COMMODORES CORNER – SEPTEMBER 2026

By Suzi Jennings

Ahoy mateys !  Fall is upon us, so it’s time to reconnect with our yacht club members. I look forward to hearing about your summer boating adventures.

Our first club meeting will be held September 17, and Mo Crist, our Vice Commodore has organized exciting programs for our fall meetings, not to be missed.

Renee Hanks, our Rear Commodore, who planned an outstanding summer cruise will present her summary and photos of the memorable club’s Summer Cruise, at our January Club meeting.

Barry Christ, our sailing chair, who did a stellar job running the Lopez Cup, held on August 29, will also give a re-cap of the race at our Sept. 17 meeting.

Autumn is still a great time for boating! It’s easier to get marina slips or mooring balls. There is great hiking and not far away, especially on Stuart, Sucia and Jones Islands.  Maybe a short cruise to Orcas?

The marina at Rosario is now Rosario Harbor and under new ownership. The Rosario mansion is still closed. But there is a new restaurant,

“The Blackbird Cafe”, at the marina that will be open all year according to staff. Check it out, interesting tasty menu, run by the owner of the Lower Tavern in Eastsound, who also runs the larger seasonal marina pub branded,  

“The Harbor Bar & Grill. Also the marina now rents E-Bikes, more fun to be had!

Now for “My Message in a Bottle” (no pun intended!)

For prime sailing trivia, we all know what a shot glass is right?  Well for the older set, who enjoy a cocktail or two, how about a “jigger” or for sailors, a “Jiggermast” ? The term comes from two theories, “jigger” slang for  an Illicit distillery or a “jigger-boss” who supplied canal workers with whiskey. Or from nautical origins, a small short mast located at the stern of a sailing vessel “jiggermast” or a  “mizzenmast” depending on the type of sailboat.  In the 1800’s British sailors named their small daily ration cup a jigger for they complained how small the ration was. A jigger now is a bartenders tool, with two shots, 1 ½ and two ounces with a handle.

Okay enough of goofy trivia !  

My last serious message is:

Please, never, never, never drink alcohol while operating a boat. Save that jigger for land and then drink responsibly, especially around boats and docks !!  Preaching to the converted, I’m sure!

See you all at our next club meeting at the Islander on Sept. 17.

Your devoted Commodore, she “Runs a Tight Shipwreck”

Cheers mateys, Suzi Jennings

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