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BORDERLINES
JULY - AUGUST 2025 | | |
In This Issue
- Message from the Commodore
- Memorial Day Cruise (Recap)
- Shrimp Boil Cruise (Recap)
- Canada Day Cruise (Recap)
- Independence Day - 4th of July BBQ (Recap)
- Luau Cruise (Recap)
- On the Hook Cruise (Recap)
- Don't Forget: Reminders
- Look What's Happening: 2025 Land & Cruise Events
- Message from the Communications Desk
- SYC Social Media Links
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Message from the Commodore
Mel Kolstad | | | (Fair warning: This Borderlines is BIG due to having to cover so many cruises that took place in May, June, and July! Don't be deterred...please, read on.)
Greetings, everyone!
To date, the 2025 SYC cruising season has been a rousing success. I especially enjoyed the Luau Cruise to Port Browning where Louise and I met up with longtime and new members. "Boatless" as we are, Fleet Captain Jason Sloan and Kirsten graciously provided us a ride to and from the event aboard The Grace. On top of all the great food and activities the weekend offered (e.g., walks into the Village, the Bocce Ball Tournament, and more), staying in a trailer at the resort made for an even more unique and fun experience for Louise and me.
While many amazing 2025 cruises are behind us (the Ice Breaker, Opening Day Sail Past, Memorial Day, Shrimp Boil, Canada Day, US Independence Day, Luau, Extended, and the On the Hook), we look forward to our remaining cruises: Explore the Town (Orcas Is.), Labor Day (Lopez Is.), End of Summer (Shaw Is.), and the Canadian Thanksgiving cruises. Sign-up for these and the coming land events on the Website or RSVP to the emailed announcements. If appropriate, make your marina reservations as soon as possible.
I am VERY pleased to announce that the SYC has experienced a sizable influx of new members since the start of the year...the waiver of the Initiation Fee, as an incentive to join, appears to be working! Thanks to the efforts of current members reaching out to friends and other boaters with whom they are in contact, we have picked up around 25 new memberships (about 50 new faces). This growth in membership, along with the fresh ideas and energies that new members bring, can only benefit the Club going forward.
That said, "Welcome, new members!" Please sign-up for our land and cruise events so we can get to know you, and vice versa. Volunteering to help out on events and cruises is a great way to quicily get to know your fellow members. We are a friendly and inclusive group and look forward to your involvement.
As the cruise schedule winds down, our land events are about to ramp up. The next land event is the incredible Crab Feed, which is scheduled for September 13th. The Website calendar has been updated and ready to take your registrations for this event. In anticipation of a great turnout, Rear Commodore Bryan Jones has already ordered plenty of crab...so, come hungry! Note: There is a modest per-person charge for the Crab Feed to cover expenses: Members, $10; Guests, $15 (age 13 and older). See you, Friday, September 13, 2:00 PM, at Gate 2, Blaine Harbor Marina.
A few parting requests:
- Volunteers are needed for the following 2026 Board positions: Secretary (record minutes/votes of Board and Annual meetings, etc.), Fleet Captain (plan/coordinate the cruise program), and Judge Advocate (address SYC By-Laws issues, etc.). Please contact me (or the incumbent) to learn more about the duties of these important positions. We want to ID successors sooner than later to facilitate a smooth transition into 2026.
- Ensure you are registered on our new website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org (managed by Club Express). If you require assistance, contact fellow member SYC Webmaster Janice Cosenzo at 604-329-5203 or janicecosenzo@shaw.ca.
- Volunteers are always needed to help plan and coordinate our events. Please reach out to any SYC Board Member or event coordinator to contribute your time or ideas. Together, we will continue making this a memorable year for all.
Finally, I want to acknowledge all the SYC Boardmembers for their efforts during this busy summer. They have kept the Club functioning smoothly and moving forward. Thanks, too, to all the volunteers who have helped make our cruises and land events so much fun this year. Collectively, you have made a difference!
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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CRUISE
May 23 - 26
(Recap) | | |
From May 23 - 26, SYC members gathered at Roche Harbor (San Juan Is.) to celebrate Memorial Day, honoring the men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our freedom.
