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BORDERLINES
MAY - JUNE 2025 | | |
In This Issue
- Message from the Commodore
- Memorial Day Weekend Cruise - It's Not Too Late!
- Ice Breaker Cruise (Recap)
- Digging in the Dirt (Recap)
- Opening Day (Recap)
- Don't Forget: Reminders
- Look What's Happening: 2025 Land & Cruise Events
- Message from the Communications Desk
- Can I Still Renew?
- SYC Social Media Links
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Message from the Commodore
Mel Kolstad | | |
Greetings, everyone!
I am pleased to report that the Semiahmoo Yacht Club is off to a very robust start this year.
Our land events have all seen strong attendance. Already, we have enjoyed Nauti-Fridays at The Roadhouse Grille, Rustlers Front Street Grill, The Homestretch (harness racing), and Paso del Norte. Many of you attended the important Annual General Meeting, either in person or by proxy. Several lady SYC members (past and present) participated in the annual Spring "Digging in the Dirt" event. And, as always, the Opening Day activities were well-attended. A few last minute "I can't make it" calls, left us with only four boats on our first cruise of the year. But, the 10 enthusiastic, fully-engaged participants easily made up for that. Unlike its name, the Ice Breaker Cruise was graced by excellent weather to the enjoyment of all.
We are gratified to see some of our Canadian members attending these events, despite stressful circumstances beyond any of our controls. Needless to say, we sorely miss all the rest of our Canadian (and American) members who have not yet made it down our way. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Upcoming cruise events include the Memorial Day Cruise (Roche Harbor, San Juan Is., May 23-26), the Shrimp Boil Cruise (Prevost Harbor, Stuart Is., June 6-8), the Canada Day Cruise (Van Isle Marina, Sidney, June 29-July 2), the US Independence Cruise (Drayton Harbor, Blaine, July 6, which includes a July 4th BBQ), the Luau Cruise (Port Browning, Pender Is., July 11-13)...and more! Please refer to the Event and Cruise schedules found on the Website (www.semiahmooyachtclub.org) and in the new 2025 SYC Membership Annual for further details. Or, see the full schedule of events in this Borderlines. You are encouraged to mark all of the upcoming events on your calendars and register/RSVP early. Your participation strengthens the Club and ensures the success of events.
My wife, Louise, and I have already registered to attend the Memorial Day Cruise, the July 4th event, the Luau Cruise, and more. We hope to see you at these events.
On a personal level, as you probably know, we are currently "boatless"...check out the back cover of the new 2025 Membership Annual and you will see why! We will be at the Luau Cruise, but are staying landside at Port Browning (July 10-12). We need transport to Port Browning on Thursday, July 10 and, then, back on Sunday, July 13. If you can offer any assistance, please contact me at 360-758-2015.
Speaking of the 2025 Membership Annual, let's all give a big THANK YOU to Past Commodore Paul Dumbleton who, almost singlehandedly, put the Annual together, got it printed on time, and secured the Membership cards. Thanks, too, to the many others who pitched in, as needed, along the way. The Annual and Membership cards were distributed to those who went to the Opening Day Luncheon. The rest will either be mailed or distributed to everyone else shortly. Also, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the entire SYC Board and our Webmaster for their excellent work to date.
We always need volunteers to help plan and coordinate our events. Please reach out to any SYC Board Member to contribute your time or ideas. It's a great way to meet and get to know other Members. Together, we will continue making this a memorable year for all.
Lastly, don't delay making slip reservations at any marinas you plan to visit on our cruises. Some marinas are already putting boats on "Waitlists". So, if you need to be on the dock, call now! And, while you are at it, consider being a host/cohost on that cruise.
I look forward to smooth sailing and cherished moments with you in the months ahead.
See you soon! – Mel
Phone:360-758-2015
Email:mel.kolstad@hotmail.com |  | |
Memorial Day Weekend Cruise
Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
May 23 - 26
IT'S NOT TOO LATE ! ! !
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You can still RSVP and attend this cruise!
Some wonderful meals and activities are on tap for the weekend's festivities. If you want to attend, please email Lisa Lee ASAP to ensure you and your guest(s) are in the count. The Memorial Day Cruise is always a highlight of the SYC cruise season. This year is sure to be the same, so don't miss out!
