A message from incoming Commodore Rosanne de Vries
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First of all, I would like to thank you - our members, volunteers and supporters - for a wonderful year of sailing and community. With your support, we've had a remarkable 52nd year, which has included highlights such as the Sadie Hawkins All-Women's Skipper Race, a year-round Estuary racing program, numerous nautical webinars and of course, our successful Women's Sailing Seminar, now in its 29th year. 

None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our member base (now 170 households strong) and our dedicated volunteers. Special mention goes to our 2021 Commodore, Melissa Grudin, who embraced digital channels for engaging our members throughout the pandemic. Thanks to her hard work, versatility and leadership, we have built a community and identity that has risen above the loss of our clubhouse in 2020--and is now poised for great things in the year ahead.

Island Yacht Club's board for 2022

I am proud to introduce our newly-elected board:

• Ros de Vries - Commodore
• Eric Korbas - Vice Commodore
• Cristina Rubke - Rear Commodore
• Melissa Grudin - Staff Commodore
• Alice Watts - Secretary
• David Shea - Treasurer
• Thom Mantooth - Port Captain

It is truly my pleasure to serve with such a committed and diverse group of people, whose unique experiences and skills are assets to all of us.
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As incoming Commodore for 2022, my vision is to build on our strengths, by prioritizing:

1. Community, through in-person and hybrid events, plus mutual aid with Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) and Alameda Community Sailing Center (ACSC).  
2. Transparency and accountability, through member-facing board meetings,  SGMs and AGMs.
3. Our racing programs, through active recruitment, training and placement of new Race Committee volunteers.

We will soon be inviting our members to upcoming board meetings, as well as announcing our next in-person event. In the interim, we look forward to seeing our sailing friends in tomorrow's Island Days series race and our next Weather, Tides and Instrumentation webinar on January 10. 

Thank you again for a wonderful 2021. If you're interested in volunteering, want to know more about club activities or simply want to get to know us better, I invite you to reach out to me at [email protected].

Fair winds,
Rosanne de Vries, Commodore

Ever wondered what it's like to have not just one, but all four of Alameda's bridges open for your boat?
Join us on January 1 for 'Round the Island 2022, an annual boat parade to celebrate the new year! Alameda yacht clubs - Aeolian, Encinal and Oakland - are also welcoming visiting boaters to enjoy Bloody Mary's and brunch fare.

​At this year's 'Round the Island, we will: 

• Meet at 9:30am on January 1, on the west side of Park St Bridge.
• Cruise will be clockwise, passing Park St Bridge, Fruitvale Bridge, High St Bridge and Bay Farm Bridge.
• Stopover (briefly) at Aeolian Yacht Club, for chili, hot dogs and their famous Ramos Fizzes & Bloody Mary's ($5, club open from 9am - 1pm).
• Continue the cruise around the island at your pace. Note: Ballena Bay Yacht Club is closed; see other clubs' hospitality plans below.

Due to the narrow channels and calm conditions, we highly recommend that sailboats motor 'Round the Island. High tide is 10am--with that in mind, we highly recommend that you navigate the shallow San Leandro channel in a reasonable timeframe. You have been warned! 😅

Yacht clubs that are welcoming boaters are:

• Aeolian Yacht Club - Serving chili, hot dogs and their famous Ramos Fizzes & Bloody Mary's ($5, club open from 9am - 1pm).
• Encinal Yacht Club - Serving gumbo soup with cornbread. 
• Ballena Bay Yacht Club - Updated December 29 - Open!

When visiting clubs, all boaters must:

• Show proof of vaccination (recent COVID test results not accepted)
• Wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking
• Pay with credit card only (no cash)
  
  

Update (December 29): Oakland Yacht Club will be closed.

Read more about 'Round the Island in Latitude 38. Interested in joining us? RSVP below.

This year, we're bringing back Silver Eagle--the 45th edition of our classic long distance bay race. We would love to see you on Aug 28! 

2 courses, 1 huge SF Bay adventure
The race starts in the central bay off Golden Gate Yacht Club, heads up into the North Bay, down to the South Bay, and finishes in the Alameda Estuary. You'll experience the full range of conditions the Bay has on offer. See our map above for an overview of the course.

The NOR and SIs have been posted on Jibeset and registrations are open.

Island Yacht Club Silver Eagle race
Date: Saturday, August 28
First Warning: 0955 - off Golden Gate Yacht Club
VHF Channel: 72
Documents: Notice of Race / Sailing Instructions
Early bird fee through 08/09/21: $40 
Late bird fee after 08/09/21: $55

Congratulations to member Eric Korbas for winning "Best Overall" at PICYA's 2021 Opening Day on the Bay! It was a tremendous effort by Eric and other volunteers to decorate, sail and party Eric's boat Amanda to victory, and in wet and challenging conditions, at that. 

For yet another consecutive year, PICYA's Ward Cleveland Memorial Trophy is in our possession, thanks to our volunteers. Well done Eric and team!

In case you missed it, here is our video of Amanda's victory lap on the San Francisco cityfront: