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BORDERLINES
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
2025 | | |
In This Issue
- Message from the Commodore
- Explore the Town Cruise - Deer Harbor, Orcas Is. (Recap)
- Labor Day Cruise - Fisherman Bay, Lopez Is. (Recap)
- Crab Feed (Recap)
- End of Summer Cruise - Fossil Bay, Sucia Is. (Recap)
- New Member Incentive Program Results
- Don't Forget: Reminders
- Look What's Happening: 2025 Land & Cruise Events
- Message from the Communications Desk
- Name Tag Ordering Info'
- SYC Social Media Links
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Message from the Commodore
Mel Kolstad | | |
Greetings, everyone!
I want to start by thanking our current SYC Board Members. They have made my job easy and deserve a great deal of appreciation from the entire SYC membership for all the work they have performed this year.
And, I want to thank all of the Members who have volunteered, helping and participating in our land and cruise events and other activities this year. Without the level of involvement shown by our Membership, who knows where we might be?
The SYC cruising season is officially over for the year, but we look forward with great anticipation to our remaining Fall and Winter land events:
- On October 24 (Fri.), the dinner at the Nauti-Friday @ On Rice - Barkley will acknowledge our new (2025) members. We encourage all new members to attend this event and be recognized. And, we encourage all "not so new" members to attend, too.
- On November 8 (Sat.), the Commodore’s Ball (and dinner) will take place at the Silver Reef...this is always an enjoyable and most-anticipated affair. We have added an interesting (and lucrative) twist to obtaining Ball tickets this year. To encourage early payment of your 2026 Annual Membership Renewal, we are offering free Ball tickets ($40 value each) if you pay your 2026 Membership Renewal Dues by November 1. Details will follow via separate email. But, don't let that deter you from registering now (RSVP) for the Commodore's Ball. If you need a room for the night, call the Silver Reef by October 17 and mention you are with the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. They are holding a block of rooms at a discounted rate until that date.
- OnDecember 13 (Sat.), the SYC Christmas party will take place at Birch Bay Village...featuring a "free-to Members" prime rib dinner amid some holiday splendor. Watch for details. The Christmas Party is our SYC wrap-up event for the year...and, what a fine year it has been for the Club!
Please put these events on your calendar and attend as many as you can. You will not be disappointed.
There are still a couple of months remaining in 2025, so feel free to reach out to me (or any Officer) with your ideas and comments on how we can improve Club activities, processes, and more going forward.
It has been a pleasure serving as your Commodore and I hope the Club provided you with a great year, too. We look forward to everyone renewing their Membership for 2026 before the end of this year.
Thank you. - Mel
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EXPLORE THE TOWN CRUISE
August 8 - 10
Deer Harbor, Orcas Is.
(Recap) | | |
About face...forward march!
Such was the message from Fleet Captain, Jason Sloan, after learning the County dock at East Sound, Orcas Island had been removed for repairs and there was no way for tenders to access the town. Jason astutely shifted the "Explore the Town Cruise" destination to Deer Harbor (Orcas).
With much to offer, Deer Harbor was a great pivot. Its Marina Store & Grill (burgers, ice cream, groceries, gifts, etc.), fuel, pumpout, nearby pizza and BBQ smokehouse restaurants nearby, pool access, freshly made mini-donuts on the weekend, a small local craft fair, walking trails, and much more kept everyone happy.
Cruise hosts Lisa and Jeff Lee arranged a potluck dockside appies gathering for arrival day and a light dockside breakfast the next morning that featured Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. They also secured the Deer Harbor Marina party dock the next day for a pizza night, supplemented by more appies and salads supplied by Members. As if that wasn't enough food, some of us managed to sneak off at various times to have smoked brisket at Mathew's Smokehouse, just up the road from the marina.
