Shelter Bay Yacht Club Cruise Blog

Vice Commodore's Cruise, August 12 - 17

2009-07-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

SBYC's recipe for fun

Take a few boats, toss in good friends and serve up interesting ports with a slice of summer

Sounds tasty, doesn't it?! Our upcoming August cruise will take us to the following ports:

Otter Bay (Aug 12th & 13th) 250-629-3579 hosted by Pat & Bob Cushman

Ganges Harbor (14th & 15th) 250-537-5242 hosted by Janet and Alan Bargmeyer

Port of Sidney (16th & 17th) 250-655-3711 hosted by Dee & Tom Ihrig

Each team has planned activities and meals you won't want to miss. We'll start out with a golf tournament and BBQ in Otter Bay before heading to Ganges and the entertaining Saturday market and gourmet catered dinner on the dock.

The cruise concludes with the return of one of our most popular activities - a Chili Cook-Off! Why don't you form a team with another couple or two, pull out the cookbooks and show off your chili-making skills to the rest of us. The Ihrigs would like to get as many teams involved as possible so give them a call (466-1264) if you want to be on a cook-off team. The sign up sheet will be in the office on July 6th.

Commodore's Cruise Details

2009-06-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

It's nearly time to head north to the Gulf Islands for our longest cruise of the season! We're keeping things simple and relaxed this year with a focus on having fun.

We need confirmed numbers for several of our activities and meals so please add your name to the sign up sheet in the office ASAP if you haven't already done so. If you have any questions, you can email or call Vanessa at 941-4141.

Each port on the cruise has its own blog posting. Scroll all the way down the page to get the information for all of the ports and activities.

Here's a quick look at what you'll be expected to contribute food-wise if attending all the ports:

Appetizer for 1st night at Brentwood Bay (Friday, 7/10)
"Heavy" appetizer for 1st night at Telegraph Harbor (Tue, 7/14)
Appetizer for 1st night at Nanaimo (Thursday, 7/16)

Items you may want to have on board for our activities:

waterproof barrier to sit on if attending the fireworks in Butchart Garden
flashlight or spotlight to use when returning to anchorage or marina after the fireworks
lightweight chairs to take ashore or use on docks

Brentwood Bay/Tod Inlet, July 10th & 11th

2009-06-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hosted by port captains Commodore Bill Veselka with his first mate Jeanice

Moorage is available at either Brentwood Bay Lodge marina or on the anchor raft with other club members in Tod Inlet. There's generally plenty of room to anchor independantly in Tod Inlet, too.

If staying in the marina, call on channel 66A for slip assignment.
Pay particular attention to your charts upon entrance to the bay as there are underwater hazards (all marked)
If mooring in the anchor raft, call SBYC on channel 72 once you enter Tod inlet and our rafting assistants will provide instructions.

Friday, 7/10

5:30 pm: Happy Hour, Pirate-Style. We'll dinghy ashore in Tod Inlet to enjoy the free-flowing, infamous "pirate's grog" prepared by John & Judy Carr.

Bring an appie to share and, if grog isn't your quaff of choice, BYOB
We'll have tables set up but you may want to bring a chair, too

Saturday 7 /11

Daytime: You're on your own to enjoy the amenities at the luxurious Brentwood Bay Lodge or tour beautiful Butchart Garden (admission fee is $28.00 canadian or approx $24.25 usd)

6:30 pm: We'll gather at the Italian Fountain inside Butchart Gardens for our gourmet picnic dinner.

Beverage service is available either before the picnic baskets are handed out or during the meal.
We'll be eating on the lawn or, if the weather isn't ideal, we'll be seated at tables alongside the fountains. There is an $8.00 (usd) charge per person for the meal, exclusive of beverages.

10:00 pm: Fireworks!

You may wish to bring a blanket or small plastic sheet (tablecloths work well) to spread on the lawn to both reserve your spot and keep dry.
Also, don't forget how dark it will be on the dinghy ride back to our boats - packing a flashlight may be a good idea.

