Lopez Island Yacht Club

October Membership Dinner/Meeting
2025-10-16 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
“Sea Shanty Sing a Long”

Join us to eat, drink and be merry at our next Yacht ClubMembership meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025Social Hour at 5:30pmDinner at 6:30pmProgram at 7:00pm

https://lopezislandyachtclub.com/product/october-membership-dinner-2/

November Membership Dinner/Meeting
2025-11-13 17:00 - 21:00
Click >HERE< to order your dinners!

We welcome the Friday Harbor Power Squadron, our local chapterof America’s Boating Club in the San Juans. Chris Reed, commanderand Ann Einboden, education officer who is known by many of us, willpresent a program about the Power Squadron and its many benefits. Theyare a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes skillful boatingthrough education classes and seminars, such as boathandling and safety.Classes are presented in person and on zoom.They also offer a Vessel Safety Check program. Every spring our clubcoordinates with the Power Squadron for boat inspections.As we get close to pulling out and winterizing our boats, time toconsider brushing up on boat safety and/or signing up for refreshercourses over the winter! Hope to see you there!Also check out the Squadron’s website: abcsji.orgby Suzi Jennings, Club Commodore

Christmas Dinner/Party with the LIYC!
2025-12-06 17:00 - 23:00 | The Haven, 9 Old Post Rd, Lopez Island, Washington, 98261, United States
Order your Dinners >HERE<

More details to follow

January Membership Meeting/Dinner
2026-01-15 17:30 - 20:00
The Islander

5:30pm – Social Hour and Cocktails

6:00pm – Dinner

6:30pm – Meeting Program – Speaker Mo Crist – “Something for Everybody! The LIYC 2025 Summer Cruise in Review”

Order your Dinners >HERE<

2026 Seattle Boat Show
2026-01-30 11:00 - 2026-02-07 20:00

February Membership Meeting/Dinner
2026-02-19 17:30 - 20:00
Welcome to the February 2026 Lopez Island Yacht Club Membership Meeting! Don’t miss it!

Paddling with Spirits: A Solo Kayak Journey, 2018 Nautilus Book Award Silver Medalist by Irene Skyriver is a non-fiction adventure memoir about her solo kayak trip from Alaska to the San Juan Islands, weaving her personal journey with generational stories of her ancestors.

Date: Thursday, February 19

5:30 pm Social Hour and Knot Tying Workshop

6:00 pm – Dinner

6:30 pm – Meeting Program:

Your Boat in 7 Minutes: Caribe – Paul Henriksen

North Cruise 2026 Update: Renee Hanks

Speaker – Irene Skyriver

Order your Dinners >HERE<

March Membership Dinner
2026-03-19 17:30 - 21:00 | The Islander, 2864 Fisherman Bay Rd, Lopez Island, Washington, 98261
Order your Dinners >HERE<

5:30 pm – Social Hour and Knot Tying Workshop

6:00 pm – Dinner

6:30pm – Meeting Program:

Opening Day Update

North Cruise 2026 Update: Renee Hanks

“Your Boat in 7 Minutes” – Scott Jennings – Blue Skies, Aspen Power Boats

A Practical Guide to Weather Forecasting and Route Planning – Barry Crist

Speaker: Gene Helfman – Gene Helfman is an animal behaviorist turned conservation biologist turned novelist. With a PhD in Ecology from Cornell University, Gene was on the faculty of the University of Georgia for thirty years and authored books on fish and marine conservation. He spent much of his professional career underwater demonstrating that fish are smarter than conventionally thought. To reach a broader audience with his conservation message, he has written award-winning novels about killer whales and sharks. His second killer whale novel, In the Realm of the Whales, appeared in late 2025. Gene and his wife Dr. Judy Meyer, an aquatic ecologist, live on Lopez Island.