Everyone on the Memorial Day Weekend Cruise was really into the "Red, White, and Blue" theme, decorating their vessels and dressing themselves up in the colors of the day. And, why not? Doing so earned them extra tickets for prize drawings!
The Memorial Day Weekend Cruise did not disappoint. Cruise hosts outdid themselves by providing great meals, fun activities, putting up amazing decorations, and offering great door and raffle prizes (7 door and 11 raffle prizes were given away over the three days)!
Cruise's activities included:
- Friday, May 23: Heavy appetizers; cruise button distribution; and a door prize drawing
- Saturday, May 24: Breakfast, games, dinner, a door prize drawing and more games
- Sunday, May 25: Breakfast, dinner, door and raffle prize drawings, and more games
- Monday, May 26 (getaway day): Breakfast and good-byes on the dock
Linda & Mike Rawls organized the ever-popular horse race game (involving stick stags and the roll of a die). "Jockies", astride their steeds, kept everyone (and themselves) in suspense as to who might win each race. Then, there was a putting green, too. Fun times, including a rousing game of Left - Right - Center...always fun, suspenseful, and (sometimes) profitable!
As a venue, Roche Harbor did not disappoint...offering a range of activities, food, music, shops, the peaceful caroling of Chapel bells, and the nightly "Retiring of the Colors" ceremony. Who doesn't "startle" when the cannon goes off...you know it's coming!?!
In addition to honoring the fallen, two "Happy Birthdays" were celebrated...Paul Manzi and 'Cash' (Mark and Marlene Sexton’s son-in-law).
Kudos to the cruise hosts!...Lisa & Jeff Lee, Paul Manzi & Susan Reese, Linda & Mike Rawls, Cheri & Cliff Christian, and Kathy & Blaine Burfield. You made this a truely memorable "Memorial Day Weekend Cruise"!
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SHRIMP BOIL CRUISE
June 6 - 8 (Recap) | | |
The Shrimp Boil Cruise took place at Prevost Harbor (Stuart Is.) this year from June 6 - 8. Nine boats (18 people) attended. Food and fun, as always, were front and center:
- Friday evening, June 6 (arrival day) saw heavy appies appear (and quickly disappear) on the dock.
- Saturday morning, June 7, started with a "build-your-own breakfast scramble", accompanied by yogurt, fruits, and juice. To burn off calories, several members hiked to the Turn Point Light House, led by Gerry Heys. The dinner "shrimp boil", featuring spotted prawns caught that afternoon by Soni and Anthony North restored members' calorie levels. And, if that didn't do it, the smores, roasted over the campfire, put them over the top. Great conversation around the campfire wound down a very full day.
- Sunday morning, June 8 (getaway day), breakfast pastries, fruit, yogurt and juice were available for those still in need of calories. Cleanup went fast as everyone chipped in and an impressive tender brigade moved all the supplies back out to vessels for the trip home.
Another successful Shrimp Boil is in the books!
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CANADA DAY CRUISE
June 28 - July 2
(Recap) | | |
SYC boaters began arriving at Van Isle Marina in Sidney (Vancouver Is.) on Saturday, June 28, and stayed until July 2. Predictably, food and fun were front and center and everyone enjoyed walking the docks to take in all the boat "eye candy".
- Saturday: It was "Heavy Appy Night" on the dock.
- Sunday: It was "Pizza Night"...a casual gathering on the dock to "rest up" before all the Canada Day activities the next two days.
- Monday,: The group assemble for a "Pot Luck" supper, timed to allow time to go to the "Sidney Days" Opening Ceremonies, music performances, and amazing fireworks on the waterfront.
- Tuesday, Canada Day: Cruise participants took in the "Sidney by the Sea" Canada Day Parade, the Slegg Build-A-Boat Challenge (an eye-opening, entertaining water race event using boats built on-site earlier in the day) and more. The day finished with Chinese food for dinner.
Thank you Debbie Manchur and Jenn' Nunns for taking on the "defacto" Host and Co-host roles. Your efforts were appreciated. According to Debbie, "It was a nice group of folks (10 adults), with quite a few younger boaters (5)...Paul Dumbleton's grandchildren, the Nunns' avid paddleboarder kids...and, one dog.