In order to burn off calories (see above), a large group went on a very pleasant road and trail walk along the cliffs above East Sound, that included a rare sighting of a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing". The route eventually, led inland through a nice pastoral setting before looping back to the marina. A few hours later, however, we "refueled" ourselves with several takeout pizzas from The Island Pie pizza shop! After downing the pizzas and feeling "full of it", we all joined in on a "high stakes" game of Left-Right-Center. Everyone put in three $5 bills (USD) instead of the usual three $1 bills. Ask Jeff Lee how that went!
Members on the "Explore the Town Cruise" were: Fred Bonin & Sabrina Hendrixs (Boneventure); Bill & Pat Clopp (Over Budget); Bryan & Sandy Jones (Dare To Dream); Jeff & Lisa Lee (Dreams); Dennis & Ian (son) Sherrer (Journey); and Bob & Pat Simpson (Phase 2).
Deer Harbor was a big hit!
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LABOR DAY CRUISE
Aug. 29 - Sep. 1
Fisherman Bay, Lopez Is.
(Recap) | | |
After spending the night before on the hook at Shaw Island, a flotilla of three SYC boats pulled into Fisherman's Bay, Lopez Island for the "Labor Day Cruise". Riding a high tide and watching their bearings carefully, the group arrived and departed Fisherman Bay without mishap.
Attending were: Kevin & Karen Anthony (Salish Dream), Mike & Wendy Moriarty (Nellie Too), and John Stone & Nicki Germain (Blue Bear). What they lacked in numbers, and without an official Host, these six SYC Members took advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves.
On arrival, our SYC cruisers were "adopted" by members of the Wheel and Keel Yacht Club out of Bellingham. Through a mutual acquaintance (not present), the Wheel and Keel YC members were made aware that our SYC group was coming in for the weekend. They invited our Members to join their happy hour activities that evening for some fun socializing.
The next day, our SYC group took in the Lopez Island Farmer's Market and, later that evening, had dinner at The Islander.
All in all, it was a very fulfilling cruise.
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CRAB FEED
September 13
(Recap) | | |
Like previous Crab Feeds, the 2025 Crab Feed did not fail to deliver!
The afternoon started with a vibrant social hour, complete with a plethora of appetizers and chips. After a poetic maritime "blessing" offered by member Charles Oliver III, 40 hungry Members and guests proceeded to feast on as much crab as they wanted, along with 11 filets of locally-caught coho salmon (seasoned and slow-cooked in foil wrap by "chef" Jeff Lee), corn on the cob, potato, macaroni and green salads, rolls, and dessert. No one left this Crab Feed with an empty stomach!
An assortment of gift items were given away as door and raffle prizes...and, then, bags and bags and bags of fresh crab found their way home with lucky ticket holders.
Hosts Bryan and Sandy Jones express their sincere appreciation for the tremendous amount of help they received on the Crab Feed...from set up, decorations, food preparation and serving...to cleanup at the end. Thank you all who volunteered. Many hands made for light work and a fun event for all.
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END OF SUMMER CRUISE
September 19 - 20
Fossil Bay, Sucia Is.
(Recap) | | |
The End of Summer Cruise proved to be another smooth "pivot" by the Club. Fleet Commander Jason Sloan found out a week or so before the cruise that many Members planning to go on the cruise would have dogs onboard...dogs that needed to access land a few times a day! But, there was a problem...at Parks Bay there is no place where boaters are permitted to go ashore due to environmental sensitivities. So, the decision was made to move the cruise to Fossil Bay (Sucia Island). And, a great decision it was, as it opened the door for more Members to participate.
Attending this cruise were: Bob & Kim Giles, Jeff & Brenda Grey, Bryan & Sandy Jones, Vince & Sandy Lalonde, Jeff & Lisa Lee (Hosts), Bob & Pat Simpson, and Ray & Marty Williams.
