A Short History.... Three Tree Point YC was founded by several avid boating fans who lived on (or near) Three Tree Point, west of Burien WA, on Puget Sound. They organized early in 1969, and formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization on May 20, 1969. The club has thrived since, with an average annual active membership exceeding 100 members. With a strong commitment to the belief that activities should be on the water and that existing shore facilities can provide an adequate operations base, the club's "home-base" is Anthony's Home-Port Restaurant in Des Moines, WA, where a handsome trophy case is located in the main upstairs lobby, containing the Club's many outstanding perpetual trophies for various events. A club bulletin board is located in front of the restaurant on which notices and race results are posted. This board is also the official posting for Race Instruction changes, and should be checked prior to club races.

Goals and Club Focus.... The club endeavors to maintain an active sailboat racing schedule, and supports all national and regional sailing and race handicapping associations via PIYA, USSA, and PHRF-NW. In the past, the club has sponsored IOR and MHS rating systems as well, and will sponsor alternative handicap and one-design classes in club races upon petition and entry of boats wanting to sail under that rule. The club also supports Performance Class (local handicap) racing, in an effort to get newer members into sailboat racing. Most events and races originate from the Des Moines Marina area.
The club actively promotes cruising to various Puget Sound locations and maintains reciprocal moorage privileges with a number of other area Yacht Clubs. Club reciprocal moorage is in the Des Moines marina, associated with the Marina's transient moorage facility. Many of the club's members sail out of Des Moines as well as other South Central Puget Sound marinas, including several in the Tacoma/Gig Harbor area. TTPYC has an active social program, including general membership meetings, cruises and races throughout the year. See the club calendar for all events. We are a volunteer organization and rely on the support of our members, come join us for fun on the water!

The cruising year typically starts with TTPYC members enjoying annual Crab Feed Potluck at Blake Island in March. This event, along with Minto Mingle in June and Sleep-n-Creep in September are Club signature cruises and have been fixed on our cruise calendar for years. The Minto Mingle involves racing Mintos in Quartermaster Harbor, and at the Sleep-n-Creep the men prepare a pancake breakfast for all.

Racing -TTPYC conducts an active sailboat race program and members participate in all major areas races. The Club is a member of the United States Sailing Association, the U.S. National Sailing Authority and PHRF-NW, the local performance handicapping association. There is plenty of racing opportunity at all levels of experience, for both skipper and crew, on local races and in larger area racing on the Puget Sound and British Columbia. The major local race is the Duwamish Head Race, part of a four race series conducted by Southern Sound Yacht Clubs. There is also a three-race Windjammer Series. Single-handed and couples races, five "around the can" series from early Spring to late Fall are available to participate in. The Spring Regatta, is an April event. The Mid-Sound Summer Social is sponsored by Three Tree Point Yacht Club and the Des Moines Marina.

Entry at any level of experience is invited, and friendly competition is fostered to encourage all to participate, from novice to "Old Salt"!

Click for a copy of our 2010 Event Calendar

5th Annual MidSound Summer Social- come join the festivities- watch the races off the pier, Des Moines, WA or mingle with the crew after the races on the fuel dock and learn more about our club. Besides having fun on and off the water, we are using this as a fundraiser for Hospitality House and the Des Moines Food Bank.