In the Realm of Whales, by Gene Helfman

Q & A with Barry Crist as Moderator

Lopez Island Yacht Club Vessel Safety Check
2026-04-16 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday, April 16thThis is an opportunity to get the official US Coast Guard inspection sticker to put in your window, and believe me, the stickers work. If the Coast Guard sees that sticker, they are way less likely to pull you over. Plus it’s good to know what is required to have aboard your boat for safety. This inspection is free of charge. We will be inspecting boats from 10:00am to around 2:00pm. We will begin at Whiskey Hill, then the Islander and IMC, and then Spencer’s Landing. We usually get to Spencer’s Landing around mid-day. If you would like to participate, I will need to hear from you soon. The information I need from you is:1) Your name2) Your boat’s name3) Length of your boat4) Sail or power5) Your contact phone number6) Your EXACT location – marina and slip

Here is the check list :

LIYC April Membership Dinner/Meeting
2026-04-16 17:00 - 21:00 | The Islander, 2864 Fisherman Bay Rd, Lopez Island, Washington, 98261
Order your Dinners >HERE<

The theme this month is “Prep for the Upcoming Season”

Date: Thursday, April 16

5:30 pm – Social Hour and Knot Tying Workshop AND LIYC Hats are for Sale!!! Bring $25/hat!

6:00 pm – Dinner

6:30 pm – Meeting Program:

Opening Day Update: Mo Crist

Club Business: Suzi Jennings

North Cruise 2026 and Clambake Update: Renee Hanks

“15 Minutes on the Clock!” – Barry Crist

“Various Considerations When Heading North”

Meeting Program:

Speaker: Aaron Johnson

Anchoring and Stern Tying

Opening Day at the Islander
2026-05-01 08:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00
Welcome to Lopez Island Yacht Club Opening Day 2026! When: Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2026

Where: The Lopez Islander Resort and MarinaWhat: Lots of fun on and near the water! Come for any or all of it!

GREAT NEWS!: Slips are $25/night, Friday 5/1 and Saturday, 5/2 – Contact Kathy at kathy@lopezfun.com or 360-468-2233 to reserve.

Here are the Details!

Friday, May 1, Lopez Islander Dock

3 – 5 pm – Blindfolded Dinghy Races!

To enter: Email maureen.e.crist@gmail.com or text/call 425-281-1102 OR JUST SHOW UP! 🙂

We’ll provide everything! Come one come all!

You provide 2 people, one to be the blindfolded rower and one to coach them on where to go from inside the dinghy.

Everyone can come to cheer for the teams!

5 – 7 pm – BYOB Happy Hour

We’ll provide appetizers, you bring your beverage of choice!

Mexican Buffet Dinner – $42/person

Saturday, May 2, Lopez Islander Dock

10 am – 12 pm – Russ Johnson Inter-Island Challenge – Vanguard 15 Races

Please sign up to sail a Vanguard 15! Email crist.barry@gmail.com or text/call 206-225-1068

Bring your own PFD

Everyone can come to cheer for the teams!

We’ll provide the Vanguard 15’s, coffee, pastries for all

1 pm – Stern Tying Demo

We will attempt to conduct a demonstration of stern tying our Grady White 208 to the Islander Dock, following the guidelines we learned from Aaron Johnson at the April 16 LIYC Membership Meeting!

Come one, come all to see if we are able to complete it!

2:30 pm – Boat Christenings

Please sign up to have your boat christened by emailing: maureen.e.crist@gmail.com or text/call 425-281-1102

Everyone can come to support the new boats!

3:30 pm – Margarita Contest and Boat Tours

Please sign up to host a margarita station (no boat required, we can bring out tables) by emailing maureen.e.crist@gmail.com or text/call 425-281-1102

Everyone, please come to sample the margaritas and VOTE for your favorite!!

6 pm – Dinner and Awards in the Banquet Room at the Islander

Opening Day Weekend Dinner and Awards!
2026-05-02 18:00 - 21:00
6 pm – Dinner and Awards in the Banquet Room at the Islander

Mexican Buffet Dinner – $42/person

LIYC 2026 Lingcod Derby
2026-05-23 05:00 - 16:30
Sign up for our derby >HERE<

Come join us for a day of fun Lingcod fishing!

Entry fee is $40 which includes a FREE Hoodie courtesy of our sponsor Inside Passage Yacht Sales. You must follow all Washington State Fishing Regulations, weigh in will be at The Islander Dock at 4:30pm.

Please add your Hoodie sweatshirt size to complete your sign up for the fishing derby.

