October Newsletter
Commodore's Message by Dan Mooney
This week we celebrated the official presentation of our large Yacht Club burgee to the Port of South Whidbey to be proudly flown at the Langley Marina. With the establishment of our reciprocal slip there, the burgee marks the Langley Marina as the “Home Port” of the South Whidbey Yacht Club. From the Port’s prospective our slip should be a good draw to bring in cruisers from other yacht clubs around Puget Sound. For the Club, it provides us with a very desirable moorage spot that should help us establish reciprocal mooring agreements with even more yacht clubs as well as having a slip for our Club members to use right in our own back yard. After the burgee was hoisted on the Pelican mast repurposed as a flag pole, we enjoyed a champagne toast to our new relationship with the Port followed by “sips and dips”. Check out our Burgee flying at the end of the dock next time you visit the Marina.
A reminder of several important (and fun) upcoming events to get on your calendar as we head into the last quarter of a busy and successful year for our Yacht Club. The Commodore’s Bash will be held on Saturday November 15th at the Useless Bay Golf Club and this year’s Holiday Party is set for December 10th at the Freeland Hall. See articles in this newsletter for more details on these events and a link to purchase your tickets for the Commodore’s Bash.
Kayaking by Co-Fleet Captains Nina Fitts and Diane Lagerstedt
September Events
Orcas Island
27 attendees! 3 paddles! 1 potluck dinner! 1 group dinner w/ live music and dancing! 1 sips and dips on the beach! Unlimited Fun!
Near perfect weather conditions made for great paddle opportunities out of Crescent Beach Thursday, to the Wasp Islands and Jones Islands on Friday and up to Mountain Lake on Saturday.
We took advantage of the weather and dined at Matt’s Smokehouse for barbeque and live music. Paddlers can DANCE!
Remember that you don’t need to be a kayaker to join us. There were opportunities for bike riding and sailing as well. Hiking is always an option. Lots of great social activities and all club members are welcome!
Next year’s dates 9-17 through 9-20 with a possible extension to Lopez Island. Book now to join us! More info on Group Me app or in the website calendar events. Contact Diane Lagerstedt or Nina Fitts
Baby Island Paddle- September 27th- host and paddle leader Manfred Bartz
Big Shout out to Manfred Bartz for leading a delightful early morning circumnavigation of Bably Island out of Saratoga Beach. After a couple of days of iffy weather, we hit the perfect morning for a flat-water paddle to Baby Island to view seals lounging, splashing, playing and being intensely curious about the intrusion
Upcoming Calendar Events
Orcas Island Thursday Sept 17- Sunday Sept 20 2026
- Ocean shores canals and the Copalis river ghost forest for spring (end of May)
- Planning Party in January
- Pool Sessions for rescue training in March and April.
Details and RSVP for the upcoming kayak paddles and events can be found on the Group Me invitations located in the Group Me Calendar for the SWYC Kayak Group. Not on Group Me for the Kayak Fleet? Contact Nina Fitts or Diane Lagerstedt to get you set up.
Save the Date!
SWYC Camping / Kayaking Trip
June 2026
Just a quick reminder that if you are thinking about joining the kayaking group for our annual camping/kayaking trip next June 22 – June 25 to Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park, you’ll need to make your own individual campsite reservations as soon as possible. We will not be able to use the group campsite next year, as it isn’t available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s a popular state park, so making the reservations sooner than later is recommended. Make reservations here: Camping Reservations. If you are joining us and staying in a VRBO, or at a lodge, those will reserve quickly too.
This event is open to all SWYC members, not just kayakers. In previous years, we’ve had sailors and SWYC campers who just like to camp and socialize with fellow SWYC’ers. Join us for the full event or for a night or two! RSVP on Group Me, or let Barb Grimlund know, if you aren’t on Group Me. For more information, click here and scroll down the page:
Windward Women by Fleet Captain Katy Shaner
October is here and Fall is upon us. And after a summer full of hikes, socials, tours and even a book discussion, the activities of the Windward Women are coming to a close.,
Although the Windward Women’s activities are coming to a close; for 2025, there is a new beginning. I am pleased to announce the names of the new Fleet Captains of the WW. They are Ann Christensen, Gayle Austin and Mary Stewart. They are planning all kinds of new activities for the gals of the club! So, stay tuned as they go full speed ahead.
All women of the SWYC are welcome to participate in the activities of the Windward Women. Emails are sent to announce the monthly activities to over 100 gals of the club. To fine-tune the email list, to make sure emails are going to those who wish to receive them, please respond with your continued interest. That way Ann, Gayle and Mary will be able to reach out to those with an updated list.
You may respond to Katy Shaner no later than November 1st. Access her contact information by going on the SWYC website for current membership.