Our Schedule for 2010

July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 Aug. 5 Aug. 12 Major Sponsor Dave's Dive Service North Sails Cox Financial Doyle Sails Ullman Sails & Burien City Garage B & E Meats Host Name Janet & Steve Sisson Pat & Rosemary Stewart Pat & Sue Waters Tom & Kersten Hubbard David & Debra Garman Des Moines Marina Crew Boat Name Hobbes Cherokee Liberte' Tiberon Giant Slayer Harbor 1 Theme Red/White/Blue Boat Flags Night Bell & Whistles Inflatable Pool Toys Jib & Main Racing Poker Night   Dock Theme Happy Birthday USA Regatta Wear 70's Music Favorite Sailmaker's Shirt Wear your inflatable pool toy Hawaiian Shirt Tropical Crazy Hat Cigar Night Community & Publicity Kids Night Bring the Children Bring Co-worker, neighbor, new sailor night   Invite Police and Firefighters Night Power Squadron Night Invite a dignitary to sail night Caterer Emerald Cove Catering Captain Jack Christianson Carla Boutwell Emerald Cove Catering Fried Chicken Des Moines Marina Staff Contest Best color coordinated dressed crew Most flags flying off the boat Who can make the most noise going past the finish line Most Creative pool toy worn at dinner Best Poker Hand   Sponsors for our 5th Annual Mid Sound Summer Social
	follow Ullman Sails on Facebook or email Ullman Sails here
Thank you to these businesses for donating prizes for our4th Annual Mid Sound Summer Social
		Ballard Sails & Yacht Repair
	West Marine of Fife

Racing Instructions

5th Annual Mid-Sound Sailing Social
Des Moines Marina, Thursday, July 8th, 15th, 22th, 29tht, August 5th, & 12th
One Saturday, July 18th as part of Des Moines 50th Birthday Celebration

Sailing Instructions: There will be two starts

The first start will be the Racing Class and this class will race under the Racing Rules of US Sailing, version 2005-2008. Any amendments to these rules are noted below.

The second start will be the Relaxed Class. This class will race under the rule that you are on the course to have fun and enjoy the evening. All communication between boats should be positive and friendly. This class will race under the Relaxed Rules stated below.

Relaxed Rules of Sailing

1. The primary rule is that we are on the water to have a fun evening of sailing.
2. Contact with another vessel will be avoided at all times.
3. On opposite tacks or gybes, the boat on starboard tack shall have right of way.
4. Slower boats shall allow faster boats to pass either to windward or to leeward. No luffing.
5. Allow the inside boat room when rounding a mark.
   

Entry

Everyone is welcome. You may enter by filling out the form below. This would help the event committee know how many people to expect for food and refreshment. There will also be a form posted at the Three Tree Point Yacht Club bulletin board in front of Anthony’s. Late entries may contact the Mid-Sound Social Race Committee by VHF Channel 72 on the day of the event just prior to the start.

Classes

The Racing Class will be made up of those who have racing experience. These participants will probably start more aggressively. The Relaxed Class is recommended for all others.

Course

The course will use the existing Three Tree Point permanent buoys north, south and in front of the Des Moines Marina. See the enclose map. The course will start in a southerly direction with a south wind and in a northerly direction for a north wind. The course will be the same each week but started in the direction of the wind. For a northerly start the marks will be rounded to port. A southerly course the marks will be rounded to starboard. The Race committee will display Green placard for a southerly start and a Red placard for a northerly start.

Start/Finish Line

The start and finish will be off the fishing pier between the green entrance buoy and a temporary orange inflatable mark set to the west of the entrance buoy.

Starting System

The starting system will be a Sound Signal Starting System. The staring sequence will start at 6:50 pm. The first start will be 7:00 pm.

Signal                           Sound                          Time before start
Warning                        1 Long                         10 minutes
Preparatory                   1 Long                         5 minutes
Racing Class               1 Long                         Class Start,
Relaxed                          1 Long                         5 minutes until next start.
Time Limit

The time limit for the race is one hour and thirty minutes from each start. To qualify for the prize drawing each boat must complete the course. If a boat feels that they can not finish by sailing then they may turn on their engine and motor around the course to complete the course.

Light or No Wind
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No race will be cancelled unless there is a strong storm passing. If there is no wind, use your engine to complete the course.

Series Race Schedule for 2010
Double-Handed Race July 17 Registration
Fall Series September 9, 11, 25 Registration
Commodore's Trophy October 3 Registration
Winter Series October 23 November 20 Registration
Southern Sound Series January 9, February 13, March 20, December 4