Ah… Summertime!

Man, it’s been a strange year, but the boating continues. With the pandemic and lockdown, the lock closures, the occasional flood, and heat waves, we’ve been through a lot.

SRYC members soldier on! There have been plenty of great boating days, and plenty more to come. The bar was able to reopen in late June, and we’ve welcomed quite a few new members to our extended family.

Many members have stepped up to help keep the grounds, harbor, and clubhouse in tip-top shape, and to make SRYC a family-friendly, welcoming place. The river views are beautiful, the beer is cold, and we have room for a few more members!

Learn more about becoming a member.

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Check out our harbor.

SRYC is the prettiest spot on the river, at a fraction of the cost of commercial marinas. Like being on vacation every time you visit!

May Brings High Water … Again

When northern Illinois received nearly 8 inches of rain in four days, guess where all the water went? The Illinois river crested on Tuesday, May 19, within a foot of the all-time high water mark, as recorded on the Ottawa gauge. The river rose swiftly, to about 13 feet above its normal level.

Gas pump was moved to higher ground for safe keeping.

Aerial footage of Rt. 178, looking south toward Utica. Dee Bennett Road is completely submerged.
Road to the point. 5/20/2020.
Parking lot. Wednesday morning. 5/20/2020.
B Dock
Launch ramp area.

Photos: Todd Conroy, Bill Parrott

Spring Launch 2020

Saturday, May 9

This year’s spring launch was different. While in the past we have welcomed and appreciated everyone’s help on launch day, this year we kept the work crew as small as possible. Thank you for NOT helping and staying well away from the work area if you didn’t  have a specific assignment.

Members followed the Governor’s orders with regard to distancing and wearing masks.

Here are a few pics from another successful launch day.