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 2025 Pelican Racing Series completed last summer. In the new year, check our racing page for details about the 2026 races.
Laser Fleet
Cruising by Fleet Captains Jim and Kathy Rogers
End of September Cruise
The September cruise officially started in the Elliott Bay Marina with 5 boats. During this part and most of the remainder of the cruise we had beautiful weather with smooth seas and minimal winds although thick fog delayed a couple of boaters on one of the mornings. Dan and Marie Poolman, relatively new members SWYC, and Craig and Billie Ford, potential new members, joined along with Bruce Morris and Barbara Bergmann, Kat and George Bivoino and the Rogers. We enjoyed a tasty meal at the Palisade restaurant under an almost full moon.
Dock Street marina was the destination the next day, and Phil Simon joined us there, while the Poolmans spent another day in Seattle. All enjoyed sips and dips on the dock before dinner at the Fish Peddler.
Gig Harbor is a favorite marina because of the close proximity of the town for strolling and shopping, or using scooters like Craig and Billie! We had seven boats there as Pete Grimlund joined the group. The Tides Tavern graciously accommodated all 12 of us!
We wanted to try a couple of new marinas on this cruise and selected Brownsville to check it out. The best we can say about that marina is that, thanks to George’s fishing prowess, we had a delicious grilled salmon dinner dockside! We also witnessed an amazing show of hundreds of small jellyfish! However, there was a significant issue with seals on the docks, so Brownsville will not be on our itinerary for future cruises.
Poulsbo is a great little town with a fabulous bakery, which makes it a “must” destination on any South Sound cruise. Dinner that night was at Burrata Bistro
The last stop on the cruise was the Port of Kingston marina. The weather threatened rain and was cooler than earlier in the week, but we still gathered on the dock before dinner at Phil’s favorite restaurant, the Filling Station. We are adding that to future stops in Kingston!
This was a wonderful final cruise for this boating season, and we as we look forward to next year, we hope that this report will inspire other cruisers to join us as we made new friends, and fun was had by all. To the cruisers on this cruise, we apologize if we made any errors on when and where you joined us.
Safety Matters #26: Save Your Back
by Clayton Canfield, Safety Officer
Considering the number of people I know that have back problems, it appears to me that we as a society are not treating our backs very well!
The nature of boating is such that we are very often required to lift something that is heavy or awkward, or both. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is kayaking, dinghy sailing, sail cruising, or motor cruising, there always seems to be a situation where we are required to lift something in a way that strains our back excessively. The crux of the problem is the fact that we ignore or don’t know the mechanics/ergonomics of saving our back. As an engineer, I can see very clearly what is needed to save our back while lifting something. However most people don’t have that advantage. Put simply, it is best to do the lifting with your legs, rather than your back. Your back is not designed to be lifting heavy objects, while your legs are. Rather than going into a long list of “how-to’s”, I recommend visiting the following link, which gives a very concise run-down of the principles of ergonomically saving your back.
Applying all these principles while lifting something awkward and maybe heavy into your boat is not necessarily easy. However The trade-off between an improper lift and lifetime back problems is not a good one. I suggest thinking ahead and saving your back.
Clay Canfield
Youth Sailing Association
Planning is already underway for next year’s activities. Come to one of our meetings to learn what we do, and about the great young people whose lives we change for the better.
YSA meets every Wednesday at 9:00 am. Check the club calendar for meeting locations.
New Members
This week, our Board of Directors had two family applications to review and approve. Please welcome the following new members:
Heather Hartle and Rick Fahnestock
Heather has been kayaking for a couple years and is interested in learning more about and participating in kayaking with the club. She is also interested in the Windward Women group. Rick has been a sailor for most of his life and taught Heather to sail on the Chesapeake Bay where we owned a 30 foot Catalina. He has ASA certifications in Sailing, Bareboat and Navigation. He has bareboat chartered on five different oceans, and crewed on racing boats. They are both interested in meeting people with similar interests and participating in SWYC events.
Sponsor: Ann and Jack Holton
Nancy and Lonnie Plenert
“We love exploring the Pacific Northwest on our Ranger Tugboat and enjoy talking with fellow boaters about their experiences and their favorite harbors! We live in the Sandy Hook neighborhood on Cultus Bay and enjoy catching crab in our trusty, crusty crab boat!”
Sponsors: Dave Davis and Barb Hardman
SWYC Founder Award - Seeking Nominees
What a year we’ve had at SWYC and YSA! 2025 has seen a new rush of members and every interest group has had a full season of well-attended activities. Kayakers, Cruisers, Racers, Windward Women, YSA and club social events have all experienced great adventure, fun and conviviality. Our YSA Beginners and Intermediates programs were all full. Laser racing had a full season with more than 10 boats each week. Kayakers and Windward Women had events all summer long and the Pelicans continued their races. We’ve continued the all-club events that we’ve all enjoyed year after year. All in all, a bumper year of volunteers helping our SWYC community thrive.
