regatta paddle from 8:30am-12:00pm at the Langley Marina. It’s part of the SWYC Ya Gotta Regatta weekend of celebration with a “bring your own lunch” on the dock with the Cruising Fleet at SWYC’s new reciprocal slip.
- July 13: Kayak Fleet teams up to host the beloved, annual SWYC Crab Feast with a fundraising silent Dessert Auction. Bring some extra cash to bid on one of the fabulous desserts. All for the support of Whidbey Veterans Resource Center. 3-5pm at the Freeland Community Hall. Look out for special flyers with all the details in the newsletter.
- July 17: Bells Beach Paddle and Pints. 10am-1pm
- July 29-31: Kayak camping trip to Sinclair Island (this trip is fully booked).
Details and RSVP for the upcoming kayak paddles and events can be found on the Group Me invitations located in the Group Me Calendar for the SWYC Kayak Group. Not on Group Me for the Kayak Fleet? Contact Nina Fitts or Diane Lagerstedt to get you set up.
Windward Women by Fleet Captain Katy Shaner
June is busting out all over! Let it keep on keeping on for the Windward Women for the rest of the summer season with hikes and socials and even a book discussion with a chance to meet the author!
May
On May 20th SWYC member Stacy Taylor led a walk of the upper loop of Whidbey Institute. This was a 45-minute loop with rolling terrain through the beautiful forest surrounding the trail. Afterwards, the 8 who joined the hike shared a picnic together.
June
The WW had two hikes and one social in June. The first hike was at Sharpe Park on Fidalgo Island. This hike was organized and led by SWYC member Julie Demaree. Seven of us hiked down to the bluff overlooking the water from a high vantage point with a superb view of the ocean and islands beyond. Then the seven of us climbed up to the meadow where we had a chance to relax before going for lunch in Anacortes at Gere-a-Deli’s. What a beautiful day. Sunshine in abundance!
Our second hike was June 10th at Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Studies. It was another beautiful day, this time much warmer. Jann Ledbetter, a SWYC member and PRI guide Mosa Neis welcomed nine of us to the PRI. We were shown the Native Plant Center which includes the native plant nursery beds. Jann took us on a hike through the woods of this 175-acre protected property and on to the Prairie Remnant area, a prairie untouched and in its original state. This “old-growth” prairie of about five acres contains over 80 species of rare native plants and is one of the most ecologically significant parcels of land in the region. The formerly threatened, golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) was reintroduced in 2007 and has flourished to become one of the largest populations in existence.
After our hike, we went on to lunch in Coupeville to the relatively new restaurant, Osprey Fish Co.
And last but not least, nine of us gathered for a social at the home of Leslie Flohr. Leslie welcomed us to her home where we shared appetizers in abundance and a variety of beverages. We relaxed in a splendid environment overlooking Puget Sound with a chance to meet each other, some of us for the first time.
Windward Women Scheduled Hikes
Other events/activities are being planned. See the hikes already scheduled. Remember, you can always go on the SWYC website for the calendar of WW activities.
Saturday, August 23, 1:00 – 3:00 Price Sculpture Forest, “WANDER/WONDER: a sculptured dance happening”. Lunch prior at Beaver Tales Café, Coupeville Wharf, 11:30 – 12:00
Windward Women Scheduled Socials
Friday, August 1, 3:00 – 5:00 at the Happy Hour at the home of Gwen Coughenour and a walk to Deer Lagoon to see Pelicans (birds, not the sailing dinghys). Gwen will provide ‘sips and dips’.
Windward Women Book Discussion
Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 – 4:00 at the home of Ann Christensen. Join Ann as she hosts this year’s Windward Women book discussion at her home overlooking Deer Lake. The WW will be discussing The Ghosts of Whidbey Island, by local author Victoria Ventris Shea. The Windwards will have a chance to meet Victoria Ventris Shea the week after the book discussion.
Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 – 11:00 Coupeville Library Meeting Room. Meet Author Victoria Ventris Shea.
Remember, you can always go on the SWYC website for the calendar of WW activities.
All women of the SWYC are invited to participate in Windward Women activities. Contact Fleet Captain Katy Shaner.
