Ahoy!
Get ready for some fun times ahead! Potluck dinner April 2o. Opening day of boating season events weekend of May 5 & 6.
Dear mates,
We all know that boat owners are generally smart and friendly people because we are a special breed. We know how to navigate life’s choppy waters. If the weather is foul we can make it to our destination. When we are out on the water, we know how to work as a team to make sure that everyone is safe and having a good time. We have learned the value of a good crew. We are willing to lend a hand to a fellow seafarer in need. We not only know how to read charts, we can also fix things on the fly when they inevitably break down.
The camaraderie that we share extends beyond our boats as well. Whether it’s a dockside barbecue, a raft up party, or a membership dinner, on or off the water we know how to throw down and how to have a good time.
The upcoming April 20 membership potluck dinner is going to be the perfect time to get out, escape the stress of everyday life and swap stories over a favorite beverage. You will have an excuse to wear your nautical-themed clothing and channel your inner pirate. We have club member and world class photographer Leslie Richter presenting her “Adventure to Antarctica”. You do not want to miss this unique opportunity to hear about Leslie’s adventure and see some of her photos!
On the heels of our April 20 potluck comes opening day of boating season on the weekend of May 5 & 6. If you are sitting at home wondering what to do that weekend remember that staying connected to folks is easy through our club events. I think of the past two or three years as the “covid years” when most of us got used to being a little more isolated and somewhat less social. Consequently, I try to remember that socializing helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also provides us with a sense of belonging, which can help improve self-worth and mood.
Further, socializing with other people can help improve cognitive abilities, boost our immune systems, improve our physical health, reduce loneliness, and increase our happiness!
Voila! Just come to the membership dinner and our opening day activities. Argh, matey! You can’t miss! You will contribute to your overall sense of well-being!
Opening day weekend features a Friday evening cocktail party which will include a lot of great complimentary appetizers! It’s the perfect opportunity to share stories about ideas for summer adventures. A variety of events are scheduled Saturday including the exciting 4th Opening Day Challenge between LIYC vs Friday Harbor Sailing Club in Fishermans Bay. The race begins at 11 a.m. followed by dinghy races at 1 p.m. New boat christenings will be at 3 p.m. (let us know in advance if you have a boat for christening). If the weather is decent, there are rumors of a margarita contest on the docks at 3:30 p.m. Dinner will commence at 4:30 p.m., including a trophy presentation for the winner of the Challenge Cup and featuring Dusty and Sam’s famous mouth-watering smash burgers!
Dinner reservations for Saturday are required. Please make your reservation early so that Dusty has an idea of how much food he needs to bring! Go to the ship’s store on our website to make your reservations. Dusty can help if you need help with website login or have other website questions.
The Clam Bake is back at Flat Point on the first weekend of June! As always, the Clam Bake is a potluck affair and will feature 0ur traditional red chowder from Arlene’s kitchen and Melissa’s white clam chowder. Mmm! Plus Brian Duncan will provide his incredible home brew! What a party! The Clam Bake is always a perfect opportunity to discuss summer cruise plans with friends.
Commodore Cruise plans are shaping up now. Keep an eye on the website for details coming very soon.
Summer Cruise plans are available in amazing detail on our website including an interactive map. Wow! Some of the destinations on the cruise will be closing their reservation window very soon! Do not delay making your reservations.
Don’t forget about the first ever Ling Cod Derby on May 27. There will be an awards ceremony and dinner following the derby. Visit our website for updates and info – there are many ways people can participate in the event.
In past years, the Lopez Island 4th of July parade has often included an entry from LIYC. So far, we do not have any member volunteers to take on that project for this year. Please get in touch with me or anyone on the LIYC board if your creativity and community spirit moves you in that direction!
Welcome aboard to new member David Saylor! We look forward to seeing you at club events and out on the water with your Nordhaven 43!
Please login to our LIYC website regularly for ongoing information and updates about opening day events and all of our club activities. It is a real commitment to keep our website going, growing and evolving in order to meet club needs. Dusty does an amazing job of maintaining it for us.
Getting this month’s newsletter out to you puts me in touch with gratitude, respect and empathy for everybody in the club – past and present, who has held a board position or in any way has been actively involved in making the club function. Thanks to you and all of the active members who keep the ongoing LIYC traditions alive.
Everyone keep ship-shape! I’ll meet you here again at Commodore’s Corner next month!
Commodore Jan
Lopez Island Yacht Club ● P O Box 22 ● Lopez Island, WA 98261.