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BORDERLINES
NOVEMBER -
DECEMBER
2025 | | |
In This Issue
- Message from the Commodore
- Nauti-Friday at On Rice (Recap)
- Commodore's Ball (Recap)
- 2026 SYC Membership Annual (input/help)
- Introducing Your 2026 SYC Officers
- Don't Forget: Important New & Ongoing Reminders
- 2026 Land & Cruise Events Schedule (NEW)
- Message from the Communications Desk
- SYC Name Tag Ordering
- SYC Social Media Links
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Message from the Commodore
Mel Kolstad | | |
Greetings, everyone!
It has been my pleasure to serve as your Semiahmoo Yacht Club Commodore this year. We have had a very successful year, I believe, thanks to a great Board and the contributions of many Members. Collectively, you made my job easy.
In particular, I want to thank my fellow Board Members: Paul Dumbleton, Susan Barlock, Brian Jones, Lisa Lee, Jason Sloan, Bob Simpson, Sherry Christian, Dick Hardman, Kathy Burfield and Janice Cosenzo.
Jason Sloan will be your Commodore in 2026. He will have many of the same individuals on the Board next year, with the addition of Bob Giles (as Fleet Captain), David Hewlett (as Secretary) and Janice Cosenzo (as Vice Commodore and Webmaster). Having a complete and experienced Board is very reassuring to me that the SYC will have a successful year in 2026.
The Annual SYC Christmas Party is on December 13th. It's my (and your) last SYC event of 2025. It's also the last time I'll be cooking a prime rib dinner...as Commodore, anyway. If the Christmas Party hasn't already taken place by the time you read this, I hope you will join us. If it has already taken place, and you were there, I hope you had a great time.
As I step aside as Commodore, I want to thank everyone for the support you have given to me and the Club this year. I will still be around as a "Past Commodore" and will remain active in the Club.
See you around! - Mel
P.S. - Don't forget to renew your SYC Club Membership for 2026...before the end of this year if you can.
P.P.S - Member photos and/or new/updated information for use in the 2026 SYC Membership Annual, should be submitted to Paul Dumbleton as early as possible, but no later than February 15, 2026 to ensure you appear in the Annual and the information listed is correct and complete.
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NAUTI-FRIDAY @ ON RICE
October 24
(Recap) | | |
On October 24th, 36 SYC members gathered at the On Rice - Barkley restaurant in Bellingham, WA for some great Thai food and camaraderie at the SYC's last Nauti-Friday event of 2025. The On Rice owner (Ken) was very gracious and accommodating...seamlessly adding more tables to seat eight (8) Members who came, but had not registered or RSVP'd for the event...whew!
The SYC Board Members for 2025 were recognized, as were the new Club members who were in attendance...welcome Karen & Rob Pederson (below left) & Bob & Kim Giles (below right)! And, jumping right into things, Bob volunteered to be our Fleet Captain (responsible for cruise planning and coordination) in 2026. Thank you, Bob G.
High vibes, lively conversations, delicious food, and a bevy of door prizes made it a fun evening for all!
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COMMODORE'S BALL
November 8
(Recap) | | |
The 2025 Commodore's Ball was held November 8th at the Silver Reef Hotel-Casino in Ferndale, WA. A Social Hour kicked off the evening's festivities and was enhanced by the soft music of "The Atlantics". Hors d'oeuvres served during the Social Hour, much to the enjoyment of those in attendance, consisted of meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp, and brie cheese.
Somehow, with around 50 people "underfoot", the Silver Reef staff magically transformed the "Social Hour" scene into a "Dinner Hour" setting, such that the dinner started right on time at 6:00 PM. Everyone sat down for a memorable dinner of their choice: pan-seared local coho salmon, grilled tenderloin of beef, or a vegan vegetarian lasagna, As he has always done, "So" (the maître d'hôtel) and his Silver Reef team did a fantastic job of organizing and servicing the event. Kudos to "So" and team!