Sailing / Racing
Pelican Fleet
The 2025 Pelican race series got underway on June 11th on Lone Lake. Four boats fought their way through this year’s bountiful crop of weeds to open water. One boat sailed single handed, an indication of crewing opportunities, and another boat had to leave early so the Canfields could attend the Board meeting. None the less, we did get in four races. Standings to date are as listed below, and scoring details are posted on Sailwave.
| 1st | Clyde Jenkins & Lisa Irwin | 7 Points |
| 2nd | Bob Rodgers & Sara Stawarz | 9 Points |
| 3rd | Randy Weers | 10 Points |
| 4th | Clay & Judith Canfield | 14 Points |
Next races are Wednesday 6/25 at Lone Lake with first race starting at 4:30. Let’s hope for a few more boats on the starting line. Contact me if you are available to crew, and I will try to get you a boat and skipper. Also, for anyone who might be interested in joining the fleet, we know of a few Pelicans available for sale. Contact me for info on that.
| 6/25/2025 | Summer Series 3 | Lone Lake |
| 6/27/2025 – 6/28/2025 | Ya Gotta Regatta | Langley Harbor |
| 7/9/2025 | Summer Series 4 | Venue TBD |
| 7/14/2025 | 8/1/2025 | Break during youth sailing classes |
| 8/6/2025 | Summer Series 6 | Monroe Landing |
| 8/20/2025 | August Social | Ashore |
| 9/3/2025 | Summer Series 7 (Final Races) | Monroe Landing |
Laser Fleet
The first summer racing series continues, with many new faces and close finishes. Check out the results at Sailwave.
– Zak Malbin
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
Upcoming Events
Ya Gotta Regatta, Friday June 27 – Saturday June 28 at South Whidbey Harbor (see separate article, farther down)
For the cruisers who are participating, plan to arrive Friday afternoon and depart Sunday. Please contact Phil Simon with your boat’s name, length, beam, and draft. He will then get that information to the Langley Harbormaster. We will have sips and dips on the dock both Friday and Saturday afternoons. Dinner plans for the cruisers will be “on your own”, either in Langley or aboard your boats. Plans for Saturday include kayaking and sailing events organized by those interest groups as well as socializing and games on the dock planned by Kat and George Bivoino. There are no specific plans for Sunday.
| When | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday July 15 |
Anacortes Marina | George and Kat host sips and dips. Afterwards we all go to Nonna Luisa Ristorante. This is a great Italian restaurant 360-293-0694, VHF 66 |
| Wednesday July 16 | Roche Harbor | Enjoy a relaxing time at the pool, Kayak around the bay area or to Garrison Bay and back depending on the tides. Early evening one of our boaters hosts sips and dip followed by dinner at the restaurant. 360-378-9816, VHF 78 |
| Thursday, Friday July 17 – 18 |
Poets Cove on Pender Island | Poets Cove Resort & Spa – Luxury Resort on Pender Island, BC 250-629-2111, VHF 66 |
|
Day 1: Check in at customs right next door to Poets Cove in Bedwell. Kayak the beautiful bay, or relax at the pool; they allow you to bring your own drinks and food. Lite Sips and dips hosted by another boat. Dinner at Poets Cove or Port Browning. Day 2: Everyone is on their own for breakfast. Daytime options; jump on one of the boats and cruise to Port Browning and hike into town for lunch; spend the afternoon at the pool or kayak, lite sips and dips hosted by one of the boats then dinner at the resort. |
||
| Saturday July 19 | Sidney / Victoria | Breakfast on your own. Then off to Sydney for one night. Take a walk to Shaw Centre, BC’s Aquarium, Learning Centre, and Salish Sea Store. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Early evening lite sips and dips on the dock. Dinner at Jack’s. 250-655-3711, VHF 66 |
| Sunday, Monday July 20 – 21 |
Oak Bay Marina | Go south to Oak Bay marina in east Victoria for two nights. VHF 66 |
|
Day 1: Lunch on your own after arriving (there is a nice café on site) Walk into town and enjoy the shops. Sips and dips then have dinner in town. Day 2: Breakfast on your own, then we take the bus to Victoria for the day. It is a 15-minute walk to the bus stop, and a short 10-minute ride to Warf Street in Victoria. Walk around the Warf area and have lunch. Return to Oak Bay marina sips and dips then dinner. |
||
| Tuesday July 22 |
Friday Harbor | Go to Friday harbor to check in with Customs and spend the night there |
The August cruise, scheduled for 8/11 through 8/16, was originally scheduled to start with a visit to Edmonds. It turns out that Edmonds marina doesn’t take reservations in the summer, even for a group. Accordingly, we have decided to start the cruise at Kingston. Our subsequent itinerary remains the same: 8/12-13 at Bell Harbor, 8/14 at Winslow and 8/15 at Poulsbo. Others should make their own reservations at Kingston and Bell Harbor and let us know you are planning to be there. At this point, we estimate that reservations at Winslow and Poulsbo will not be necessary, but that could change. Please keep us informed of your participation plans, so we can modify arrangements accordingly.