Montague Harbor, July 12th & 13th

2009-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hosted by port captains Jim and Betty Foster

Moorage is available in either the Montague Harbor Marina or in the anchorage or on the Provencial Park buoys at the north end of the anchorage.

Sunday, 7/12
5:30 pm: Dinner on the dock.

The club will provide salad, lasagne and garlic bread.
You will need to bring plates and utensils.
BYOB.

Monday, 7/13
Daytime: You're on your own to explore the harbor, walk the lovely Provencial Park beaches, take a kayak tour, go golfing, rent a moped or dinghy around.

Afternoon (time tba): It's time to put your dinghy skills to use and join in the Blindfold Dinghy Race!

Any and all participants welcomed
tasty prizes to be won
friendly spectators to cheer you on!!!

From 5:00 pm-ish onwards: Hungry? Feel like having BBQ ribs, a burger, fish and chips or something more exotic?

Starting at 4:55 pm and departing every 30 minutes (they've added extra bus runs just for us), you can hop on the bus and take a trip over Blueberry Hill to the Hummingbird Pub. Outdoor dining, horseshoe games, funky island atmosphere .... It's all very "Galiano."

If you had something a little "finer" in mind for your dining adventure, just walk up the hill to La Berengerie, a reservation-only restaurant. Cozy, acclaimed and interesting, here's the website though you'll have the visit the place in person to take a look at the menu.

Port of Telegraph Harbor, July 14th & 15th

2009-06-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hosted by port team Dianne Dailey & Bob Doupe', Chris & Darlene Dailey, Peggy & Doug Duehning

Feeling the recession?

Don't go into depression.

We know your pockets are not deep.

So Telegraph Harbor port is "On the Cheap."

On the 14th arrive after one.

Relax or create your own fun.

"Heavy" appetizers members will share.

Five o'clock, please be there.

Wednesday morning - lattes for free.

The vessel Rejoice is the place to be.

Bring your own cup and a smile.

If there is room, stay awhile.

Wednesday is an unscheduled day.

You are on your own to go play.

Your dinner tonight is subsidized by SBYC.

Great cuisine - almost free!

We offer salmon or steak to BBQ.

You cook it the way you want to.

We ask that you provide your own tableware.

Six thirty - please be there.

There's one more thing we ask of you.

Please bring a "saving" hint or two.

Share your idea to save on time or money.

It can be useful or even funny.

Those helpful "saving" hints can be

for our use on land or on sea.

We'll collect them all on Wednesday night.

And post them later on our website.

For those of you who don't have the time

to glean instructions from this rhyme,

we'll list again what you should reap

about Telegraph Harbor "On the Cheap."

Tuesday, 7/14:
Arrive after 1:00 pm at Telegraph Harbor Marina. Call on 66A for docking instructions

5:00 pm: BYOB Happy Hour. Bring a heavy appie to share. YOYO for dinner.

Wednesday, 7/15,
8:00 - 10:00am: Lattes from Capt. Doug on "Rejoice". Bring your own cup

Daytime: Indulge in a day off, take a walk, catch the ferry to Chemanius, row the dinghy through the Cut, eat an ice cream cone .... you're on your own!

5:30 pm: BYOB Happy Hour. Club supplies munchies

6:30 pm: Dinner. The BBQ and the steaks and salmon will be waiting along with salad, baked potato and dessert. You get to BBQ to your own taste

Bring your own plates and tableware
BYOB
Bring your time or money "saving" hint. Be prepared to read it to the group.

Port of Nanaimo, July 16th & 17th

2009-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hosted by the port team of Roland & Nancy Miller, Shelley & Joe Pickett, Jill & Greg Reid and Dana & Bill Nelson

FYI: Slack current at Dodd Narrows occurs at 12:07pm on Thursday, July 16th, changing to an ebb current with a max ebb of 3.2 knots at 2:46 pm.
Upon arrival in Nanaimo, contact the Port Authority on channel 67 for a slip assignment. Once you have the slip assignment, contact SBYC on channel 72 for dock assistance.

