Welcome to SYC Sailing Activities for 2004. Whether your interests lean toward cruising or racing, or both, there is much for you to enjoy.

The cruising events will be under the leadership of Roger Pawley, Cruising Activities Chairman for the year. Cruising will start in January with the first mini cruise to Port Madison. There are five such cruises (no racing) for those who simply like to be on the water with friends. However, if you prefer cruising after the weather gets a little warmer, you will not want to miss the weekend Cruise and Snoozes and the Port Ludlow Overnight. For extended cruising and adventure, add NORPAC in Barkley Sound to your sailing calendar.

Sailboat Dinners are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month. They feature interesting speakers and provide a great way to meet other SYC sailors.

Brian Watkins is Racing Activities Chairman for 2004. Distance racers will want to participate in the Tri-Island/Tri-Point Series, and buoy racers will want to put both the SOCKS and the Star & Bar Regattas on their calendars. For a great way to end the week, try the Kirkland Friday Night Series. Remember, too, that the Mini-12 Fleet is now 20 boats strong and races on Sundays in the winter, and evenings in the summer.

Beginning this year, the SYC racing program will offer an "Open Class" for boats that may not be competitive for current PHRF racing, but whose owners and crews would like to test their skills with other similar, displacement-oriented boats (lightweight "hotrods" need not apply). Open class handicaps will include adjustments in certain areas, e.g. less-than-optimal sails, roller furling equipment, and the experience of the skipper; starts will be provided for this class in the Tri-Point Series, Mark Mayer, and Port Ludlow races.

The Sailboat Committee Meetings are at 7 P.M. on the first Thursday of each month. Whatever your interest in sailing, we want you to come and join in. When you get involved, you will have more fun.

Mike Milburn
Fleet Captain, Sail

Document links:
[Race Events] [Cruise Events]
[Sailing Calendar] [Chairpersons]
[Quick Reference Guide to Sailing Event Contacts]

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2004 SYC Race Events

Tri-Island / Tri-Point Series

SYC's long history of distance racing continues in 2004. Winning a Tri-Island, or the shorter Tri-Point race, will place your name on one of the most prestigious trophies in the club. At the end of the series, the club will open its doors to all those who have participated for an awards party. Chairpersons: John Tenneson and Mike Milburn

Smith Island / Double Bluff (First race of the Tri-Island / Tri-Point Series)

These are both great mid-distance races, with winds often capable of challenging both boat and crew. Start off Shilshole, head north toward Admiralty Inlet, and finish back at Shilshole. Smith Island will be rounded to port. First Open Class Start. Check the Race Book for details.

Vashon Island / Point Robinson (Second race of the Tri-Island / Tri-Point Series)

These tactical courses will take you south with scenic views of Elliott Bay and Mt. Rainier. You'll be working the beach to avoid the tides, and the race often concludes with a downwind finish. Third Open Class event.

Blake Island (Third race of the Tri-Island / Tri-Point Series)

Blake Island can be rounded in either direction. Blakely Rock can be used for a shortened course. This is the forth Open Class event. See the Race Book for details.

Mark Mayer Race

The Mark Mayer Race concludes Opening Day weekend and will be held on Sunday, May 2. There will be PHRF classes racing for the Mark Mayer Trophy, one design classes, and the Open Class where flying sails are optional. This is the second Open Class event. The course is just north of the Evergreen Point Bridge on Lake Washington. A post-race party will be held at the SYC clubhouse. Chairperson: Marv Toland

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, and the SOCKS Regatta brings out some of the best sailors in the nation. Make sure your one-design class is signed up early! Each night will feature a post-race party. Chairpersons: Darrin Towe and Bill Cuffel and John Mason

Kirkland Friday Night Series

SYC and co-sponsor Anthony's Homeport host Friday evening racing, a fun series rewarding consistency and participation. Sailboats of all types and performance levels are encouraged. Four separate PHRF classes and one multi-hull class compete on a round-the-buoy course. First start 7:00 P.M.. at a starting line off Kirkland. Awards presentation follows at Anthony's. Chairpersons:Rhonda Halffman and Dave McCallum

Jack and Jill

The SYC Jack and Jill is the leadoff event of the five-race Puget Sound Jack & Jill interclub series. Each event is sponsored by a different yacht club, and competing in three or more of the races qualifies you for a series over-all placing. Come help SYC capture the yacht club series participation trophy. The SYC race begins off Shilshole, with an awards party following. Chairperson: Cory Anderson

Star and Bar Regatta

This 2-day regatta tests around the buoy racing skills, with September providing a good chance for dependable wind and warm weather. Classes for both one-design and PHRF will be available. Post-race parties at Shilshole follow both days of racing. Chairpersons: Steve Scruggs and David McCallum

Grand Prix Invitational

The 2004 racing activities culminate with the 28th Annual Grand Prix Invitational Regatta. Boats must qualify for this prestigious invitation-only event. Qualification criteria can be found in the SYC Race Book. The Grand Prix puts a premium on all aspects of racing by featuring both buoy and distance racing over a three-day period with parties every evening. What a great way to wrap up the racing season! Chairpersons: Mike Milburn and Roger and Lyn Pawley

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2004 SYC Cruising Events

Cruise & Snooze

This event keeps growing every year. This time-honored cruising event is ideal for families. With a reverse start, and non-flying sails, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time—the racing is optional. Come and enjoy the company of your SYC sailing friends at a casual event that is great FUN. Chairpersons: Jim and Cheryl Rice

NORPAC Regatta, Barkley Sound, British Columbia

A week of unparalleled camaraderie and laid back racing in an incredibly gorgeous setting. A fantastic opportunity for those who have never experienced Vancouver Island’s West Coast to join the fun with a group of “old hands” We will rendezvous near Bamfield on August 1st, cruise/race to different protected anchorages around the Sound, finishing in Ucluelet on Friday night, the 6th. For those who wish we will organize a flotilla for the runs out and back in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. This is great time for families and new cruisers in a spectacular setting with some truly wonderful people. Please call Jack Sullivan 206-323-9150 for all the details. Limit: 30 sailboats plus we will have a class for power boaters who are very, very welcome.

Sunshine Coast Cruise

Starts from Ganges on July 26. Plan for a green box at Ganges at 17:30 on July 25th where we will announce the cruise route and activities. Destinations and schedule are weather dependent, but the cruise will end at Cortes Bay on Thursday July 31st more or less. It’s just more cruising FUN. Chairpersons: Chris & Pam Warner, 206-782-1277 this is a 24/7 mobile and land line or email panther@seanet.com.

Mini-Cruise Events

(Contact Chris Warner 206-782-1277 for information on mini-cruises, or to sign up E-mail or phone by Friday at 1600: panther@seanet.com.)

Cruise to Port Madison - January 10-11
Leave Shilshole approx. 1300, Greenbox at 1730, Potluck at 1930.
Cruise to Eagle Harbor - February 7-8
Leave Shilshole approximately 1300, Burgers at the Pub.
Cruise to Gig Harbor - March 27-28
Leave Shilshole at 1100, Green box at 1730, Restaurant at 1930
Cruise to Port Ludlow - April 17-18
Leave Shilshole at 1100, Green box at 1730, Potluck (or restaurant) at 1930.
Cruise to Poulsbo Viking Fest - May 15-16
Leave Shilshole at 1000, Green box at 1730, meet at the Italian Place for dinner at 1930.

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2004 Sailing Calendar

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2004 Chairpersons

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