Commodore's Message
Dan Mooney
It’s been an especially busy summer for our Yacht Club with lots fun events and boating related activities. There really has been something for everyone. I hope you have had the opportunity to participate in one way or the other. There are so many people to thank for helping to make this possible but I do want to give a special shout out to all the Yacht Club members who planned, organized, ran and supported this year’s Youth Sailing Association (YSA) program. YSA is only successful because of the time and attention of these dedicated volunteers. This was especially true this year due to the transition from the El Toro to the Opti dinghy fleet.
As is our usual practice in August, we will be having the August Social rather than a standard monthly Club meeting. This year’s August Social will once again be held at the Organic Farm School in Clinton featuring the same great wood fired pizza and potluck. The date is Wednesday August 19th starting at 5:30 PM. So come on out and enjoy a relaxing evening hanging out with your fellow Club members in a delightful outdoor setting. The charge for the Social which covers the pizza and venue is $20 per person. You can pre-purchase tickets on the SWYC website.
It is also the time of the year to begin putting together the slate of candidates to serve on next year’s Board. If you have an interest in serving as a Board Member or Club Officer, please let me know. It is an interesting, fulfilling and fun experience!
I am pleased to wrap up this month’s Commodore’s Message by congratulating Club Members Jake Levitt (also a former Board Member) and Kristen Mooney (also our daughter) on the birth of their sweet little baby girl (Harper Blue Levitt). Their first child and our first grand child. We are all over the moon!
Vice-Commodore's Report
John Porter
What an incredible summer, hope you’re having the same! In his book, “Saving Sailing”, Nicolas Hayes talks of the demise in participation in sailing. It’s down 40% since 1997 and 70% since 1979. My brother-in-law won’t go sailing because he thinks sailing is unsafe (part of the 70%). Hayes describes the shift from participatory activities to more spectator experiences. A slide towards convenience.
He talks of “chartered” versus “chosen” events. In a chartered event, someone else decides what you get (i.e. a movie), where a chosen event has you making the call and the outcome may be unknown. This is adventure, and you’re in the barrel, making the ultimate decisions on how it plays out. The parallels between maritime and aviation are direct. Each decision you choose makes you the “Captain of your Fate.” Pretty heady stuff!
As I followed our August Cruise, I noticed the smiles around the pool at Bedwell Harbour. Smiles made possible by navigation, weather, fuel planning, provisioning, and maintenance. But moreover, made possible by choice. A chosen event where the rewards far outweigh the risks. And I thought of how our Club has people who accept the challenge. That Spirit of Adventure. Putting the bow out to sea to see what comes next. It doesn’t matter whether a race boat, powerboat, cruising sail, or kayak, that challenge is the same.
Just finished the SALISH 100 and with sixty other sailors. Maybe not climbing Everest or breaking the sound barrier, but that same challenge. And our Youth Sailing is the mentoring that turns a kid from his/her phone screen to feel the actual wind and water in their face. A chosen event not chartered. They’re so fun to watch on the water! We’re offering the maritime challenge to the next generation, so they can feel the satisfaction that comes with the smiles lounging around Bedwell Harbour.
Our Club chooses adventure over stuffiness. These are the peeps I want to hang around with when I become an adult. Hahaha. So, trim those sails and turn the bow into the wind! There’s a whole lot of summer still ahead.
Coming Events
August Social
August Social 2026
Wednesday, August 19
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Organic Farm School
6390 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton
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 19th from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
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.
Please bring a salad, side or dessert to share. There will be a limited supply of drinks (beer, wine, etc), but you should probably plan to bring your own to supplement.
For both the venue and the pizzas, there will be a shared expense of $20 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 (see link, below).
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!
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
Kayak Trip Report by Ken and Phoebe Price
The SWYC Kayaking Fleet’s first Sinclair Island camping trip of the season launched July 20 with 11 paddlers ready for three days of paddling, hiking, cooking, camping, and the kind of laughter that makes even packing a kayak feel like part of the fun.
The adventure began from the beach at Guemes Island Resort with a stop at Vendovi Island for a hike, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs. From there, the fleet made its way to Sinclair Island and began transforming the Grimlund’s Beach into a temporary but very cheerful waterfront village.
Camp setup was followed by one of the trip’s highlights: salmon on the grill, group dining on the beach, and sunset views that reminded everyone why a little sand in the gear is a small price to pay. The evening campfire featured the classic marshmallow roast, plus an important culinary breakthrough: marshmallow-stuffed chocolate donut holes. Research is ongoing, but early reviews were enthusiastic.
