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BORDERLINES
JANUARY -
FEBRUARY
2026 | | |
In This Issue
- Message from the Commodore
- SYC's 45th Anniversary - Free Club T-shirts!
- 2025 SYC Christmas Party (Recap)
- Nauti-Friday @ The Roadhouse Grille (Recap)
- 2026 SYC Membership Annual (input/help needed)
- 2026 SYC Officers (Update)
- Don't Forget: Important Reminders
- 2026 Land & Cruise Events Schedule (Updated)
- Message from the Communications Desk
- SYC Name Tag Ordering
- SYC Social Media
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Message from the Commodore
Jason Sloan | | |
Greetings fellow Semiahmoo Yacht Club Members!
I am honored to serve as your Commodore for 2026. It is especially exciting for me as this year marks the 45th Anniversary of our great organization. That's almost half a century of Club traditions, friendships, and timeless adventures. Amazing!
As Commodore, my goal is to serve the Club with integrity and a can-do attitude. In addition, I want to ensure that every member knows they are welcomed and valued...no matter what type of boat they have, whether a beginning boater or "old salt", or wherever they reside. Your membership means a lot.
I strongly believe it is very important that everyone (Members and non-Members) know the SYC is an organization that welcomes new members...not by the size of their boat but, rather, by their character. To that end, I encourage you to invite your friends, family members, and others you may encounter on your boating adventures to attend the various events we have planned for this year. Let us show them why the SYC is such a great club to join.
This being a milestone anniversary year, the entire Executive Board and I aim to exceed your expectations of the Club. We have worked diligently on developing a program to deliver "added value" to your being a member...one which offers unique land and cruise events you won’t want to miss. But, wait...there is more!...We are, also, working on bringing you a line of unique, appealing, irresitable SYC-logo merchandise and clothing; an increase in community involvement; and giving more back to our Members by way of increased membership perks.
We are fortunate to have a group of volunteer Officers, each of whom is proud to represent and work for you and all Members of the Club. They are dedicated to making this a fun and exciting year but...they cannot do it alone. To ensure a truly successful year, we need the help of ALL members. Happily, one great thing about our Club is that there are always many helping hands when it matters. I encourage each of you to volunteer your time, energy, ideas and suggestions...no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is...to make this Club your Club and a better Club for all Members.
The Semiahmoo Yacht Club is a great organization, comprised of wonderful people. Hopefully, you feel the same way. Please participate in as many land events and cruises as you can. Get to know each other. We all joined the SYC because of a shared love of boating and being out on the water. I look forward to doing that with you!
Sincerely,
Jason Sloan, Commodore
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****************************************************
CELEBRATING
45 YEARS
OF
BOATING FUN !!!
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2026 marks the 45th Anniversary of the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. We are celebrating it with special 45th Anniversary T-shirts (shown above)...two (2) shirts per active Membership...at no cost to you! The T-shirts come in Women's and Men's styles...both 100% cotton.
They will be available for distribution, along with the 2026 Membership Annual and Member Cards, at the Opening Day Luncheon on Saturday May 2, 2026. So, if you have not yet renewed your Membership, now is a good time to do so, as this is only one of several things planned to make this an even more special year than usual.
To ensure you get the tee(s) in the number and size(s) you want, please contact Jason Sloan by email at commodore@semiahmooyachtclub.org no later than March 31, 2026 (or, if easier, call/text Jason Sloan at 360-389-6693) with the following information:
- Member(s) Name(s) - First and Last
- Shirt type(s) - Men's/Women's and Shirt size(s) - S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Example: Jane Doe (1 Woman's M) & John Smith (1 Men's XL)
Note: At this time, you may only order up to two shirts per Membership (1 Men's + 1 Women's; 2 Women's; or 2 Men's). We are not prepared to order more than two T-shirts per Membership or T-shirts in children's sizes at this time.
Again, March 31, 2026 is the final day order requests can be accepted if we are to ensure the shirts arrive prior to the Opening Day Luncheon. So...
Don't delay...submit your order today!!!
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2025
SYC CHRISTMAS PARTY
DECEMBER 13
(Recap) | | |
Ho, Ho, Ho! . . .
On December 13, 2025, just over 50 Semiahmoo YC members and guests gathered at the Birch Bay Village Club House (Blaine, WA) to celebrate the holiday season and the conclusion of a very successful year on land and sea. Although Santa, himself, was not present, his spirit was definitely in the room!
