Although the newsletter took a month off in August, there were plenty of activities going on. Actually, summer is one of the busiest times for the club, from sailing camps to the racing program, from our new kayaking program to social events like the Crab Fest and Opening Day. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who helped to make them happen. Now that “vacation time is over”, volunteers are busy planning more wonderful monthly programs like this month’s tour of the National Geographic cruise ship, to the Commodore’s Ball in November to name a few. I hope that you will take the time to participate and volunteer for the opportunities presented in this newsletter and in months to come.
Sincerely,
Debra Richardson, SWYC Commodore (dannrich@whidbey.com)
SWYC BOARD OF GOVERNORS ELECTIONS
Elections for the SWYC Board of Governors are underway. Club members will receive further information by email later in the week.
15TH ANNUAL COMMODORE’S BALL
SOUTH WHIDBEY YACHT CLUB
cordially invites you to:
15th Annual Commodore’s Ball
Saturday, November 10
6:00pm
Useless Bay Golf & Country Club
Invitations will go out at the beginning of October
ANNUAL FALL LAND CRUISE
For those who might have missed the announcement, this is a reminder that THE ANNUAL Fall Land Cruise will take place October 7 – 11 in Hood River, OR. RV’ers are staying at Bridge RV Park just across the bridge in Washington. There is also a County Campgrounds just south of downtown Hood River, plus many hotels, B&B’s and Airbubs for cruisers who prefer to join us by car. There is plenty to do for folks with varied interests. There are many wineries, several breweries, including Full Sail, which does a brewery tour, a number of apple orchards, several of who brew flavored hard cider drinks. There is also a paddle boat ride on the Columbia with a historical perspective on the development along the river, numerous short hikes to large waterfalls, a two-hour sightseeing tour (auto) into the mountains in WA, numerous museums like Hood River Museum, a huge antique airplane and auto museum, the George Museum, or for those who want to wander a little farther the unbelievable Samuel Hill/Maryhill Museum.
We will organize activities by day based on the general interests of folks. We will likely have a winery day, a brewery day and a hard cider day, each which will include activities like museums, short hikes, or the paddle boat tour. For those staying in hotels, etc. there is the Hood River Valley Festival on Oct. 12-14. RV‘ers would need to find alternative space as there is no space at Bridge RV park after the 11th.
If you are interested contact Bob Boehm at rboehm.wi05@gmail.com
SWYC KAYAKING SEASON IN REVIEW
By Katy Shaner
The summer season for the SWYC newly-formed kayaking group has come to a close. But what a good summer it was. This past spring, a group of five kayakers, with the help of Commodore Debra, met and planned how to get a kayaking group together through the SWYC.
First, it started with a Kayak Safety class taught by Whidbey Island Kayaking. Six gals met at Goss Lake for three afternoons there and one afternoon at the Langley Marina. We learned water exits, self-rescue and assisted rescue along with all the necessary paddle strokes one needs to successfully kayak. Then we started planning the paddle outings. We chose to go out every other Friday, weather and tides allowing. There were two cancellations due to challenging conditions, but we were able to get some good paddles throughout the summer. There were two paddles to Robinson Beach at Mutiny Bay. We attempted to kayak at Saratoga Beach, but the winds came up and we changed to Langley Marina. where we paddled beyond Edgecliff. Our last paddle was August 30th, when we put in at Saratoga Beach and paddled around Baby Island. It was a great outing – gentle waves, clouds with sun breaking through, lots of seals and even a baby seal that climbed up on the back of Lisa Irwin’s kayak – photos taken! Each paddle we ended with either lunch at a local coffee house or a picnic on the beach. It was a chance to get to know each other even better. The group will be getting together to plan the 2019 kayaking season. Along with local outings, the group is planning overnight trips three to four days each. We are exploring staying at various cottages/houses in Sequim, on Orcas and Lopez and other suggestions that may come up. Perhaps two trips – one in June and one in August. Stay tuned! All are welcomed.
Please email Katy Shaner at ktshaner@whidbey.com for more info.
RACING SEASON FINALE
Our summer racing series concluded on August 29th at Holmes Harbor. The slow boat fleet (Pelicans) chose not to race due to strong north winds, but the fast boats (Lasers) enjoyed some great sailing. Overall we had 12 Pelicans, 11 Lasers, 2 Lido 14’s and 1 El Toro enter one or more of our races. Individual race results and final standings for the season are posted on the website.
After the scheduled series, there was much enthusiasm for more organized sailing and we scheduled several more informal events and a one day regatta. Unfortunately, the unexpected persistence of algae toxins on Lone Lake and late season weather caused cancellation of all but one of these.
Thanks to all who supported and participated in our program this year. Special thanks to Sue Weiss and Bob Boehm who did a stellar job as Race Committee for most of our races.
There is one more event, an end of season Awards Dinner on Saturday, September 29th, at the Grange Hall, starting at 6:00. We will provide the food (tentatively chili and appropriate accompaniments) and attendees should bring their own beverages. Awards for the 2018 summer series will be presented, and we will also take a little time for a moderated fleet discussion of ideas for the future. This includes schedules, venues, race formats, and whatever you think would increase participation, general satisfaction and enthusiasm. This is an important step in improving our racing program, so all club members and guest racers are encouraged to attend.
In order to properly plan the food, we need your RSVP no later than Tuesday, September 25th if you have not already done so. If you can’t be there, you can still send suggestions for the fleet discussion. All responses should be sent to:
Bill Brown, bbrown99@whidbey.com or (360) 222-3178