Contact Lisa today at (360)739-7959 or email her at mspinky71@gmail.com to RSVP! Members can also register for the cruise on the SYC Website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org. The Non-Member Guest Fee (age 13 years and older) for this cruise is $25 per person.
The cruise theme is "Red, White, and Blue: Honoring Our Fallen and Deceased Soldiers" (NOTE: Earn extra drawing and/or raffle tickets by decorating your boat in these colors and/or dressing in these colors at the Saturday and Sunday dinner meals.)
Reminders:
- Make your own slip reservations if you want to stay at the Roche Harbor Marina; mention you are with the Semiahmoo YC, so they can put you near the rest of the group
- Bring your own dishes, cutlery, and beverages to meals
- Bring three $1 bills to participate in the Left-Right-Center game (if played)
Hope you can make it!
Your Cruise Hosts,
Lisa/Jeff Lee, Linda/Mike Rawls, Susan Reece/Paul Manzi, Cheri/Cliff Christian, and Kathy/Blain Burfield
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ICE BREAKER CRUISE
April 25-27 (Recap) | | |
Ice Breaker? Wow, did Mother Nature ever miss the mark this year!
The Club's first cruise of the year (April 25 - 27) was blessed by great weather beginning to end...perfect winds and currents (for the most part) for the sailors and good cruising for the power boaters in the group. After a few last minute cancellations (equipment issues), four boats made it to Fossil Bay, Sucia Island...three on the dock and one on a buoy (a minus 1.38 foot tide on Sunday just didn't work for everyone to be on the dock). Our group was represented by:
- Dreams (Jeff and Lisa Lee; Mel and Louise Kolstad) Hosts/Co-hosts
- Missing Chair (Paul Manzi and Susan Reece)
- Paradox (Dick and Cheryl Karney)
- Phase 2 (Bob and Pat Simpson)
The weather was ideal, so hiking was popular. And, when we all weren't up at the shelter for meals or campfire gatherings, the dock and the two power boats were the "go to" gathering spots. Speaking of campfires, Jeff brought well-seasoned kindling and Mel brought a battery-powered chainsaw to keep us supplied with cut up driftwood...a real modern day Paul Bunyan! Between them, they kept the fire burning at mealtimes.
Meals? OMG, more like a continuous food fest, only interrupted by a series of food comas! You may feel sorry for us (not) considering the "meager" food offerings we faced:
- Friday Appy's - From "nibbles" to "mains" and moving on to a choice of deserts, it couldn't have worked out better had it been planned. Everyone was totally satiated before retiring to the firepit to end the day.
- Saturday Breakfast - Mel wowed us, again, by preparing whole-blueberry pancakes to order...accompanied by bacon, sausage, eggs, fruits, orange juice and Lisa's homemade banana-nut bread...a long hike was in order following that!
- Saturday Dinner - Just another "ho hum" meal...brats and hotdogs cooked over (or in) the firepit, buns, chili, cheese, onions (chili dogs anyone?), various veggies and condiments, potato salad, and the pièce de résistance...smores...accompanied by a lesson from Jeff on how to make the perfect smore...and, he was right!
- Sunday Breakfast - With everyone having a different departure schedule, the Lee's hosted a casual "come by when you can" breakfast that included Lisa's homemade icing-glazed cinnamon rolls, bagels, cream cheese spreads, fruits, coffee, and juice.
Most of the time, some of us count on losing weight on a cruise...not this time! Even the hikes couldn't save us!
Our hosts really outdid themselves and were prepared to do more. We never did get around to playing any of the half-dozen or more games they could have pulled out. Thank you Lisa, Jeff, Mel and Louise for a great Ice Breaker Cruise to start the season!
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COME PLAY IN THE DIRT
aka
"DIGGING IN THE DIRT"
April 30 (Recap)
On April 30th, the ladies of SYC heard the call, "Come Play In The Dirt". And, so they did...gathering at Van Wingerden (VW) Garden Center in Blaine. Organized by Patti Rutter, it was the Club's 12th year of hosting this unique function.
A few past SYC members were present as special guests and an invitation was also extended to The Ladies of Loomis Trail Golf Club. Everyone was able to visit one another again in a wonderful setting. With food and drinks provided by attendees, an enjoyable time was had by all.
