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Swinomish Yacht Club
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The Channel Marker

July 2025

7/1/2025

 
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Commodore Clawson

Hello SYC Members,
The days are long, the temperatures are rising, and it’s the perfect time to be out on the water!
We had a fantastic run out to Fisherman’s Bay for the SYC Steak Fry. What a fun event! Huge thanks to Randy and Jan Zack, and Bill and Gail Kortum for hosting this smashing success. Brad Reading and Jerry Carr organized the golf tournament, while Jill Ruth and Vickie Birney kept the golfers loose and limber with their roving golf cart service—complete with “cups of confidence.” And a big shoutout to Frank Campbell, who helped raise $2,865 for our club through the gift basket auction. Great job, everyone!
Looking ahead to July:
  • Family Cruise at Roche Harbor (July 11–13): Hosted by Jerry and Tracy Carr, John and Sue Krogmann, and Dan and Rebecca Irish. Expect games, swimming, a BBQ, and movie night—fun for the whole family!
  • Shipwreck Days’ Hog ‘n Grog (July 18–20 at Cap Sante Marina): Hosted by the dynamic duo, Ray and Lisa Graham. This weekend will include a Shipwreck Scavenger Hunt, a pulled pork dinner, and specialty cocktails for purchase. Come for the fun, stay for the grog!
Looking ahead to August:
  • Sucia Run Weekend (August 1–3): While we currently don’t have a host for this event, the group picnic shelter is reserved and available for a relaxed, no-host get-together. Feel free to gather and enjoy the beautiful setting!
  • Celebration of Life for Rick Bachmann (Sunday, August 3 | 2–5 PM | SYC Clubhouse): All SYC members are invited to celebrate the life of our beloved member, Rick Bachmann. First Lady Ronda and I will be attending Rick’s memorial and, regrettably, will miss the Sucia gathering. Our hearts are with Laura Cable and all who knew and loved Rick. He will be missed.
  • Canadian Sunset Cruise to Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC (August 8–10): Hosted by Dick Hunter. This promises to be a “salty” weekend of fun. Ganges is a favorite destination and an easy run into the Gulf Islands—you won’t be disappointed!
A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing 2025 event hosts—you’re the reason these events are so memorable. We’re still looking for hosts for a few of our fall events, so don’t be shy—step up, bring the fun, and NJoy More time with your SYC friends!
See you on the water,
Tyler Clawson
NJoy More
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Vice Commodore Jensen

What an incredible weekend at Lopez! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s Steak Fry, Auction, and Russ Lindsay Memorial Golf Tournament such a smashing success. The energy, camaraderie, and laughter throughout the weekend were absolutely contagious.

A special shout-out goes to Jan, Randy, Bill, Gail, Brad, Jerry, Jill, Vickie and Frank—your hard work and dedication truly made this event shine. From start to finish, everything ran smoothly, and it was clear how much thought and care went into planning. The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!

The auction was a highlight again this year—packed with incredible baskets and one-of-a-kind items. And let’s be honest, Frank’s auctioneer skills are legendary. He brought energy, humor, and a whole lot of fun to the room. Thanks to all who donated, bid, and helped make the fundraiser such a success for our club.

We’re also deeply grateful to Bill and his amazing team at the Lopez Islander Resort. Their hospitality never fails. When the sun decided to sleep in one morning, the Islander graciously opened their indoor space so we could enjoy a delicious club breakfast in comfort. And to top it off, Bill even delivered his personal golf cart to the course for our members to use—free of charge! Now that’s above and beyond.

These are the kinds of moments that remind us why SYC is so special. Here’s to the memories made—and to looking ahead to the 2026 Steak Fry already!

See you on the water,
Aaron Jensen
Vice Commodore, Swinomish Yacht Club
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Rear Commodore Witzel

Well, I might have spoken too soon.  While the Rubber Ducky didn’t travel during the Wagon Wheel, it did find a new home after the Steak Fry.  It will be ceremoniously passed to its new home at a future event.  Speaking of the Steak Fry, I must say that I’m impressed with our club's ability to make creative hors d’oeuvres.  If I had to vote, I’d say Tracy Carr’s chicken and waffles took the prize. 
As we move into warmer weather, I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy our beautiful bays.  We recently had to install a new windlass winch and are excited to try it out in different locations.  I encourage anyone who has a fun spot to explore to post about it on the Dinghy Dock so all can enjoy it!  I also encourage everyone to post pictures as they are out on the water so the whole club can enjoy them.  
Jame Witzel
Rear-Commodore



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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of 2 wonderful club members. 
Wayne Proper, a beloved Past Commodore, presided over our club in 1986-1987. Up until a few years ago, he would delight members with his boating stories at the yearly Past Commodores BBQ. His Celebration Of Life will be held at our SYC clubhouse on Friday, July 11, at 1:00 pm. To view his obituary please go to funeralsandcremationswa.com. Click on obituaries and his information should come up. Any questions please contact Randy or Wendy Britt.