Each year at the Commodore’s Bash, we honor an individual who has gone well beyond their role or responsibility with time, energy, expertise, and encouragement.
To recognize this individual, we come to you for your nominations. Do you know someone who should be recognized for outstanding work throughout the past year, as well as previous years? Have you been impressed with a particular member’s dedication? In reading the monthly newsletter or attending a club social or a meeting, did you get to know someone who contributes in significant ways to the club?
Please take a moment to send your nominations for this year’s Founders Award and a brief description why you are nominating this person to Pete and Barb Grimlund. bjgrimlund@gmail.com. Feel free to let them know if you have any questions. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, October 28th.
Description of the Founders Award
The South Whidbey Yacht Club Founders Award was established by the Board of Directors with the intention of honoring Club members who strive to fulfill the Vision & Mission of the SWYC community, as directed by the Club Bylaws.
Criteria for the Award:
All members of the SWYC are eligible for the Founders Award. The recipient will be determined by the Founders Award Committee, based solely on nominations from members in good standing. Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the core values of the Club and must have consistently excelled in furthering the Founders’ goals of education, community outreach and conviviality.
Nominations:
Candidates for the Award are sought and considered annually. Members are asked to read the Vision & Mission statements and consider their choices carefully. If a Club member meets the Award criteria, please submit your nomination to Barb Grimlund by email, outlining your reasons for proposing a particular candidate. Sponsors must be willing to meet with the Award Committee and speak in support of their recommendations if requested by the Committee. The Committee will consider all nominations and make a unanimous decision, which will remain confidential to the Committee. The name of the recipient will be announced at the Commodore’s Bash in November. Past recipients are eligible for the Award after a period of three years.
Past Award Recipients
- 2024 – Jill Brown
- 2023 – Pete and Barb Grimlund
- 2022 – Perry Lovelace
- 2021 – Katy Shaner
- 2020 – Debra Richardson
- 2019 – Kathy Rodgers
- 2018 – Lisa Irwin
- 2017 – Michael Scott
- 2016 – Pat Sasson
- 2015 – Bob Boehm
- 2014 – Russ Ernest
- 2013 – Don McArthur
- 2012 – Tom Stinson
- 2011 – Derek Pritchard
- 2010 – Bob Rodgers
- 2009 – Emily McArthur
- 2008 – Ed Halloran
- 2007 – Bill Brown
Award Committee (Last three year’s award recipients):
- Jill Brown
- Pete and Barb Grimlund (bjgrimlund@gmail.com)
- Perry Lovelace
Coming Events
General Meeting
Co-Guest Speakers: Gwen Coughenour and Judy Dixon
Paddling the Douro River
Gwen and Judy will share their experiences kayaking across Portugal from Spain to Porto, Portugal on the beautiful Douro River. Come hear about their travels through the wine terrace vineyards to the busy Porto port. They experienced beautiful inns, great food, fun companions and two amazing locks. A grand adventure awaits you!!
Greenbank Progressive Club / Zoom
Wednesday, Oct 15th @ 6:30 pm
3090 Firehouse Road, Greenbank
Zoom Link
Commodore's Bash
The South Whidbey Yacht Club and Commodore Dan Mooney invite you to the Commodore’s Bash.
Saturday Nov 15th
Useless Bay Country Club
Festivities kick off at 5:30 pm
We’re spicing it up this year with an Islands in the Stream theme and a Caribbean vibe!
5:30 Kick off the evening with a champagne toast & no-host bar featuring a signature drink
6:30 Buffet dinner with choice of entrees and 2 bottles of wine provided for each table.
7:30 Program and Awards
8:00 Dance the night away with DJ Darrell Christel
In the News
In the Wake of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The mighty ship, immortalized in song by Gordon Lightfoot, sank 50 years ago on Lake Superior. A NY Times reporter spent a week on a Great Lakes freighter that survived the storm. Read the article here.
2025 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 Branded Clothing & Merchandise
Looking for snazzy SWYC apparel for the cooler fall/winter season? Or how about SWYC gifts for the holiday season? Don’t forget about warm hats, canvas tote bags, aprons, towels or throws for the boat or home? Two different SWYC logos plus Windward Women logos to choose from. Make your customized selection and order on line.
Land’s End Online Store
Alternatively, Washington Design Company, here on Whidbey Island, offers a broad range of SWYC branded apparel. Shop online, then either ship to your address, or pick up at their shop in Ken’s Corner.
Washington Design Co. Online Store
Copyright © 2025 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