The usual welcome day, potluck "heavy appetizer" event, was held dockside because of the great weather. Organized by the Lees, it was well-attended and much appreciated. The next morning, the Simpsons put on a dockside breakfast featuring Pat's homemade blueberry muffins, homemade zucchini muffins, yogurts, fruits, granola, and juice. The final day's dinner, featuring homemade chili supplied by the Lees, was a big hit...as were the cookies and "fancy chocolate" smores. Open fires were not permitted during our stay on Sucia, but the propane-fueled firepit brought by the Lees saved the day on more than one occasion...providing warmth, atmosphere, and for smores making.
With plenty of time to explore Sucia, most everyone went off in different directions on hikes each day. As big as the island is, and the variety of trails, it was amazing that crossed paths with one another somewhere or another on the island. For hiking variety, Sucia has it all.
We will be back!
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THE NEW MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM WAS A TOTAL SUCCESS ! ! !
The New Member Incentive Program ended on September 10, resulting in 25 confirmed new memberships, with two additional applications still unconfirmed and pending, for a possible 27 new memberships. Regardless of how the last two applicatioins play out, the program was a success. A growing membership is a healthy sign for our Club going forward.
Congratulations to the following Member for sponsoring new members during this campaign:
- 1 New Member: Bolick, Branch, Goodman, Heyes, Karney, Rawls, Sexton, Shemly, Sexton
- 3 New Members: Lee (1 Commodore’s Ball ticket)
- 10 New Members: Sloan (2 Commodore's Ball tickets + Paid 2026 Annual Dues)
- 3 New Members (without sponsors)
- 2 New Members (applications pending): Schur (sponsor) and one with no sponsor
Thank you Vice Commodore Susan Barlock for coming up with the idea and coordinating the New Membership Incentive Program...good idea, good job!
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 Reminders...
- Upcoming SYC Events in October - December: Register Now!
- Oct. 24 Nauti-Friday @ On Rice, 6 PM, 2200 Rimland Dr., Bellingham, WA (Register/RSVP by Oct. 22)
- Nov. 8 Commodore's Ball, 4:30 - 5:30 PM (Social), 6:00 PM (Dinner, dancing, auction/drawings, and more); Silver Reef, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA (Register/RSVP by Nov. 1)
- Dec. 13 Christmas Party @ Birch Bay Village Club House, 5:00 PM (Social), 6:00 PM (Dinner); 8181 Cowichan Rd., Blaine, WA (Register/RSVP by Dec. 6 - NOTE: This is a gated-community. You MUST be on the Access Roster, so please register on time.)
- Guest and Member Fees - Some SYC events have a Guest Fee for "Non-Members Age 13 Years and Older" (guests under 13 years of age are free). Guest Fees vary based on the cost of the event to the Club. Guest and Member Fees for the remaining 2025 events are as follows:
- Commodore's Ball: Free ($0) to Members who renew their 2026 Membership early by November 1 ($155); otherwise, it's $40/person for Membes; Guests, $40/person
- Christmas Party: Members, Free ($0); Guests, $20)
All other remaining events/cruises are free to Members and Guests (other than "out of pocket" expenses)...perks of your SYC membership!!!
- The "Member Incentive Program" to bring in new members ended on September 10. It was a huge success, but don't let that stop you from continuing to bring in new members. The waiver of the Initiation Fee and the current Annual Dues remains in effect until the Annual General Meeting on March 20, 2026, when the Membership will vote on any changes to these fees/dues.