All attendees received a 25% discount on their purchases from the nursery and, if one brought their own planter, the topsoil was free! At the end of the evening, we walked away with some beautiful plant bargains.
Due to several scheduling conflicts, this year's "Digging in the Dirt" event took place a few weeks earlier than planned. The event will likely return to May in 2026. See you next year, ladies? | |
OPENING DAY
May 3, 2025
(Recap) | | | The 2025 SYC boating season is officially underway!
Flag Raising & Blessing of the Fleet:
At the Blaine Harbor Marina (Gate 2), Commodore Mel Kolstad welcomed everyone, acknowledging the presence of several SYC Past Commodores. He and Judge Advocate Dick Hardman led the group in a prayer focused on peace, patience, and safe boating in the coming year and the USA and Canadian flags and the Semiahmoo Yacht Club burgee were raised to the accompaniment of their respective national anthems and music. The honor of raising the flags went to Vice Commodore Susan Barlock (USA), Past Commodore Paul Dumbleton (Canada), and Fleet Captain Jason Sloan (SYC burgee). All three flags flew proudly in the morning breeze!
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Commodore's Sail Past:
Following the Flag Raising Ceremony, members' vessels formed-up near the Dreyton Harbor entry buoys before re-entering and parading past the anchored MV Dreams (Jeff and Lisa Lee) to honor Commodore Mel Kolstad and wife, Louise. They stood proudly on Dreams' bow as the vessel parade passed by in salute, led by MV The Grace (Jason and Kirsten Sloan), and followed by MV Tugnacious (Dave and Jennifer Branch) and MV Au Pif (Michel Labarre). Many more SYC members were "on the rails" aboard the four boats to honor the Commodore and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with participating in a traditional Sail Past. | Opening Day Luncheon:
After the Sail Past, 56 members gathered at the Silver Reef Casino/Hotel in Ferndale for the Club-sponsored Opening Day Luncheon. As always, the Silver Reef staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and special. The energy in the room was vibrant with conversation and brotherhood. Although the focus was clearly on having a great meal and a fun time together, a little Club business was accomplished: Club Officers, key volunteers, and new members were acknowledged and introduced; new Club hats were available for sale; and, most important, SYC 2025 Membership Annuals and Member Cards were distributed to those present. (Annuals and cards are either being delivered in person or mailed to members who were not at the luncheon. If you do not receive yours in a reasonable timeframe, please follow-up with Vice Commodore Susan Barlock to determine the status of your Annual and membership cards.)
Please join us on Opening Day next year, but for now...
Opening Day of the SYC 2025 Boating Season is history!
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 Reminders...
- Upcoming SYC Events in May/June/July: Register Now!
- May 23 - 26 Memorial Day Cruise, Roche Harbor, San Juan Is., WA
- June 6 - 8 Shrimp Boil Cruise, Prevost Harbor, Stuart Is., WA
- June 28 - July 2 Canada Day Cruise, Van Isle Marina, Sidney, BC
- July 3 - 6 US Independence Cruise, Drayton Harbor, Blaine, WA
- July 4 4th of July BBQ, Blaine Marina, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
- July 11 - 13 Luau Cruise, Port Browning, Pender Is., BC
- July 14 - 20 Extended Cruise, various BC stops (TBD)
- July 25 - 27 On the Hook Cruise, Garrison/Westcott Bay, San Juan Is., WA
- Make marina slip reservations as soon as possible for any SYC cruises you plan to go on. When you make a reservation, tell them you are with the Semiahmoo Yacht Club so they can group us together. Also, let Fleet Captain Jason Sloan (fleetcaptain@semiahmooyachtclub.org) know that you made a slip reservation for the "name" Cruise and how many people will be in your group.
- Guest Fees for specific land and cruise events. For selected events and cruises, a Guest Fee will apply for "Non-Members Age 13 Years and Older" (guests under 13 years of age are free). Guest Fees vary by event based on the cost of the event to the Club. But, for most events and cruises, no Guest Fee is applied, even though the Club incurs modest costs. Why? Because we encourage greater participation at those events (Example: There is no Guest Fee for the Shrimp Boil Cruise, even though the Club purchases shrimp and other food items.) When applicable, Guest Fees can be paid in advance when registering for the event on the Website. Or, they can be paid at the event should you RSVP (register) through an event/cruise email.