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Rick Bachmann passed away on May 19 after a battle with cancer.He was known for his unwavering determination and vibrant spirit—a person who approached life with energy and enthusiasm.  Rick generously donated considerable time and skill to rebuilding the outdoor deck at the Swinomish Yacht Club clubhouse—a project that greatly enhanced the venue’s appearance and usability. A supportive presence in the lives of many, his loss will be deeply felt.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 3, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Swinomish Yacht Club.  All who knew him are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

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SYC Cruise registrations are now complete for 2025. Registration or changes made after this point are best made with the local marinas to see if they have space.
ROCHE HARBOR, July 11-13
Hail them on 78A for a slip assignment as you enter the harbor.  
Roche Harbor Marina 360-387-2240.

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CAP SANTE, July 18-20
Hail them on 66A if you want/need as you arrive or hail us on VHF 9 for dock help. Cap Sante Marina 360-293-0694. Check in time is after 1 pm and departure before noon. 
        
 GANGES, Aug 8-10
VHF 66A     Ganges Marina 250-537-5242
Please remember to call Ganges with your credit card information when you can.  If they don't have this information at least 48 hrs in advance - they will cancel your reservation.  If you cancel within 48 hrs of the reservation - they will charge one night's moorage. Check in time is after noon and departure time - before 11. Rate is $2.25/ft cdn, $12 - 30 Amp, $16.50-50 amp. 


Fair winds and Calm Seas
Dale


🛢 Fuel Tax Hike Effective July 1, 2025
Gasoline & “special” diesel (like on-road diesel): Tax increases from $0.494 to $0.584 per gallon — a 9-cent state tax hike on diesel. A further 2% annual inflation adjustment begins in mid‑2028
What About Marine Diesel?
Dyed diesel (red-dyed or "special fuel") used for non‑highway purposes — such as marine vessels — is typically exempt from state road tax, so it isn't taxed at the pump in the same way.
Most marine diesel sold at marinas already has the road tax deducted at the terminal, making it untaxed at the pump. In that case, there’s no tax increase passed on to boaters. 
If you purchase clear (taxed) diesel for marine use, you can apply for a fuel tax refund on the road-tax portion.
Eligible boaters receive a flat-state road tax refund (approximately 17.5¢ per gallon) after accounting for sales tax and Coastal Protection Fund fees.
Summary: What This Means for You
Dyed (untaxed) marine diesel    Not subject to the state’s diesel gas tax — no change with the July 1 hike.
Clear (taxed) diesel at marinas    Subject to the tax hike; however, you can claim a refund on the road-tax part.
✅ Bottom Line
If your marine diesel is dyed or already untaxed, the new state diesel tax will not affect you.
If you use clear diesel subject to tax, you’ll pay more at the terminal but can recoup part of it through state fuel tax refunds.
Tip: Double-check with your marina or fuel dock whether their marine diesel is dyed/untaxed. If not, be sure to file the refund claim to avoid paying the higher road tax.


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Year books:  If anyone needs a yearbook, please reach out to Jame Witzel. She is willing to meet people in town or mail it to you.  If you want it mailed to you, there will be a $5.00 charge. ​
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    ​OFFICERS
    ​

    Tyler Clawson 
    Commodore
    ​

    ​Aaron Jensen 
    Vice Commodore

    Jame Witzel
    Rear Commodore

    Greg Lenke  
    Past Commodore

    Katie Reading
    Secretary

    Kara Moore
    Treasurer

    Dale Miller 
    Port Captain

    Ronda Clawson 
    Fleet Medical Officer

    ​DIRECTORS

    Brent Malone 
    Dockmaster
    ​

    John Krogmann
    Facilities

    Vickie Birney
    Membership

    OPEN
    Communications

    Dick Hunter 
    Reciprocity


    OPEN
    Web Content

    ​COMMITTEES

    Jane Mitchell 
    Clubhouse Rentals

    Wendy Britt ​
    Advertising

    Janine Bombach 
    Yearbook

    Janine Bombach ​
    Ship Store

    Sue Krogmann ​
    Photography

    Frank and Teresa Campbell
    Boating Family 2025

See You On The Water!

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Mail Us

P.O. Box 602
La Conner, WA 98257

Visit Us

​310 N 1st St.
La Conner, WA 98257

Email Us

[email protected]
  • Home
  • About SYC
    • Leadership
    • Contact
  • Clubhouse Rental
  • Join SYC
    • Reciprocal Moorage
  • Members Only