| When | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday Aug 11 | Kingston | Muster the troops. Other activities TBD |
| Tuesday Aug 12 | Seattle, Bell Harbor Marina | Party on the dock. Dinner in town. |
| Wednesday Aug 13 | Seattle, Bell Harbor Marina | Unscheduled day on the town. Visit Pike Place Market. Explore, shop, eat, drink |
| Thursday Aug 14 | Bainbridge Island, Winslow City Dock | Walk to town. Get groceries at Town and Country Market. Pot luck on the pier. |
| Friday Aug 15 | Poulsbo Marina | Dinner venue TBD. Sulys Bakery for Saturday breakfast. Longship Marine for new, used and consignment marine items |
| Saturday Aug 16 | Homeward bound |
Bill & Jill Brown, Cruise Captains. Contact us with questions and suggestions.
Youth Sailing Association
The 2025 sailing lesson season has gotten underway. Over the first two weekends of June we had 20 students, a total of 14 beginners sailing San Francisco Pelicans and 6 Laser sailors. I wish I had data from previous years, but I think this was our most successful year ever. We had more advertising with entries in drewslist, the South Whidbey Record, a sign on our box trailer on Phil Simon’s property on Bayview Road, and a sandwich board sign on E. Main St. in Freeland. Despite a considerable jump in the registration fee, we got a good turnout. We should net about $5000, which will go to paying the youth instructors in our kids learn-to-sail program and help fund the purchase of boats to replace our aging El Toros.
Everybody involved with the YSA chipped in to make the adult lessons a success. Just to give you an idea of the logistical challenge these lessons pose, here are some factoids:
- 6 Pelicans the 1st weekend
- 3 Pelicans the 2nd weekend
- 6 Lasers the 2nd weekend (plus 1 instructor owned boat, see below)
- 2 Rigid inflatable boats
- Box trailer
- A total of 11 trailers
I particularly want to call out a few people who are new to the YSA and SWYC. Julie Demaree came from Anacortes both weekends. She is an experienced big boat sailor and teacher. 12 of the 14 beginning students were women. They particularly appreciated her perspective and teaching style. Linda Johnson loaned her Pelican named Planter AND she helped sail it with students AND she took the Laser class! David Millar helped Mike Scott get 6 Lasers on and off our multi-Laser trailer. Also helping with heaving Lasers was John Porter. New member Marc Semmil helped instruct the Pelican sailors. He and David will be instructing the intermediate youth sailors in July. Finally, a big shout-out to Sean Cruz. Sean is a very active member in the SWYC Laser fleet. He spent a whole weekend coaching our six Laser students from his personal Laser. It was remarkable to see the increase in skill and confidence each Laser sailor showed as Sean devoted time to each individual.
Reminder: The YSA needs volunteers to be shore support during the kids’ sailing classes. The kids need an adult to be on shore just in case they capsize an El Toro, they get a sliver in their finger, or they need reassurance that, despite the perceived danger, sailing on Deer Lake is pretty safe and the worst that can happen is they go for an accidental swim. Classes are on the weekdays of July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-August 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Shore support volunteers typically take either a morning or an afternoon watch, roughly 3 hours. Please contact Sarah Dore at sdore@whidbey.net or 360-331-5594 or 425-418-7431. Let her know what day you would like and whether you prefer morning or afternoon or ask her what time slots are available. It’s OK if two or more volunteers sign up for the same slot; you’ll have someone to talk to. It’s truly a very pleasant way to spend a few hours because the site is a shady island on the shore of a scenic lake.
– Clyde Jenkins
YSA meets every Wednesday at 9:00 am. Check the club calendar for meeting locations.