Our annual Clam Bake at Flat Point Clubhouse
2026-06-06 13:00 - 16:00

Commodores Cruise to La Conner
2026-06-26 08:00 - 2026-06-28 17:00
More details to come.

North Cruise 2026 -*The Standard Route: Operation Warm Water Desolation Sound!! July 9-19th
2026-07-09 08:00 - 2026-07-19 17:00
The Standard Route Itinerary:

Depart Lopez Island on Thursday, July 9th (return to Lopez by 7/22 or 7/23)● Bedwell Harbor (Poets Cove, South Pender Island): Thursday, 7/9-Friday, 7/10○ Custom Check-in anytime after 11am○ Amenities include, a spa, tennis courts, restaurant, coffee shop, liquorstore, gas, diesel, ice, water, garbage disposal, recycling, showers andlaundry. The lower pool is available to overnight Moorage guests.○ We have 10, 40’ slips reserved. There are also mooring balls and anchoringavailable.○ If you would like to reserve a slip in the marina, you will need to call oremail before JUNE 8th. Let them know you are with LIYC○ Email: marina@poetscove.com○ Call 250-629-2111 or 1-888-512-7638○ The Steam Cave and Hot Tub are only available with purchase of atreatment. Book online: www.poetscove.com/healing-spa/packages● Butchart Gardens (Todd Inlet, Vancouver Island): Friday, 7/10-Saturday, 7/11○ We will be seeking anchorage in Todd Inlet.○ Friday afternoon, dinghy over to the Butchart Gardens Dock to enterthrough the waterside gate. There is live music🎷 in the gardens Fridaynight.○ Anyone interested in touring the gardens will need to RESERVE TICKETSthrough the LIYC website store. We will meet on the dock at 4pm foraccess through the back gate. Because of group ticketing we must entertogether, then everyone is free to enjoy time as they wish.○ Anglers Marina is nearby. They don’t have transient slips, however if youcall 1-2 weeks in advance, they may have a slip to rent 1-250-652-3531

● Ganges Marina (Salt Spring Island) Saturday, 7/11-Sunday, 7/12

○ Check-in time is NOON on Saturday. We have 15 slips reserved onthe B Dock. Please call ahead to reserve your slip by JUNE 8TH. Letthem know you are with LIYC. 1 250-537-5242gangesmarina@gmail.com○ Anchoring is also an option.○ The Farmers Market is from 10-3pm. Its a short walk into town andworth trying to make it.○ Marina amenities include, gas, diesel, water, showers, laundry, WIFI○ In town you will find many restaurants and grocery stores. TheTreehouse Cafe has Live music every night with locally grown food.○ Before Heading to dinner, join the group on the B dock for a Meet &Greet Happy Hour🍷 and “Tortilla Challenge” between 4pm-5pm.● Pirates Cove Marine Park (De Courcy Island) Sunday, 7/12-Monday 7/13○ Beautiful cove with anchoring and stern tying rings available on a firstcome basis. There are 2 dinghy docks located at the trail heads.○ Expect some nice hiking on park trails, dog are allowed. There is drinkingwater available and 2 pit toilets. There is no garbage disposal or otheramenities at this location.○ Be sure to check your tide charts Sunday night, as we will be goingthrough Dodd Narrows on Monday, look for a slack or negative tide. If youare unsure of the best timing, ask one of the “old pros” in the group.○ Feeling uneasy about your first Stern tie? just radio, someone is alwayshappy to help!

● Newcastle & Protection Island Monday, 7/13-Tuesday, 7/14○ Mooring Balls labeled by length and anchoring available○ Hiking trails with history on Newcastle Island.○ There are no amenities here, but Nanaimo is a short distance witheverything you could need.○ You are invited to join our first group dinner at the Dinghy Dock Pub onProtection Island. Canada’s only floating pub! Dinghy over at 5pm forhappy hour followed by dinner. The margaritas are delicious!● Hornby Island (3 nights to relax and enjoy!) Tuesday, 7/14-Friday, 7/17○ Congratulations.. You made it to the warm water!○ Horby island is a great spot to anchor with gorgeous sandy beaches and acute little village within walking distance on woodsy trails. Excellent spotfor dogs to go ashore.

