There was a tremendous turnout on Saturday, January 13th for Jon and Debbie Galbraith’s kickoff event for the 2024 cruise season. More than fifty members braved the bitter cold to take part in an introduction of the Shelter Bay Yacht Club cruises scheduled for 2024. Several members joined via Zoom. The number of our newest members attending bodes well for the continued success of our club.
Jon and Debbie received a very enthusiastic response to their presentation, including a number of members volunteering, on the spot, to be port hosts. Debbie described the joy of cruising with the club and the wonderful people who participate in our cruises. She and Jon discussed the ports that will be visited this cruising season and shared photos and their personal experiences boating to these exciting destinations.
The scheduled cruises include the April Shakedown Cruise, the annual Sucia Island Work Party, a cruise to Fisherman Bay on Lopez Island, the Commodore’s Cruise to four Canadian ports and the End of Season Cruise to Sucia Island. There is a possibility of yet to be scheduled unhosted cruises to Cornet Bay and a possible crabbing cruise to Hunter Bay. It promises to be a very enjoyable season of boaters boating with good friends.
The event was especially valuable because no one has yet volunteered to serve as Fleet Captain. Commodore Martyn Adams suggested that there is a possibility that the function of Fleet Captain could be carried out by a team much like the team of Mike Palasz, Keri Palasz and Kat Ulrich, who are doing a yeoman job as the Rear Commodore team.
Members who volunteered to serve as port hosts are W.C. & Lora Harvey, Joe & Heidi Gogal, Kim & Dale Oldis, Mike & Kim Kusilek, Rod & Sylvia Remington, Vanessa Finch, Chuck & Carol Yaw, Murray & Val Laidley, Dan Niven & Elizabeth Mahoney and, not surprisingly, Jon & Debbie Galbraith. With both new members and veteran members stepping up, the positive prospects for a great year are undeniable.
There is nothing like club cruises for making and growing friendships. S.B.Y.C. cruises are where wonderful memories are born and members really get to know each other. Our cruises are educational opportunities and boating enjoyment on another level. Make plans to join the fleet in 2024. If you missed the kickoff event, you can find a synopsis here.
Since we posted this story, four more members have volunteered to serve as port hosts. Bob & Dawn Brown and Ray & Patty Mueller have stepped up to host for the Mill Bay stop on the Commodore’s Cruise.
Some of the port hosts who volunteered at the event