Safety Matters #23: Are You Ready? by Clay Canfield, Safety Officer
Water activities are inherently risky. There is certainly somewhat less risk as the size of the vessel increases. However the presence of water provides a constant level of risk, whether that is weather, temperature, drowning, collision, underwater hazards, other craft, or even navigation. Because of this, it is incumbent upon everyone who participates in water activities to be cognizant of and prepare for the potential risks. Why make your activity more risky than it already is? There are several important factors that each person should focus on to reduce the inherent risk. Each one essentially affects your focus on the activity at hand.
- Rest. If you are tired or even not well rested, you will not be well focused.
- Nutrition. If you have not had a good, healthy meal prior to engaging in the activity, and aren’t carrying sufficient calories and nutrients in your snack or onboard food, it can affect your ability to focus and function.
- Hydration: Studies have shown that a person who is not adequately hydrated will have reduced focus on the activity at hand.
- Emotional: A person who has recently had something occur that now occupies their mind, such as an emotional trauma, an argument with someone, or some other event that continues to be on their mind will not be fully focused on the activity at hand. Humans have a tendency to focus on that which they know the least about or that which is affecting them the most.
- Family: Similar to the mental aspect, someone who is experiencing family issues will be less able to focus and function well.
- Physical: Clearly someone who is not physically fit for the activity is going to have difficulty in functioning, whether it is paddling, sailing, swimming, or any other waterborne activity.
- Finances: Similar to Family and emotional aspects, someone who is experiencing financial issues is going to lose some of their ability to focus on the job at hand.
Having been involved in a number of risky activities, I feel I owe it to myself to ask myself prior to each outing, “Am I physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to focus on this activity today? And have I gotten adequate sleep, nutrition, and hydration to stay mentally focused for the duration of the activity?” There have been a number of times in my life when I decided that I was not adequately prepared, so decided I was better off to stay home. I hope you will do something similar and decide to stay home when you are not fully ready for your activity.
Clay Canfield
Safety Officer
New Members
This week, our Board of Directors had a large slate of applicants to review and approve. Please welcome the following new members:
Linda Johnson
I am on year 3 of adult sailing classes and have observed the commaraderie and friendship among the yacht club members. While I live in Tacoma, I have family on the island and plan to relocate to Whidbey in a few years. I am interested in boating, hiking, kayaking, and making good friends.
Sponsor: Judith Canfield
John Lundberg
John is a Whidbey resident and is interested in joining the kayak group and join local excursions.
Sponsor: Judith Canfield
Terri Purcell & Mike Osborn
“I began my kayak learning on a recreational Hurricane. Two years ago I bought an NDK sea kayak and began taking classes primarily in Canada. Broken Islands expedition Level 2 CA has been my longest paddle experience. Now I paddle an Eddyline Sitka. I paddle with the Hole in the Wall Club. I look forward to joining others in exploring the sea and learning new skills.”
Sponsor: Stacy Taylor
Coming Events
General Meeting
Wednesday, June 18th
6:30 pm
Greenbank Progressive Hall
Speakers: Stefan and Lori Maxfield
Topic: Circumnavigating Vancouver Island
Stefan and Lori will share some of their experiences circumnavigating Vancouver Island in their 26′ power boat.
Ya Gotta Regatta
Friday June 27 – Saturday June 28
Langley Marina
Come join fellow SWYC members for a weekend of play on the water at Langley Marina. Bring your cruising boats, dinghy sailboats, kayaks, paddle boards, and smaller power boats to enjoy activities on the waters around Langley. Interest groups can plan activities for their own groups and activities to share with other groups and members.
Free sails, kayak paddles, ad hoc races, happy hour on the dock. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn more about the various types of boating.
Agenda
Raffle: Starting at the beginning of the weekend we will be selling raffle tickets for $1.00 each. Then on Sunday morning we will draw a ticket number and the winner will get a prize. All of the money collected will go to the SWYC Cruise budget. You do not need to be present to win.
Friday Evening – Happy Hour/ sips ans dips
Cocktail Walk: Each participating boat will make a “special cocktail” of their choice to serve to others participating in the walk.
Boaters will serve from their boats. Anyone without a boat can set up a table with their “special cocktail” if they want to participate. Then we will vote on the best “special cocktail” winner. The winner gets a prize! Serve in “shot glass” size plastic cups. Prior to having dinner.