Being that it was the Commodore's Ball, Commodore Mel Kolstad brought a number of family members to join him and Louise at the head table. Introduced to the assembly, it became clear that they came from far afield: California, Pullman, Seattle, Lynden and, of course, Mel & Louise from Lummi Island.
Mel & Louise Kolstad's family at the Ball
Past Commodores and current and 2026 Board Members in attendance were also introduced. It was announced that Member Dave Hewlett volunteered to serve as next year's Secretary, giving us a complete Board for 2026! Thank you, Dave!
Traditionally, a "Commodore's Award" is presented to someone at the Ball each year. This year's Commodore's Award went to Life Members Colleen & Dick Hardman for their many years of deep involvement in, and multiple contributions to, the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. They have served as Officers on the Board and offered the Club use of their Silva Bay/Gabriola Island, BC property for many SYC "Pig Roast" cruises. In addition, they have generously allowed Club members to use their Silva Bay dock (with advance OK) as an "unofficial outpost" for the Club, participated in multiple land and cruise activities over the years, and...the list goes on! Congratulations Colleen and Dick...well deserved!
Colleen & Dick Hardman
2025 Commodore's Award Winners
This year's award for the "Best Collection of Cruise Buttons Proudly Displayed on a Bright Blue Sash by Those In Attendance at the Commodore's Ball" went to (buttons were given out to members attending, serving as Hosts, etc. at cruise and land events during the year):
- 1st Place - Lisa & Jeff Lee
- 2nd Place - Linda & Mike Rawls
Mike Rawls and Lisa Lee
"Most Buttons at the Ball" Winners
The Commodore's Ball also featured a strong collection of Silent Auction items and door prizes, largely due to the well-organized efforts of Susan Barlock. Thank you, Susan! Overall, the Club took in $1,400 to help support the budgeted charitable contributions that the Club will be making to maritime and/or youth boating organizations on both sides of the US-Canada border in 2026. Some of the donated auction items (we had a lot) were set aside for use as door prizes at future events. A big THANK YOU to all of you who solicited or contributed items or experiences to the Silent Auction. On a slightly 'eyebrow raising' note, Mel's brother-in-law and Dick Hardman's cousin won 50-50 Raffle prizes...but, we have been assured that it was not rigged!
Following all the announcements, awards, the dinner, the auction and giveaways, it was finally time to dance to the tunes of The Atlantics! While things seemingly wrapped up too early for some who were ready to "party on", in the words of Commodore Mel, "It was a wonderful Ball. Thank you very much, everyone!"
(NOTE: Due to popular demand, next year's Commodore Ball is scheduled a month earlier to enable those who "get away" for the winter months to have a better chance of attending. See the Land Event Schedule in this Borderlines for the date.)
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2026 MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL
(Update) | | |
The SYC Membership Annual is an important benefit of membership in the Semiahmoo Yacht Club. A lot of work goes into producing and distributing it. And, it shows! But, it is only as complete and accurate as you, each Member, makes it.
As we start working on the 2026 Membership Annual, we are asking everyone to review the information about themselves that appears in the 2025 Membership Annual. If you see any changes, corrections, or additions that need to be made (new Member picture, new boat, etc.), please let Paul Dumbleton know as soon as possible, but no later than February 15, 2026. We, especially, ask any Member who joined the SYC after the 2025 Membership Annual went to press (or otherwise did not appear in it) to submit their picture and accompanying information.
We want the 2026 Annual to be as complete and accurate as possible. While it seems like the deadline is far away, time slips by fast and...imagine Paul receiving all Members changes and/or photos at the last minute! Let's give him a break by getting our changes or new info' to him early.
In addition, we want the Annual to reflect our Members and the cruise/land events in which they participated in 2025. Any cruise or land event photos, short articles you might write for inclusion, and the like are most welcome and needed. If there was an experience that you enjoyed or was of interest to you, other Members will likely enjoy reading about it, too. Photos and/or articles should also be submitted to Paul Dumbleton, again, as early as possible but no later than February 15, 2026.
Finally, volunteers are needed to follow-up with the people and businesses that advertised in the 2025 Annual (or who missed out on getting into it). Reaching out to new advertisers would also benefit the SYC and its Members. What a great way to get involved!