Day 2 brought a relaxing and scenic paddle around Sinclair Island, followed by short crossings to Cypress Island for the hike up to Eagle Cliff. The reward was one of the best viewpoints in the San Juan Islands, and a fine excuse to pause, take photos, and pretend the climb had been effortless.
By Day 3, the group had fully embraced the slower pace of camp life. There was breakfast and coffee on the beach, a relaxed breakdown of campsites, and the familiar puzzle of fitting everything back into the kayaks in roughly the same configuration that had somehow worked on the way in.
The return paddle followed the east side of Cypress Island, with a tour through the Cone Islands and a visit with the area’s vibrant seal community. As usual, the seals appeared to be both curious and unimpressed, which seems about right.
Between the campfire dinners, beach walks, island hikes, shared meals, and good company, it was a wonderfully fun trip with a wonderfully fun group. Many thanks to Barb & Pete for hosting, and everyone who helped make it easy, relaxed, and memorable.
A different group of 10 kayakers enjoyed a similar itinerary on August 3-5. More challenging seas and winds for the second group, but all paddlers leaned in, built confidence and appreciated the rewards. The on-shore activities were equally fun and relaxing.
Upcoming paddles are listed on Group Me. If you are a kayak fleet member and not receiving our messages on the Group Me app, please reach out to Diane Lagerstedt or Nina Fitts to get connected.
Upcoming Events (listed on GroupMe)
Paddle in Bowman Bay, Aug 20 : Arrive by 11:00am for an 11:30 am slack tide departure. We’ll enjoy a slight ebb tide throughout the paddle. Tentative route, depending on winds, is heading north past Rosario Head and Rosario Beach, continue past Sares Head to Telegraph Bight, and back. There is a nice beach to stretch our legs at the half way point. Round trip length of 5.8 miles. Route follows a high rocky shoreline with limited beach access during the paddling. Level 2-3 paddlers; T-rescue training. Pack a lunch for picnicking afterwards.
Possession Beach Waterfront Park Kelp Beds, Aug 26 : An annual favorite we will explore the Kelp Beds around Possession Beach. Hosted by Gayle Austin and Bob Kuehn, we will meet at 8:45 to launch at 9:30 and explore the kelp beds and search for kelp crab. Lunch at everyone’s favorite local spot Bailey’s Corner Store.
Beats on the Bay in Bellingham, Sept 1 – 2 : with optional overnight and morning paddle in Larrabee State Park the following day.
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.
Annual Kayaks, Kazoos and Caroling, Dec 12 : Decorate your kayak for a joyful paddle.
Windward Women
by Fleet Co-Captains Ann Christensen, Gayle Austin and Mary Stewart
Windward Women @ August Social
On August 19th from 5;30 to 8 pm, our group is hosting the August Social for all SWYC members at the Organic Farm School on Maxwelton road. Last year’s event at this special place was enjoyed by all. The farm provides delicious wood fired pizza made on site and members contribute with potluck items to share. The setting is idyllic for a relaxing evening with friends! Check out the GroupMe app for more information and to prepay $20 dollars per person for food. It’s a great way to contribute to sustainable farming close to home. All members welcome!.
Recent Activities
Our final July activity was a Joint Picnic with the Kayak Fleet hosted by Ann and Dale Christensen at their home on Deer Lake. We all enjoyed the food, socializing and watching Diane try out a paddleboard for the first time (Yeah!) and Mary Hollen practice her wet exit. It was a beautiful summer evening to sit by the lake.
Our busy August calendar started out with great attendance at a Joint Barbecue with the Laser sailors at Freeland Park on August 4th. Watching the Laser race was exciting for all members who came to watch. The potluck picnic provided an opportunity for mingling with members new and old from all groups. Of course, there was plenty of food!
On August 11th, Gwen Coughenour led a beach walk at Double Bluff which was followed by a Taco Salad Social at her home. 8 members hiked and they were joined by 2 more for lunch. The group was greeted by a sweeping view and perfect weather. The socializing was lively, as always, at Gwen’s lovely home. Thank you, Gwen!
Coming Activities
Mark your calendars for the first event of September! This is a hike led by Gwen Coughenour on Wednesday September 2nd around Cranberry Lake in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. The 2800 preserve is within the city limits of Anacortes. It will be followed by a lunch at Anthony’s at the Cap Sante Marina. More information is on the GroupMe app
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
Upcoming races:
- August 22, Saturday, 12:00, TBD
Laser Fleet
The SWYC Laser fleet has been racing every Tuesday on Holmes Harbor with consistently beautiful weather! We have not yet had the strong thermal northerlies we normally get in the summer, but a variety of SE, puffy W, and shifty light-med NE to NW nights. Racing has seen some very close finishes and exciting mark roundings. We have sailed 31 races so far this summer! Big thanks as always to Starke and Randy as PROs for Race Committee, and to Remy and John for helping out as well!
