SEQUIM — It’s a floating tradition that dates back to the Sequim Bay Yacht Club’s founding in 1975 at John Wayne Marina: the boat parade that celebrates the opening day of boating season.
It takes place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday beginning at John Wayne Marina, 2577 West Sequim Bay Road.
“This is our signature annual event that starts off the boating season for Sequim,” said yacht club Rear Commodore Johan Van Nimwegen.
“There will be 30 to 40 boats, depending on weather. We hope it’s a sunny day.”
The club has about 150 members, and the parade is open to all boaters with “anything that floats,” Van Nimwegen said.
“We will maneuver hopefully in a straight line in unison.”
The parade cruises near the southern shores of Sequim Bay from the marina to the Blyn waters near the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe’s village and 7 Cedars Casino.
It starts with a flag dedication ceremony at the marina, where the U.S., state and yacht club’s flags will be hoisted.
Joining in the event will be the Sequim Irrigation Festival’s royal court: Queen Abigail Berry and Princesses Amanda Dronenburg, Arianna Flores and Natalie Stevenson.
For more information, phone Van Nimwegen at 360-683-8912.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2390 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
