May Newsletter
Commodore's Message
Opening Day
We had a great Opening Day today and in the tradition of SWYC, that bodes for an incredible Boating Season! There have been a lot of strange Opening Day celebrations in different places over the years, but nothing stranger then right here in Seattle in 1895. That year, after a parade of boats in Elliot Bay, the Seattle Yacht Club decided a sham naval battle would be great fun. The plan was for a “monitor,” a small warship, to be blown up when Roman candles were fired at it. Unfortunately, or perhaps luckily, the wind blew out the candles. Fortunately we don’t undertake such bold adventures!
New Members
It has been a great pleasure meeting all of the new members who have joined in the past few months. Your enthusiasm and spirit of adventure are very impressive. Each new member is a welcome addition to this organization that has served the South Whidbey community for over 20 years. We look forward to seeing you join in all of our spring and summer activities.
Spring Boating Activities
If you haven’t yet made plans to get out on the water, now is the time. Take a look at our website to see all the activities our wonderful Fleet Captains have planned! Barb Grimlund is doing a fantastic job keeping the calendar up-to date, so check there frequently to get the latest on events and activities.
The Fair Winds and Sunny Skies of Spring are upon us – go Boating!
Commodore Bruce
Opening Day
We had a very good turnout for our chilly and damp Opening Day in the Langley Fairgrounds Pole Barn. Many new members attended, offering up their votes for the best chili. This year, the Kayakers won, owing to Chef Barb Hardman’s creation. Commodore Bruce took a moment to recognize the volunteers for the event, and more broadly, through out the organization. He made a powerful appeal for more of us to step up and get involved.
Kayaking by Fleet Captain Barb Grimlund
The SWYC kayakers kicked off the season with a Shakedown Paddle from Cornet Bay to Skagit Island on April 20th. The group had an enjoyable paddle out to Skagit Island, a picnic lunch while there, a walk around the island to see the wildflowers and views, and aa smooth paddle back to Cornet Bay. Bluebird skies! Thank you, Joel Shrut and Mary Knighton, for leading the group.
In May, we have a paddling event planned as part of the SWYC Langley Aquapalooza at 1:00 on Saturday, May 18. Come on down to the Langley Marina for some paddling and visiting with other SWYC members. Jack and Ann Holton will also be leading two Kayak Rescue Review and Practice session on Goss Lake on May 25 and on May 26. Early season is when you want to practice those skills to be ready for the rest of the season. RSVP on the Group Me app.
Don’t forget to make your camping reservations at Swift Creek Campground at Baker Lake for our June Kayaking/Camping trip. We invite all SWYC members who enjoy camping, boating, fishing and hiking to this event June 16 – 18. There’s lots to do at Baker Lake with communal dinners, campfires and hanging out with friends. Let Barb Grimlund know you are coming so that we can add you to the group communications for the event.
To read all the details for these events and the rest of the planned 2024 events, click on this link and scroll to the bottom of the page. SWYC Kayaking
Contact Barb Grimlund to be added to the Kayaking Fleet email distribution list and the Group Me app. See you on the water!
Windward Women by Fleet Captain Katy Shaner
Welcome May. Let all that you have to offer burst out in abundance. The Windward Women are active and alive and raring to go.
The weather was grand when we hiked both Admiralty Inlet Nature Preserve on Friday, April 19 and South Whidbey State Park with Ann Linnea on Wednesday, May 1.
Thirteen Windwards hiked Admiralty Inlet Preserve where we could see an amazing old-growth forest, a mile of high waterfront bluff, three miles of walking trails with interpretive signs, and amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. We shared lunch at Callen’s Restaurant overlooking the Coupeville ferry afterwards.