Thursday, July 16th

5:30 pm: BYOB Happy Hour. Bring an appie (light snacks provided by SBYC)

Friday, July 17th

9:00 am: Continental breakfast on the dock. Bring your own coffee.
5:00 pm: Discussion time for those planning on cruising further north. Bring tips, suggestions, or questions to share
6:00 pm: Dinghy Dock Pub for dinner. Open seating both inside (with music) or out (where you can watch other boats). You can take your dinghy over to the pub or take the small ferry.

Friday Harbor Cruise Photos

2009-06-26T11:26:00.001-07:00

Past Commodore reporting for duty, Sir!

Professor Plum & his beautiful bivalves

SBYC's burger boy (Russ Roberts)

Port Captain Don Haas (aka hot dog daddy)

Water Wagon Wenches

Mystery Hunt winners "Team Opus"

SBYC ruled the breakwater!

Our weekend cruise to Friday Harbor was one for the record books; 30 boats, 64 members (plus a few who come for Saturday only), phenomenal weather and food, food, food!

Let's give a HUGE thank you to Port Captains Cherry & Don Haas and their port team of Walt & Linda Gromada, George & Adrean Harris, JB & Bob Taylor, Dana & Bill Nelson and Peggy & Russ Roberts. You guys know how to throw a party!

Friday Harbor Cruise, June 12 - 14

2009-06-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

Port hosts Cherry and Don Haas with their terrific team have organized a fun, relaxing (and tasty!) way for us to enjoy Friday Harbor over the weekend of June 12 - 14.

We have over 30 boats signed up and have run out of room on the dock! If you haven't signed up yet, give Vanessa a call at 941-4141.

Here's the information from the Cruise Packet (hard copies can also be found in "The Box"). Click on each link for the entire packet.

Shakedown Cruise Report

2009-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you take the contents of 28 boats and 9 cars, mix in some spicy attitudes plus a few old salts and then pour all the above into a bowling alley on a Saturday afternoon?

You get to share a lot of laughs, a few groans and assorted sore muscles with good friends!

Thanks to all who ventured out over the weekend of April 24 - 26 for our first cruise of the season. Even though we were berthed WAY out at the end of the dock, Cap Sante Boat Haven marina served as a fine port for those of us who had a few things shake loose, apart or completely off during the cruise.

Congratulations to the bowling prize winners!

highest scores: Janet Bargmeyer & Moe from team Remington

best team total: the Harvey's from team "I"

team shirts: the "800 Team" (Bargmeyers & Fosters), team "I" (Lora & WC Harvey), and the "Vikings" (Turid & Claus Dassel

It sure was neat to have those without boats (or unable to make the cruise by boat) join us on the dock for Happy Hour and breakfast or at the bowling alley for the games. Don't we have a good time together?

Schedule and Details for Shakedown Cruise

2009-04-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Our Shakedown cruise to Anacortes is only a week away. With 27 boats signed up and another 8 - 10 members arriving by automobile, we may just set a record for attendance at a cruise. Great!

If you're not able to pick up a cruise packet from "The Box" located at the annex you can use the following links and find information about the weekend's schedule, bowling activity, list of places to eat out in Anacortes and the cover page for the cruise packet. There's also a link to the roster of members planning on attending the cruise.

Click on any of the links below for more information:

See you in Anacortes!

Happy Birthday, SBYC!

2009-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Last night's "Spring Fling" dinner at the clubhouse was beautifully hosted by Jill and Greg Reid. Perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening was hearing cruising memories from the club's charter members. So, I thought it appropriate that a blog devoted to club cruising events should have a few of those memories posted. It's thanks to the energy and efforts of those charter members in 1976 that we have this club today and we're indebted to them.

Thank you, SBYC Charter Members!

