Commodore's Message
Paddling with a Southern Drawl
Due in part to our SWYC connections, Julia and I just had an opportunity to do an unusual for us but very interesting and cool kayak paddle down one of the beautiful spring fed rivers in north central Florida. Certainly quite different from the salt water sea kayaking we are accustomed to doing on Puget Sound
Fellow Yacht Club member and good friend and neighbor Lisa Irwin invited us to join her along with her sister, niece and a friend to spend several days exploring this less traveled part of Florida and do some kayaking and tubing on the spring fed rivers that flow through the area. Lisa spends the winter months in St Simons on the coast of Georgia and the others on our trip live there full time. We enjoyed the sweet southern drawl they brought to our conversations.
We did a 5 plus mile paddle down the Santa Fe River. This tranquil spring fed river flows peacefully along river banks covered with stands of cypress trees and is clear enough to see bass, mackerel and sea bream swimming below. It was flowing just fast enough to keep us moving downstream even when we took a break from paddling. Along the way we saw blue herons, white egrets and brown ibis along the shore or in the trees. Lots of turtles sunning on logs too. Sadly we did not spot the 12 ft gator affectionately named George the locals told us we might see along the way.
Julia and I had never visited this part of Florida and hope to get back to experience more of this interesting and beautiful in its own way part of the country.
On a more SWYC business related note, please mark your calendars and join us for our next Club meeting at Freeland Hall this Wednesday March 18th. We’ll be having a wee bit of a belated St Patricks Day celebration with an Irish theme and a “movie night” program on the History with Catboats complete with popcorn. So keep your green out for one more day this year to wear to the meeting and please consider coming a little early if possible to help set up the tables and chairs.
Vice-Commodore's Message
Well, it’s been a full winter chartering a 50 ft Cat with friends in the sun, and then preparing for the 2026 Boating Season. I’ve been busy readying my boat for the Salish 100. It’s a multi-day adventure running the length of the Salish Sea and organized by Northwest Maritime. Starts in Olympia and ends in Port Townsend. I’ve wanted to do it for the last several years, but somehow my restoration work on a thirty-five-year-old sailboat that hadn’t seen water for over twenty years didn’t meet their timetable. Now, I’m registered and ready to go! Launch the Fleet! Know anyone with AIS on a 15-foot sailboat? You do now.
We’ve just completed the process establishing a Youth Laser Racing Program within our Yacht Club. My initial thought of, “We have Lasers, Coaches, four interested teens, and wind; what more do we need?” was sorely lacking. It’s more involved than you think, but so worth it. A special shout-out to Zak Malbin, our Laser Fleet Captain, for volunteering his time to be our Head Coach. He has extensive experience as a US Sailing Coach, and we’re fortunate to have his experience! Assisting will be Sean Cruz. For those in the Adult Sailing Classes, you know Sean. He’s a fantastic Laser sailor and natural Instructor. Clay Canfield, our YSA President and Club Safety Officer, was key in providing insight in working with youth, and making sure they’re safe. I can’t wait to see the progress of our young sailors out on the race course! While this is a new program within our Club, it fits the initial purpose put forth by Ken Sasson, to educate youth in the ways of the wind and tides.
There’s been so much change this year, sometimes it can feel overwhelming. A new permanent Clubhouse, a Langley Home Marina reciprocal slip, expansion of just about every program, integration of the Viking Fleet III Pelican sailors, and many new members. But the core of our Club remains the same, each of you. The change that came about wasn’t by design, it was opportunities that came our way, in rapid succession. It was Mark Twain who said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did.” We have a Club of doers and made giant steps this year!
The photo is of sailboat models we’ve had in the storage unit since forever. Never seen. I’m repairing them for display in our Hall. I thought it offered some continuity during all this change. And I note, none of them have internal combustion engines. Hahaha.
We have wonderful events coming up, the meetings are going to be original and interesting (thank you, Kat), and we live on Whidbey Island. It doesn’t get much better than that! Be sure and wear your green for our March “St. Patrick’s Day +1” meeting. Support Freeland Hall’s First Thursday potlucks (going for over 100 years) if you can, and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
John
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
Spring is upon us and now is the time for members to sign up on Group Me for our first paddle of the season – The Skagit Island Wildflower paddle! We will be bringing our own brown bag lunch and change of shoes for a short hike to admire all of the budding spring wildflowers. This trip is for intermediate paddlers, level SKII-III on our safety matrix (located on the kayak page of the website). Appropriate paddle clothing is strongly recommended as the water temperature is still quite cold this time of year.