Our hike to South Whidbey State Park was led by naturalist Ann Linnea. 10 Windwards walked the Wilbert Trail learning how trees communicate with each other through their root systems, the importance of the feeder trees that provide the nutrients for young saplings, how the Mother Trees act as a central hub to share their excess carbon and nitrogen with the understory seedlings, and signs on trees that show the trauma they have experienced and the stories they could tell. Ann made the Old Growth Forest come even more alive with her stories! After our hike we went to Greenbank Farm for lunch at the Old Spots Bistro.
Last but not least was the tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Wednesday, April 24. Matt Nichols shared the history of how Nichols Brothers came to Whidbey, the range of boats that they have built over the years and the variety of boats they repair. He then took the 10 of us on the tour of the yard, sharing about the boats that were being worked on at the time. All fascinating! Following the tour, we had lunch at Fare Market in Freeland.
What is coming for May?
By the time you receive this newsletter, the Windward Women will have walked Putney Woods with SWYC member Mary Stewart who organized and led the hike. Putney Woods is a treasure for hiking with all its many trails. More than 600 acres of forest and 15 miles of trail make Putney Woods a destination for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers on South Whidbey. We entered the park from Keller Road and hiked about 2.5 miles of flat forest trail, mostly in the Metcalf Woods.
On Wednesday, May 22, the WW will take a tour of the Schooner Suva with a presentation before at Coupeville Library at 3:00. Peter Wells, the president of the Whidbey Island Maritime Heritage Foundation will share slides and stories about the Suva. Afterwards we will walk to the Coupeville Wharf to board the Suva for our tour. The Suva is a 68-foot long, wooden pilot boat is almost 100 years old, having been built in 1925. We will share Happy Hour at the Front Street Grill.
Throughout the summer WW will have socials, hikes and tours with guest speakers. Check out the SWYC website under Windward Women and click on the event in which you would like to participate.
All women of the SWYC are invited to participate. Questions? Suggestions? Interests? Contact Katy Shaner.
Racing
The 2024 schedules of both the Laser Racing (Fleet Captains Zak Malbin and Carol Dean) and Pelican Racing (Fleet Captain Bill Brown) are now on the SWYC Calendar. Be sure to add these to your own calendar for a summer of fun competition on the water.
NEW THIS YEAR: Casual Sail Fridays! Casual Sail Fridays will be a more informal “go have fun and sail however you want” opportunity to be out at the same time as others. Pelicans or Lasers, the Casual Sail Fridays will begin on June 7 at 4:00 on Holmes Harbor, launching from Freeland Park. On the last Friday of June, July and August following the sailing, we’ll be having a club cookout in Freeland Park. Whether you are a sailor or just want to come down and watch, join the group for some good picnic eats with friends. Reach out to Sean Cruz for more information.
Pelican Fleet Captain Needed. We are still in need of a Pelican Fleet Captain for 2024. Please reach out to Bill Brown or Bruce if you are a Pelican sailor and can step up into this role.
Cruising
Shakedown Cruise – May 17 – 21+ Leaders: Pete & Barb Grimlund
Cruise Description: To follow Aquapalooza 5/17-5/19 at Langley Marina – Overnight 5/19 in Everett Marina and then head through the Ballard locks (small) to Fisherman’s Terminal in Salmon Bay. From there, we’ll pile on one boat and explore Lake Washington and Lake Union.– May 17 -18 – Langley Marina (as part of the SWYC Aquapalooza Langley)– May 19th – Everett Marina– May 20th – Fisherman’s Terminal/Salmon Bay after passing through the Ballard Locks. Explore Lake Union and Lake Washington– May 21st – Return home or continue on with possible extensions to Edmonds, Kingston or Port Townsend
Don’t own a boat? You can drive to many of our cruising destinations. Come join the cruisers for on-the-dock happy hours and dinners. Or, if lodging is available at our destinations, hop aboard one of the cruising boats and then stay in a comfortable bed at a hotel near the marina.
More 2024 cruises are being planned. These are the plans thus far. They will be finalized as we get closer to the dates. Keep an eye on the calendar:
Get details about this season’s cruises on our website.