○ Dinghy right up to the beach. Tide swings are extreme at over 15’.. Be sureto check which way tides are moving so you can set your anchor and reachyour dinghy when you return.○ In the village you will find a grocery, hardware store, ice-cream stand,coffee shop, restaurants, clothing boutiques and much more. The parkacross the street has an open air market, juice stand and nursery.○ Wednesday, follow the School House Trail into town proper for theFarmers Market from 10-2pm. Hornby is similar to Lopez with its richfood culture and small farms. A Great place to take advantage and stock upon healthy fresh produce.○ Wednesday night plan for a potluck on the Kelli Bree, Rich & PaulaSeubert boat, at 6:30pm. Dinghy over and tie up. She’s a big, beautiful 55’Alaskan with plenty of room! Maybe we can entice Paula to make one ofthe Thai dishes she learned while visiting in February.😉○ Thursday afternoon Beach Blanket 🍹BYOB Happy Hour at 4pm. See youon the beach for our last night on Hornby before we all separate for dinnersomewhere.

● Manson’s Landing (Cortes Island) Friday, 7/17-Saturday, 7/18○ Anchor out and dinghy ashore to the dock.○ Town Amenities include 2 grocery stores, The Burger Barn and a Museum.Its about 1⁄2 mile walk to town.○ Enjoy trails around the lagoon or Hague Lake, both with warm waterswimming.○ Saturday we have the opportunity to meet up with the New Old TimeChautauqua Group and join them in the town parade. If you would like tojoin, bring something fun to wear or do (hula hoop, juggle, etc.) Let yourfreak flag fly.. Or your LIYC Burgee!!○ We are also welcome to join their activities of a boat building/racingcontest in the lagoon.○ If needed, make a stop at Squirrel Cove Trading Post on the way toPrideaux Haven. They have gas, diesel, grocery store, ice, liquor, hardware,post office, food truck and a small gallery. You will also find washrooms,showers and laundry near the trading post. There are No provisions inPrideaux Haven.

● Prideaux Haven (Desolation Sound, 2 Nights!) Saturday, 7/18-Monday 7/20○ No provisions here. Just relaxing!○ Aww.. soak in that warm water and relax! We’ve had a lot going on, its timeto chill! Break out the swimsuits and paddle boards and go have some fun!

After you set your anchor and stern tie of course.. Remember, no stern tiesaround live trees.○ Lots to do here, take a hike to one of the lakes or up between Laura andMelanie Cove.○ Sunday 7/19, NOTC will be assisting the Klahoose First Nation in acommunity project at Squirrel Cove. Anyone is welcome to join, contactRoss Newport for details 1-831-359-0641○ Last night of the Standard Route is Sunday July 19th, but it will be hard toleave! Please stay longer and enjoy this time… you are already here.Otherwise, I invite you to enjoy a raft up Farewell BYOB Happy Hour at5pm, by dinghy or paddleboard, in the cove between the main bay andLaura Cove, to say goodbye to friends heading home in the morning.○ On Monday, 7/20, for anyone departing & heading home, NOTCperformers are seeking transport to their next destination on QuadraIsland. If you are interested, please contact Ross Newport to makearrangements.

North Cruise 2026; The Extended Route Itinerary.
2026-07-20 08:00 - 2026-08-03 17:00
The Extended Route Itinerary:Begins on 7/20 (Return to Lopez by 8/3)● Prideaux Haven (Desolation Sound) Monday, 7/20- Tuesday 7/21○ One more night in this Amazing place, swimming, hiking, exploring &spending time with new friends and old.

● Teakern Arm (West Redonda Island, 2 Nights!) Tuesday, 7/21-Thursday, 7/23○ Set anchor and stern ties in the west arm, and break out the hiking shoesand paddleboards!○ Hike up to Cassel Lake for a very warm water swim in fresh water, or take apaddle under its waterfall to the sea!○ There are no provisions here. However we will be stopping in Refuge Coveon our leave. If you are desperate for fuel, water or provisions, feel free tomake a stop before arrival, its on the way.

● Day Stop in Refuge Cove (West Redonda island) Thursday, 7/23○ This is the last provisions stop until the end of the Cruise.○ Provisions, trash Barge, fuel, water, restaurant, store, cute!○ Worth the stop. Stock up! This is the spot.

