Commodore's Message
Dan Mooney
This month I want to express my appreciation for all the work the YSA leaders (Clay Canfield, Clyde Jenkins, Bill Brown, Pete Grimlund etc) have been doing to refresh the YSA’s dinghy fleet. The El Toros which have served the YSA youth classes so well over the years were approaching the point where maintaining these colorful and classic wooden boats would no longer be practical. Finding an affordable solution to replace the fleet was of course one of the major challenges. Fortunately things started to come together nicely over the past few months. The YSA became aware the Oak Harbor Yacht Club was planning to sell their fleet of fiberglass Optimus Pram dinghies (also known as Optis) and they offered the YSA a good deal to purchase them. Optis are pretty much the standard sailboats most commonly used for youth sailing classes. In the meantime the Pelican Viking Fleet III decided to disband and integrate with SWYC and generously donate the balance of their club account to the YSA. In addition the YSA embarked on selling the El Toro fleet. Between ads in Drewslist and a weekend “yard sale” at the boat barn most of the El Toros found a new home. The last 5 El Toros and the 2 O’pen Bics were purchased by someone from the Moses Lake area who is interested in starting a youth sailing program there. The 2 O’pen Bics are being replaced with RS Teras which will provide a few higher performance boats for the more advanced students to sail. Between the funds the YSA had in their account, the donation from Pelican Viking Fleet III and the sale of the El Toros and O’pen Bics, the YSA has been able to completely refresh the fleet while maintaining a heathy financial condition. All this sounds great but it was only made possible by a lot of hard work by the YSA team!
I learned how to sail on an El Toro myself and I will miss seeing those colorful boats with their young skippers being sailed around Deer Lake but I am very happy to know that the YSA is now well positioned to keep this great program available to the youth of South Whidbey Island for the foreseeable future!
Well the official start of boating season is upon us and we have lots of fun and interesting Club events and Interest Group activities planned. Please join us to kick the season off at Opening Day on Sunday May 3rd at the Langley Fairgrounds Pole Barn.
Vice Commodore's Message
John Porter
Judging by the pine pollen, Spring is finally here! Lots of activity around the Club as we welcome Opening Day 2026 and all the activities on tap. I took the opportunity to finally get checked out as a U.S. Sailing Level 1 Instructor. Most candidates were 17-18 along with two High School Coaches there to get their certification, so I was definitely the Ancient Mariner. Online training was very thorough, with additional First Aid/CPR, SafeSport, and Washington Boater Card required for the cert. We sailed out of Friday Harbor with High School racers from both Orcas and San Juan. I was completely impressed by their sailing skills and how easily they moved around the boat. It was a joy to get to talk to them about sailing and their plans. Great young adults! Again, sailing proving it’s a lifetime sport! The required ocean swim and repeated capsize drills in 48-degree water were not my cup of tea, but no one likes a complainer, so into the water I went. I’ve heard it’s good for you…..so I’m going with that.
Our New Member Mixer Social is coming up April 19th with positive responses to attend. It’s always enjoyable to meet everyone and share stories. Windward Women have already had an event (Robin loved it) and serious planning by the kayak fleet for CrabFest has begun. Big changes ahead with Viking Pelican Fleet III coming on board, and Junior Laser racing finally a reality. Thanks to all who are planning these events for us, you are very appreciated
I’ll close with what I said every day at work for thirty five years……….”Welcome Aboard!”
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
Upcoming Events
Skagit Island April 25 : This is a favorite spring paddle. A large group will launch from Coronet Bay at 9:30 and do the 1.5-mile crossing to Skagit Island. We’ll have lunch and walk around the island to view the wildflowers. Plan on getting back to Coronet Bay at 2:30.
No Sinko De Mayo on Goss Lake- Tuesday May 5th : We are launching at 1:20 for a leisurely paddle of the lake and return for chips/salsa at the park. If it’s warm, we’ll be on the lookout for turtles on the logs in the sunshine.
Ocean Shores Canal Paddling and Camping- May 28-May 31 : This is a new adventure for us, and we are looking forward to exploring the 23 miles of freshwater canals throughout Ocean Shores. A highlight of this paddle trip will be a guided tour up the Copalis River through the Ghost Forest. WA100: A Washington Geotourism Website . Our home base for camping is Ocean City Campground but there are also a lot of hotels and Air B&Bs.
Kayak Volunteers needed June 7 : Al and Nina Fitts are participating in an open water race swim. The organizer is looking for kayakers and paddleboarders who can assist and act as safety craft along the course. Diane has done this for the Whidbey island Triathlon in the past and it is rewarding, inspiring and impressive. Any takers should reach out to Nina or Diane.