We also want to give another mention to our three upcoming trips in May, June and September of 2026. These trips welcome all SWYC members whether you kayak or not. Join us for group activities outside of our paddles.
Ocean City State Park May 28 – 31 – We will be headed over to the Olympic Peninsula to explore the 23+ miles of still water canals in Ocean Shores. There will be camping at Ocean City State Park, beach walks, group dinner, Ocean S’mores and a guided tour of the Copalis River Ghost Forest and exploration of the canal water system along with a group lunch at Hama Hama Oyster Saloon enroute. There are also alternative accommodations in the area for our non-campers. Plus, don’t forget to make your roundtrip ferry reservations! A spot on the 10:15am ferry will allow time to make it to our group lunch at Hama Hama. RSVP on the Kayaking Group Me chat or let Diane Lagerstedt or Nina Fitts know you’re coming to receive additional trip details.
Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park June 22 – 25 – There are several lakes in the area for kayaking, sailing, boating, canoeing, paddle boarding or just floating around. The area boasts acres of unique geological history and formations plus miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the area. Group shared dinners and great company, whatever activity you choose. Most of us will be camping at the state park campground, but several are staying in nearby B&Bs or other rentals. Click on this link to learn more about this event. RSVP on the Kayaking Group Me chat or let Barb Grimlund know you’re coming to receive additional trip communications. Click on this link to learn more about this event.
West Beach Orcas Island, Sep 17 – 20 – Enjoy daily kayaking paddles from West Beach Resort or other locations on or around Orcas Island, hiking, biking, potluck dinner, golden hour sips and dips, beach fires with S’mores, group dinner at a local restaurant, shopping and more! There is so much to do on Orcas Island. Be sure to book your reservation at West Beach quickly if you haven’t already reserved it. There are cabins, glamping tents, camping facilities and moorage for boats. There are also alternative accommodations in the area if West Beach is full. Others have stayed at neighboring Beach Haven or rented Air BnB’s and joined the group for group activities. And don’t forget to make your roundtrip ferry reservations as soon as reservations open up! RSVP on the Kayaking Group Me chat or let Diane Lagerstedt or Nina Fitts know you’re coming to receive additional trip communications.
Windward Women by Fleet Captains Ann Christensen, Gayle Austin and Mary Stewart
On Saturday February 28th, ten of us WW participated in a Washi egg making class taught by a local artist, Sandra Thomas. Beautiful eggs were created with lots of laughter, socializing and concentration in a project that definitely challenged some of us! Check out the Windward Women app to see our creations! Many thanks to Barb Grimlund for organizing the event and to Ann Christensen for welcoming us as host in her lovely home.
We are currently reading “Alone in the Great Unknown” by Caroll Simpson in anticipation of our first book club meeting on March 25th from 10-12 at Freeland Hall. The book is a heartfelt memoir that you can’t put down as she leads you through her experience full of terrifying adventures and misadventures as a woman living alone in the remote wilderness. Katy Shaner will lead the discussion.
On March 10th, Ann Christensen led a group of 5 WW to the Coupeville Museum for a look back in time to Whidbey’s past. Vern Olson (who is the founder of the Shifty Sailers) was their enthusiastic guide. He (“nicknamed Squeeze”) gave everyone a hug after the tour. Lunch followed and all agreed that they love Toby’s tavern!
April is a busy month for WW with 3 activities coming up! On April 1st, Barb Hardman is leading a whirlwind tour of the International District all by public transit (bus and light rail)! Stops include lunch at the Jade Palace for Dim Sum, tea at the historic Panama Hotel and Tea Shop and (time permitting) the Wing Luke Museum. On April 7th, Gwen Coughenour offered to lead a hike on the Admiralty Inlet Preserve Loop Trail followed by lunch at Callen’s near the Coupeville ferry.
A third amazing outing to the gorgeous tulip display at the Skagit Valley Roozengaarde Display Gardens is planned led by our fearless leader, Ann Christensen on April 21st.
Spring is around the corner!
Please check out all the details of our outings on the WW GroupMe app and sign up for fun excursions with our Wayward group.
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.
Sailing / Racing
Pelican Fleet
The 2026 Pelican racing season is being planned. Check back to our racing page for details about the 2026 races.