 
With holiday tunes playing in the background, the evening kicked off with pre-dinner appetizers and socializing before everyone sat down to an amazing prime rib dinner, with all the trimmings, prepared by Commodore Mel Kolstad and his team of "elves". The meal peaked with several "hard to resist" desserts. Drawings for door prizes and the pointsetia plant table centerpieces followed.
 
Commodore Mel honored several Members with "Outstanding Service Awards" for 2025: Paul Dumbleton for his work on the 2025 Membership Annual (Jamey Paterson stood in for Paul); Bob Simpson for "getting the word out"; Lisa Lee for "taking care of the money" and hosting events; Jason Sloan for handling the cruises; Susan Barlock for taking care of membership issues and coordinating the Commodore's Ball auction; Bryan Jones for organizing the land events; and, Janice Cosenzo for serving as the Club's Webmaster.
Mel also presented a special "Behind the Scenes Award" to his wife, Louise, for all the work and support she provided him over the last six years of his being on the Board.
 
A Chrismas Party tradition, SYC members brought non-perishable food goods and/or cash donations to benefit Food Bank organizations on both sides of the USA - Canada border. Through the generosity of those present, around $540 US was collected and delivered to the charitable organizations to help make the holiday season a little more enjoyable for those in need.
Here's wishing all SYC Club Members (and readers) a Happy New Year and an invitation to boat and/or socialize with us in 2026.
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NAUTI-FRIDAY @ THE ROADHOUSE GRILLE
JANUARY 16, 2026
(Recap)
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The Semiahmoo Yacht Club kicked off an aggressive year of land and cruise events by holding its first Nauti-Friday event of 2026 at The Roadhouse Grille in Surrey, BC. The unofficial "annual duel for bragging rights" to see which nation had the most attendees at this event was "won" by the US...again...by a margin of 3 to 1...but, then, only 13 members were present.
Despite the modest turnout, the dinner was filled with laughter and great conversation as members caught up on each others' activities over the year-end holidays. All were looking forward the upcoming 2026 SYC activities.
The featured activity at this event was a drawing for a $250 LFS gift card. All members who had paid their 2026 Annual Dues by December 31, 2025 were eligible for the drawing (attendance was not required). The winner of the LFS gift card was...drum roll, please....Bill and Patt Clopp. Congratulations to the Clopp's!
Hope to see everyone at the next event!
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2026 MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL
(Update) | | |
The SYC Membership Annual is an important benefit of membership in the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. But, it is only as complete and accurate as you, each Member, makes it.
Work on the 2026 Membership Annual has started and we are asking everyone to:
- Review the information about yourself (and your vessel) that appeared in the 2025 Membership Annual. Changes, corrections, or additions (e.g., a new Member picture, a change in members, a new boat, etc.) should be emailed to Paul Dumbleton by March 1, 2026.
- Members who joined the SYC after the 2025 Membership Annual went to press (or otherwise did not appear in it) should also submit their picture and accompanying information by March 1 to be included in the 2026 Membership Annual.
- Submit short articles (with photos, if possible) about your boating experiences or any other maritime-related topics you feel would be of interest or value to other Members to Paul, also by March 1. If it was of interest to you, others will also enjoy reading about it.
Also, we are desparately in need of someone to follow-up with each of the people and businesses that advertised in the 2025 Annual (or who missed out on getting into it). Securing a few new advertisers would also benefit the SYC and its Members. What a great way to get involved!
Let's make the 2026 Membership Annual another proud representation of the Club. With your help, we can do it!
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2026 SYC Officers
(Updated) | | |
Cheri Christian had to step away from the Port Captain position, so...
The up-to-date 2026 SYC Officers are:
- Commodore - Jason Sloan
- Past Commodore - Mel Kolstad
- Vice Commodore - Janice Cosenzo
- Rear Commodore - Bryan Jones
- Fleet Captain - Bob Giles
- Treasurer - Lisa Lee
- Secretary - Dave Hewlett
- Communications Officer - Bob Simpson
- Port Captain - Kathy Burfield
- Judge Advocate - Geoff Stevenson
In addition, the following positions are filled by:
- Web Master - Janice Cosenzo
- Social Media Coordinator - Lisa Lee
Please express your appreciation to these individuals for taking on these important roles in the running of the SYC. That said, they will be calling on you for your support and volunteer time so that the Club can deliver the best and most satisfying experience to its Members, whether on land or on the water. Thank you!