Results so far can be found here at Sailwave.
Thanks for the video, Randy Weers!
Summer Racing Season
All Laser races are held at Freeland Park on Holmes Harbor. Race start time is 5:30 pm on most Tuesdays mid-May through mid-September.
| Series I | Series II |
|---|---|
| August 18 | |
| August 25 | |
| September 1 | |
| Week off July 7 – No sailing | September 8 |
| September 15 |
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
A few scenes from the August Cruise …
Upcoming Cruises
September Cruise
Dates: Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11
Leaders: Jim and Kathy Rogers
Tuesday, Sept. 8- Elliott Bay Seattle: You can make your reservation on their website which will redirect you to DOCKWA or you can go directly to DOCKWA. In the comments section you can request your mooring preference, and I would also recommend that you add that you are cruising with the SWYC.
Wednesday, Sept. 9- Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard: You can make you reservation on their website which will redirect you to DOCKWA or you can go directly to DOCKWA. In the comments section you can request your mooring preference, and I would also recommend that you add that you are cruising with the SWYC.
Thursday, Sept. 10- Port of Poulsbo: It’s best to call the marina directly at (360) 779-9905 to request transient moorage, but also let them know that you are cruising with the SWYC.
Friday, Sept. 11- Port of Kingston: It’s best to call the marina directly at (360) 297-3545 (option 2) to request transient moorage, but also let them know that you are cruising with the SWYC.
Note: None the marinas can guarantee that we will be moored next to each other, but they will attempt to put us a close together as possible. I would recommend making your reservations as soon as possible, and please let Jim and Kathy know if you will be joining them.
View the Cruising Photo Album
Safety Matters #34: Trailer Safety
Clayton Canfield, SWYC Safety Officer
Here is a general run-down of how to safely trailer a boat. It’s not all-inclusive and heavily plagiarised, but covers the most important aspects.
Before you hit the road make a full pre-tow safety inspection of your rig. Check to make sure the truck and trailer are properly mated. Does the trailer take a 1-7/8” ball or a 2” ball? Is the hitch pin secured with an “R” clip? Remember to check the light connector.
You will also want to examine the brake safety cable and the safety cables or chains. Make sure the safety cables or chains are crossed, to support the tongue of the trailer just in case the hitch fails for some reason. Check the bow strap and boat safety chain to make sure they’re also secure. Be sure to secure the stern of the boat with a ratchet strap or similar.
Look around the boat for anything that’s not fully secured. Life jackets, empty coolers, sails, cushions, and loose clothing are all items that can blow or bounce out of the boat when trailering.
– If there’s any heavy gear aboard, center it in the boat, as close as possible to directly above the trailer’s axle(s).
Tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of your load, otherwise, the trailer may sway. If you detect sway in your rig, don’t panic. Slow down immediately, pull over, and adjust your load.
Make sure your truck’s load is secured, level and even before and after your departure.
Complete a final light check before pulling out onto the road. Be sure brake, running, tail, and blinker lights are all working properly.
Take turns as wide as possible to avoid clipping a curb or other obstructions. When multiple turn lanes are available, use the outside lane.
Leave extra following room—that extra weight you’re hauling can increase stopping distance significantly.
If wind-blast pushes your rig sideways, take your foot off the accelerator but do not step on the brakes, to reduce the effect. Beware of wind on bridges.
When you arrive at the boat ramp, walk back to the trailer hubs and feel them. They should be cool to the touch. If they’re hot, your bearings aren’t functioning properly—have them serviced immediately, or you could experience bearing failure while rolling down the road. (Trust me, it’s not fun!)
It’s a good idea to disconnect the light connector prior to backing into the water to eliminate the possibility of shorting out a taillight.
A tip on trailer backing: as you turn the steering wheel back and forth, the trailer goes the same direction as the bottom of your steering wheel.
Don’t remove the boat’s winch strap and safety chain until you’ve backed the boat down into the water. Yes, the boat CAN slide off and smash onto the boat ramp, if you remove the strap and chain too early!
If possible, quit backing trailer before the axle touches water, even if bearing buddies are installed, to eliminate the possibility of water intruding the into bearings.
Tow your boat with a competent tow vehicle. Pay attention to your vehicle’s towing capacity and abide by it. If you have a truck with advanced towing features, use them, too.
Overall, it pays to be prepared and patient! Drive defensively and safely. Here’s a link to a website that elaborates on my article.
