Welcome to SYC Sailing Activities for 2003. We have some kind of activity to meet every sailor's desire. Seattle Yacht Club sponsors local racing and cruising events for those of you who are not professionals, but still enjoy sailing.

This year we continue the five mini-cruise events (no racing) for those who just like to be on the water with friends. Chris and Pam Warner will be chairing these events. For our historical cruising events, we have Dick Haelsig back for another year as Cruising Activities Chairman. He has some great events planned. Sailboat festival this year will have an Alaska Gold Rush theme. Cruising sailors will be able join in a flotilla cruise with racing options to the Gulf Islands in this year's Commodore's cruise in July.

On the second Wednesday each month, our sailboat dinner highlights exciting speakers. They are a great way to meet other SYC sailors.

We also have a complete program to offer the racing sailor. Steve Scruggs, Racing Activities Chairman, has regattas scheduled for long distance racers in the Tri-Island Series; Opening Day racers in the Mark Mayer Race; and around-the-buoy racers in the S.O.C.K.S. and Star and Bar Regattas. If you want fun, informal evening racing, then the Kirkland Friday Night Sailing Series is great! In 2001 our Mini-12 fleet had over 150 races in Portage Bay. This is our fastest growing fleet with Sunday racing in winter and Tuesday evening races in summer.

The Sailboat Committee meetings are at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of each month. Come and join in. Whatever your interests in sailing, we want your involvement and participation. We will see you on the water!
Dick Bell, Fleet Captain Sail top of page

2003 Cruise Events

Sailboat Festival

This year the festival will have an Alaska Gold Rush theme, June 27-29. Look forward to a catered food menu and a variety of events and entertainment for both cruisers and racers of all capabilities. Earn points for sailboat of the year. This will be the best event of the year for sailboaters! Don't miss this one.

Cruise & Snooze

You won't want to miss this year's events on the weekends of June 21-22 and September 13-14. This time honored racing/cruising event is ideal for families. With a reverse start, and no flying sails everyone is guaranteed to have a great time. Racing is optional. Come and enjoy the company of your sailing friends. There will be a potluck dinner Saturday and a catered breakfast on Sunday. (SYC members only) Chairpersons Roger and Lyn Pawley.

Commodore's Cruise

A summer cruise for the week of July 20 - July 25 that you will want to enjoy in the beautiful Gulf Islands. The week begins with a welcoming party at the Henry Island outstation, continues on subsequent days to various marinas, outstations and good anchorages, and finishes with a lead sinker pancake breakfast on Ovens Island. Racers, cruising sailors, and even Powerboaters will find activities on the cruise pleasurable!

Mini-Cruise Events

Contact Chris Warner for information on mini-cruises:
Cruise to Port Madison- January 11-12
A winter mini-cruise! Leave Shilshole approximately 1300. Green box at 1730. Potluck at 1930.
Cruise to Eagle Harbor- February 8-9
Same as January, except Potluck or burgers at the Pub
Cruise to Gig Harbor- March 22-23
Leave Shilshole at 1100. Green box at 1730. Potluck or restaurant at 1930. Be prepared to anchor out.
Cruise to Port Ludlow- April 19-20
Leave Shilshole at 1100. Green box at 1730. Potluck or restaurant at 1930. Be prepared to anchor out.
Cruise to Poulsbo Viking Fest- May 17-18
Leave Shilshole at 1000. Green box at 1730. Meet at the Italian Place for dinner at 1930. Be prepared to anchor out.

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2003 SYC Race Events

Mini-12 Races

SYC sailors' Mini-12s starts racing in January. Supreme Commander and Secretary Bill Boyeson reports they intend weekly Sunday races on Portage Bay commencing 2 PM. The racers will provide their own race committees. Racers are expected also to attend celebrations and sea stories in the Club afterward.

The race calendar for Mini-12s is generally Sundays at 2 PM through April (except Easter), then Tuesdays at 6 PM May through August (except July 1), and finally September 7 through November 16 Sundays at 2 PM. One weekend in September will be full with a Royal Vancouver Invitational Regatta.

