SIYC 2025 Sailboat Activities
May 18
Included in the SIYC Opening Day activities is the Blessing of the Fleet. This beautiful event takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Historically, sailboat participation has been low. However, last year there was an increased interest. The event, chaired by Fleet Captain Jim Kiley, includes all boats. It’s a lot of fun for the boats to find a place in line, head towards Turtle Island and be recognized by the officers, followed by a blessing and a rose thrown in the water off the Tennison with you and your boat in mind. It’s a great time to invite another SIYC member, that may not have a boat anymore, to share this nice event with.
June 6
Sunset Creek at Vera’s. Although having started out as a sailboat event it quickly morphed into a super nice SIYC all-people, event. It’s a pay-for-your-own lunch at Vera’s, two miles up the beautiful St. Leonard Creek. The view from this neat place is spectacular, which enhances our eating experience. The sail boaters are encouraging all to participate. Come by any kind of boat, car, bicycle, train, greyhound bus or even walk. We would love to see you there. Seating has been arranged for four to eight groupings which allows for goodwill and lighthearted rapport between and among friends.
June 21-22
Summer Sailstice. Sailing has expanded the horizons of the human race, connected continents and cultures, enriched the lives of mankind and, to this day, continues to bring millions under its spell. Summer Sailstice is dedicated to celebrating the full mosaic of the sailing culture. Together SIYC and SMSA, in celebration of our wonderful sport, will sail our fabulous Patuxent River, North bound as far towards Benedict as each wish and settle down for an overnight raft-up at Island Creek. It’s an opportunity to get to know and interface with others that enjoy the art of our sport.
More information, for each event, will be available as we approach the scheduled dates. FC Jim Kiley has made available, clip boards for each event for you to sign up. Feel free to e-mail me and I’ll be most happy to sign you up.
It’s not too soon to start getting those boats ready. There are more events, planned, for later on in the season. Stay tuned.
Butch Garren - Sailboat Cruise Coordinator – theengraver@comcast.net – 443 771-2357
To our Members and Wait Listers
A LETTER FROM THE HEART - COME SAIL, MOTORBOAT, OR EVEN AUTO WITH US, LET'S HAVE A FABULOUS 2025!!
SIYC Sailing (and more...) Events for 2025
The list, below, includes activities that SIYC sail boaters (members and waitlisters) are encouraged to participate in. Below is a brief of the events with detail to follow later.
May 18 SIYC Opening Day, Blessing of the Fleet – FC Jim Kiley
An annual event that includes all boats. Although improved sailboat participation took place in 2024 it is hoped that more sailboats will join in this short but beautiful event.
June 6 Sunset Creek at Vera’s – Butch Garren
A boating cruise to Vera’s, up beautiful St. Leonard Creek. It includes all SIYC members and waitlisters. Sailboats and power boats to join forces for this event that will have a pay for your own luncheon. Anyone who would like to get to Vera’s by foot, train, bike, skateboard, helicopter or greyhound bus are welcome to join us for this neat event.
June 21 - 22 Summer Sailstice - Butch Garren
This is a super exciting sailing event that will be shared with our great friends and super sailors at SMSA. It celebrates the longest day of the year and is capped off with an overnight raft up or anchorage at one of the local creeks. Sharing of chit chat and snacks usually takes place with a whole bunch of laughs. Get this on your calendar, as it is one of those events that you’ll remember for a long time. More information about the Summer Sailstice will be sent very soon. Stay tuned.
September 8-10 Cruise to Knapps Narrows Marina (KNM)- Butch Garren
Two- or three-day cruise to KNM with an option to have a second day at another location (options tbd). This event is for power boats and sailboats and any other method that would get you there. Conversations with KNM regarding this event indicate that there is a boat limitation based on combined boat sizes. To secure a spot can be enhanced with early sign up with the marina. A future mailing will describe the process.
September 19 Sunset Creek at Vera’s – Butch Garren
Same as June 6
September 27 Ted Evans Poker Run – Sharon Johnston
This is a fantastic event that has lacked sailboat participation in the past. Sharon has gone out of her way to see that participating sail boaters feel comfortable joining this event. It is a unique event requiring sail boaters to hustle a bit and get an early start. Join Sharon’s event. It’s a blast.
December 13 Lighted Boat Parade – FC Jim Kiley
A wonderful, spectacular event that showcases the holiday spirit of the community’s boaters. This is a great time for sai boaters to look ahead and plan how they may decorate their boats and compete in this colorful event. Later, Jim will have more details available.
Anytime Impromptu Sailboat Raft ups – Butch Garren
Past attempts at sailboat raft ups have failed due to weather. The new approach will be to monitor ten-day weather forecasts, find a window of opportunity and schedule an event. There will be short notice because of this method but most sail boaters are well prepared and can make quick decisions. Some at SMSA have mentioned a joint raft-up and we can most certainly consider that. Typically, a raft up may include a gathering of boats for lunch or an early evening meal, for a couple of hours, while being lashed together. Good weather, good boats, good food and fantastic
people. What more can you ask for?
Respectfully submitted,
Butch Garren – Sailboat Cruise coordinator