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. 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. Reservations for the trip from Anacortes to Orcas Island (September 17) open on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 am. RSVP for the trip 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
It’s a busy April for the Windward Women!
On April 1st, an intrepid group of 7 WW braved the rain to visit the Seattle International District for a Dim Sum lunch and visits to the Panama Hotel and Wing Luke Museum. We traveled by public transportation (bus and light rail) with easy connections. Lunch at the Jade Garden was delicious. A look back into the history of the various immigrant groups who settled in the neighborhood was fascinating. Signs of the inhumane deportation of the Japanese in WW2 were evident in our tour and a sobering experience.
This whirlwind trip was led by Barb Hardman, whose enthusiasm and organization were awesome!
On April 7th, our first hiking adventure of the year was led by Gwen Coughenour on the beautiful Admiralty Inlet Preserve trail. The weather was perfect with sunny skies and the views of the Salish Sea were incredible. The hike was followed by lunch at Callan’s near the Coupeville ferry dock. It was a great introduction to our 2026 hiking season with more to come. Such a treat to hang out with our fun and friendly group of WW!
On Tuesday, April 14th, Ann Christensen will lead a group to the Skagit Valley Roozengaarde Display gardens in Mt. Vernon. It’s a 5+ acre garden featuring over 200 tulip varieties and 50 daffodil types surrounded by fields of tulips. Check out the GroupMe app for more details and to sign up. A great intro to spring!
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. We’re looking forward to more Pelican race participants and Pelican activities with the integration of members from the Fleet III Pelican Fleet into the SWYC. Welcome! First up is the joint Skagit Island Wild Flower Sail & Paddle with the Kayaking group on Saturday, April 25.
Laser Fleet
Watch the SWYC calendar and the Racing Page for updated information.
NEW THIS YEAR! Watch for more information about SWYC’s exciting new Junior Race Team program, which is still under development. Zak Malbin is the head coach. Sean Cruz will be their assistant coach. They are planning sailing/race practices (exact time TBD), joining the Tuesday race committee and sometimes possibly joining some of the Tuesday Laser races. Contact Zak Malbin to learn more or if you know someone who would be a candidate for this new program.
Registration is open for Introduction to Laser Sailing Class. Register at South Whidbey Parks & Recreation.
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 #31 - De-winterizing your Boat
Safety Officer Clayton Canfield
You did winterize your boat, right? ! Well, it’s time to de-winterize it for the upcoming boating season. I assume you put fuel stabilizer in your fuel tank and put a trickle-charger on the battery, among other things. Well, it’s time to do some pre-season checks including checking to make sure the battery is still functional.
The battery can be checked with either a multi-meter or I have a small meter with an LED readout that simply plugs into the outlet for the batter tender itself. For a marine battery to be fully charged the meter should read 13.2 – 13.4 Volts DC. Here is a link to a battery maintenance article I found useful: If the battery voltage is below12.2 volts, it is only 50% charged. Below 12.0 volts, it is essentially dead. Immediately after charging, the battery will indicate a higher, “surface” or “bulk” charge, so it is best to wait half an hour or so for the surface charge to dissipate and reveal what is sometimes called a “Float” voltage.
Your fuel is another potential issue, whether it is gasoline or diesel. Gasoline can accumulate condensation over the winter months which will obviously cause problems when trying to start in the spring. I recommend adding a product like Heet to the fuel tank prior to starting the engine to absorb any moisture that has accumulated in the tank. For diesels, there is always the potential for microbials to grow in the tank. This can begin to gum up your fuel injectors if not removed early. Since I have very little knowledge of diesel fuel systems, here is a link to one article that addresses some of the issues.
Marine Diesel Fuel – What You Need to Know
And did you feel the need to put potable water anti-freeze in the water tank? If so that will need to be flushed out and replaced with fresh, potable water. Beyond these critical items, it comes down to cleaning the debris off the boat, leaving the heater inside until night-time temperatures are higher, and checking any other systems that may have been affected by lower temperatures and higher humidity.
Wishing you a safe boating season,
Clay Canfield
Youth Sailing Association
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.
Online Registration at South Whidbey Parks & Recreation Happening NOW!
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 for both Beginner and Intermediate Classes:
- Session 1: 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 is under way now at South Whidbey Parks and Recreation.
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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 beginner session costs $300 for children and grandchildren of members, $325 for children of non-members.
