July 2026 Newsletter
Commodore's Message
Dan Mooney
Near perfect weather, plentiful fresh Dungeness crab, burgers, dogs and lots of yummy potluck dishes, and a big turnout made for an absolutely delightful Crab Fest. And Freeland Hall once again proved to be a great venue for the event. I can’t thank enough all those who helped to make this year’s Crab Fest so special. I was so impressed by how people jumped in to help wherever needed.
I am also pleased to announce that our Club Members donated $800 to this year’s non-profit partner South Whidbey at Home through the sale of left over crab. Additional donations were received through direct contributions at their table and a number of people expressed interest in volunteer opportunities with the organization.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Ya Gotta Regatta held at Langley Marina last month. Memorable experiences from this year’s event included a kayak paddle with a special welcome back to the marina courtesy of a breaching Humpback Whale not far from our little boats. We also used the occasion to team up with Port staff to dedicate the “Home Port” of the South Whidbey Yacht Club sign that had recently been mounted at the marina dock entrance. This beautiful sign was designed and hand crafted by member (and artist) Ken Price. After the Ya Gotta Regatta wrapped up the cruisers headed off on a nice cruise to Everett and Port Ludlow.
Next annual event up is the August Social at the Organic Farm School on Wednesday evening August 19th at 5:30. Like last year the Farm School will be serving up wood fired pizza made fresh on site. There will also be a tour of the Farm School available for those interested in learning more about this unique institution. Join us for a relaxing and chill time. Just a reminder that we our next regular Club Meeting at Freeland Hall is not scheduled until Wednesday September 16th. Hope to see you there too.
Crab Fest Photo Recap
Potluck Seamanship 101
Every SWYC potluck is a voyage worth taking. The buffet table is always loaded with culinary treasures—from legendary corn casseroles and award-worthy salads to those espresso brownies that seem to disappear faster than a fair-weather breeze. But once the feast is over, another tradition begins… The Lost & Flounder Department. Somewhere between dessert and clean up, serving spoons go adrift, casserole dishes change berths, and a surprising number of spatulas decide to jump ship. Before long, your hardworking organizers are trying to reunite lonely utensils with their rightful captains. Here’s a simple tip to keep your galley gear from becoming flotsam: put a piece of masking tape with your name on the bottom of your dish or tie a colorful ribbon around the handle of your serving utensil. If your favorite serving spoon decides to stay in port after everyone else heads home, we’ll know exactly who to contact and can get it safely back aboard. While we’re on the subject of potluck mysteries… Have you ever heard someone ask, “Who made those espresso brownies?” or “I need the recipe for that corn casserole!” Unfortunately, our memories aren’t always shipshape after sampling a buffet of such fine fare, and we’re often left trying to identify the mystery chef. If you bring a homemade dish, please add your name to the tent card beside it. Not only will you earn the bragging rights you deserve, but when fellow members come looking for your secret recipe, we’ll know exactly where to point them instead of launching a full-scale search party. Fair winds, following seas…and may all your utensils make it back to their home port. 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.
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
Trip Report – Un-Sunlake Trip
The kayak fleet’s camping trip to Sun Lakes State Park took a decidedly different twist when we learned while en route that the park had been evacuated and was closed due to a nearby wildfire. Our intrepid paddlers pivoted and all still enjoyed several days of camping, paddling, and socializing. Just in a different way than anticipated.
Twelve of our group ended up in the Chelan area at Lakeshore Park Campground or in a VRBO condo at Wapato point. There were two nice paddles, 6 miles each along the east shore and north shore of Lake Chelan, a dinner at the condo, swimming, relaxing and a nice departing lunch at Sirens Song Winery.
Two of our paddlers camped at Lake Easton State Park campground, enjoying paddles on Kachess Lake and marshmallows toasted over the open flame of a candle due to burn bans.
Vice Commodore John Porter and Robin camped at Lake Wenatchee State Park right on the river with stunning views. Robin enjoyed paddling the smooth-as-glass waters at the park.
Several paddlers returned to Whidbey where they joined another SWYC group that paddled from Maxwelton to Possession Point Waterfront Park. And got to sleep in their own beds.
Our dinners were quite the adventure. We had originally planned group dinners for 3 nights for 21 people. It’s just not the same when you have all the hamburgers and chicken and the buns are seventy miles away. Or when you have a whole smoked salmon for two people. The cookies and brownies still seemed to go quickly, even with only half the people. Thankfully it is a resourceful group!
Everyone agreed that Un-Sunlaking was just as much fun as Plan A! Photos were shared between all the groups in our Group Me app so that everyone could enjoy each other’s experiences throughout the week. Many thanks to all for their flexibility and creative problem solving.
Upcoming Events
Deer Lake Picnic with Windward Women, July 25 : We are looking forward to a joint event with the Winward Women hosted by Ann Christensen.
The Christensen’s home on Deer Lake provides the perfect spot for some relaxing fun on the water.
For those new to kayaking or considering kayaking there will be boats to share. You are encouraged to try them out and paddle around the calm lake. For more experienced kayakers it’s a great opportunity to practice your wet exit/re-entry/ and rescue assist skills in warm water!