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US INDEPENDENCE DAY
4TH of JULY BBQ
(Recap) | | |
Surprise! Last year, this event saw only just over 20 people attend. But this year's 4th of July BBQ had around 70 people...Wow! What a rebound!
Hosts Bryan & Sandy Jones and Jeff & Lisa Lee were not caught off guard, however (the Website registrations and email RSVPs are working).They nailed the amount of hot dogs and hamburgers, buns, potato salad, tossed greens, BBQ beans, deserts...and, then some, to feed the group. As Bryan said, "If you went home hungry, it was your own fault!"
As first-time Hosts, Bryan & Sandy were very appreciative of early arrivals helping them setup and decorate. As "Grillmaster" Jeff Lee turned out cooked-to-perfection burgers and hotdogs, others jumped in to help on the food service line. Later, many more pitched in to help with the takedown and cleanup activities. But, then, that's what the SYC is all about at land events and cruises...volunteering to ease the workload of others. Even the Blaine Harbormaster, helped facilitate the event, allowing the Hosts to bring all the drygood items in the day before, so they could focus on just bringing the food on July 4.
It was a great turnout. Many new members were on hand for their first SYC event and everyone was mixing well...like one big, happy family reunion. BUT, what made it very special event was seeing both Colleen & Dick Hardman at the event...a real treat! Welcome back, Colleen!
With all the food, fun, the "family" feel, and the many raffle prizes given away, we are already looking forward to next year's 4th of July BBQ!
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LUAU CRUISE
July 11 - 13
(Recap)) | | |
(Disclaimer: Any similarities of this cruise to the "Pig Roast" cruises of the past are purely "coincidental".)
Port Browning Marina (Pender Is., BC) was an ideal location for the Luau Cruise...nice docks, good achorages, landside accommodations, super staff, service, amenities, grounds for the Bocce Tournament, close to town for food/supplies, an on-site restaurant/pub with entertainment, the Bistro "party room" for groups, a swimming pool, and much more. The concensus was...book Port Browning, again, for next year!
Our main Hosts, Jason & Kirsten Sloan, worked tirelessly, before and during the cruise, to ensure everything was ready for us...and it was! They anchored out and, yet, they seemed to be everywhere. A "supporting cast" helped them cover the various planned activities:
- Friday Night Appies: Pat & Bob Simpson (a whole lot of people helped out with the decorations and covering picnic tables)
- Luau Dinner - Decorations: Karen Anthony, Wendy Moriarty, Lisa Lee, Kirsten Sloan, and ???
- Luau Dinner - Grillmasters: Kevin Anthony, Mike Moriarty, Gerry Heys, Jeff Lee, Jason Sloan (nice costumes, guys!), and ???
- Bocce Ball Tournament: Geoff & Jennifer Nunns, Kirsten Sloan, Paul Dumbleton, Jeff Lee, Jamie Patterson, and ???
- It was impossible to keep track of all the people that helped out...apologies to those not directly acknowledged!
Friday's "Appie Night" event was, as usual, a spread to behold...a vast variety of delicious dishes...enough food for everyone to pass through at least twice. Yellowjackets came and went as often as they liked. They seemed partial to the Chinese-style BBQ pork, but didn't eat too much. Jim Davis, a new member, asked, "What can I do to help?", and was promptly put to work handling the evening's raffle ticket distribution and prize drawings.
Saturday was a full day, kicked off by the annual double-elimination SYC Bocce Ball Tournament. Well-organized, the tournament flawlessly flowed throughout the day, helped along by the unique, laissez faire decison-making approach of "Head Adjudicator" Geoff Nunns. Once the full slate of randomly formed teams narrowed to just two finalists, a pause in play was called.
Everyone, then, moved to Port Browning's "Outdoor Kitchen & Bistro" for a semi-catered, DIY BBQ luau feast. Earlier in the day, the Bistro had been transformed into a truly tropical venue by the decorating team...complete with a "put your face in the opening" photo board and a tropical photo backdrop, where many of us took pictures of ourselves and each other. A dazzeling collection of raffle drawings and a 50/50 drawing rounded out the dinner festivities. The Bistro staff and barkeepers were very pleasant and helpful and, as usual, the decoration-takedown process went quickly with the many hands taking part.
