From the Commodore’s Corner: Halfway Through and Gaining Momentum

It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the halfway point of our sailing season at Stockton Lake. Time has flown by, and if you’re anything like me, this year has been a bit of a whirlwind. Between work, family, and everything else life throws our way, I haven’t been at the lake as much as I’d hoped. But that’s the beauty of sailing and this club—it’s always here for us when we’re ready to recharge and reconnect. As we move into the second half of the season, I’m setting my sights on spending more time on the water and with all of you. I hope to see more familiar faces around the docks and out on the lake.

One event that’s really stood out this year has been the return of our Dock Crawls. We kicked things off on F Dock, and I have to say, they brought their A-game. Their theme was International, and they went all out—representing 10 different countries with food and drink from around the world. It was like a global tasting tour right here on Stockton Lake. From German bratwurst and Italian Meatballs and Bahamas Cream Punch, every stop had something unique to enjoy. F Dock set the bar high, and they’ve made it clear they’re serious contenders for this year’s Dock Crawl Trophy.

These Dock Crawls have quickly become my favorite LSYC tradition. They’re not just about fun—they're about building the kind of community that makes our club so special. It’s such a great way to get to know the people who share our love for the lake. Whether you’ve been part of the club for years or you’re just getting settled in, these gatherings offer a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone is invited to join the fun.

The next Dock Crawl is this Saturday, July 26th, on G Dock, and I want to personally invite every one of you to come out. Bring a drink, bring a friend, and bring your best stories — it’s going to be another memorable night, and we want to see everyone there!

We’ve also made great progress on our Cruise Race Series. So far, we’ve completed three out of the six races, and I have to say, two of those days gave us exactly the kind of wind sailors dream about. It’s been so much fun seeing boats of all kinds out there, whether they’re racing in the Performance Fleet or the Standard Cruise Fleet. One of the things I love most about this series is how accessible it is. You don’t have to be a seasoned racer to get involved—just a love for sailing and a willingness to try something new.

If you’ve been on the fence about joining a race, now is the perfect time to jump in. We’ve got three more to go: July 26th (right before the Dock Crawl!), August 9th, and August 16th. Even if you’re new to racing, I promise it’s worth giving it a try. Sailing a course with a start and finish line challenges you in ways that make you a better sailor overall. It adds a whole new dimension to our lake experience and gives us a chance to cheer each other on in friendly competition.

As we head into the second half of the season, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of what makes LSYC so special — our community, our shared passion for sailing, and the chance to spend meaningful time on the water. Whether you're racing, cruising, socializing, or just relaxing at the dock, I hope the rest of your season is filled with wind in your sails and good company by your side.

See you out there,

Mark Ham

Commodore, Lake Stockton Yacht Club