-Clayton Canfield
Youth Sailing Association
Some Thoughts on YSA Camp by Clyde Jenkins
Summer sailing camp, the whole reason for YSA’s existence, has been completed for 2026. Two or three kids were cured of any desire to sail, but the vast majority were infected with a new love of being on the water.
Day one of week two started off a bit breezier than we like. Ten-year-old Henry launched from the dock and absolutely freaked out. He was crying, saying he couldn’t do this, getting clonked by the boom as his boat spun in circles. Youth coach Isaac rescued him and calmed him down. I took him out in our Pelican sailboat. Henry said that he was afraid we would be mad if he capsized. I assured him that we knew little boats capsized and it could happen to any kid. We would never get mad if he capsized.
After a few minutes I had Henry take the tiller and then the mainsheet and he was sailing.
Day two was windier than day one. The three beginner girls all went out in the little boats. I took the four beginner boys, including Henry, out in the Pelican. We had a good time sailing. One of the boys kept asking to go faster. I asked Henry if he was ready to try sailing an Opti. He said he wasn’t sure
Day three Henry was ready to sail an Opti. He went out and made most of the mistakes a beginning sailor makes but quickly got the hang of driving his own little sailboat. I asked him if he was ready to try sailing an RS Tera. He said he wasn’t sure.
Day four Henry was ready to sail the RS Tera. I asked him if he wanted to try capsizing the Tera. He said he wasn’t sure.
Day five Henry was ready to try capsizing. He went out and capsized, intentionally, a couple of times. His final question for the day was, “Can I capsize again?”
Henry’s story is typical of the beginning sailors. They start out timid and uncertain. By the end of the week the kids have developed some competence and a lot of confidence. And that’s our reward for putting on this camp.
By the numbers here is how this year’s camp went:
- 30 beginning students
- 20 intermediate students
- 10 Youth coaches and counselors
- 3 potential new youth counselors given a try out
- 14 adult volunteers that constitute the Youth Sailing Association
- 29 Yacht club members who served as shore support
- 9 Laser sailboats for the intermediates
- 10 Opti sailboats for the beginners
- 2 RS Tera sailboats for the beginners
- 1 Pelican sailboat for bigger beginners or kids who needed some time to settle in
- 5 rigid inflatable boats for coaching and safety
- 1 fiberglass skiff for coaching and safety
- 14 trailer hauls to and from Deer Lake
A hearty “Well done!” to the YSA members who put this program together. Another hearty “Well done” and “Thank you” to the youth counselors and coaches. Finally, a massive “Thank you” to the yacht club members who served as shore support. You were an integral part of our safety program, and you all are greatly appreciated.
Next year will be YSA’s 20th year. Stay tuned.
Clyde Jenkins
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:
Matthew Ellerson
Matthew completed the adult introduction to sailing, as well as intro to lasers, and really loved it.
Sponsor: Sean Cruz
Don Krafft
“I am a lifelong sailor with lots of racing experience on San Francisco Bay. Have skippered 18 bareboat cruises in the Med and Caribbean. Currently a member of Freedom Boats in Anacortes.”
Sponsors: Lance and Vivian Porter
“I am a lifelong sailor with lots of racing experience on San Francisco Bay. Have skippered 18 bareboat cruises in the Med and Caribbean. Currently a member of Freedom Boats in Anacortes.”
Sponsors: Lance and Vivian Porter
Sue Ellen White
“I have been kayaking since 1984 and am an intermediate paddler.
One of the founders of the Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) that was folded into the SWYC, I now live on Rich Passage in Port Orchard, Wash. My interests are recreational and social as so many of my friends are yacht-club members.
Kayak camping is one of my long-held passions and I also enjoy day paddles. I am very safety conscious, regularly practice my rescue skills and am a member of the Olympia Mountaineers. I worked as a kayak guide for Whidbey Island Kayaking in the early 2000s and have experience as a lead and shepherd on group paddles.”
Sponsor: Gayle Austin
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
NEW!! SWYC BURGEE EARRINGS!!!
We now have SWYC burgee earrings for pierced ears. Each earring is 1.5 cm x 1 cm. The posts are hypoallergenic. Each pair is $10. See Barb Grimlund if you are interested in a pair for yourself or as a gift.
As the summer boating season winds down, start to get outfitted in SWYC logo’d apparel and accessories for the chillier fall weather. Looking for a heavier jacket? A sweatshirt or heavier hoodie? A warm vest or hat? Or maybe even a blanket?
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 Company:
- 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
Copyright © 2026 South Whidbey Yacht Club, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
South Whidbey Yacht Club
PO Box 316
Greenbank, WA 98253