Guest Fees for select SYC events/cruises for the remainder of 2025 are as follows:
- Memorial Day Cruise, $25
- Luau Cruise, $25
- Labor Day Cruise, TBD
- Crab Feed, $15
- Commodore's Ball, $TBD
- Christmas Party, $20
All other events/cruises do not have Guest Fees.
- Member Fees apply for the following two remaining land events:
- Crab Feed, $10 pp
- Commodore's Ball, $TBD
- Other than "out of pocket" expenses, all other SYC land and cruise events are "free" to Members...a perk of being a SYC member!!!
- Member Fees for the above events can be paid in advance when registering on the Website. Or, they can be paid at the event should you RSVP (register) through an event email
- The "Member Incentive Program" to bring in new members is still underway. The more new members you sponsor, the more valuable a prize you earn...up to a free 2026 Membership! For more information, contact Vice Commodore Susan Barlock at skbarlock@icloud.com
| 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 (new date)
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 (new date/place)
April 30 Digging in the Dirt - Ladies Night Out @ VW Garden Center,
Wed., 5-7 PM, 8210 Portal Way, Blaine, WA(new date)
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 (new time), 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 (new times)
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) 6 PM
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
(new location/times)
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2025 CRUISE SCHEDULE:
IMPORTANT:
- Make slip reservations at marinas as soon as you can
- Mention you are with the Semiahmoo Yacht Club
- Register for the cruise on the Website (www.semiahmooyachtclub.org) or RSVP to email cruise invites
- Let Jason Sloan (fleetcaptain@semiahmooyachtclub.org) know you made your slip reservation(s) and how many are coming on each cruise
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))
Suggested stops: Campbell Bay (Mayne Is.), Montague
Harbour (Galiano Is.), Fulford Harbour (Salt Springs Is),
and/or Saturna, Thetis, Gabriola islands
(be a host/co-host and help decide the itinerary)
July 25 - 27 On the Hook Cruise – Garrison/Westcott Bay, San Juan Is.
Aug 8 - 10 Explore the Town Cruise – East Sound, Orcas Island
Aug 29 - Sep 1 Labor Day Cruise – Fisherman Cove, Lopez Island
Sep 19 - 20 End of Summer Cruise – Parks Bay, Shaw Island
Oct 11 - 14 Canadian Thanksgiving Cruise – Port Browning
(Pender Is.), BC | |
Message from the
Communications Desk | | |
Greetings!
Recently, our Social Media Coordinator, Debbie Manchur, found it necessary to step away from her role as the club's Social Media Coordinator. We thank her for her years of service in this capacity. Happily, she is still a valued Club member. That said, we need to fill this role as soon as possible, as it plays an important part in keeping us in front of the public, connecting us and others with our advertising sponsors (e.g., the Membership Annual), and opening additional lines of communication among members. If you participate in, understand, and enjoy using Social Media, please contact me, any Club officer, or Debbie to let us know that this is something you would like to take on for the benefit of the Club. Debbie is happy to fill you in and help you transition to the role. Thank you for your consideration!
Reminder: Please visit the club's new Website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org. As many of you have already discovered, it's a great place to catch up on the latest SYC news, activities, and much more. Login, establish your account, complete your Profile, enter your boat information, and use the new site to its full advantage. In the immortal words of Tony the Tiger, "It's grrrrreat!"
Finally, watch for future picture of SYC "presence" in a different country soon! You will easily recognize where it was taken. Again, if you travel abroad (or even closer to home), take a picture of yourself wearing the SYC logo or holding/flying the SYC burgee and send it to me for all to admire in a future Borderlines.
Suggestions? I welcome any input and feedback you have.
Thanks! - Bob
Cell: 360-389-01134 | | CAN I STILL RENEW?
We will soon "purge" the membership rolls, leaving only those who paid their 2025 dues as "Active Members". Act now to save your membership. We value you...even if you no longer have a boat.
Login to the new Website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org, set up your account, and renew on line. Your temporary login name and password are in the Welcome Letter you received awhile back when the Website went live. If you need further help, contact Vice Commodore Susan Barlock (she is handling Membership issues) at skbarlock@icloud.com. | | | |