Submitted by the Friday Harbor Sailing Club.

Thanks to all who participated in the fund drive to purchase a bench to honor our great friends, Arne and John Bentzen, who have recently passed away. The bench has been purchased and installed at Shipyard Cove Marina.

The Friday Harbor Sailing Club will gather to remember these two men for all they have accomplished and contributed to the sailing community, indeed to the entire maritime community. We extend this invitation to all community members.

Please join us at Shipyard Cove Marina on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Our celebration of their lives and the dedication of this small token of our appreciation will begin at 1 p.m. and be followed by a potluck lunch in the marine office area.

Annual Salute to the Compass

This dedication celebration will follow the Club’s annual gathering to “Salute the Compass.” If you wish, join us earlier in the day to gather in the same location at 11 a.m. to head out on the water and salute the compass. It is a celebration of the new cruising and racing year. Saluting the Compass is part of the annual opening ceremony and honors the vital role the compass plays in maritime navigation. When the sun reaches its zenith, participants will point their boats north, raise their glasses in a silent toast to the compass and acknowledge its unwavering guidance. You are invited to come share the solemnity and significance of this age-old ritual.

For more information or to join our Friday Harbor Sailing Club, visit www.FridayHarborSailing.com.