Dogs, soft drinks and beer provided. Bring a dish to share. Picnic starts at 3:00. Safe kayaking and paddleboarding begin at 4:00.
Sinclair Island Kayaking and Camping, Aug 3 – 5 : A second trip to Sinclair Island (the first one is this week) is being hosted by Pete and Barb Grimlund and we’ve heard there are a few spots open on this one.
Camp will be set up on Grimlund’s private property, with limited facilities. Pete’s boat carries your gear. Day paddles to the surrounding islands are planned but all will be determined by weather. This is a real island adventure and those participating should be skilled and comfortable with crossings.
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.
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
The Windward Women have two hikes in July. The first one was last Wednesday at the South Whidbey State Park. Leslie Flohr led the group for a walk through the beautiful towering forest of the park. A sack lunch picnic at the park followed the walk.
On July 25th we will be hosting a joint Windward Women and Kayak Fleet picnic on Deer Lake. Dale and Ann Christensen will be our hosts at their home. Hot dogs, water, soft drinks and beer are provided and other potluck items are encouraged! Lots of fun water activities such as kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding along with visiting with friends. Bring your own kayak or use one of Christensen’s spare ones. You might even feel inclined to practice a wet exit! You can find more details on the GroupMe app. The event starts at 3 pm.
Our first activity in August will be a Joint picnic with the Laser Racers at Freeland beach on August 4th. We can watch their exciting races and cheer them on. A BBQ will follow with hot dogs and potluck dishes. Here’s a chance to meet yacht club friends you may not know yet! The event is open to all SWYC members. Freeland Park at 5:30 pm.
Next up is a beach walk at Double Bluff led by Gwen Coughenour on August 11th at 10 am. We will gather at Gwen’s home for a taco salad lunch after we’ve worked up an appetite!
We hope you can join us for exercise and socializing with yacht club friends!
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 ranks of the Pelicaneers of SWYC have been expanded, so far, by about ten racers from the Pelican Viking III Fleet. Here are our upcoming of races:
- August 8, Saturday, 12:00, Oak Harbor
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| July 21 | |
| July 28 | |
| August 4 | |
| August 11 | |
| August 18 | |
| August 25 | |
| September 1 | |
| Week off July 7 – No sailing | September 8 |
| September 15 |
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
The SWYC cruisers have been out and about enjoying the Puget Sound this last month. In June the group started in Lanley Marina, hosting the Ya Gotta Regatta event and dedicating the South Whidbey Island HOME PORT sign, crafted by our talented wood artist and long-time member, Ken Price. Thank you, Ken, for sharing your gifts, and to Kat & George Bivoino for planning the Ya Gotta Regatta event. SWYC members joined the cruisers for pot luck on the dock and socializing.
After Langley, the cruisers moved on to the Port of Everett and then on to Port Ludlow Marina and Resort, where a burgee exchange ceremony was held with the Port Ludlow Yacht Club. Thanks Barbara Bergmann & Bruce Morris for leading the June cruise.
The cruisers just returned from the July cruise, led by Pete and Barb Grimlund. First stop was a lovely evening at the Blaine Marina, where we walked into the quaint town of Blaine for a tasty oyster dinner. The fleet then crossed the turbulent waters (yes, a nail biter) up to Vancouver BC’s False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf Marina, right next to Granville Island. So much to see and do right in the heart of the city! Sips ‘n Dips on the dock, dinner at Granville restaurants, walks along the waterfront trail and of course, had to do some shopping! Great weather, great adventure!
Upcoming Cruises
Join us if you can. No boat? Many of the locations have hotel or B&B accommodations close to the marina and can be reached by car and ferry. Consider coming along!
– Barb Grimlund
Upcoming Cruises
August Cruise
Dates: Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 15
Destinations:
- August 7 Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
- August 8/9 Sidney, BC
- August 10 Ganges Marina, Saltspring Island
- August 11/12 Bedwell Harbour Marina and Poet’s Cove Resort
- August 13 Port Browning Marina
- August 14 Fisherman’s Bay, Lopez Island
- August 15 Home
Leaders: Kat and George Bivoino
Reach out to Kat or George for all the details and to join the August Cruise
Come join the cruisers for all or part of this tour of beautiful ports in the Gulf Islands and British Columbia. This is the summary of our stops and itineraries. Reach out to Kat and George Bivoino for a more detailed description of each day, the plans, and where to make reservations. It’s always a fun time cruising with the SWYC cruisers!
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
Reciprocal News
Bruce Morris, Commodore Emeritus
Safety While Laser (Dinghy) Sailing
Zak Malbin
Laser sailing is tons of fun, especially when the wind is strong and the waves are big. However, with that good time comes an increased safety risk. Dinghy sailing is unique compared to motor boating or ‘large’ sailboat sailing, in that the boat can easily capsize or flip completely upside down! You can hang out on a ‘turtled’ boat just fine until you choose to right it. Dinghies, such as Lasers, are made to easily right from a capsize, with a little upper body strength, and some sensible preparation for the conditions. I remember the first time I sailed singlehanded on a dinghy (Topper) in 15-18 knots very well. I death rolled (capsized to windward going downwind) about 30 times that day, leaving me exhausted, but with a huge smile across my face. The fact I was able to right the boat each time, never got cold, and had many other boats around to keep an eye out, went a long way to keeping me safe and excited about sailing, even while spending half the day in the water.
