Wilson Yacht Club

06/17/2026

An unseasonably strong low pressure system will cross the Great Lakes Thursday, and will likely produce strong wind gusts across Western NY, the Finger Lakes, and the eastern Lake Ontario region. Peak wind gusts may reach the 45 to 55 mph range, with some isolated wind damage and power outages possible.

06/14/2026

Saturday June 20. WYC Flag raising and Sail Past.

At 11:00 please join us on the Widows Watch for the hoisting of the flags followed by a champagne toast, the official opening of the club.

And then at 2:00 we will embark on our salute to the commodore with the parade of boats known as Sail Past.

Traditionally boats have been decorated with a variety of flags and burgees. If you don’t have a club burgee talk to Mike Huttner who can hook you up.

If the the flag raising was marked by formal pageantry, BOG in blue blazers, Sail Past has a more informal off-the-cuff, chaotic tone to it. Instructions are traditionally given at the last moment but basically it goes like this: All the boats will try and leave their slip at the same time and then line up single file at the west end of the harbor. (By comparison this makes herding cats look easy.) From there we will transit the harbor, still single file and go out into the lake and look for the commodores vessel. Conditions allowing sails will be hoisted and we will "sail past" the commodore and salute him by dipping a flag/burgee, blowing your horn or any variety of hand and/or convulsive full body gestures.

And that my friends is the start of another boating season. If the day is nice maybe stay out on the lake a while and let the Sail Past adrenaline bleed off or head back to the club and see if there is any Red Pop left.

06/14/2026

Friday, June 19 we are kicking off the WYC 2026 boating season!

Time once again for the annual Red Pop Party, Appetizer Open competition, Flag raising and Sail Past!!

Join us Friday, June 19th 5:30 at the clubhouse for the 2026 RED POP PARTY and Appetizer Open Competition. A casual mingle at one of the most beautiful spots in WNY.

Red Pop - A classic cocktail believed to date back to the 1800’s. Made with a bracing mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth and a dash of aromatic bitters served on the rocks or up, garnished with maraschino cherry and/or orange peel. AKA a "Manhattan". This libation is deeply rooted in the WYC’s history with our founding members said to have enjoyed a round or two. It is with a nod to those who came before us that we once a year revive this tradition and all are invited to come raise a glass. The event has for well over a decade been hosted by our own Nancy Lange and while she can not be with us this year we will be using her by-the-pitcher recipe. Members and guests are encouraged to partake but cautioned that these are potent adult beverages that should be enjoyed responsibly. As we have the flag raising ceremony Saturday morning staying the night on your boat might be an option.

Friday @5:30 is Also The Appetizer Open brought to you by me (dave) and the wife in my life, Jamie.

The premise is simple. Create an appetizer to share, each member/guest gets a vote, and the entry with the most votes at night's end wins both bragging rights and a pretty nice prize basket.

We’ve been doing this for 12? years now and I am continually amazed at the depth of culinary talent we have in our club. You do not however need to enter anything as we also need folks who will eat and evaluate. (yeah I know, tough duty)

For those new to the competition and trust it is a competition, some tips and hints:

Bacon - You just cant go wrong.

Presentation - You eat with your eyes first and this can make or break a dish. Bed of greens on a silver tray verses possum served head-on .

Healthy food - Made from fat free whole grain, keto friendly, gluten free, kale, bird seed, “it’s good for you” ingredients. Good luck to you.

This year we will not have a separate category for "wild game” (ie road kill) or Meow Mix. If people like it we are not asking questions.

06/11/2026

Sunday Series #2 - 6/14 @ 12:30 PM / Skippers at 11:30. Race text string has started, are you on it?

06/05/2026

Sunday, Sunday Sunday!!!
SS Race #1 @
12:30 PM
Skippers at 11:30 AM

05/12/2026