Let's make the 2026 Membership Annual another proud representation of the Club. Together, we can do it! Thanks for your help.
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Introducing Your...
2026 SYC Officers! | | |
It was only fitting that the remaining vacant position on the 2026 SYC Board would be filled at the Commodore's Ball, enabling Commodore Mel Kolstad to leave things in good order for next year's incoming Commodore at his own event. The 2026 SYC Officers are:
- Commodore - Jason Sloan
- Past Commodore - Mel Kolstad
- Vice Commodore - Janice Cosenzo
- Rear Commodore - Bryan Jones
- Fleet Captain - Bob Giles
- Treasurer - Lisa Lee
- Secretary - Dave Hewlett
- Communications Officer - Bob Simpson
- Port Captain - Cheri Christian
- Judge Advocate - Geoff Stevenson
In addition, the following positions are to be filled by:
- Web Master - Janice Cosenzo
- Social Media Coordinator - Lisa Lee
Please express your appreciation to these individuals for taking on these important roles. That said, they will be calling on you for your support and volunteer time so that the Club can deliver the best and most satisfying experience to its Members, whether on land or on the water. Thank you!
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 Reminders...
- Pay your 2026 Annual Membership Dues by December 31, 2025 (still $155 USD)
- Signup/RSVP for land events and cruises...the earlier the better! It is very important that event Hosts know how many Members are going to show up. They have to have enough food on hand for those who do register/RSVP, plan activities, and coordinate with an event venue (restaurant or marina). Together, we can help make our Hosts planning easier.
- Make your own marina reservations (as needed) for each cruise you plan to attend. It is advisable to make slip reservations as far out and as soon as possible as most marinas are not setting aside blocks of slips for clubs...first come, first served. When you call (or request a slip online), mention that you are part of the Semiahmoo YC so they can group us together. Don't delay...cancel if you change your mind.
- Upcoming SYC Events: Refer to the Land and Cruise Event Schedules below for the "basics. When we get them all on the SYC Website calendar, you'll be able to read more about costs and registering/RSVP requirements.
- Guest and Member Fees: Some SYC events have Guest Fees for "Non-Members Age 13 Years and Older" (guests under 13 years of age are generally free). Guest Fees may vary based on the cost of the event to the Club, so check them at the time you register/RSVP.
- New Member "Deal": The Club's Initiation Fee ($340 USD) remains waived until the Annual General Meeting (AGM; March 21, 2026). In addition, the 2026 Annual Dues amount remains at $155 USD until then. At the AGM, Membership will vote on any changes to these fees/dues. In the meantime, continue to bring in your boating friends and marina neighbors at these "deal" prices so they, too, can enjoy the benefits of a SYC membership!
| 2026 Land & Cruise Event Schedules
(1st "Cut"...Subject to Change)
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2026 LAND EVENT SCHEDULE:
January 16 Nauti-Friday @ The Roadhouse Grille, 6 PM
1781 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC
February 13 Nauti-Friday @ Rustlers Front Street Grill, 6 PM
405 Front Street, Lynden, WA
March 21 SYC Annual General Meeting, (Sat) 1 PM
Blaine Marina, Meeting Room, Gate 2
March 27 Nauti-Friday @ The Homestretch (trotter racing), 6 PM
Elements Casino-Fraser Downs, 17755 – 60th Avenue,
Surrey, BC
April 17 Nauti-Friday @ Paso Del Norte (Mexican), 6 PM
758 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA
April 22 (TBD) Digging in the Dirt - Ladies Night Out @ VW Garden Ctr.,
(Date/Time TBD), 8210 Portal Way, Blaine, WA
May 2 Opening Day of Boating @ Blaine Marina, (Sat) 9 AM
(flag raising, fleet blessing, sail past), Gate 2, Blaine, WA
May 2 Opening Day Luncheon @ Silver Reef, (Sat),
12:30 PM, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
July 4 US Independence Day @ Blaine Marina, (Sat), 4 PM (social),
5 PM (dinner), Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Sep 12 Crab Feed @ Blaine Harbor Marina, (Sat) 2 PM
Blaine Meeting Room, Gate 2, Blaine, WA
Oct 3 Commodore’s Ball @ Silver Reef, (Sat) 4:30 PM (Social),
