May | 2026

May 13th General Membership Meeting 

MEETING TOPICS

Location - 

The Muse Whiskey and Coffee | Second Floor

- 6:00pm

Social Hour

- 7:00pm

Speaker and Food

Please Bring Your Favorite Hors d'oeuvre To Share

Membership renewal has started. Dues increases are active. 

Need to pay for your renewal? You can pay online under your account using PayPal or come to the meeting and pay with check, cash, or tap. If you have any questions about payment options and how to pay reach out to the Treasurer by clicking HERE. If you need to change your membership status please reach out to Colleen with membership HERE.

Bundle Membership $225 - 

Active Membership: Active membership shall be available to all individuals 18 years old or older. An active membership possesses two votes. Club membership privileges will be extended to all children of active members under the age of 19, with the exception that these children shall not have the right to participate in club races as skipper or represent the club as skipper in other PHRF races. An active membership shall entitle voting members to enter association races and to represent the association in other PHRF races.

Associate Membership: Associate membership shall be a singular membership for an individual who does not own, register, or skipper any boat (hereafter defined as any vessel which is capable of participating in club racing or cruising events for organized activity of the association or PHRF associated clubs.) An associate membership has one vote.

Log Dodge 

Hey, food volunteers! We've done all the meal planning work for you. A list of meal plans has been compiled so you can choose what to serve for the after-race meals. Just keep your receipts when you purchase food to serve, and we will reimburse you for all expenses.

Racers – We have made Log Dodge a registered event to better manage food service and reduce waste. Please register for the Log Dodge race you'll be participating in and include the number of crew members so we can prepare the right amount of food.

RC & FOOD VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS ARE LIVE!!! 

Even if you are a cruiser or not racing you can sign up to help out with food service.

SPEAKER SERIES

Jodie assumed the role of Executive Director in mid-2024. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Director for five years, advancing science, expanding partnerships, and building support for the unique brand of PSRF in-water restoration. Before PSRF, Jodie worked at The Nature Conservancy and The Natural Capital Project. She received her PhD in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington. Her two kids keep her and her husband on their toes, exploring the wonders of the world, both great and small.

Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF) restores marine species and habitats in Puget Sound through tangible in-water projects that sustain our connections to marine resources in local waters. Our mission is to ensure Puget Sound remains healthy, functioning, and full of life while supporting the ability to grow and gather food from the marine waters around us. We focus intentionally on species, habitats, and growing areas that directly support human food systems, and have sustained people for thousands of years. By restoring these critical habitats, PSRF supports ecological resilience and helps to preserve the cultural and community ties to Puget Sound.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR MAY

COMMODORE LOG

I've heard that nothing in life can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. While it may be true, I would like to offer you a third option, as Heraclitus noted that “change is the only constant in life.”

I’m no philosopher. What I do know is that change is necessary for growth. Milltown has gone through many changes in my short time as a club member. We’ve moved into a new clubhouse, transitioned into a mostly digital platform, and you’ve likely seen our increased online presence in the form of social media.

The world is constantly changing around us. We do not leave behind all that makes Milltown outstanding. In fact, we embrace the best of it and hold it close to our hearts! Our eyes are set on the future with strong ties to the past. One member said it best, “I do believe MSA’s best days are on the horizon.”

I hope you enjoy the new Wind Shift newsletter. It's going to be a fun way to keep up-to-date on all things Milltown.

Fair winds,

Stacey Lauer, SV Sérénité

RACING REVIEW

The Salish Circuit brings together four sailing clubs and four well-known races to crown one grand champion. Participating clubs include the Corinthian Yacht Club of Edmonds, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, Anacortes Yacht Club, and the Milltown Sailing Association. Visit the Salish Circuit tab on the MSA website for more information and to stay up to date on all the action.

CRUISING CORNER

Langley Boat Renaming with Captain Gray Beard 

Renaming a boat is more than just a cosmetic change, it’s a tradition steeped in maritime lore. According to legend, Poseidon, god of the seas, knows and remembers the name of every vessel that sails his waters. To avoid incurring his wrath, changing the name of a boat requires a proper ceremony to help him “forget” the old name and recognize the new one.

