PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend boating season is book-ended by two events, September’s renowned Wooden Boat Festival and this weekend’s less formal but no less passionate opening day.
“This is a community event,” said Port Townsend Yacht Club Commodore Fred Bell. “We want everyone to come down and celebrate the beginning of boating season.”
The yacht club at 2503 Washington St. is sponsoring the event, but most of the activities will be in and around the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.
Between those two points will be hundreds of boats, with owners participating in organized activities or just enjoying a day out on the water.
‘Magical place’
Port Townsend Yacht Club member Charlene Quandt called Port Townsend “a magical place” with regard to maritime recreation, where boaters of all skill levels feel welcome.
“There are big boats and little boats and everything in between,” she said. “There are lots of educational opportunities at the Northwest Maritime Center and in the schools.”
The day begins at 9 a.m. with a breakfast at the yacht club that is open to the public.
At 10:30 a.m., there will be a flag-rasing ceremony, also at the club.
At noon, the Northwest Maritime Center will unveil “Three Otters,” a bronze sculpture by Whidbey Island sculptor Georgia Gerber that will become a permanent part of the Port Townsend waterfront profile.
Parade of Boats
Saturday’s main event is the Parade of Boats, which will depart from the Boat Haven after the 12:45 p.m. sailing of the MV Chetzemoka and will circle the area around the maritime center.
The parade is open to anyone who has a boat. Those interested in participating are asked to check in with Jim Quandt at 360-440-2785.
Bell said the required check-in “is about safety and not control.”
Weather also is a factor. Organizers plan to study the latest forecasts, and safe conditions aren’t a sure thing, so Quandt will post a voice message on his phone at 4 p.m. today as to whether the parade will go ahead as scheduled.
During the parade, Northwest Maritime Center program director Rob Sanderson will man the public address system to describe the various boating groups as they pass by the pier.
Pastor Wendall Ankeny will conduct a blessing of the fleet, and maritime music will include hymns by the local Trinity Methodist Choir and sea shanties and maritime music by Whidbey Island’s Shifty Sailors.
Following the parade, boaters are invited to Mystery Bay Park on the west side of Marrowstone Island for a potluck meal. The area is accessible by either car or boat.
If bad weather prevails, the event will take place at the Yacht Club.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