Jack and Jill Race

The SYC Jack and Jill race is the lead-off event of the five race race Puget Sound Jack & Jill Series. (Each event is sponsored by a different yacht club.) Competing in three or more of the races qualifies you for a series overall placing. Come help SYC capture the yacht club series participation trophy. The SYC race begins off Shilshole breakwater. An Awards party follows.

Tri-Island/Tri-Point Series

SYC's long history of distance racing continues in 2003. Winning a Tri-Island or the shorter Tri-Point race will place your name on one of the most prestigious trophies in the Club. On June 8, the Club will open its doors to all participants for an awards party.

Smith Island / Scatchet Head

The Tri-Island/Tri-Point Series kicks off with the Smith Island and Scatchet Head races. These are both great mid-distance races, with winds capable of challenging both boat and crew. Start off Shilshole and head north. The course will take you up Admiralty Inlet. The tradition of rounding Protection Island in either direction will continue. Finish back at Shilshole. Check the race book for details.

Mark Mayer Race

The Mark Mayer race concludes the Opening Day Weekend with the race on Sunday, May 4. We'll have both spinnaker and no-flying sail classes. The course is just north of the Evergreen Pt Bridge on Lake Washington. A post-race party will be held at the SYC mainstation.

Vashon Island / Three Tree Point

The Vashon Island and Three Tree Point races on May 10 are the second of the Tri-Island/Tri-Point Series. These tactical courses will take you south, with scenic views of Elliott Bay and of Mount Rainier. You'll be working the beach to avoid the tides and may conclude with a downwind finish.

SOCKS One Design Regatta

The Seattle One-design, Centerboard, and Keelboat regatta celebrates tight buoy racing. May is a great month for sailing on Puget Sound with sunshine and consistent wind. Make sure your one-design class is signed up early! Each night will feature a post race party. The SOCKS regatta brings out some of the best sailors in the nation.

Blake Island/ Blakely Rock Race

Blake Island as long course and Blakely Rock as short course for the third of the Tri-Island/Tri-Point Series. Mid distance, but fun, on Saturday, June 7.

Kirkland Friday Night Series

SYC and co-sponsor Anthony's Homeport host Friday evening racing all summer. This is every Friday, June through August, except July 4. Fun series, rewarding consistency and participation. Sailboats of all types and performance levels are encouraged to participate. Four separate PHRF and one multihull class compete on an around-the-buoy course. First start at 7 PM at a starting line off Sand Point and Hunts Point. Awards presentation follows at Anthony's.

Star & Bar Regatta

This two day round-the-buoy regatta is all about FUN. September provides dependable wind and warm weather. Classes for one-design, level, and PHRF will be available. Get your fleet to register early we will provide exactly what you wish. Post-race parties at Shilshole will follow both days of racing.

Grand Prix Invitational Regatta

The 27th annual event will close the year's racing events in proper style, November 1-3.. Boats race all year to qualify for this prestigious event. Qualification criteria are published in the SYC Race Book. Grand Prix puts a premium on all aspects of racing. Friday features a short distance race; Saturday tests boat handling skill with buoy racing;. and Sunday will take you on a mid-distance race. Three days, three types of racing, three parties. What a way to wrap up the year!
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Onshore Events

Sail Committee Meetings

Sail Committee planning meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, January through June, and September through December. Cruising events are considered first, followed by racing topics. The meetings are all held in the Commodore's Room, beginning at 7 PM.

Sailboat Dinners

Members and their guests enjoy Sailboat Dinners on the second Wednesday of each month, January through June, and September through December. The dinners are accompanied by programs of great interest to all sailors. Reservations are necessary for these dinners. Check News and Events for the upcoming program information.

Sailboat Awards Banquet

The annual Sailboat Awards Banquet is held on the Monday evening of Thanksgiving week. All sailors are welcome to attend. Sailors who have won awards receive mailed invitations. Perpetual and "take home" trophies are awarded. Both Sailor of the Year and Sailboat of the Year awards are presented at this dinner. Reservations are definitely needed for this popular event. In 2003, it's November 17.

Combined Power-Sail Christmas Party

The annual Sail-Power Christmas Party is held on the second Wednesday of December. It is sponsored by both the Sailboat and the Powerboat Committees. Reservations are needed for this delightful party.
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2003 Mini 12 Race Schedule and Results

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