Olympia Yacht Club in the Community and on the Water

olympia yacht club
Youth and adult sailing classes are taught at Olympia Yacht Club. Safety on the water is a paramount skill.
0 Shares

 

olympia yacht club
Olympia Yacht Club’s role in the rekindled Gingerbread House display is an example of the group’s community involvement. The event raised money for SideWalk, a local non-profit advocating for the homeless.

A recent stroll through the Washington Center’s Gingerbread Village led me to a lighthouse. Upon a closer look, I realized this was a replica of the Olympia Yacht Club’s (OYC) lighthouse. While I was thoroughly impressed by the fancifully decorated holiday treasure, what truly intrigued me was learning about the community focus of OYC. I had always associated the OYC with their legendary Lighted Ship Parade, not realizing this expedition was undertaken as an endeavor for community enjoyment. It was almost as if the door to the gingerbread lighthouse opened and provided a full view into the windows of the Olympia Yacht Club.

It is true that this time of year the OYC takes an active role in spreading holiday spirit, but they also loyally give back to the community every season. OYC Commodore Myra Downing shares, “Sometimes the name ‘Yacht Club’ carries all kinds of connotations. But really we are working people who enjoy sailing and boating. We are people who care about teaching others about water safety, being a good community partner, and sharing our love of being out on the water.”

Downing reveals that the Special People’s Cruise is one of her favorite OYC community partner events. Every December, OYC and Thurston County sponsor a Seafair tradition which includes over 130 special people and their guests on a voyage around West Bay. Approximately 30-35 OYC boats and three times the number of volunteers help to make this day happen by escorting participants on the docks, captaining boats, hosting a party and coordinating radio calls and pictures with Santa. “It is one of the most moving events we do, to see that much joy.” exclaims Downing.

lighted ships parade
The annual Lighted Ships Parade is a fan favorite in Olympia.

Taking people on cruises is a unique service the OYC believes they can offer the community. While Olympia is located on the waters of the South Puget Sound with stunning views and nearby islands, not everyone has the opportunity to experience the beauty on the water. The OYC has both the expertise to navigate our local waters safely as well as the vessels to do so. Each spring, OYC hosts the Lakefair court and their families on an island cruise.  This event happens after the Opening Day of Boating festivities which include the introduction of Lakefair Princesses and welcoming of the OYC Commodore. Downing comments, “The poise and intelligence of these young women is really incredible.”

Ensuring safety and fun in boating for all ages is a primary focus of the OYC. The members sponsor a Youth Sailing Program, offer Adult Sailing Classes, provide Performance Race Coaching & Clinics and support the High School Sailing Team.  While school is out for summer, OYC assists in summer youth sailing camps for children ages 5 – 18. Not to be left out are programs for beginner adults throughout the year, while high school students can turn out for the Olympia High School Sailing Team in the Fall and Spring.

Safety on the water and honoring those who keep our country and citizens safe is paramount to the OYC. In partnership with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, the OYC hosts the annual Foofaraw.  This event draws over two hundred active duty military men and women at Island Home, a private island owned by the OYC. The day is spent honoring and celebrating with games and a traditional salmon barbecue.

olympia yacht club
Youth and adult sailing classes are taught at Olympia Yacht Club. Safety on the water is a paramount skill.

OYC-sponsored events and programs are an effort to bring our community together through the love of boating. For example, the seemingly simple gesture of a lighted boat sailing along the water actually includes over 10,000 lights strung across ships every year.

She explains, “We view it as something we want to do for Olympia. It is not for the club. All members are encouraged to participate knowing that many people plan their holiday parties around this event as well as those who line up to watch at the Port Plaza or view from the local restaurants. We want to be a part of the community’s festivities.”

The 2015 OYC Lighted Ships Parade is set for Saturday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m.

To learn more about the Olympia Yacht Club click here or call 360-357-6767.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares