The Order of the Olympia Shoal

Budd Inlet is blessed with a variety of shallow spots, mud flats, spoil banks, and shoals. Most infamous of these is the Olympia Shoal, located west of the No. 4 mark and well known to SSSS racers. The Order of the Olympia Shoal recognizes those intrepid sailors who have located this feature without, or despite of, navigational aids and local knowledge.

Recipients of this special award are recognized at the earliest possible time by the previous recipient, and presented the award at a General Meeting. Recipients of this award are to proudly fly the Order of the Olympia Shoal burgee until such time it can be awarded to another SSSS sailor.

The award is accompanied with a heartfelt rendition of the following proclamation, such as exhibited by Mark Johnson upon bequeathing the award to Dave Brown, tri-corner hat not required.

Deed of Gift

Let it be hereby known to those gathered here that the recipient of this prestigious award has earned said distinction because of the following actions:

• Did in full view of others and in broad daylight proceed to maneuver a sailing vessel onto the Olympia Shoal...
• Did discover the multiple wonders to be found under the waves otherwise known as the bottom...
• Did learn to enjoy the leisure imposed upon one so marooned...
• Did quickly and thoroughly scan the horizon to see if any attention had been drawn while simultaneously searching for the scrub brush to set up the charade of intentional grounding for a bottom cleaning...
• Did endure significant verbal abuse, and...
• Did take the opportunity to study the chart of the waters of Budd Inlet with enlightenment.

The individual so decorated by the Order of the Olympia Shoal is required to fly these colors at any gathering of OYC vessels be they sail, power or other for the duration of the possession.

Be it further known to those assembled that the individual in possession of this coveted award has the responsibility to identify the next recipient and make the appropriate announcement on the occasion of presentation at a regular meeting of the Olympia Yacht Club.

Toni Weaver received it in September 1988 and passed it on in December 1988
Bill McLean in 1991
Gary Pedigo in 1993
Joe Duby in 1994
George Hansen in 1995
Tom Fell
David Brown, 1997 Jack & Jill Race
Richard Bigley, 1998 Spring Series
Chris Burton, 1998 Fall Series,
Ian Christopher, 1999 Spring Series Race 3
Mark Elliott, 1999 Spring Series Race 3
Stephan Wade, 2001 Spring Series Race 1
Mark Swartout, 2001 Spring Series Race 1
Glen Hellman and Larry Kutz, 2001 Spring Series Race 1
Lyn Lyman, 2002 Jack & Jill Races
Andy Saller, 2004 Spring Regatta
John DeMeyer, 2004 Spring Regatta
Roger Edwards, 2004 Wednesday Night Racing
Rod Tharp, 2005 Spring Regatta
Bill Hutchinson, 2005 Spring Regatta
Jim Lengenfelder, 2005 Spring Regatta
Clark McPherson, 2008 Fall Series
Drew Phillips, 2008 Fall Series