For SWYC Laser racing, we do a number of things to keep ourselves and each other safe.
The most important thing is that each sailor is required to always wear a Type III PFD.
Additionally, the following are highly recommended for sailors:
- Helmet or bump cap (prevent boom contact)
- Whistle (for emergencies to get others attention)
- Wetsuits / appropriate clothing (stay warm when wet)
Furthermore, the SWYC Laser fleet has adopted additional strategies to stay safe:
-A wind limit for racing of steady 17 knots. While races elsewhere are routinely sailed in winds exceeding 20+ knots (sometimes 30+ in the Columbia River Gorge where many of us have sailed and raced), that involves multiple safety boats and on-shore infrastructure we don’t have on Whidbey.
-SWYC Safety boat present with multiple race committee members who are able to respond as needed to any issues that arise.
– Regattas around the world are generally sailed under one set rig/sail size according to preference of sailor. Most SWYC sailors opt for a full rig. However, our fleet allows for the ability for racers to swap rigs according to skill, weight, and/or wind. This allows lighter and newer sailors to expand their comfort level as the wind increases. The options are:
- 4.7 Rig / ILCA 4 (ideal weight range 77–121 lbs)
- Radial Rig / ILCA 6 (ideal weight range 121–160 lbs)
- Standard/Full Rig / ILCA 7 (ideal weight range 160+ lbs)
If the wind and waves are too much for someone, they can rig up with a smaller sail to reduce likelihood of capsize and make the boat more manageable.
While sailing itself carries inherent risk, one of the most dangerous times for the SWYC Laser fleet is during launching and returning to shore on Holmes Harbor. A major difference between SWYC and most other yacht clubs is the lack of permanent waterfront infrastructure. On windier, wavier days, it can make launching difficult. This is generally minimized by everyone helping each other out. The harder part is often returning to shore after a day on the water, especially with the combination of northerly wind, waves and the shallow Holmes Harbor boat ramp. I have seen many adult sailors come into the ramp with too much speed and end up smashing into the beach and breaking things. My recommendation to people is to get close to the ramp, pull daggerboard up halfway, and undo any stopper knots in the mainsheet when close with sail fully luffing, and slowly drift in the last 25 feet. This works very well even in heavy wind.
One final note about safety: Safety starts with YOU. Everyone is responsible for their own personal safety. It starts with you being comfortable with your own skillset. A sailor must be proficient at swimming and solo capsize recovery. Only go out on the water for given weather/wind conditions if you are confident in your abilities for said conditions. Safety boats and other sailors will always try and keep an eye out, but personal safety always starts with you to keep this sport as enjoyable as possible.
Stay safe and have fun!
Zak Malbin, SWYC Laser Fleet Captain
Youth Sailing Association
YSA held their first week of sailing classes this past week. Tested by calm winds and the occasional thunderstorm, the kids performed well. Our volunteers have been bountiful and so very helpful. As of today (July 19), there are still about 25% of the volunteers slots open. Please sign up if you can spare three hours in the morning or afternoon. Sign up Info
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:
Lynne & René Dumas
Lynne & René join us from Pelican Fleet 3.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Katherine & Vince Mack
“Katherine and I have been boaters for a long time – both power boating and sailing. Water skiing and fishing as kids. I, Vince, started sailing through a yacht club in Kirkland a number of years ago. Learned to sail on a San Francisco Pelican. Since then I have sailed in the San Juans, Gulf Islands and recently in the British Virgin Islands. Katherine and I have chartered a Grand Banks trawler in the San Juans, also. We recently purchased a small sailboat, Catalina Capri 14.2, to sail locally and with grandkids.
I am interested in volunteering with the Youth Sailing Association and we both are interested in continuing to be involved in boating in these wonderful waters around us.”
Sponsor: Judith Canfield
Suzie & Rex DuPuis
“We’ve been lifelong boaters. We spent many years boat camping with family in the San Juan Islands – crabbing, scuba diving, hiking. Later we discovered sailing – raced very actively around the Puget Sound, as well as cruising.
We recently sold our 30′ sailboat, Gadzooks. Last fall I (Suzie) acquired a Pelican (Kermit) from Bill Brown. I’m currently working on her which is taking a long time since I don’t really know what I am doing! I think she will, hopefully, no longer take on water. I hope to join the Pelican racing.”
Sponsor: Kat Bivoino
Denny Quirk
“Former Pelican Viking Fleet 3 member. Currently restoring San Francisco Pelican #2616. I’m also interested in the reciprocal slip program.”
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Jim Shreffler
Jim joins us from Pelican Fleet 3.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
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.
The summer boating season has arrived! Get 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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