May 2026 Newsletter
Commodore's Message
Dan Mooney
Boating Season 2026 is off and running at South Whidbey Yacht Club with lots of fun activities already in the books and lots more scheduled or in the works. I want to give a special shout out to Bob Shepherd and the YSA for hosting and organizing our successful Opening Day event at the Langley Fairgrounds. I have not been able to participate in Opening Day during my term as Commodore because we are still back East this time of year so I really appreciate Vice Commodore John Porter filling in for me once again as King Neptune! A “bluebird day” and a tasty (and fierce) chili contest made the event more memorable. Makes me feel like I’ve been missing out on the fun. Besides our Opening Day festivities, the kayak group has already been out on several paddles and the Windward Women have been busy with a number of programs and outings. The Cruisers just returned from their season kick off “shakedown cruise” and the laser fleet is getting ready to hit the race course. Next big event up is Ya Gotta Regatta June 19-21 at the Langley Marina. Festivities include games, a cocktail competition, laser races and kayak paddles. Please consider joining in on some or all of the events.
Finally we are looking forward to a very special and interesting speaker at this month’s Club meeting. Author Susan Conrad will be speaking on her “One Woman’s Journey through the Inland Passage”. Join us for the potluck and presentation on Wednesday, May 20, at the Freeland Hall.
Vice-Commodore's Report
John Porter
Hope you’re all fully involved in fun Spring activities! We had a wonderful New Member Mixer both inside and gathered on the deck at Barb and Pete Grimlund’s home. Perfect weather as a full group of new members enjoyed presentations from each Fleet Captain about the lineup of activities planned in each group. Something new was colorful tags showing what interests they held for the upcoming boating season- from Cruising to Youth Sailing (kayaking is still King). It seemed to work with lots of great conversation and wonderful new members! Thank you Pete, it was fantastic!
On the heels of the Mixer came our 2026 Opening Day Celebration. Fantastic event planned by Youth Sailing with a special shout-out to Bob Shepard! Each Fleet and WW were on deck with special chili offerings. In a quantum shift, Kayak Fleet wrestled the Crown from Youth Sailing in a hard fought “doubloon battle.” Several Lasers were present, a Pelican, and our new Opti and RS Tera sailboat trainers. Lots of exciting change with Viking Fleet III and a completely new Youth Sailing Fleet (new to us). Bob will have to share hair styling techniques as his Pirate locks were the envy of everyone, so soft and silky. Then, with almost superhuman effort, the Sword was pulled from the Stone, opening the new boating season!
Finally, just spent a week camping at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND. I consider it dry-land training for our maritime events this year. It’s a special place complete with packs of wild horses, buffalo herds, and probably a million prairie dogs. It was nice to disconnect and a real bucket-list event for me. Did the road trip include Corn Nuts and beef jerky? Oh, you know it did! Are elk steaks better on a Coleman stove? Yes, yes they are! However, it is concerning the Park Service has to post signs about buffalo. Seriously? It skews the “Darwin Award” results. I vote for a hands-off approach and let the buffalo chips fall where they may. (It had to be done).
As always, welcome to all as we embark on another season of fun!
Coming Events
May General Meeting
Speaker: Susan Conrad, Sea Kayaker, Adventurer and Author
Freeland Hall Community Center
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm – Sips ‘n Dips, Socializing
7:00 pm – Meeting and Speaker
What happens when you put one woman, one tiny kayak, and 1,200 miles of the Inside Passage together? Chaos, beauty, questionable decisions, and great stories. Join Susan Conrad as she zips through the highlights of her 78-day solo paddle from Washington to Sitka—marathon days on the water, surprise friendships in far-flung places, awkward standoffs with grizzlies, and the ongoing quest to stay upright, optimistic, and un-eaten. Along the way, she’ll spotlight British Columbia’s proposed Marine Protected Areas in the Great Bear Rainforest and pay homage to expedition-paddling legend Audrey Sutherland.
It’s armchair adventure at its finest—no dry suit required. You won’t want to miss this presentation!