The process begins by removing all traces of the boat’s former identity. This includes plaques, paperwork, maintenance logs, registration documents, and any other written references. Traditionally, these items were burned as a symbolic gesture, but modern, more eco-friendly approaches, like shredding documents or using white-out, may be acceptable, depending on the master of ceremonies.

Once the old name has been fully purged, the renaming ceremony can take place. This typically involves a formal address to Poseidon, renouncing the vessel’s former name and presenting the new one. Champagne plays a central role in the celebration, shared between the captain and their mate, with an offering poured out to Poseidon himself. Additional pours are made to each of the four winds, accompanied by a request for fair winds and calm seas on future voyages.

KNOT YOUR AVERAGE QUIZ

Question:

Boats P and S, two close-hauled boats on opposite tacks, are approaching a windward mark to be left to starboard. S hails, “Starboard!” P tacks to keep clear and protests S for not tacking and sailing her proper course to the mark.

You are on the protest committee; how would you decide this?

POINT OF SAIL GROUP DISCUSSION

Ted Turner 

Icon, Champion, and Captain Outrageous

What are your thoughts on the tribute from Sailing World to one of the sport’s most larger-than-life figures? Ted Turner, nicknamed “Captain Outrageous,” was a four-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, winner of the America’s Cup, the Fastnet Race, and the Sydney Hobart  and he still found time to found CNN and donate a billion dollars to the UN. He passed away earlier this month at age 87. Whether you knew him as a sailing legend or a media titan, this piece is a great read that reminds us why we all fell in love with this sport in the first place. Grab a copy, then bring your thoughts to the dock.

EDUCATION CORNER

SAFETY ON THE WATER

UPCOMING EDUCATION EVENTS

• Lifesling Training Class MOB
  May 17, 2026 1:00 PM 
   
  The Muse, 615 Millwright Loop N, Everett, WA 98201

There will be a need for volunteer boats and dinghies to help with on-water training. If you are interested, please email Grant Albert. 

Do not forget to watch the pre-class educational videos

FEATURED MEMBER

Did you know we started having Featured Members every month?

Check out the May Featured Member and the previous months.

This month we celebrate a group of MSA members whose quick thinking and generous hearts turned a stressful situation on the water into a perfect example of what this community is all about.

Pepper and Colleen were sailing aboard La Calavera in 17-knot winds when, just outside the shipping lanes, the engine sputtered and died. Pepper quickly unfurled a section of the jib to maintain control while Colleen checked the fuel. The culprit: they had run out of diesel (which led to fuel pump damage). With the anchor readied as a backup, Pepper transferred fuel from the diesel heater tank, giving them just enough to limp around Apple Tree Cove toward the marina.

Anthony and Gina had been keeping a close eye from aboard Hobo the whole way back. Just as La Calavera reached the marina entrance, the engine quit again. Pepper cleared the red buoy and rock wall under sail, and Anthony was right there: “Are you ready to raft yet?” With 17–20 knots pushing offshore, Anthony expertly brought both boats through the tight marina entrance while Gina and Colleen handled the lines. The dock hands were right there to catch lines and help bring everyone safely in.

Once docked, James and Mike from Isola and Hooligan dug into the fuel system. James arrived like a magician, producing spare fuel pumps, filters, and a Racor separator out of what is now officially the most legendary parts locker in the fleet. The fuel pump took a hit and was no longer working. The repair needed one more fitting, which James sourced from the hardware store the next morning. Together with Mike and Pepper’s husband Jon, they got the engine running strong. Dale topped off the tank with diesel, and Anthony added fuel additives for good measure. La Calavera motored all the way home without a hitch.

Running out of fuel is the kind of thing that makes any sailor wince. But what matters most is what happens next. Thanks to this crew, everyone got home safe. That’s what we sail for. That’s who we are.

This Month’s Featured Members

Colleen Crew - Quick, works fast, and unwavering under pressure

Anthony & Gina Hobo -  Escort, raft-up, and fuel additives always right there when it counted

James Isola -  Mechanical superhero and owner of the most legendary parts locker afloat

Mike Hooligan -  Fuel system diagnostics, tool guy, and hands-on repair from start to finish

Dale Cielo sin Fin - Generous provider of diesel when the tank ran dry

The Dock Hands  Ready at the dock to catch lines and bring everyone safely home

Previous Months

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