Youth Sailing Association
Preparations are busily being made as another program of youth sailing is scheduled for July. Weekly planning sessions meet on Tuesdays at Crabby Coffee at WiFire in Freeland or at Bayview Cash Store-Front Room at Bayview at 9:00 AM. Check the SWYC Website Calendar for each week’s location.
This award winning program, recognized through the region for its excellence, needs volunteers. The actual instructors are young people who have typically come up through the ranks of sailing students. We need adults to provide a little guidance. Typically, this involves signing up for a couple of hours at a time.
Additionally, YSA encourages our community of members to consider getting involved in the upper level of the leadership ranks. At some point, Bob Rodgers will want to pass the torch as he becomes the YSA Admiral Emeritus.
Registration for Sailing Classes
Youth and Adult Sailing Classes
Online Registration is Open
The Youth Classes have already filled up. Open slots are still available for the Adult Classes.
Register online at South Whidbey Parks and Recreation.
Learn more about our programs at SWYC Sailing Programs.
Safety Matters #12: Boating Statistics by Clay Canfield
Well, boating season is upon us! And with the onset of boating season comes seasonal fun along with drownings, sinkings, collisions, hypothermia and any number of other hazards. As an engineer, motorcyclist, sailor, and former pilot, I am fixated on statistics, as they can tell me what I should avoid the most to stay safe. For instance, a motorcycle rider who always wears a helmet, doesn’t consume alcohol before riding, and takes a riding course, has reduced the likelihood of an accident by almost 75%.
But what about boating? Well, the most recent Coast Guard paper on recreational boating statistics is for the 2022 season, and has some useful information about what we can avoid to minimize the risk of an accident. The number of accidents caused by the top five contributing factors, including deaths associated with each, are: 1) Operator inattention 602/45, 2) Operator inexperience 464/69, 3) Improper lookout 387/22, 4) Excessive speed 320/35 and 5) Alcohol use 215/88. Needless to say, the highest percentage of deaths per accident are associated with alcohol use. When I first got into sailing in the ‘90’s, I was appalled at the amount of alcohol use among boaters. It was as if they could hardly wait for the mooring lines to be off before they started drinking! I recommend having a designated skipper who does not imbibe, in order to minimize the risk of an alcohol associated accident
So lack of situational awareness is the highest risk of an accident, followed by inexperience. No surprise there. This correlates well with Coast Guard Florida Youtube videos, which I highly recommend watching. Coast Guard Alaska and Coast Guard Cape Disappointment are also excellent viewing, but not as applicable to Puget Sound boating. I also recommend looking at the Coast Guard report, which I have linked below.
One of my favorite expressions is “Be Good to Yourself,” which includes everything from eating healthy to exercising to boating safely and responsibly.
Wishing you a safe boating season.
New Members
Dale & Ann Christensen
“Ann and I are long-term island residents and kayakers who have kayaked around the island. We were formerly members of the now-inactive Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK). We have several kayaking friends who are members, and we wish to join them. We also want to introduce our family to sailing and swimming lessons for grandkids.”
Sponsor: Katy Shaner
Kim and Tito Craige
“As new Whidbey Island residents, my husband and I are eager to learn about the water that surrounds us. We want to learn to paddle safely, and maybe even take sailing lessons. We also want to be part of a community that enjoys the outdoors.”
Sponsor: Barb Grimlund
Julie Demaree
“I got most of my sailing experience on a Gulf 32 Pilothouse on the Columbia River and the Salish Seas from Olympia to Desolation Sound. In 2010, I sailed down to San Diego to join the Baja Haha to the Sea of Cortez. Purchasing a Flicka 20 in 2022 allows me to take multi-day cruises out of Anacortes, usually single-handing. While in Portland I taught sailing classes and ran the cruising program, including organizing flotillas, for the Oregon Women’s Sailing Association.”
Julie lives in Anacortes. She has been an active member of the Anacortes Yacht Club.