Saturday Afternoon
1:30 pm We will play a game called “Fender Roll” . 2 teams of 2 will play against each other. 3 fenders are stacked and must be moved down the dock wilh a line pole, then restacked at the other end, then their partner will move them back and stack them. Whoever does this faster and most successful will play against another team. Winners will receive a prize. We will provide feders and players need to bring a line pole. We will explain the rules before starting.
3:00 pm We will play a game of “Bullseye Blitz”, (much like corn hole). We will provide the game and explain the rules. Winner gets a prize!
Saturday Evening (after dinner)
7:30 pm We will play 4 games of “BINGO”. We will provide the bingo game, bingo cards, pens, and the number ball tumbler to call letters and numbers. Winners will get a prize!
These are fun activities and we think it will make for a fun weekend.
Fort Flagler Camping and Kayaking – All Members Welcome!
Camping & Kayaking at Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island
Sunday, June 22 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025
It’s not too late to sign up! Come join the SWYC kayakers for 2 nights and 3 days of kayaking and playing at Fort Flagler State Park. All SWYC members are invited, whether you are a kayaker or not. If you’re not a kayaker or if conditions aren’t great to be kayaking on the water, there is sailing, trails to hike, bike paths to ride, beaches to walk, and cideries, eateries, galleries and shopping to explore in nearby Chimicum and Port Townsend. If you are a boater, there is a boat launch and limited moorage. We’ll all share group dinners and camaraderie telling sea tales by the campfire. Something for everyone!
The Wagon Wheel group campsite has been reserved and has plenty of sites for our SWYC group, with a 25-vehicle limit. There’s a large covered picnic shelter, two BBQ’s, multiple fire rings, two vault toilets and potable water access. Campers and trailers are welcome, but there are no electric hook-ups. The group site is private and apart from the general campground. It’s ~3/4 mile from the boat launch, but we also have a single campsite site reserved near the boat launch where we can store our kayaks overnight, if preferred. We’ll split the cost of the campsites once we know how many are coming.
If you prefer a single campsite in the general campground, and then just joining the group for activities, be sure to make your campsite reservations now. The sites are reserving fast. If you’re just not a camper and want to participate, you can rent an Air BnB’s or hotel room near the park. We’d love to have you along.
Also, make your reservations for the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry.
Ready for some fun and adventure? Let Barb Grimlund know if you are interested in this trip to ensure you are on all future communications for this outing.
Crab Feast
Sponsored this year by SWYC Kayaking Fleet
August Social
Sponsored this year by SWYC Windward Women
Come one, come all to the August Social! The Windward Women will be hosting this fun event at the Organic Farm School, at 6390 Maxwelton Rd.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 20th from 6:30 – 8:30.
This venue at the OFS has both a covered area where the wood fired oven and tables are located and an outdoor picnic table area for eating. The WW have been in communication with the manager of the OFS, Adam Skaardal, who will be preparing and providing homemade pizzas for the evening. Plus, OFS will provide all the compostable plates, utensils, and cups. So, there is no need to bring your own.
The WW will be preparing salads from produce purchased at the OFS. Those attending will be asked to bring side orders, desserts and their beverages of choice.
For both the venue and the pizzas, there will be a shared expense of $15 per person for those attending this event. Because of that and to better plan for the number of pizzas to bake, the club is asking for a RSVP and payment in advance through the club’s website. You may ask, how is that done? Stay tuned. More information will follow as we put in place how to do just that.
During the evening, OFS is offering a guided tour of the gardens. As August is the height of the growing season, you will have an opportunity to see much and learn even more!
Again, come one, come all to the August Social!
2025 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!
All Annual Events
SWYC Branded Clothing & Merchandise
Looking for snazzy SWYC apparel for the upcoming summer boating season? Or maybe hats, canvas tote bags, aprons, towels or throws for the boat or home? Two different SWYC logos plus Windward Women logos to choose from. Make your customized selection and order on line.
Land’s End Online Store
Alternatively, Washington Design Company, here on Whidbey Island, offers a broad range of SWYC branded apparel. Shop online, then either ship to your address, or pick up at their shop in Ken’s Corner.
Washington Design Co. Online Store
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