6 PM (Dinner); 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA
Nov 13 Nauti-Friday @ On Rice (Thai food), 6 PM
2200 Rimland Drive, Bellingham, WA (new location/date)
Dec 12 (TBD) Christmas Party @ Birch Bay Village Club House, (Sat) 5 PM
(social), 6 PM (dinner); 8181 Cowichan Rd., Blaine, WA
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2026 CRUISE SCHEDULE:
April 24 - 26 Ice Breaker Cruise – Fossil Bay, Sucia Island
May 2 Opening Day Sail Past – Follows 9 AM flag ceremony
Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
May 22 - 25 Memorial Day Cruise – Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
June 12 - 14 Shrimp Boil Cruise – Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island
June 30 - July 2 Canada Day Cruise – Port Sidney Marina, Sidney, BC
July 3 - 5 US Independence Cruise – Drayton Harbor, Blaine Marina
July 17 - 19 Luau Cruise – Port Browning, Pender Island, BC (luau 7/18)
July 20 - 26 Extended Cruise – (Itinerary TBD)
July 31 - Aug 2 On the Hook Cruise – Garrison Bay, San Juan Island
Aug 21 - 23 (Cruise name TBD) – Maple Bay, Vancouver Island, BC
Sep 4 - 7 Labor Day Cruise – Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island
Sep 18 - 20 Last Weekend of Summer Cruise – Sucia Island (Fossil Bay)
Oct 9 - 13 Canadian Thanksgiving Cruise – Port Browning (Pender Is.), BC
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Message from the
Communications Desk | | |
Greetings!
We've all come a long ways in the past year...my first year as Communications Officer...the Club as a thriving entity...and our Membership! Sure, there have been struggles and stresses at times, but in the end, we got past them...and it has been well worth it! I'm ready for another year...ARE YOU?
Via random communications with Members, I am aware that a few are struggling with the decision to continue their SYC membership in 2026...for various reasons: Member costs, money exchange rates, interests that don't align, fuel costs, the sale of a boat, they have other priorities, and...even...national politics (???). But, hey, we are a collective of like-minded boaters...friends and companions...on and off the water...first and foremost!
While it's a challenge to meet all the needs of an international Member base, I can vouch that the Club does its very best to provide you with an overall experience that is pleasant, affordable, fun and rewarding...at least in those area we can control. To that end, we welcome your input, feedback, and participation at all levels. So, if you are having second thoughts about continuing your membership in the SYC, for whatever reason(s), feel free to reach out and share your doubts and/or concerns...we want to know what, if anything, we can do different. And, of course, if you like what we are doing, we'd love to hear about that, too!
It bears repeating...please visit and use the club's new Website at www.semiahmooyachtclub.org. I am happy to report that more of you are discovering the Website to be a great place to catch up on the latest SYC news, activities, register for cruises and land events, see who else is planning to attend a particular event or cruise, and much more...even paying for events and renewing/paying for your Annual Membership Dues! If you need assistance on how to use the website or your account, do not hesitate to contact me or the the Club's Web Master, Janice Cosenzo.
Finally, I've updated the photo (above) documenting the SYC's "presence" afield. Any guesses before I tell you (in the P.S. below) where it is?
By the way, I'm running out of SYC "logo" (or burgee) related photos. If you are traveling abroad or 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 where you've been!'
Thanks! - Bob
PS - If you haven't figured it out, the picture above was taken this past October from a lanai overlooking one of the golf course at Waikoloa Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii...nice place!
Cell: 360-389-0113
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TIRED OF WEARING ONE OF THESE?
Consider ordering a Semiahmoo Yacht Club name tag, with your vessel's name on it, from:
Bay Engraving, 524 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-676-0868
| SYC Social Media Links
- Instagram: Our Instagram account is found at @SemiahmooYachtClub
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