Sponsor: Patty Maxfield
Ashley Eriksson
“I have sailed a bit with local SWYC members, Kirstin Clauson and Carol Dean, and with some other folks here and there. I joined Suva crew but didn’t get to go out very much due to my own busy schedule that year. I would like to try easy solo sailing and think I would probably like it, but haven’t tried yet.”
Ashley has a Windmill sailing dinghy, and she jointly owns a Laser II with Kirstin Clauson.
During a very pleasant chat, Ashley talked about other parts of her life. She is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and animator. Her plan is to attend the adult sailing classes in June.
Sponsor: Carol Dean
Cory Jennings
Cory grew up “cruising the San Juans in my dad’s Pelican.” He has owned a couple of keelboats recently. He is excited to try his hand at Laser racing.
Sponsor: Carol Dean
David Millar
“Started Lasers 1974, raced Hobie 16 until 1979. Thistle racing 2014-15. Santa Cruz 27 until 2018. Currently crewing Shock 35. Weekly bout race, Ballard. Current boat, Swampscot sail dory.”
Sponsor: Zak Malbin
Dan & Marie Poolman
“Previously members of the Camano Island Yacht Club. Now that we’re retiring, plan on spending a lot more time on our boat, a Sea Ray 290 named Sundancer. We enjoy cruising in the San Juans and Vancouver Island area.”
Sponsor: Mark Conover
Deb & Joe Suggs
Deb and Joe learned about the club from Carol Dean. They are very enthusiastic about sailing Lasers.
Sponsors: Carol Dean and Zak Malbin
Renate Staab-Yankacy
“I am a member of the Anacortes Yacht Club since May of 2023 and have recently completed and been certified in ASA 101. I am now planning to pursue ASA 103 and 104. I own several kayaks and was especially interested in the kayak group.”
We are especially excited that Renate has offered to help us with our audio-visual system.
Sponsor: Bruce Morris
Coming Events
Monthly Membership Meeting
Speaker: Matt Nichols
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
6:30 pm on Wednesday, May 15
Greenbank Progressive Club (And Zoom)
Greenbank Progressive Club (And Zoom)
Matt Nichols, Executive Vice President of Sales at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has over 55 years experience in the boat building industry. In 1972 Nichols took ownership of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders previously owned and operated by his father, Frank Nichols who founded the company in 1964.
Matt’s insight on the growing market for a new kind of passenger vessel; light, fast, sea-kindly and fuel efficient: the aluminum-hull catamaran; which was introduced to American waters by NBBB as the high-speed catamaran, and put NBBB in the stream light. From there NBBB’s projects grew a reputation of quality craftsmanship, and excellent vessel performance with fuel and environmental efficiencies.
Now, with new Owners of Nichols Brothers, Matt Nichols is still a vital part of business development and leads the sales department, while also serving on the board of Directors.
Matt will be here to tell us more about Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, their projects and their role in the local Whidbey Island Community and Nautical Community.
You will find additional details, including Zoom meeting link, here.
Aquapalooza
Rear Commodore Phil Simon’s First Annual Aquapalooza
Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18
Langley Marina
Come join your 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 enjoy sharing activities with other groups and members. Free sails, kayak paddles, ad hoc races, happy hour on the dock… It’s up to you! What an opportunity to enjoy and learn more about the various types of boating!
See all the details at Aquapalooza event.
Gentlemen's Tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders SWYC Men’s Tour
Thursday, June 20 @ 10:00 am
The SWYC Windward Women’s tour of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders was so successful that one for the guys of the SWYC has been planned.
It will be Thursday, June 20, 10:00. Meet at Matt Nichol’s office on 7777 E. Shoreview Dr. overlooking Holme’s Harber. Parking is limited. Overflow parking will be in the Nichols Brothers boat ramp area along Shoreview Drive.
See how their operations works, what kinds of boats they build and gain a greater appreciation for Freeland’s commerce and the role Nichols Bros play.