Laser Fleet
Laser fleet had a great rules discussion hosted by Mark Ross with great turnout! Lots of planning ongoing for summer. Watch the SWYC calendar and the Racing Page for updated information. Race results for 2025 are available at Sailwave: Series I & Series II.
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
2026 Cruise Planning is Underway
Check the club calendar for updates as 2026 cruises are being planned.
View the Cruising Photo Album
Safety Matters #30 - Life Jacket Maintenance
Safety Officer Clayton Canfield
Do you check and maintain your PFD before every boating season? Most of us don’t, and I’m embarrassed to admit I’m not so good at it either! PFD’s are like most other items of a boater’s equipment in that they need regular inspection and maintenance. A case in point: a friend of mine who shall not be named (and is not a member of this club) was duck hunting and fell out of his boat. With all his hunting gear on he immediately sank, waiting for the PFD to inflate. About three feet down the bottle fired off and a huge bubble emerged from the PFD and floated to the surface. He said that was quite disconcerting, but right then he noticed he was on the bottom, so he stood up and found himself in about four feet of water and able to climb back into his boat.
Answering my question, he said he had never done so much as inspect his PFD for probably ten years. During that time one can only imagine what it was exposed to: UV, oil, duck entrails, etc., etc. Needless to say, the bladder had deteriorated to the point where it could not withstand the air pressure from the bottle.
The point here is that we all need to inspect and maintain our PFD’s at least once a year, preferably prior to boating season. Each has its own specific maintenance issues, so I recommend going to the website for your PFD’s manufacturer to determine exactly how to maintain yours. Besides annual maintenance, I recommend replacing the entire inflatable PFD every five years. The Practical Sailor has a great general article of PFD’s which I recommend reading. Here is a link to it: PFD Expiration Dates
One final note: WEAR YOUR PFD!!! Any time you are on deck, in the cockpit, in a kayak, in a motor boat, or on a dock, you should be wearing it. If you are not wearing it in those situations, why do you own it?!
Wishing you a safe boating season,
Clay Canfield
Youth Sailing Association
El Toro Sailing Dinghies For Sale
Our Youth Sailing Association is in the process of refreshing their fleet of sailing dinghy’s that have been used to teach beginner lessons since the programs inception back in 2007. You or perhaps a daughter, son, grandson or granddaughter was introduced to the joy of sailing in one of these dinghy’s. Now you have an opportunity acquire one for the kids? Grandkids? Or even yourself?
This is a rare opportunity for club members or others to acquire a great little sailing dinghy at an excellent price. YSA is selling ten El Toros in decent sailing condition and will give away three more that require some work to be seaworthy (or perhaps be repurposed as a garden planter).
The El Toro measures 7 feet 11 inches in length overall, with a beam of 3 feet 10 inches, a draft of 1 foot 6 inches with the daggerboard down. Weight is ~ 80 pounds when fully rigged. Its lightweight design accommodates a single crew member weighing between 75 and 185 pounds, making it ideal for youth or smaller adult.
Prices will range between $300 – $800 per boat.
More photos (and a nifty video) are available here.
Sailing Classes for 2026
If sailing has not been in your wheelhouse but you would like to explore it as a new activity, consider the following.
Announcing the 2026 Adult Beginner Sailing Classes offered by the South Whidbey Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Program.
Have you always wanted to learn to sail? Now is your opportunity! No experience necessary!
Come learn to sail a 12-foot Pelican sailboat in this 2-day course taught at Lone Lake on beautiful South Whidbey Island. Also offered is an adult intermediate Laser sailing class.
Two weekend offerings:
- Session1: May 30 and 31 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Session 2: June 6 and 7 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Each session costs $325 for members, $350 for non-members. All the proceeds help fund our Youth Sailing Program for children ages 8-18.
See the SWYC website for details.
Registration opens in early April with South Whidbey Parks and Recreation.
Beginning youth sailing lessons for kids 10 to 15 start in July.
- July 13-17 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session 1
- July 20-24 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session 2
- July 27-31 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session 3
Each session costs $300 for children and grandchildren of members, $325 for children of non-members.
Intermediate youth sailing for kids 12-17 has the same schedule.
Each session costs $325 for children and grandchildren of members, $350 for children of non-members.
Registration starts in early April with South Whidbey Parks and Recreation.
When we get a firm date we will publish it. See also our website.
Come to one of our meetings to learn what we do, and about the great young people whose lives we change for the better.
YSA meets every Wednesday at 10:00 am. Check the club calendar for meeting locations.
