PORT TOWNSEND — This year’s Port Townsend Orca Festival lands on the same day as the Rat Island Regatta, a longtime tradition that invites any human-powered watercraft to race from Fort Worden around Rat Island and back.
The regatta offers both a short and a long course at 2.9 miles and 7.8 miles.
The long course starts from the pier at the kitchen shelter in Fort Worden State Park, proceeds southeast near Point Hudson, across Port Townsend Bay, around Rat Island and back.
The short course starts at Point Hudson and follows the rest of the long course, according to the regatta’s website.
It is open to all human-powered craft — rowing shells (fixed and sliding seat), kayaks/surf skis, canoes (including outrigger and native dugout), dragon boats, pedal boats and paddleboards.
A 9 a.m. start for slower craft on the long course is slated for 9 a.m. A 10 a.m. mass start for all others will take place at 10 a.m. A pre-race meeting will take place 45 minutes both starts.
Many friends, families and festival-goers gather to watch the view from the Marine Science Center or the Fort Worden beach.
Fort Worden requires each vehicle parking at the launch site to have either a $10 daily or an annual $30 Discover Pass. These can be purchased at the Park Office, at the Commons Building, at a kiosk near the kitchen shelter parking area or online at www.discoverpass.wa.gov/.
Day-of-race registration is $15 per person for members of Sound Rowers. Non-members are $20 per person.
Ribbons awarded for first, second and third place finishes by category.
After the race, there will be a potluck meal. Fish will be provided for the barbecue and race participants are encouraged to bring a side dish to share, according to the website.
Visit soundrowers.org for more information about the race.