| 2025 Land & Cruise Event Schedules (updates in red) |
2025 LAND EVENT SCHEDULE:
January 17 Nauti-Friday @ The Roadhouse Grille, 6 PM
1781 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC
February 7 Nauti-Friday @ Rustlers Front Street Grill, 6 PM
405 Front Street, Lynden, WA
March 22 SYC Annual General Meeting, (Sat) 1 PM
Blaine Marina, Meeting Room, Gate 2
March 28 Nauti-Friday @ The Homestretch (trotter racing), 6 PM
Elements Casino-Fraser Downs, 17755 – 60th Avenue,
Surrey, BC
April 11 Nauti-Friday @ Paso Del Norte (Mexican), 6 PM
758 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA
April 30 Digging in the Dirt - Ladies Night Out @ VW Garden Center,
Wed., 5-7 PM, 8210 Portal Way, Blaine, WA
May 3 Opening Day of Boating @ Blaine Marina, (Sat) 9 AM
(flag raising, fleet blessing, sail past), Gate 2, Blaine, WA
May 3 Opening Day Luncheon @ Silver Reef, (Sat),
12:30 PM, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
July 4 US Independence Day @ Blaine Marina, 4 PM (social), 5 PM
(dinner), Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Sep 13 Crab Feed @ Blaine Harbor Marina, (Sat) 2 PM
Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Oct 24 Nauti-Friday @ On Rice (Thai food), 6 PM
2200 Rimland Drive, Bellingham, WA (new location/date)
Nov 8 Commodore’s Ball @ Silver Reef, (Sat) 4:30 (Social); 6 PM (Dinner)
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
Dec 13 Christmas Party @ Birch Bay Village Club House, (Sat) 5 PM
(social); 6 PM (dinner) 8181 Cowichan Rd., Blaine, WA
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2025 CRUISE SCHEDULE:
The official 2025 SYC cruising season has concluded. We look forward to more cruising together in 2026
April 25 - 27 Ice Breaker Cruise – Fossil Bay, Sucia Island
May 3 Opening Day Sail Past – Follows 9 AM flag ceremony
Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
May 23 - 26 Memorial Day Cruise – Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
June 6 - 8 Shrimp Boil Cruise – Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island
June 28 - July 2 Canada Day Cruise – Van Isle Marina, Sidney BC
July 3 - 6 US Independence Cruise – Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
July 11 - 13 Luau Cruise – Port Browning, Pender Island BC (luau 7/12)
July 14 - 20 Extended Cruise – Gulf Islands, BC (stops TBD by host(s))
July 25 - 27 On the Hook Cruise – Garrison/Westcott Bay, San Juan Is.
Aug 8 - 10 Explore the Town Cruise – Deer Harbor, Orcas Island
Aug 29 - Sep 1 Labor Day Cruise – Fisherman Cove, Lopez Island
Sep 19 - 20 End of Summer Cruise – Fossil Bay, Sucia Island
Oct 11 - 14 Canadian Thanksgiving Cruise – Port Browning (Pender Is.), BC
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Message from the
Communications Desk | | |
Greetings!
As many Members have already discovered (but many have yet to venture there), it's a great place to catch up on the latest SYC news, activities, register for cruises and land events, see who else is planning to attend a particular event or cruise, and much more. Login, establish your account, complete your Profile, enter your boat information, and begin using the site to its full advantage. You can even pay for events and renew your Annual Renewal Dues on the website! If you need assistance in using the website or your website account, do not hesitate to contact one of the Officers and/or the the Club's Web Master.
I am happy to announce that Lisa Lee, the Club's Treasurer, has also volunteered to serve as the SYC "Social Media Coordinator". This position plays an important role...keeping us in front of the public, connected to our advertising sponsors (e.g., those in the Membership Annual), and opening additional lines of communication among members.
There's a new photo (above) documenting the SYC's "presence" abroad. Any guesses where it is this time? Don't forget...If you travel abroad or closer to home, take a photo of yourself wearing the SYC logo or holding/flying the SYC burgee and send it to me for others to admire in a future Borderlines. We would love to see it!'
Thanks! - Bob
PS - If you didn't figure it out, the picture above was taken in front of the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), docked in Boston, Massachusetts.
Cell: 360-389-0113 | |
TIRED OF WEARING ONE OF THESE?
Consider ordering a Semiahmoo Yacht Club name tag, with your vessel's name on it, from:
Bay Engraving
524 Ohio St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-676-0868
| SYC Social Media Links
- Instagram: Our Instagram account is found at @SemiahmooYachtClub
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