The highlight of the day...the final round of the bocce tournament...resumed after dinner. Spectators lined the center court sidelines, rooting on (or taunting) the finalists. In the end, the winning team of the 2025 SYC Bocce Ball Tournament was...(drum roll)...Francois Desrochers, Michelle Luke, Mark Sexton, and Colin Cary (a guest at the Luau, but now a Member!). Their names will be emblazoned in perpetuity on the coveted SYC Bocce Ball Tournament trophy. The rest of us will just have to "Wait until next year!"
Great time, great location...we look forward to next year's Luau Cruise!
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EXTENDED CRUISE
July 14 - 20
(Recap) | | |
The typical SYC Extended Cruise is, generally, a loosely organized "cruise" or collection of cruises. At the conclusion of the Luau Cruise (aka Pig Roast), boats would come, go, connect and reconnect at distant destinations, often without defined itineraries. This year's Extended Cruise saw boats venture north to Desolation and beyond. Others stayed closer, visiting various Gulf Islands and/or BC ports and anchorages before heading to home. Here are just a couple of sample itineraries (and participants) of members who "extended" their cruises after leaving Port Browning:
- Pat & Bob Simpson, Jim & Margo Davis, Geoff & Jennifer Nunns, and Paul Dumbleton & Cathie Gambling rendezvoused a short distance away at Montague Harbor (Galiano Is.) for two days, where they enjoyed the margaritas, food, ice cream offerings at the marina and going for hikes to the nearby Provincial Park. Potluck appies and drinks in the cockpit of the Simpson's boat the second evening was a nice opportunity for some quiet, quality social time together. After Montague Harbor, this group went different ways...some home, some "who knows where". Meanwhile, the Simpson's were off to Port Sidney to take in Buchart Gardens and Sidney town before heading back to the US and a few days of "luxury" at Roche Harbor.
- Meanwhile, Kevin & Karen Anthony and Mike & Wendy Moriarty were way more adventurous. They, too, hit Montague Harbor where, after an invigorating moped excursion about Galliano Island, they briefly connected on the dock with the Simpson's (while eating ice cream cones). The Anthony's and Moriarty's then headed for Ganges (Salt Spring Is.), and rented a car to explore the island, visiting the Salt Spring Island Cheese and the Tuesday Market at the park. Next, it was off to Sidney Spit and the Sidney Harbour area before crossing back into the US, stopping at Sucia Is. on the way home.
- Others had different "Extended Cruises", but the details are unknown. Those details exist in the minds and Log Books of the participants...memories.
And, that's how Extended Cruises seem to go...people and boats coming and going, casually meeting up and sharing adventures along the way. Nice!
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ON THE HOOK CRUISE
July 25 - 27
(Recap) | | |
The "On the Hook" cruise was just that...boats were anchored in calm waters, beautiful scenary, and pure peacefulness...no party tents, shore power, people walking by, etc. Roughing it? Maybe, but a nice change. It was, however, a rough ride to Garrison Bay (San Juan Is.) on Friday, July 29, but once there, it was beautiful!
The cruise was well-attended...seven boats (14 people): The Grace (Jason & Kirsten Sloan); Dreams (Jeff & Lisa Lee); Maritime (Vince & Wendy Hill); Endless Dreams (James & Angee Bolick); Encore (Jim & Margo Davis); Wild Sky (Kevin Phillips & Jessica Dewey); and Dare To Dream (Bryan & Sandy Jones) .
Jason & Kirsten were great Hosts, holding evening festivities aboard the welcoming spaces of The Grace. On Friday, they hosted the group with appetizers onboard. Then, so everyone could get their "landlegs" back, they served up an amazing breakfast on the beach Saturday morning.
English Camp, with its "Pig War" history, not only provided everyone with an interesting "interlude" between meals, it gave them an opportunity to hit the Gift Shop. So, if they didn't already have something, they could buy a British-themed tee shirt (or other regalia) to get into the cruise's theme..."The British Invasion". Cruise participants also had the option to costume themselves to reflect the musical groups of "the British Invasion" of the 1960's, or mix the two.