New Members
This week, our Board of Directors had multiple applications to review and approve. Please welcome the following new members:
Trisha and Bill Brigham
“We live on Holmes Harbor. We enjoy water activities and learning more about things happening on the water.”
Sponsors: Jimmy and Elin Waldal
Glen Corell
“I’ve lived on South Whidbey for 20 years and am familiar with the club through various friends. I recently retired from my second career at Southwest Airlines and now have time to pursue some of my interests. I own a Hewescraft Sea Runner and travel the Sound for fun, crabbing and fishing. I long ago sailed and wind surfed and am interested in getting back into some sailing.”
Sponsors: John Porter
Jay Evered
Jay joins us by way of the Pelican III fleet. Welcome Jay!
Sponsors: Bill Brown
Ken Rasmussen
“I have sailed since I was six. I began in a Satellite. The first boat I owned was an El Toro. I have owned a 420, 2 Lasers, and two more El Toros. I have sailed 470, 505, Thistle, Alpha, Sunfish, Melges 14, RS Aero, Pelican and more. I currently own and sail 2 El Toros. I am a current member of Pelican Fleet 3.”
Sponsors: Bill Brown
Shawn Van Giesen
“I have 40 years sport fishing, including 15 years of power boating on Puget Sound and 7 years of fishing in Bamfield BC. I have become the Captain of Serenity as of last year a 30′ aluminum powered catamaran. My family has lived on Whidbey over 100 years”
Sponsors: Judy Canfield
In the News
Battling cancer made Vendee Globe win ‘more complicated’
Coming Events
General Meeting
"Nine Lives of the Cat Boat"
Freeland Hall Community Center (and Zoom)
6:30 pm – Sips ‘n Dips, Socializing
7:00 pm – SWYC Announcements & Agenda
7:30 pm – Popcorn and a Movie
This meeting will have a St. Patrick’s Day theme, so wear your Green and enjoy an Irish feast potluck!
Please remember to bring an appetizer or dessert to share, your beverage of choice and your own plate and eating utensils (to minimize waste).
New Member Mixer & Open House
Pete & Barb Grimlund’s Residence
2350 Discovery Place, Langley (Useless Bay Colony)
Sunday, April 19
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
On behalf of your Commodore Dan Mooney, the SWYC Board, and your hosts, Vice-Commodore John Porter invites new members to our Spring SWYC New Member Mixer and Open House. It’s an opportunity to meet other new members, as well as learn about the variety of activities and events available to our members.
Sips and dips will be provided, so you only need to bring yourselves, and a curiosity to learn more about what the Club has to offer. It’s a family affair, so bring the kids. We want to welcome everyone to our community!
Please RSVP (vice-commodore@swyachtclub.org) if you can attend, or not. We need to plan for appropriate beverage supplies. Haha. It’s a wonderful, useful exchange of information, all in one place! We look forward to seeing you at future activities this year, and for years to come.
Opening Day
Pole Barn at Langley Fairgrounds
Sunday, May 3
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Plan to join us for our Opening Day festivities. This event is a happy hour/social in which we will show off the SWYC Programs for this year. Sailors and Landlubbers are all invited. Booths will be set up with representatives from club sponsored activities so you can find out how to get involved with these programs. These activities include Cruising, Kayaking, Racing (Pelicans & Lasers), Youth Sailing, and Windward Women. Come find your bliss!
Each booth will feature some chili for tasting and voting. There will be a prize for the best chili.
Please help by bringing potluck items to add, such as cornbread, salad, snacks, drinks & dessert. Bowls for the chili, plates for the food dishes, utensils, and cups for the beer and wine will be provided.
Yes, you can dress as a pirate! Arrrg! The big question is: Can our Commodore pull the sword from the stone?
Any questions please call Bob Shepard 425-213-4438
2026 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 Merchandise
Land’s End Online Store
Alternatively, right here on Whidbey Island, Washington Design Company located in Clinton offers a broad range of SWYC branded apparel and a relatively quick turnaround.
There are three ways to shop at Washington Design Co:
- You can stop in at their store and see the apparel and hat assortments in store, choose an item and have the SWYC logo applied, or in some cases, even order the item in a different color or size.
- You can bring in your own personal apparel or item and have the logo applied to it, or
- You can visit their website, choose your item, then either have it shipped to your address, or pick it up at their shop across from Ken’s Corner. lternatively, 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 across from Ken’s Corner.
or at: 11247 WA-525
Clinton, WA 98236
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