● Roscoe Bay (West Redonda Island) Thursday, 7/23-Friday, 7/24○ Mind the tides! This is a landlocked inlet at low tide. We will be anchoringwithin it for the night○ Lovely warm water swimming and a short hike to Black Lake. Be preparedfor some amazing sunsets!○ No provisions here● Pendrall Cove (East Redonda Island, 2 Nights!) Friday, 7/24-Sunday, 7/26○ You won’t believe it until you feel it! Set that anchor and stern tie in the farback cove and jump into that 80 degree pool of glacial color water!○ Saturday night potluck and Music jam. Break out your instruments andlet’s call in those Dolphins again!○ Not a lot of hiking, but there are petroglyphs to be seen by dinghy. Take atour around the bay and enjoy all the turquoise water.○ Maybe we can host a PT11 race??○ No provisions here● Walsh Cove (North West Redonda Island) Sunday, 7/26-Tuesday, 7/28○ Anchor and stern tie○ Forest hike with wild thyme growing and petroglyphs on the shore, enjoythe crystal blue waters○ No provisions here○ DAY TRIP UP TOBA INLET MONDAY 7/27○ If you are interested in a day sail up the Toba Inlet, we welcome you tojoin us on Eye Candy, and other willing boats for a couple hour scenic sailof the Inlet before returning to anchor at Walsh Cove for a second night

● Octopus Islands Marine Park Tuesday, 7/28-Wednesday, 7/29○ Beautiful marine Park, with lots of islands to explore by paddleboards ordinghies.○ Opportunity to paint vessel names on driftwood to hang in the infamousDriftwood Cabin to commemorate our journey. I will bring Acrylic paintsand brushes for the activity.○ Last Night of Extended Route. Potluck Farewell Picnic on one of the littleIslands.

The Adventure Route Loose Itinerary:

Begins on 7/30 (Return to Lopez by 8/15-8/20 it’s up in the air!)● ADVENTURE ROUTE BEGINS Thursday 7/30○ Let the Adventure begin!!○ I have earmarked some anchorages of note for safe haven, wildlife, culturalexperience and local lore, but locations are subject to change based onweather, tides and currents.○ As you know, this part of the journey requires that each vessel beself-reliant and comfortable negotiating unpredictable weather,navigation and tide charts.○ We will discuss route options as a group, and hopefully travel as one, butevery boat and skipper should feel confident in their own decision andtiming to move forward.○ The Broughtons are home to a diversity of wildlife, and a popular area forNorthern Orca. The islands are full of history, old relics, totems, andhomesteads of the indigenous peoples who once occupied these islands,and many still do.○ Here is a list of some of the hot spots on our list if you would like to lookthem up and share input:■ Small inlet■ Tully Island/Hanfield Bay■ Hurston Bay■ Blind Channel■ Telegraph Cove (last stop) if we can get in, historical town, smallrestaurant, once home to Whale Museum, currently underre-construction.■ Echo Bay & Proctor Bay. First Nations owned. Dock float in the bayof Gilford Island, and dock at Sea Rose Studio also, Yvonne’s art andceramics. Billy Proctors Museum is a must see.■ Alert Bay- U’Mista Cultural Center & Namgis burial ground totempoles. Good provisioning■ Douglas Bay/Forward Harbour- trail hike through flotsam foresttrail, good anchorage, petroglyphs, lodge with dinner, showers,laundry and maybe grizzly sightings.■ Port Harvey, East & West Cracroft Island- marina, water, power,laundry, shower, store, hardware and the Red Shoe Pub andrestaurant with fresh cinnamon rolls… bring a red shoe!

■ Klaoitsis Island, Clio Channel, Potts Lagoon, West Cracroft Island-good anchorage, dinghy to lagoon to look for black bears.

