Saturday marks the opening day of the 2018 boating season in Port Townsend and Sequim.
Yacht and sailing clubs in the two towns plan to mark the occasion with open house activities and boating.
Port Townsend
The public is invited to view the opening day parade, sponsored by the Port Townsend Yacht Club, from the Northwest Maritime Center pier, Pope Marine Park or other convenient locations along Water Street.
The parade will begin with the smaller craft at 12:15 p.m., followed by the larger boats at about 12:30 p.m., after the departure of the state ferry for Coupeville.
The parade is open to all boaters — sailing, motoring, rowing and paddling — to participate in the Opening Day festivities, said Bill Baratuci, fleet captain for the yacht club.
Marilynne Gates and Charlene Quandt, members of the Port Townsend Yacht Club, will address spectators from the viewing stand on the maritime center pier, describing the boats and participants as they pass.
Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson and Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Sam Gibboney will welcome the community to the annual event.
The Rev. Tony Brown of Trinity United Methodist Church will conduct the traditional blessing of the fleet.
The Lady Washington, which is docked at the Northwest Maritime Center through Monday, will be open on Saturday for vessel tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., an Adventure Sail from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and an Evening Sail from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Original plans were that the tall ship would lead the yacht club parade, but those plans have changed.
The Lady Washington will be closed Monday but available this weekend.
Stationary dockside vessel tours are provided with a $5 suggested donation, paid at the ship.
Ticketed Adventure Sail and Evening Sail events cost between $42 and $49.
For additional information regarding the waterfront parade and the Port Townsend Yacht Club, visit http://ptyc.net/events/ opening-day or email Bill Baratuci at fleet@ptyc.net.
Visit HistoricalSeaport.org for more details.
Sequim
The public is invited to learn more about Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s cruising, rowing, and sailing programs starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the John Wayne Marina, 2577 W. Sequim Bay Road.
Club members will offer free rides in a Flying Scot sailing dinghy (all ages) and Learn-to-Row sessions in the club’s quad shells (18 and older).
Other festivities for the yacht club’s third annual opening day of boating season include a flag ceremony at 2 p.m. followed by a boat parade.
The Sequim Bay Yacht Club has for more than 40 years organized boating programs that now include daily rowing workouts and learn-to- sail programs as well as sailing and crew races, cruises and educational events.
Boat ownership is not a requirement for membership, and many skippers welcome volunteers as crew.
The club’s educational monthly programs are open to the public at no charge.
For more information about the open house or the club’s programs, visit sequimbayyachtclub.org.
