Soundings May 2026
Commodore’s Message
Since the last Soundings, the social year has continued in proper style with our annual EHYC Anniversary Dinner—held every year (as the name boldly promises) to celebrate the founding of Eagle Harbour Yacht Club. This year’s theme was French Bistro, complete with a French musician who made us all briefly believe we could speak French after a glass or two. The food was magnifique, the company even better, and judging by the laughter levels, a good time was had by all. Attendance was strong—clearly, the promise of good food, good wine and music still holds sway.
Next up was Sailpast on Saturday 2 May. Now, EHYC has always prided itself on a somewhat relaxed approach to rules—“guidelines” might be a more accurate term. However, after last year’s… let’s call it intimate turnout, it was clear something needed adjusting.
While other clubs might issue detailed instructions worthy of a naval operation, I opted for a simpler approach: a friendly but unmistakable reminder that attendance was, in fact, expected.
A few members found this message a touch… assertive. That wasn’t the goal—but neither was repeating last year’s turnout. Sometimes the wind requires a firmer hand on the tiller. And in this case, it paid off.
This year’s Sailpast was fantastic: 40 boats, a great showing, and a very clear reflection of the direction we’re heading as a club. This Executive continues to emphasize that EHYC is “a community, not just a moorage,” and this event proved exactly that. Even better, we received over 30 thoughtful and courteous messages from members who couldn’t attend—proof that engagement comes in many forms, all of them appreciated. If this year is any indication, we’re building something special—one event, one gathering, and yes, one slightly firm email at a time. Here’s to an even bigger and better turnout next year!
James Burdett, Commodore, Bavaria 36
New Members in the Club
Sharon Duguid (Active member 0731) & Bill Radvak.
Robert Sims (Associate member A126) & Kim Schiffer.
New Membership Application Notices
Roderick Brown of 5721 Eagle Harbour Rd, West Vancouver has applied for Active membership at EHYC.
Any member wishing to comment, please contact me by May 20th.
Mary Hay, Membership Secretary, Sula
New Boats in the Club
Moussa | 0724 | Dock 4, Slip 1 | 33 ft
Grady | 0623 | Dock 2, Slip 6 | 38 ft
Administrative Updates
Parking Passes issued in 2025 are valid for 2026. A maximum of two parking decals were issued annually for permanent placement on your front windshield. The location doesn’t matter as long as they’re visible. If you have misplaced your decal, or are yet to collect one, please fill-out our Parking Decal Request form and pick-up the decals at EHYC office during our office hours (Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 3:30pm) and place it permanently and visibly on your windshield. With limited parking available, only one vehicle per membership is permitted in the parking lot.
Complete this FORM.
Pickup from the office.
Guest parking passes? Guest passes will be available by request only. Members can contact the office to arrange a temporary Guest pass for a set date. A designated area with 7 clearly marked (white curb) guest parking stalls are available. If the spots are all taken, there is no more guest parking available. No guest parking overnight, on long weekends or during Club special events.
Jesse Dougherty, Vice Commodore
A message from the Vice Commodore
Many of you are already familiar with me as “Kim Southerst’s Husband.” As of this year, I also have the privilege of being your Vice Commodore. As Vice Commodore, I work with Nancy, Ian, and Rosie to ensure members can safely enjoy our amazing clubhouse and the surrounding grounds.
Whenever I am in the club, I find myself amazed at how lucky I am to be a member of a club in such an amazing location, with such a vibrant and welcoming community. When I was a newer member, this was a place I could hear others talk of their boating adventures, get tips on safe boating, and meet like-minded people who share my passion for constantly repairing a boat I use for only a few months of the year.
Jokes aside, what makes a yacht club different from a marina is its people, its traditions, its shared values, and the community formed when those mix well. The clubhouse is a living embodiment of those for me. It was built by our members, with a passion for design, and shared experiences. I take the responsibility to pass it along in great condition very seriously.
This year, Ian has completed painting the interior to freshen up the walls. We have repaired an ailing bar fridge, polished the floor (while maintaining its charm), and are completing external sprinkler head repairs. In addition, we continue to monitor the parking lot wall to ensure it is stable and safe. Looking forward we are considering work to ensure the kitchen is able to support our many beloved social events.