■ Robson Bight Ecological Preserve- rubbing spot for Orcas■ Boat Bay-good holding anchorage to observe whales across thestraight.■ Cormorant Channel Marine Park, Plumper Islands- primaryhabitat for Northern Orca population■ Spout Inlet, Hanson Island- near orcas, good protected anchorage■ Broughton Archipelago Marine Park South- swift currents butprotected shelter anchorages backed by snow capped mountains.Great wildlife viewing. Best navigated at low water to see rocks, butalso white midden beaches■ Broughton Archipelago Marine Park North- coves east ofSeabreeze island, good protection anchorage, 4 small coves eachhold 1-2 boats■ Farewell Harbor on Berry Island- White Beach Passage East ofCompton Island is clear and unobstructed to travel to FarewellHarbor. Also Maggys Point on Crease Island, all good anchorages.Pictographs on wall in Village Channel, North side of Berry Islandnear Chiefs Bathtub.■ Spacious anchorage between Mound Island and Harbeldown Island■ Mamalilikulla Mi’mkwais village Island at least one anchor spot,dinghy ashore from any anchorage near by and see old villageremains, totem poles and middens■ Goat Islet, Crease island- good anchorage, protected for manyboats.■ Health Bay- good anchoring in sticky mud, protected from W+SE.Bay trees and seals, dinghy into lagoon■ Dusky Cove, Bonnies Island. Great to explore in calm winds and nofog. 4 anchorages throughout the rocks and kelp■ Waddington Bay, Bonwich Island- good anchoring, lots of room.■ Lady Boot Cove, Eden Island- anchor in the “toe” and explore theheel by dinghy■ Joe Cove on Eden Island, could raft up with a stern tie. Also a float totie up to for boats under 35’■ Sointula Harbour, Malcolm Island- Marina, great provisioning atCo-op they deliver to the marina. Free Green bikes at ferry terminalto ride around town, visit museums, arts & crafts studio, UpperCrust Bakery and a town Pub. Hike the Malcolm Island trails to BerePoint and the whale rubbing rocks■ Beaver Harbor on Vancouver Island, good anchoring for viewingwhales, seals and salmon.

Return Route Options

➔ Standard Route Return via Marinas- reservation recommended:◆ Prideaux Haven-Powell River 7/20-7/21● Big full service marina on East side of the straight, lots ofrestaurants, and amenities● For reservations call 1-604-485-5244◆ Telegraph Harbor 7/21-7/22● Cute marina, great little coffee shop and gift store with some smallfoods, treats and ice-cream. Restaurant a dinghy trip away.● For Reservations call 1-250-246-9511◆ Montague Harbor 7/22-7/23● Another sweet spot, a restaurant on the dock, as well as a small storewith coffee and ice cream. For a unique adventure, inquire about themusical school bus that will pick you up at the dock and take you toan inland restaurant.● For Reservations call 250-539-5733◆ Lopez Island 7/23

➔ Standard Route Return via Anchoring:◆ Prideaux Haven-Jedediah Island 7/20-7/21● Beautiful spot in the middle of the straight between Texada &Lasqueti Island. Great hiking trails, with an old homestead and feralsheep. It is a gorgeous passage when you leave heading south to thewest of Bull Island, back into the straight.◆ James Bay, North Prevost Island 7/21-7/22● Big quiet and protected bay with amazing sunset views. To avoidDodd Narrows, you can come through Porlier Pass and travel insideof Galiano Island● It’s a long day but very doable. It could be broken up by anchoring inthe bay on the East side between Thetis Island and Penelakut Island.From there, on high tide, you can dinghy through the little sloughriver that divides the islands to Telegraph Harbor Marina and enjoythe coffee shop.◆ Lopez Island 7/22

➔ Extended Route Return- reservations for marinas recommended:◆ Octopus Islands-Hariot Bay 7/30-7/31● Full Service marina or anchoring. True Value offers dock delivery ofgroceries with pre-order. Alternative anchoring at Rebecca Spit for anice beach and dinghy dock within walking distance to the grocerystore.● For Reservations call 1-888-605-4545◆ Henry Bay, Denman Island 7/31-8/1● Anchoring only with a beautiful sandy beach◆ Pages Marina, Silva Bay, Gabriola Island 8/1-8/2● Full service marina or anchoring and mooring ball options.● For Reservations Call 250-247-8931◆ Montague Harbor 8/2-8/3● A sweet spot, a restaurant on the dock, as well as a small store withcoffee and ice cream. For a unique adventure, inquire about themusical school bus that will pick you up at the dock and take you toan inland restaurant.● Anchoring is also an option here● For Reservations call 250-539-5733◆ Lopez Island 8/3