Intermediate Youth Sailing Lessons for kids 12-17 has the same schedule.
Each intermediate session costs $325 for children and grandchildren of members, $350 for children of non-members.
Registration is under way now at South Whidbey Parks and Recreation.
Come to one of our YSA 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:
Michelle McPeek
Long time Pelican Fleet III sailor.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Maureen and Donald Schmitz
I am a member of SF Pelican Fleet 3.
Sponsor: Judy Canfield
Dave Snell and Carla Sousa
“I started sailing El Toro, Sunfish, Laser. Owned Banshee, Merit 22. Sailed Huntington Lake & San Francisco Bay 15 yrs.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Morro Bay- 14 yrs.- Member training & Operations Officer.
Owned 26 ft. sportfisher 16 yrs. Now own Hewescraft fishing and crabbing 9 yrs. Developed 4-H Marine Science Camp 20 yrs.
Last summer crewed on 53 ft. yacht to Alaska.”
Sponsor: John Porter
In the News
Humans Are Losing the Fight Against Flying Fish
Coming Events
April General Meeting
Speaker: Erik Knudsen - The Story of the Valkyrie Viking Ship
Freeland Hall Community Center (and Zoom)
Wednesday, April 15
6:30 pm – Sips ‘n Dips, Socializing
7:00 pm – Meeting and Speaker
Speaker Erik Knudsen, Captain of the Valkyrie Viking Ship. Additionally, Erik has conducted leadership programs and taught courses with Cornell University’s Outdoor Education Program and Penn State University. With a Master’s in Organizational Development from Case Western Reserve, he has worked internationally as a management consultant for Fortune 500 companies and various government agencies. In the nonprofit sector, Erik has served as a board placement matchmaker with Leadership Philadelphia. Erik worked in small businesses founding Far Flung Bungy, providing outstanding experiences for young people. He has been a treehouse builder for Treetop Builders and was the operations manager of Treehouse World.
As a mariner, Erik began climbing the hawsepipe as an AB on Aleutian freighters with Coastal Transportation, acquiring a navigational understanding of the Inside Passage and conducting cargo operations for the fishing industry along the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. He is a licensed 100-Ton Near Coastal Master, and has been actively working along the eastern seaboard with Aqua Survey’s vessels and around the San Juan Islands with fast water taxis and as an instructional captain with Island Express Charters and Freedom Boat Club. Most recently, Erik has been crew upon two tall ships, the 1928 Delaware Bay oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald, and the Tall Ship Lynx, a topsail schooner interpretation from 1812.
In between all this, Erik has put his hand and heart to both the construction and the business development of the Viking Ship Valkyrie. His company, Lands to the West LLC aspires to create memorable and meaningful adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Erik is the proud father of Lucy and Lyle, who are charting their own amazing journeys.
Read more about the Valkyrie and Erik.
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 Orientation & 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 Orientation 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
Sunday, May 3
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pole Barn at Island County Fairgrounds
We will be at the Island County Fairgrounds Pole Barn. Please come and support this SWYC program and enjoy an afternoon of food & drinks, fun and friends. Visit the club information booths to find out what activities are planned for this year and taste some delicious chili. Vote for your favorite chili by placing a doubloon in the cup at the table. Watch the drama as our Commodore attempts to remove the sword from the stone!
Yes, you may dress as a pirate. Arggg!
The event will be a pot luck. Please bring a dish to share and a beverage of your choice. We will supply the plates, cups, bowls and utensils.
Any questions please call Bob Shepard 425-213-4438.
Remember “be there or be square”.
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
Get ready for the summer boating season by getting outfitted in new SWYC logo’d apparel and accessories. Looking for a light-weight jacket? A new shirt or hoodie? A warm vest or hat? Maybe a beach towel or tote bag? You’ll have two different SWYC logos to choose from – the burgee or the nautical flags – plus there’s a Windward Women logo too.
Our local provider right here on South Whidbey is Washington Design Company, located in Clinton. Washington Design offers a broad range of SWYC-branded apparel and a quick turnaround.
There are three ways to shop at Washington Design Co:
- You can stop in at their store, see the apparel and hat assortments in store, choose an item and have the SWYC logo applied, or in some cases, order the item in a different color or size.
- You can bring in your own clean personal apparel or item and have the logo applied to it, or
- You can visit their website, choose an item and logo you prefer, then have it shipped to your address or pick it up at their shop across from Ken’s Corner.
Washington Design Company
Or visit the shop at : 11247 WA-525 in Clinton (Across from Ken’s Corner)
Land’s End Online Store
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