Matia Island Cleanup Cruise
Host: Greg Hartgraves
Dates: May 8-10, 2026
On Friday (May 8), a fleet of 10 CYC Bellingham boats had a “sporty” sail to Rolfe Cove on Matia Island for the annual work party. A 15+ kt wind out of the SE, made for a fun reach across Rosario Strait to Matia. Nine boats rafted on the dock and one (Jim and Kelly) anchored in the SE bay. The new CYC canopies were set up on the dock, and a delicious spread of appetizers were shared amongst the attendees in the evening.
On Saturday morning Ranger Steve arrived with tools for the work party. Sadly, this is likely the last summer Ranger Steve will be with us. He plans to retire later this year. We were updated on the projects that the San Juans Island marine parks have in the works.
After some “organization”, the 28 assembled CYC members cleared trails and camping areas, turned over the outhouse compost bins and removed invasive ivy. With such a large and “young” group of volunteers the work went quickly and was wrapped up by lunchtime.
This year’s “puzzle hunt” theme was “Stranger Matia Things” based on the similarly titled Netflix series. Two teams of ~12 each participated, and the first team has bragging rights after solving the puzzles in 51 minutes vs. the second team at 60 minutes. After successfully completing the puzzles, the players received a deck of CYC Bellingham playing cards.
Saturday evening was a potluck on the dock. Laurent provided 5 dozen delicious fresh oysters. A large selection of fabulous entrees was spread out for all to enjoy. Auresa and Devlin pulled out quite a selection of wines for all to taste. Then Pam brought out a wonderful chocolate cake to celebrate Jessica Lewallen’s birthday. The evening continued with a drone photo shoot by Jim Larrison.
After a fitful sleep, Laurent prepared sour dough pancakes and Helen prepared eggs for those who wished to have breakfast on the dock. By noon all the boats had departed (except the Greens who spent another night) and we had a great sail in 10-15+ kts of wind out of the SE. Amanda, Laurent and I were treated to a large pod of orcas coming down the strait as we made our way across Rosario.
Participants Sailboat
Helen and Dan Green Sensation
Pam Spencer, Kathy Sheehan, Telos
Ayumi Takabe, Rex Williams, Lesli Beasley
Sabrina Hendrick and Todd Allen Snowater
Andy Mosley, Jessica Lewallen, Auresa Nyctea, Sisu
Devlin Sweeney, Casey McGinnis, Nate Parker
Jeff Packer Narwahl
Greg Hartgraves, Amanda Eurich, Blue Skies
Laurent Martel
Karen Heckert, Deb Bryant, Ken Russell Runaway
Sarah McHugh and Joie Cosby Northern Sky
Rene Olson and Kevin Hartig Kilgharrah
Kelly Eret and Jim Larrison Azulita