Founded in 1978, the mission of the Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon (SYSCO)
is to provide Columbia River sailors the opportunity for racing, cruising, and
recreating at modest cost. SYSCO is
Oregon's largest sailboat racing and cruising club. Its membership is comprised
of a number of level, one-design, and handicapped fleets, of many different
types of boats.
The "small" in "Small Yacht Sailing Club" represents the minimal
cost to join and enjoy club benefits; self-righting monohulls or trimarans of
any size are welcome. Membership dues are only $160 per year and fund a full
year of racing, cruises, educational events, and monthly newsletters. SYSCO
has no initiation fees, and members pay no entry fees for club-sponsored
races.
SYSCO-sponsored races consist of level, one-design, cruising class, and
handicapped competition in three weeknight series in the spring and summer
(each five or six weeks long), plus several weekend regattas. While the club takes
buoy racing seriously, SYSCO is also known for fun and innovative races including
the Dual Bridge Duel, the famous race/cruise rally to St. Helens, the
Short-Handed Soaker, and the Crew Overboard Challenge.
SYSCO is not just about racing; the club is equally focused on engaging the
sailing community. The club's cruising events include a week-long trip to the Columbia River delta in
late July and casual weekend excursions throughout the summer and fall. Social
and educational events include Fleet Night in February and the Race Clinic in
April.