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 Reminders...
- Pay your 2026 Annual Membership Dues if you have not yet done so (while they are still $155 USD). To those who have already renewed your membership...THANK YOU !!!
- Order your 45th Anniversary T-shirts by March 31, 2026 (see article above)
- Email Paul Dumbleton any updates (and articles) you may have for the 2026 Membership Annual updates by March 1, 2026 (see article above)
- Signup/RSVP for SYC land events and cruises...the earlier the better! It is very important that event Hosts know how many Members are going to show up. An accurate headcount is needed to ensure there is enough food/seating available, to plan activities, and to coordinate with event venues (restaurants and marinas). Help make the Host's job easier. All land and cruise events are posted on the SYC Website Events Calendar and you can register for them right there!
- Make marina reservations (if needed) for each cruise you plan to attend. It is advisable to make slip reservations as far out and as soon as possible, as most marinas are not setting aside blocks of slips for clubs...it's first come, first served. When you call (or request a slip online), mention that you are part of the Semiahmoo YC so they can group us together. Don't delay...cancel later if necessary.
- Upcoming SYC Events: Refer to the Land and Cruise Event Schedules in this Borderlines for the "basics. Read more event/cruise details about costs, registering/RSVP requirements, etc., on the SYC Website Event Calendar. Watch your email for special blast emails about land events and cruises. As each event/cruise draws closer, more detailed "blast emails" about the event/cruise will go out to all Members. But, you can sign-up/register on-line at anytime!
- Guest and Member Fees: Some SYC events have Guest Fees for "Non-Members Age 13 Years and Older" (guests under 13 years of age are generally free). Guest Fees vary based on the cost of the event to the Club, so check them at the time you register/RSVP.
- New Member "Deal": The Club's Initiation Fee ($340 USD) remains waived until the Annual General Meeting (AGM; April 4, 2026). In addition, the 2026 Annual Dues amount remains at $155 USD until then. At the AGM, Members will vote on changes (if any) to these fees/dues. In the meantime, bring in your boating friends and marina neighbors at these "deal" prices so they, too, can enjoy the benefits of SYC membership!
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2026 Land & Cruise Event Schedules
(Subject to Change; Please refer to Website Calendar for Updates)
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PLEASE NOTE: SCHEDULE CHANGES or UPDATES in RED !!!
2026 LAND EVENT SCHEDULE:
January 16 Nauti-Friday @ The Roadhouse Grille, 6 PM
1781 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC
February 13 Nauti-Friday @ Rustler's Front Street Grill, 6 PM
405 Front Street, Lynden, WA
March 13 Nauti-Friday @ Cosmos Greek Restaurant, 6 PM
14871 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC
April 4 SYC Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Luncheon, (Sat)
Meeting: 11 AM; Luncheon: 12 Noon
Great Blue Heron Grill
8720 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA
April 16 Digging in the Dirt - Ladies Night Out @ VW Garden Ctr.