I want to recognize the incredible effort Nancy and Ian put in, and the value they create for the club. Their passion for creating an amazing place, and member experience shows up every day. Thanks!
Jesse Dougherty, Kim’s Husband, and Vice Commodore, Skipjack
EHYC Improvements: Projects and Upgrades
Onshore Improvements
Offshore Projects
A message from the Rear Commodore
Out With Old and In with the New! We have had a busy 1st quarter with a new motor for our club boats, new deck boards and floats, and new breakwater replacement ideas. We repowered "Gibby," our newer aluminum club boat, selling the old 90 2-stroke engine that was becoming more unreliable. That engine was the original that came with the "Gibby."
While I was in an outboard selling mood, I also sold a club 25 hp long shaft Mercury with controls, all on FB Marketplace. Seems that there is an interest in used outboards!
The new 4-stroke 70 hp Yamaha makes "Gibby" a pleasure to operate, providing better balance; a lower profile and, therefore, better stability and, more than adequate, get up and go!
Regarding docks, we continue with Rob Sloss' work of replacing deck boards, whalers (those larger, wide boards on the sides of the docks) and bull rails as required. It is mostly deck boards that are being done. We have switched lumber suppliers using Country Lumber in Langley for our marine grade deck boards. The quality and treatment is excellent and the price is more competitive than Dick's Lumber.
When there is a dock stability issue (a noticeable list) we work on replacing the foam encased floats holding the docks up. We will need to activate the club submersible for replacing the larger floats on dock 9 (the root dock connecting with 1A).
Finally, we continue to work on economical and environmentally sound solutions for replacing the breakwater:
new builds are expensive;
like for like are difficult to find especially with any kind of life expectancy and;
refurbishing or reskinning the existing breakwater is complicated and expensive.
large bladders for refloating or launching large vessels inserted into the chambers, acting like an inner air tank
other
The good news is the large anchor chains and blocks are all in good shape; 16 of 18 chains are at 80% remaining with 2 chains at 60%. This replacement project will be my primary focus for 2026 along with the help of our Past Commodore, Nick Miller, and current Commodore, James Burdett.
Enjoy the water as it is already starting to feel like summer.
Bruce Pollock, Rear Commodore, Pursuit
Work Parties
Thank You to Our Work Party Volunteers
What a fantastic effort from our club community. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our members, the yacht club is looking better than ever.
Our grounds crew worked wonders on the landscaping, leaving our outdoor spaces tidy and welcoming for the season ahead. Down at the docks, teams tackled the gritty work of pressure washing the dock ladders, docks, and the area around the office. Members also rolled up their sleeves to assemble dock ladders, ensuring we can all get out of the water …should that become necessary.
Inside the clubhouse, the transformation has been equally impressive. Volunteers patched holes in the walls and then picked up the paintbrushes to give the space a refreshed look that we can all enjoy.
These work parties are what keep our club running and our dues affordable — and it’s always wonderful to see so many members come together to take care of the place we all love.
Thank you to everyone who came out and put in the hours!
Andrew Mollard, Hydrographer, Rock Bottom
How to signup for a work party
Select the work party you’re interested in on the website, Click BOOK and turn up - it’s that easy.
EHYC Socials
Art Club, every Thursday from 9:30AM - 12PM.
We welcome members to join the Art Club at Eagle Harbour Yacht Club. Thursday mornings from 9:30AM until noon we meet as a group in the clubhouse to work on art projects. All levels of experience are encouraged to join. The foundation of our group is painting and drawing with members often bringing their own subject matter to work from. For inspiration, we sometimes project an image to work on together, or give an art history presentation. Occasionally professional artists come to visit, to talk to us about their work. In the warmer months during spring and summer we take ‘Plein Air’ painting field trips from time to time, as there is no shortage of wonderful subject matter to draw upon from West Vancouver’s natural beauty. Then in the fall there are two events which give members an opportunity to display and sell their work. The ‘North Shore Art Crawl’ in October and ‘The Cork and Canvas’ in November are terrific exhibitions that give our group something to work toward every year. Last but not least, we are a social group who enjoys coffee and conversation by the fireplace. Please join us!
