New yacht club springs up in La Conner

For the last 40 years or so, local boating enthusiasts enjoyed a choice of two yacht clubs — the Swinomish Yacht Club, which traces its roots to 1939 but was officially chartered in 1972, and the Shelter Bay Yacht Club, formed in 1977.

Now the La Conner Yacht Club, which is organizing this month, intends to offer a third choice for boater camaraderie.

La Conner Yacht Club organizers Willard Cox and Babette Gundersen recently sent a letter to local business owners stating that their goal is to promote boating activities help draw more yachting enthusiasts to town.

Gundersen’s husband Ken said the new group will plan frequent and fun cruises. Also, some eateries have already agreed to extend discounts for the new club’s members.

A kick-off ice cream social is planned upstairs at La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House from 2 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, June 26.