Susan Marie Conrad is a long-distance adventure kayaker, Explorers Club National Fellow, and certified dark chocolate addict. She prefers her boats long and skinny, her journeys slow and salty, and her gear slightly damp. She’s written three books about paddling thousands of miles through the Inside Passage, and is currently working on her fourth. When she’s not floating off the map, you might find her snuggled up with her tabby cat, Moxie, and an exceedingly good book.
Read in advance about Susan’s adventures on her website.
You might want to read Susan’s Book, Inside: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage prior to her presentation.
Crab Feast - Call for Volunteers
Summer is upon us and with it, one of SWYC’s most anticipated events – Crab Feast. If you have wondered how all of those tasty crustaceans manage to skitter over to Freeland Hall and onto our plates, it was with the help of SWYC members with crab boats and those additional members who volunteered to provide extra crew and licenses. Catching the crabs is a fun adventure in and of itself and available to members without the means to go crabbing themselves, but who can help crew on someone else’s boat.
There is still room for a few more volunteers who wish to dance with the crabs as they try to avoid being plucked out of the crab pot. If interested, we will be harvesting crabs beginning on Saturday July 4th. Continuing on July 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th. We have crew opportunities on each of those days.
For more information, reach out to either Al Fitts or Pete Grimlund with questions or to sign up. Contact information available in the SWYC member directory. Or send a note to Bilgerat to forward to one of us.
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
May’s activities are already in full swing with a very successful SWYC Opening Day event at the Pole Barn in Langley. Our very own kayaker, Al Fitts walked away with the trophy for the award winning chili! Tough competition as there were a lot of excellent chili’s to sample.
Kayakers then celebrated Cinco De Mayo with a “No Sinko de Mayo” paddle around Goss Lake. We enjoyed a leisurely paddle around the lake, followed up by some chips, salsa, guacamole, and an amazing Tres Leche cake made by our own Vivian Stembridge. We certainly know how to feed ourselves well post paddle.
We also enjoyed a beautiful joint paddle at the end of April alongside the Pelican Fleet. We launched from Cornet Bay paddling to Skagit Island to see the wildflowers. The return paddle back to our cars left us all with some serious reflection after we had a kayaker capsize when our weather conditions degraded. No one was injured and she was able to get back in her boat and continue back to Cornet Bay.
Looking forward into May and June, the kayak fleet is on the move with two different camping trips headed off of Whidbey Island. The May camping trip will be down at Ocean City State Park and the June camping trip is headed to Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park. These trips are always a fun way for us to connect as a group. Come join us! Details are on the SWYC Calendar.
This month we were asked to write a guest feature for the SWYC safety report in the newsletter so check it out and see if you have everything you need to be safe out on the water in your kayak this season and beyond.
Upcoming Events
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
Windward Women had a busy and interesting month. We had a tour of the tulips at the Roozengaarde Display Gardens in Mount Vernon, a tour of Cloudstone Sculpture Park in Freeland and a Book Discussion at Langley Library with Caroll Simpson Hofmeister, author of Alone in the Great Unknown. About 25 attended the discussion at the Langley Library and 7 of us went out to lunch with Caroll following the discussion.
Of course we also enjoyed the Opening Day event at the Fairgrounds and took 3rd place in the Chili contest. We signed up four more women for the Windward Women GroupMe app on Opening Day and now have 60 women on our GroupMe app! We also have a potential new Yacht Club and Windward Women member as a result of the Langley Library Meet the Author event!
In the coming month we have many Windward Women looking forward to our general meeting speaker, Susan Conrad, as we have read book, “Inside: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage.” Eight of us are looking forward to Leslie Flohr’s Small Group Cooking Class the end of May (sorry ladies, it is full!) but it is not too late to sign up for our outing to visit the Exquisite Creatures Exhibit in Seattle on June 11th. Due to road construction, our guided tour of the Keystone Farm and Forest Preserve scheduled for June 30 is going to have to be postponed until September (hopefully September 23rd). More activities will be added to the calendar soon.
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 five racers from the Pelican III Fleet. We have organized our schedule of races. The first race is on this coming Saturday.