Sydney Sharpe
More EHYC Clubs! Knitting, Mahjong and Writing
Don't forget that in addition to the exciting and fun events at EHYC we also have some great member run clubs to provide opportunities to enjoy hobbies and interests with other club members! It's also a great way to meet new members and broaden your social circle.
Knitting Club: The knitting club, which meets biweekly in the club house for 2 two hours, provides great opportunities for knitting-pros and new-learners alike. Members meet to share the latest projects they are working on, get tips on techniques, provide assistance and support to new learners, and share the latest international and local news on the exciting world of knitting. Come out and try the knitting club - it's fun, relaxing and rewarding!
Mahjong Club: Originating around 1865 in the Shanghai region of China, Mahjong has become one of the world's most popular games, with clubs popping up in virtually every major center. The Mahjong club, which meets weekly in the club house for two hours, provides an opportunity to learn how to play this really fun and social game with congenial club members - come and check it out - you'll love it. Even the Economist has taken note : Young People all Over the World are Clicking with Mahjong (The Economist March 2026) - and you can get out ahead of your kids for once on a new trend:)!
Darwin Kiel, Social Director, Boston Whaler
Pub Night, select Thursday’s from 6:00PM - 8:30 PM.
A Spicy Little Valentine, February 12th.
We decided February was a good time to warm up at a pub night with a good curry. The Thursday before Valentines day was free, and what better way to spice things up! Kim expertly set the scene with hearts and pink lights and 40 members got together to have a tasty meal. There were two delicious homemade curries cooked with love by Ingrid. The menu was Dhania Chicken, a green cilantro chicken curry, and Aloo Gobi with Rice, Garlic Naan and Veggie samosas, served with a smile by Nicole and Sam, our wonderful junior helpers for the evening. Plates came back clean with several people going back for a second helping while it lasted. Tropical mango or pistachio popsicles cooled the mouths and sweetened us up after. A fun and tasty evening.
Ingrid Heaslip, Knot on Call
Retro Dance Party, February 27th.
“A little less conversation a little more action”. - Elvis Presley, 1968
On a cold Friday night in February, our EHYC Clubhouse was transformed into a Retro Dance Club complete with a leopard print sofa lounge, tequila shooters, disco lighting, and non-stop get-up-and-dance tracks from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Best of all was the sight and sounds of a dance floor that was hot and hopping with 60 or so members and guests, strutting their funky stuff in sequins, go-go-boots, wigs and bee-hives – marvellous! As always, it’s the people that make a party. Many thanks to all of you who contributed in different ways: setup (Ian), audio rental pick-up and return (Gary and Callum), all-round support (Denise and Sandi), decor help (Kim), bar setup/serving (Tom N, Gary, Callum, Keitha, Mike V). Thanks also to all who suggested tracks for the playlist (sorry if we didn’t get to them all!), and to all who kept the dance floor hopping for 2.5 hours! This is the first time we’ve held a Dance Party like this at the club. On-the-night feedback was wildly enthusiastic. ‘We should do this every Friday night!’ was one comment. While that is not going to happen, we hope to bring the EHYC Dance Club back to life next year. We’ll need till then to recover.
Elaine Grotefeld, Seute Derne
St. Patrick’s Pub Social, March 12th.
Our St. Patrick’s social event was a lively evening at the Club, beginning with a family treasure hunt for chocolate coins for members with young families. As the hunt wrapped up, the evening transitioned into a dinner social, with the clubhouse taking on the feel of a cheerful Irish pub.
Celtic music played throughout, strings of green lights sparkled around the room, and many members embraced the spirit of the evening by dressing in green, adding a bit of craic to the night.
Dinner centred around a “Jacket Potato with All the Fixings,” which proved to be a big hit. Members enjoyed creating their own combinations from a wide array of toppings. The spread included hearty chili (often enjoyed on the side!), baked beans, corn, prawns in a rosé sauce, pickled jalapeños, Kerrygold Dubliner cheddar, guacamole, bacon, and sour cream. Fresh salads and Irish soda bread from Healey’s Irish Bakery rounded out the meal. As one member joked, “When you say all the fixings, you really mean all the fixings!”
The evening ended on a sweet note with homemade Guinness chocolate cupcakes, decorated with rainbows and touches of gold — as delightful to look at as they were to eat.
