Whether you’ve had years at the helm, are just learning port from starboard or are a confirmed landlubber, there’s a place for you in Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s cruising, rowing and sailing programs, and you can learn more about them on Sunday, May 5.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. at John Wayne Marina, weather permitting, club members will offer free rides in a Flying Scot sailing dinghy (all ages), power boat rides in Sequim Bay (all ages) and Learn-to-Row sessions in the club’s quad shells (18 and older). Other festivities for the yacht club’s opening day of boating season include an open house in the Sequim Bay Yacht Club clubroom from 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. and a boat parade at 3 p.m.

The Sequim Bay Yacht Club was established in 1976 and has for more than 40 years organized boating programs that today include daily rowing work-outs and Learn-to-Sail programs as well as sailing and crew races, cruises and educational events. Boat ownership is not a requirement for membership and many skippers welcome volunteers as crew. The club’s educational monthly programs are open to the public at no charge.

The club’s newest program, adult rowing, began in 2016. Sessions are about 90 minutes long, including launching boats, a row of about 8,000 meters and returning boats to the dock. Rowers share responsibilities as coxswain and chase boat operator.

The club’s sailboat races offer challenges for both hard-core and recreational competitors. Weekly Duck Dodge sailboat races are hosted April-September on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. On Mondays, Pacific Handicap Racing Fleet Captain Alan Clark matches up experienced sailors and those who have completed the Learn-to-Sail program with boats needing crews. Throughout the year, club members also race on alternate Saturdays. May through August, the club sponsors monthly regattas for PHRF and one-design sailboats.

The yacht club’s most significant community event is the Sept. 28 Reach & Row for Hospice Regatta, which in 2018 raised more than $31,000 for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, bringing the club’s total contribution to VHOCC to more than $335,000. Rowing and paddling races will be added to the event this year, which will be Sunday, Sept. 29.

For more information about the yacht club’s May 5 open house and opening day events or its programs, check the club Facebook page, or its website at sequimbay yachtclub.org.