- May 23, Saturday, 12:00, Lake Campbell
- June 13, Saturday, 12:00, Lone Lake
- June 27, Saturday, 12:00, Big Lake
- August 8, Saturday, 12:00, Oak Harbor
- August 22, Saturday, 12:00, TBD
Laser Fleet
Registration is open for Introduction to Laser Sailing Class. Register at South Whidbey Parks & Recreation.
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 |
|---|---|
| May 19 | July 21 |
| May 26 | July 28 |
| June 2 | August 4 |
| June 9 | August 11 |
| June 16 | August 18 |
| June 23 | August 25 |
| June 30 | September 1 |
| Week off July 7 – No sailing | September 8 |
| July 14 | September 15 |
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
Shakedown Cruise Report
We had a small but fun group of cruisers enjoy our initial cruise of the 2026 season. The “old timers”, Bruce Morris and Barbara Bergman (Far Horizons), Pete and Barb Grimlund (Sun Dancer), and Jim and Kathy Rogers (Osprey) were joined by newer cruisers Rich and Linda Fowler (Owl) and Lynn Swanson and sister Teri (Wheyfarer). This short cruise was a great opportunity for us to dewinterize, clean, and organize our boats, check our required safety equipment, and make sure all systems were functioning properly in preparation for the longer cruises later in the season. We visited Port Townsend (Point Hudson Marina), Port Ludlow, and the Port of Edmonds and generally had mostly good weather but some “bouncy” seas. We enjoyed our afternoon sips and dips on the dock and some great meals at restaurants in all of the ports of call and were also treated to special afternoon and early morning serenades by the sea lions in Edmonds. It was a great way to start the cruising season, and we’re looking forward to our next cruise June 19-22 beginning with the club wide “Ya Gotta Regatta” at the Langley marina and followed by stops at the Port of Everett and again at Port Ludlow. Just a reminder that if you plan to join us aboard your boat in Langley, remember to reserve your dock space with the Port of South Whidbey via their website. The “fender roll” and other games will again be played on the dock, and all club members are invited to join that and the other activities scheduled for the weekend. Phil, have you scheduled the visits by the Orcas for us on that Saturday? Hope to see more cruisers there.
Jim and Kathy Rogers
SWYC Cruising Directors
Upcoming Cruises
June Cruise
Dates: Friday, June 19 – Tuesday, June 23
Destinations:
- June 19 & 20 Langley Marina (Ya Gotta Regatta Event)
- June 21 Port of Everett
- June 22 Port Ludlow Marina and Resort
- June 23 Home
Leaders: Barbara Bergmann & Bruce Morris
We’re starting out this cruise with two days in the Langley Marina as part of the annual SWYC Ya Gotta Regatta event. This has been an exciting event bringing together SWYC members from the cruising, kayaking and sailing groups, as well as those members who just want to stop down to the marina for socializing, shared food and legendary games on the dock. All boaters must register for moorage with the Port of South Whidbey. Boaters should add under Special Request that they are with the “South Whidbey YC – approved by Bruce Morris.”
After the weekend in Langley, the cruisers will move on to a night at the Everett Marina. All of guest dock #5 is reserved for SWYC. Boaters must register for moorage with the Port of Everett. Reservations are accepted up to 60 days in advance of the last of the reservation date. All boaters should add under Special Request that they are with the South Whidbey YC. Should participants submit a reservation prior to the 60 days, they will be added to a waitlist. If it is noted, under special request the the boater is “cruising with South Whidbey YC”. Bruce will be able to confirm the reservation.
On Monday, the group will cruise over to Port Ludlow. Boaters must register for moorage with the Port Ludlow Marina. All boaters should add under Special Request that they are “Cruising with South Whidbey YC.”
When you have made reservations for this cruise, be sure to notify Bruce and Barbara so they can update the plans for the cruise, including dining reservations. More specific plans will follow once they know who will be joining at which ports.
July Cruise
Dates: Monday, July 13 – Thursday, July 16
Destinations:
- July 13 Blaine Harbour, Washington
- July 14, 15 False Creek Harbour, Vancouver B.C.
