PORT TOWNSEND — The summer sailing season gets an early shot in the arm this weekend with a celebration of the city’s waterfront.
Highlighting the activities is the Saturday opening of the Northwest Maritime Center educational dock near Water and Monroe streets.
Amid music, boat tours, a silent auction and more maritime fun, youth will set sail in traditional wooden longboats and gigs in a regatta on the bay.
Some 15 crews of teenagers ages 14-18 will compete in the annual International Pacific Challenge.
Most of the activities will center around the Maritime Center pier.
The 290-foot, $1.5 million pier is the first major milestone toward completion of the $10.5 million educational facility on the former Thomas Oil property.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the pier begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday with special guest Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton, on hand as keynote speaker.
Boats and crews for the youth regatta will begin arriving at 3 p.m. today.
The 12-year-old International Pacific Challenge began in Port Townsend in 1992.
Since then, it has traveled around the Pacific Northwest bringing more sailing crews each year.
The event is co-sponsored by the Wooden Boat Foundation and the Northwest Maritime Center.