Most memorable and/or funniest SBYC experience:

The blind dinghy races on Opening Day were referred to by several folks with Dick & Mona Reynolds offering "They continued to get better each year and they were a riot!"
The Reynolds also rated the Cook-off cruises to Blakely Island as especially memorable with the chili cook-off won by the "Gay Cabelleros" as the highlight
The Reid Harbor dinghy parade was particuarily memorable for Jack and Claudette Gubrud
Hi and Elly Kuenzi's cruise north in an 18 1/2' boat filled with camping gear, 4 kids and a dog in a rough Strait of Georgia was remembered as a tearful experience for Elly while the kids loved the adventure
Another rough cruise was most memorable for John and Dolores Bratland. John's tale of the 14 mile crossing from Vancouver had others in the audience groaning as they remembered their participation in that event
Clubhouse dinners with our own handsome, dancing men as waiters made a lasting impression on Ola and Betty Roald while Alice and Ellsworth Meyer recall a dinner where Vice Commodore Meyer was alloted just $27.00 for the meal
Ham Vittery's recollection of an Opening Day pig roast (complete with photos sent for us to look at) can only leave us grateful today that we have Double Barrel BBQ preparing our dinner this year

Our charter members' advice to SBYC members today:

Hi and Elly say "Keep your finger on the chart! Stay on course, watch the instruments and be aware of the weather"
Ham offers "All I regret is that I did not write logs on all our trips and keep them so I could remember the cruises and pass them on to others"
Mona and Dick write "Have fun! Get as many involved as possible and Don't Get Too Serious!"

Advice worth heeding, wouldn't you say? I think it's also worthwhile to bring back the dinghy parades, blind races and dancing waiters. Let's start making some more fun memories, okay?!

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!!!

2009-03-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

Linda and Jim Barrett were responsible for last night's informative and entertaining Training Session (great job, you two!). Titled "Getting Home Safely", their presentation began with amusing video clips of not-so-safe boating practices before preceding to the basic principles for operating a vessel during and after an emergency.

Several items of information were of particular value to this First Mate and I intend to implement these practices aboard:

Have a boating departure checklist
Have all crew (guests included) practice using the radio. Keep handy at the radio the protocol for issuing both Securite and Mayday calls
File, post, or email a friend a float plan before departing on a cruise. Here's a link to one of the float plans distributed last night
In addition to practicing crew overboard maneuvers, shake it up a little by instituting a change of watch every so often. Put the First Mate at the helm while the Skipper takes the lines .... what's the worst that can happen? Everyone gets a little practice in and observers might learn some new words along the way!

Regarding the Change of Watch idea - perhaps this could be a theme for one of our cruises this season. What do you think? Should we end the season with our First Mates at the helm?

Shakedown Cruise - April 24 & 25

2009-03-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hope you can spare the time for this event. You might find this cruise is right up your alley.

The Basics:

Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes is the destination for our first boating event this season
Non-boating members are invited to participate in the weekend's activities
Please sign up in the Shelter Bay office if attending by boat or car

The Details:

We will be staying in slips located on docks "C" and "D". You don't need to call Cap Sante with your reservation but you will need to provide necessary boat information on the office sign up sheet
Moorage rates are $.70 per foot, 30 amp power is $4.00
There will be a BYOB Happy Hour gathering on Friday at 1700 hrs. Please bring an appetizer to share
Continental breakfast will be served dockside at 0800 hrs Saturday morning
Skipper and First Mate gatherings will occur mid-morning on Saturday
We'll be gathering at San Juan Lanes on Saturday at 1600 hrs for fun, food and games
Prizes given for best bowling outfits, team scores and succesful completion of bowling bingo

Extra Info:

Friday dinner is YOYO - might we suggest an Anacortes Pub Crawl?
Bowling cost with shoes: $5.00 for 3 games. Menu items are $8 - $10
Don't forget socks if renting bowling shoes

Questions?
Contact Vanessa Finch by email mauivanessa@gmail.com or at 941-4141