- July 16 Home or ports beyond
Leaders: Pete and Barb Grimlund
Reach out to Pete or Barb for all the details and to join the July Cruise.
Come join Barb & Pete Grimlund for a mid-summer cruise to Vancouver, British Columbia with a stop in Blaine, Washington. On Monday, July 13th, travel to the Port of Bellingham’s Blaine Harbor for the first night out. On Tuesday, July 14th the group will head up to Vancouver, BC, staying at False Creek Harbor, adjacent to Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver for two nights. Cruise leaders Pete and Barb need to head home after Vancouver, but for those of you who want a longer cruise, Vancouver is a great jumping off spot to continue up the west coast of BC or cross over to the Gulf Islands for more exploration.
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 … More information to come.
View the Cruising Photo Album
Safety Matters - Kayak Safety
Kayaking Co-Fleet Captain Nina Fitts
After 5 years of kayaking with the South Whidbey Yacht Club kayak fleet, we had our first serious incident — which is any boater’s worst-case scenario. A kayaker capsized when weather conditions degraded on us, with bigger waves and winds hitting our group head on. The great news is that we had a successful outcome, and it’s because we take our kayak safety seriously. We train as a group for self-rescue and assisted T-rescue, and we paddle with the necessary safety gear.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY GEAR
Whether you kayak alone, with friends and family, or with the SWYC fleet, make sure you have:
- A well-fitted PFD with whistle attached
- Paddle float
- Bilge pump
- Tow rope
- Appropriate attire for cold water immersion — wetsuit or dry suit
Consider also adding a rescue ladder and a marine VHF radio. They are inexpensive and invaluable when needed. During that eventful paddle, our group had 5 radios spread among the 10 of us.
Most importantly — we train. In a pool and on the lake, practicing the critical rescues that matter most. If you have never practiced capsizing your kayak, it can be intimidating. But it is critical to your safety, and to the safety of the people you paddle with, to know what it feels like — and what it takes in strength and energy — to rescue yourself or someone else.
Our capsized kayaker successfully rescued herself because she has practiced and trained. She knew with certainty what she needed to do. It was not easy — most definitely challenging — but she was well prepared, with fellow kayakers who were also trained to assist.
As with any emergency, in hindsight there are always things you could have done better or differently. Our kayak fleet is committed to debriefing the incident with the goal of improving our safety standards for the group.
There are many slight variations and tips for performing a T-rescue. Click the link below to view one version, or — even better — book a training class with Christa and her team at Whidbey Island Kayaking. Nothing beats training for it in real time.
Nina Fitts
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.
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:
Judith Agather
Judith joins us from the Pelican III fleet.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Gayle Mathis & David Collentine
“Both my husband and I are kayakers and paddle borders. My husband David also was an active windsurfer back in the day. And more recently Dave has been sailing / crewing with our friends in Hawaii on their trimaran. We both have a love for the ocean, a love for the water. Oh and we also have a row boat we crab from here around Whidbey island. I’m excited to join windward women and other kayak events and hope to sail as well. Dave is interested in sailing the lasers and any other crewing possibilities. We are looking forward to being members . “
Sponsor: Lucy Olson
Andrew Dixon
“I grew up sailing off the beach boats that my father built, belonging to Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron. Lived aboard my Bristol Channel Cutter and am now aboard a Tartan 2300, Rugosa. I winter in the Port of South Whidbey. I am an avid sea kayaker and was in on the beginning of Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK)”
Sponsor: Joel Shrut
Terry Gosse
Terry joins us from the Pelican III fleet.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Chuck Horn
Chuck joins us from the Pelican III fleet.
Sponsor: Bill Brown
Opening Day
Opening Day was a success. We offer a huge THANK YOU! to Bob Shepard and who took charge of this year’s event. Bob was assisted by several volunteers. Our big annual events are dead in the water without the folks who step up.
New Member Orientation
Barb and Pete Grimlund hosted a get-together last month for a large number of our new members. Food and drink were served. Questions answered. The club is reinvigorated whenever a new batch of aquatic enthusiasts join its ranks. Welcome aboard!
Ya Gotta Regatta
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21
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.
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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