Maximum number participants is 25 so the first 25 to respond will be included in the tour. Please respond to Katy Shaner. SWYC
All Things Nautical Garage Sale - July 6
Who doesn’t like a good garage sale (especially the ones with fishing and boating items) and Whidbey Island is home to lots of good ones! One of the best is the Lagoon Point community’s July 4 weekend garage sale. This year the SWYC is planning to hold a marine/boating related garage sale at Phil Simon’s Lagoon Point property in conjunction with the community garage sale on Saturday July 6. It should be a great opportunity to lighten your load and make a little coin by getting that unused or little used boating and fishing “stuff” out of your garage or shed (or boat.) We do need help though. Before fully committing we would like to make sure there is enough interest in participating and as well as enough volunteers to staff the sale. We will be following up with a survey to gauge your interest. Please contact Dan Mooney if you have any questions or comments.
Crab Fest - July 14
Volunteers Needed
Ahoy, SWYC members – Save the date! Sunday, July 14, 2024 is the next infamous SWYC Crab Fest, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Honeymoon Bay Club. Planning for our much-loved July Crab Feast has begun and we could use your help. We have some big asks and some little tasks too, before, during and after… something for everyone! See what might appeal to you… Come join us to learn the ropes of this wonderful SWYC tradition!
The following are a few of the volunteers that are needed:
Before
- Calling all Crabbers! We need boats (3-5) with skippers and folks with crabbing licenses (2-3 per boat) to assist the boat captains and to feed this crowd! (over 100 last year…!)
- Saturday, July 13 – Pre-Function Crab cooker volunteers
- A volunteer or two to pick up and bring many bags (10) of ice –both Saturday and Sunday for the Pre-Function Crab Cooking to ice down the cooked crab and then for the Main Event. (Costs are reimbursed)
- A volunteer shopper to make a Costco run (We have the list dialed in…)
- A volunteer Shopper to make a Grocery run (we have that list too!)
During or Day of
- 6 to 8 people to come early (1:00 pm) and help set up canopies and tables with table cloths
- A couple of volunteer Greeters to collect the donation and direct traffic
- A volunteer to slice those lemon wedges
- We will need a propane stove and a volunteer or two to be in charge of melting that butter!
- We need a BBQ Grill master – flipping those burgers and dogs coming up hot off the grill; a team of two would be ideal.
- We will need an extra propane tank as a back up just in case…and volunteer to bring that.
- A volunteer or 2 to hand out all the great crab (tongs provided)
- 6 to 8 folks to stay and help clean up
- We need to borrow several large coolers (5)
- A couple of volunteers to oversee and handle the trash and recycling disposal. We are encouraging every attendee to pack out what they packed in. Please bring two bags to handle your own garbage and recycling that will go home with you for disposal
2024 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!
Member Questions
Please send responses to: bilgerat@swyachtclub.org
Any rowers out there? A new member would love to chat with you!
Seeking accommodation
We have a member seeking housing as their current lease expires soon.
Are any El Toro Plans available locally? (asking for a non-member)
Looking for SWYC clothing, hats or gifts for the summer? Head to our Land’s End SWYC store for a wide selection of apparel and accessories. Two different SWYC logos plus Windward Women logos to choose from. Make your customized selection and order on line.
Click here: Land’s End Store
Or, you can choose a local on-island option.
Savage Screen Printing & Embroidery in Clinton now has our burgee logo on file (Only the burgee. Not our other logos). SWYC members can stop in to Savage and have the logo applied to their own personal item, or select a hat from Savage’s selection. Stop by next time you’re in Clinton to better understand this alternative to Land’s End.
Land’s End still offers the greater variety of merchandise, more logo configurations and the ease of shopping from your home, but it’s nice to have a local alternative as well.
Visors from Savage Screen Printing and Embroidery
These are examples of some of the products that Savage Screen Printing and Embroidery, in Clinton, is able to create for you locally.
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