A new chapter of stewardship is ahead for this beloved winter series—and its legacy remains, as do the already published race dates for the 2025-2026 season.

Sloop Tavern Yacht Club (STYC) and Shilshole Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) are pleased to announce that the helm of the Snowbird Race Series has been handed over to STYC after four decades of SBYC’s dutiful leadership in this storied winter series. It’s a bittersweet transition for the SBYC membership, closing a long and special era of Snowbird as an important function of their club and community. The number of SBYC members who have volunteered their time and enjoyed great memories, stronger friendships and skills alike, and triumphs on the race course is far too long to name. But SBYC, STYC, and all local racers should raise a glass of gratitude to Jerry Hillis, who acted as the committee boat for the Snowbird Series for a remarkable 25 years!

Snowbird is a race series that tests a sailor’s skills and resolve in conditions that are frequently challenging but always rewarding. They are races that temper and harden a sailor during the unpredictable, frequently frigid, winter season—all of which also makes it that much sweeter to warm up with your sailing pals over a cold one or hot cocoa afterward.

Over the years, STYC and SBYC have forged a bond through shared values, overlapping membership, and collaborative events. STYC will maintain the SARC published dates for the 2025/2026 season set by SBYC—with Snowbird #1 taking place November 15—and would like to welcome SBYC members aboard the committee boat to help celebrate the passing of the torch. If you’re interested in volunteering on the committee boat and being part of this tradition, please contact: » volunteer@styc.org or » vice-commodore@styc.org.

Even as the organizing entity changes, the value and draw of Snowbird endures. Keep an eye out for registration to open at styc.org in the coming weeks. And then keep the winter blues at bay by heading out once a month for the Snowbird Series!