A sincere thank you to the many volunteers who helped make the evening run so smoothly: Elaine and Christine at the door; members of the Bar Committee — Tom, Callum, and Gary — along with Mark and Tyrone behind the bar. Thank you as well to Ian and Nicole for their hard work throughout the evening.
This event was organized by the Social Committee — Tina, Kim, Aine, Jenny, and Denise. It was wonderful to see so many members come together to enjoy a night of great food, music, and community in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Denise Nosella, Social Committee, Andiamo
Ladies Spring Social, March 31st.
Since pictures share more than words, sharing here a few photos from our EHYC Ladies Spring Drinks. Behold our youngest attendee, Charlotte! Many thanks to our intrepid barmen, Gary and Callum; to Sandi and Denise for great help organizing; and to Kim for the fabulous cherry blossoms. Thank you as well to everyone who attended and contributed to the lively conversation and our lovely appetizer table. While summer is a busy time for us sailors, we’ll likely plan a summer sunset gathering on our beautiful deck for those who happen to be ashore that week! Details to follow soon.
Elaine Grotefeld, Seute Dern
Anniversary Dinner, April 11th.
On April 4 the Social Committee hosted Eagle Harbour Yacht Clubs 57th Anniversary Dinner. The theme centred around Philippe Segur who has been catering events at the club for the last 15 years. Patio string lights, spring flowers and thoughtful touches helped evoke the feeling of a French seaside bistro. Charcuterie, Profiteroles and Moules-Frites were highlights of the Chez Michel inspired buffet. The bar team brought in some specialty French wines for the event and crafted thematic cocktails that guests could enjoy while mingling before dinner. A very special addition to the evening was musician Joshua Minsky, who played acoustic guitar and sang French chansons throughout the night.
The Anniversary Dinner is a special club event for a variety of reasons: It coincides with the beginning of spring, signals a reconnection with boating life and is a chance for many to see familiar faces and greet old friends. Furthermore, it solidifies our respect for tradition, our fondness for our beautiful clubhouse and gratitude for being part of a wonderful community. Thanks to everyone that helped to create such a lovely evening: Philippe and his assistants, Ian and the Junior staff, the volunteer bar team and the tireless EHYC Social Committee.
Kim Southerst, Social Committee, Skipjack
Boat Safety Saturday, April 18th.
Success, Sun, and a Sinking Commodore!
What a fantastic day at the club! From the bustling docks to the activity on the water, Safety Day was one for the records. We had 12 SAR volunteers inspecting 19 vessels, and thanks to our members being prepared and ready, the whole operation ran like a well oiled machine.
A standout moment was Jennifer Blattler’s CPR/AED session. Jen did an amazing job walking us through the essentials, we’re all breathing a little easier knowing we’re better prepared to help someone in distress.
Of course, the real "courage" came from Commodore James Burnett, who played the role of guinea pig for our Man Overboard training. James, thank you for being such a good sport and for the very literal "deep dive" into safety!
We wrapped things up on the sunny patio with burgers and beers. A giant thank you to our grill masters Peter, Katy Maclellan, and Sean Whittall for feeding the masses and our generous SARs team. This year we even had a Kid Zone for the little ones led by Jenny Bunning, though we suspect Tyrone was enjoying the toy power boats a little too much. Thinking PWR Tyrone?
Events like this are a reminder of why this club is so special. Thank you to Nancy, Ian and Jenny for your tireless work in putting this all together.
Look forward to seeing everyone at Sailpast!
Sean Whittall, Staff Captain, Tribune
Sailpast, May 2nd.
What a Sailpast! ⚓️⛵️
This year’s Sailpast was one for the record books — and we mean that literally! We were thrilled to see over 40 boats take to the water, making this our biggest fleet turnout ever.
On land, the party was just as impressive. With a fully packed club house enjoying a Country Picnic reception. The food was wonderful, the music was fantastic, and the good vibes were contagious — exactly the kind of day that reminds us why we love this club so much.
None of this happens by magic, of course! A huge, heartfelt thank-you to our incredible staff, Social Committee, and volunteers who worked so hard to pull everything together. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this event truly special, and the whole club is grateful.
Here’s to an amazing season ahead — if Sailpast is any indication, we’re off to a great start!
Jenny Bunning, Social Comittee, Rock Bottom
EHYC Wildlife
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