I’m sure by the time you are reading this you have heard more than enough about Covid-19 and I’m sorry to mention it yet again. However, in light of the developing situation and the current recommendation by King County to limit unnecessary group gatherings, the Board and I have made the decision to cancel the March dinner meeting. I regret that we have had to do so, but we feel that it is in the best interest of the membership. We will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions about upcoming events.

We are planning to go ahead with the Snowbird race on the 14th. We will, however,  skip the post race gathering and mail trophies to the winners. I’m bummed as this is the last race for the season and it’s always nice to see everyone who raced in the series.

Our next upcoming event is Yellow Fest on April 10th, and I’m hopeful we will be able to hold that event. Stay tuned and we’ll see how this all develops.

In better news, we have had a few new members join us recently, so look for Pat Hillis’s introductions on them. They are all good people with whom I’m looking forward to spending more time, and hope you get to meet them soon.

I’ve been down on the docks in the last couple of days and I’m starting to see the usual spring activities beginning to occur. You know, washing the green growth off the deck and maybe applying a new layer of wax. Spring is coming. Let’s hope things begin to return to normal soon and that we can all gather at Yellow Fest, fly our quarantine flags in jest, and celebrate spring.

As much as I enjoy seeing you all, I like you safe and healthy more! As AJ mentioned in Commodore’s Corner, the March Dinner Meeting has been canceled. The city of Seattle and King County have requested groups not gather, to prevent the spread of the virus.

The March Dinner Meeting has been canceled

IN MEMORIAM:

PAST COMMODORE RON WAUDE

In a sad loss for SBYC, Past Commodore Ron Waude died in Seattle on January 21. Ron and his wife, Jan, joined SBYC in 1975, and at his passing at age 88 they were the longest tenured members of the club.

Ron was the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Commander in 1977 and later became a Division and District Officer. As such, he was instrumental in creating an association between SBYC and USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 34. At the time, SBYC’s clubhouse was the Chimacum, an old freighter-ferry that the club purchased in the mid-60s. It was on this vessel that Flotilla 34 conducted boating safety education classes along with vessel safety inspections and safety patrols.

Ron’s first-hand experience with the Chimacum, its issues, sale, and even its possible foray into being a brothel made Ron uniquely qualified to write her history. He exhaustively researched and wrote the history, which was published in the Rudderpost in 2011 during the club’s 50^th anniversary year.

Ron served as Commodore in 1978 – leaping from Rear Commodore in 1977 to the top post in one year because there had been no Vice Commodore.

The Waudes will both be remembered for their many years of devotion to SBYC, and the many hours they spent on their boat, the Janny Mae.

The club has contributed to Footloose Sailing Assocation in his memory. Our sympathies go out to Jan and to their entire family.

SHILSHOLE BAY YACHT CLUB – 2020 CRUISING ACTIVITIES

Cruise Calendar for 2020

YELLOW FEST

BLAKE ISLAND, WA

April 11, 2020

My favorite nature get-away. Sandy beaches, waterfront views, hiking paths through sylvan woods springing alive with green leaves, forest creeks, blooming yellow skunk cabbage, dainty deer eating in early morning meadows, bird songs and quiet. A pleasant relief from the big city. Blake Island, our Washington State Park, and lovely marina, provide an opportunity to enjoy the Pacific NW outdoors away from Seattle and its worries  within 90 minutes by boat.

COME and JOIN SBYC’s Easter weekend cruise. COME EARLY; a few boats arrive Thursday afternoon.  Prepare for spontaneous cocktail parties. The Center Pavilion is reserved for the Saturday evening potluck.  Jessie Lundin will be hostess for this year’s ‘egg’ hunt. Bring five small bottles of liquor to join in the game. NO slip reservations available at the marina – it’s first come, first served. SBYC Cruisers gather at the south end of the marina. The SBYC $5 per boat will be requested.

BURGER BURN Blake Island, WA, May 16, 2020

Larry and Sharon Clark are hosting this event. Games consist of:  a chili contest, horseshoes, and croquet.  The Pavilion has been reserved for the big barbecue.

COME JOIN in the fun. No slip reservations available – first come, first served. The SBYC $5 per boat will be requested.

MY BIG FAT GREEK DINNER DANCE. Kingston Yacht Club, Kingston Marina.

The June dinner dance this year will be catered by Neo Café, their specialty is Greek Food. The band will be Malo Castro and his players – terrific musicians who perform upbeat and dance-able music. Dinner, wine, and dancing all included in one price – the best deal in the city at $50 per person.

Watch Rudder Post for more information.

This event is accessible by land as well as by water. Kingston Marina slip reservations have been made: please confirm your reservation. The SBYC $5 will also be requested.

July Fireworks.                     Poulsbo, annual raft-up, boat watching, fireworks display.

Summer Rendezvous.        Stuart Island, jumping off place for cruising in the islands.

Purple Passion.                     Port Orchard Marina, Labor Day weekend.

Salmon Bake.                         Pouslbo Marina, grilled salmon, with potluck.  The end of the season cruise.

The next, and final, race of the 2019-2020 series is March 14th!

This season has had record turnout, and so far all the skippers are reporting that they and their crew are having a great time with the series.

Due to COVID-19, we have decided to cancel the after party. Winner plaques will be mailed out to the winner.