(Thurs) 5 PM, 8210 Portal Way, Blaine, WA
April 17 Nauti-Friday @ Paso Del Norte (Mexican), 6 PM
758 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA
May 2 Opening Day of Boating @ Blaine Marina, (Sat) 9 AM
(flag raising, fleet blessing, sail past), Gate 2, Blaine, WA
May 2 Opening Day Luncheon @ Silver Reef Casino (Hotel Tower)
(Sat) 12:30 PM, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
July 4 US Independence Day @ Blaine Marina, (Sat), 4 PM (social),
5 PM (dinner), Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Sep 12 Crab Feed @ Blaine Harbor Marina, (Sat) 2 PM
Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Oct 10 Commodore’s Ball @ Packers Kitchen + Bar, (Sat) 5 PM
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA
Nov 13 Nauti-Friday @ On Rice (Thai food), 6 PM
2200 Rimland Drive, Bellingham, WA (new location/date)
Dec ?? Christmas Party (date/time/location TBD)
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2026 CRUISE SCHEDULE:
April 24 - 26 Ice Breaker - Cruise #1 – Fossil Bay, Sucia Island
Host(s): TBD
May 2 Opening Day / Sail Past – Follows 9 AM flag ceremony
Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
Host(s): Bob Giles
May 22 - 26 Memorial Day Weekend - Cruise #2 – Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Co-Hosts: Lisa Lee and Linda Rawls
May 26 - June 3 Extended Cruise #1 (join us where/when you can)
(May 26-28) Nanaimo Port Authority, Host(s): TBD
(May 28-30) Backeddy Marina, Egmont, Host(s): TBD
(May 30-Jun 1) Princess Louisa Inlet - Chatterbox Falls, Host(s): TBD
(Jun 1-3) John Henry Marina, Pender Harbour, Hosts: Bob/Kim Giles
June 12 - 14 Shrimp Boil - Cruise #3 – Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island
Host(s): TBD
June 29 - July 2 Canada Day - Cruise #4 – Port Sidney Marina, Sidney, BC
Host(s): TBD
July 3 - 5 US Independence Day - Cruise #5 – Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
Host(s): TBD
July 17 - 19 Luau Weekend - Cruise #6 – Port Browning Marina, N. Pender Island, BC
Hosts: Jason & Kirsten Sloan
July 19 - 25 Extended Cruise #2 (join us where/when you can)
(Jul 19-21) Otter Bay Marina, N. Pender Island, BC, Host(s): TBD
(Jul 21-23) Montague Harbour Marina, Galiano Island, BC, Host(s): TBD
(Jul 23-25) Poet's Cove Marina, S. Pender Island, BC, Host(s): TBD
July 31 - Aug 2 On The Hook - Cruise #7 – Garrison Bay, San Juan Island
Host(s): Jason & Kirsten Sloan
Aug 21 - 27 Extended Cruise #3 (join us where/when you can)
(Aug 21-23) Ganges Marina, Saltspring Island, BC, Host(s): TBD
(Aug 23-25) Maple Bay Marina, Vancouver Island, Host(s): TBD
(Aug 25-27) Brentwood Bay Marina, Vancouver Island, Host(s): TBD
Sep 4 - 7 Labor Day Weekend - Cruise #8 – Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island
Host(s): TBD
Sep 18 - 20 Last Weekend of Summer - Cruise #9 – Fossil Bay, Sucia Island
Host(s): TBD
Oct 9 - 13 Canadian Thanksgiving - Cruise #10 – Port Browning (N. Pender), BC
Host(s): TBD
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Message from the
Communications Desk | | |
Greetings!
We've come a long ways in the past year...my first year as Communications Officer...the Club as a thriving entity...and our Members, too! Sure, there have been struggles and stresses at times, but in the end, we got past them...and it has been well worth it! I'm ready for another year...ARE YOU?
We are aware that some Members are still struggling with the decision whether to continue their SYC membership in 2026...for various reasons: Member costs, money exchange rates, boating interests that don't align, fuel costs, the sale of a boat, other priorities, and...even...national politics (???). But, hey...we are a collective of like-minded boaters...friends and companions...on and off the water...first and foremost!
It's a challenge to meet the needs of most, let alone all Members, especially an international Club as are we. But, in the areas that we can control, I can vouch that the SYC does its very best to provide you with an overall experience that is pleasant, affordable, fun and rewarding. To that end, we welcome your input, feedback, and participation at all levels. So, if you are having second thoughts about continuing your membership in the SYC, for whatever reason(s), feel free to reach out and share your doubts and/or concerns...we want to know what, if anything, we can do different. And, of course, if you like what we are doing, we'd love to hear about that, too!
It bears repeating...please visit and use the club's new Website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org. I am happy to report that more of you are discovering the Website to be 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...even paying for events and renewing/paying for your Annual Membership Dues! If you need assistance on how to use the website or your account, do not hesitate to contact me or the the Club's Web Master, Janice Cosenzo.
Finally, I updated the photo (above) documenting the SYC's "presence" afield. Any guesses where it is? The answer is in the P.S. below. By the way, I'm running out of SYC "logo" (or burgee) related photos. If you travel abroad or close 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 where you've been and taken along the SYC!
Bob Simpson, Communications Officer
PS - If you did not figure it out, the picture above was taken this past October on a lanai overlooking one of the Waikoloa Resort golf courses on the Big Island of Hawaii...nice place!
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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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