When the group gathered on The Grace for Saturday's dinner, everyone was appropriately attired. Jason's outfit was voted "Best Costume"...a well-deserved award it was, for the group learned that he and Kirsten "sacrificed" celebrating their anniversary in another way in order to organize and host this cruise. Good on ya', Jason & Kirsten! Following dinner, people settled in to visit and, in the course of the evening, told some very compelling "by the grace of God" stories about their most memorable boating "adventures".
As billed, the "On the Hook" cruise was a "not to be missed" cruise.
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 Reminders...
- Upcoming SYC Events in August/September/October: Register Now!
- August 8 - 10 Explore the Town Cruise, Deer Harbor, Orcas Is., WA (moved - dock to access East Sound is unavailable)
- Aug. 29 - Sep. 1 Labor Day Cruise, Fisherman Cove, Lopez Is., WA
- Sep. 13 Crab Feed, Blaine Harbor Marina, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
- Sep. 19 - 20 End of Summer Cruise, Parks Bay, Shaw Is., WA
- Oct. 11 - 14 Canadian Thanksgiving Cruise, Port Browning, Pender Is., BC
- Oct. 24 Nauti-Friday @ On Rice, 6 PM, 2200 Rimland Dr., Bellingham, WA
- Make marina slip reservations as soon as possible for any remaining SYC cruises you plan to go on. Tell them you are with the Semiahmoo Yacht Club so they can group us together.
- Guest and Member Fees - Some events and cruises have a Guest Fee for "Non-Members Age 13 Years and Older" (guests under 13 years of age are free). Guest Fees vary based on the cost of the event. Guest and Member Fees for select SYC events/cruises for the remainder of 2025 are as follows:
- Crab Feed, $15 (Members, $10)
- Commodore's Ball, $TBD (for both Guests and Members)
- Christmas Party, $20 (Members, no cost)
All other remaining events/cruises are free to Members and Guests (other than "out of pocket" expenses)...perks of your SYC membership!!!
- The "Member Incentive Program" to bring in new members ends soon September 10, the last day to sponsor a new membership and qualify for a prize. Prizes are: 2 new memberships = 2 free tickets to the Crab Feed; 3 new memberships = 1 free ticket to the 2025 Commodore’s Ball; 4 new memberships = 2 free tickets to the 2025 Commodore’s Ball; 5+ new memberships = Your 2026 Annual dues will be waived. 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
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
April 30 Digging in the Dirt - Ladies Night Out @ VW Garden Center,
Wed., 5-7 PM, 8210 Portal Way, Blaine, WA
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, 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
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 emailed cruise invites
- Let Jason Sloan (fleetcaptain@semiahmooyachtclub.org) know you made a slip reservation and how many are coming
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))
July 25 - 27 On the Hook Cruise – Garrison/Westcott Bay, San Juan Is.
Aug 8 - 10 Explore the Town Cruise – Deer Harbor (new location), 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!
I hate to start with an apology, but sorry for such a lengthy Borderlines. There were so many cruises and events during the timeframe covered by this issue, along with some great supporting photos, that it was unavoidable. I hope you made it this far to see this note. Thanks!
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, register for cruises and land events, see who else plans to attend, and much more. Login, establish your account, complete your Profile, enter boat information, and use the site to its full advantage. As Tony the Tiger (of cereal fame) said, "It's grrrrreat!"
We still need someone to fill the SYC "Social Media Coordinator" role. As mentioned in the last Borderlines, Debbie Manchur found it necessary to step away from that role to pursue other activities. We want to fill the position as soon as possible, as it plays an important role in keeping us in front of the public, connecting us and others to our advertising sponsors (e.g., the Membership Annual), and opening additional lines of communication among members. If you participate in, understand, and/or 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 will fill you in and help you transition into the role. Thank you for your consideration!
There's a new photo (above) documenting the SYC's "presence" abroad. Any guesses where? Don't forget...If you travel abroad (or even closer 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 it!
Thanks! - Bob
Cell: 360-389-01134 | |