PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend boating season ends spectacularly in September by drawing 35,000 people into town, while the Shipwrights’ Regatta this weekend begins the year with a more personal touch.
“This is a fun race,” said Barb Trailer, who also runs the Wooden Boat Festival.
“It’s a way to start the season and get a break from the winter.”
The race will take place at noon Saturday in Port Townsend Bay beginning at the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St., and requires a $25 entry fee.
The Port Townsend Sailing Association, the Northwest Maritime Center and the Wooden Boat Foundation are sponsoring the 25th annual race.
There is some uncertainty right up to race time, most having to do with weather.
A clear day will draw a lot more people than a windy and rainy one. The weather, Trailer said, determines the race’s route, so it is plotted immediately before starting.
Emphasizing the event’s casual nature, the prizes include a series of irreverent honors.
The following three awards were built by Pete Langley of Port Townsend:
■ The Peg Leg, constructed out of the main boom of a friendship schooner, is awarded to the first-place winner.
■ The Hook, built from the handle of a bilge pump, is given to the last boat to finish.
■ The Van Hope Award is awarded to the boat with the most young people on board or the boat with the youngest person on board.
Sea Marine typically also gives a free haul-out for this award.
■ The fanciest award is the bronze belaying pin that is kept at the Wooden Boat Foundation and engraved with the winners’ names from previous years.
■ The Watch-O-Matic, built by Jake Soule and Arren Dey, is given for the best use of misspent energy.
■ The Golden Trident, of unknown origin, is awarded to the saltiest boat.
Boats of all construction are welcome.
Registration forms are available at the Chandlery, located at the maritime center, as well as online at www.nwmaritime.org/SR.
Last-minute registrations will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday.
The Skippers’ Meeting will follow at 9 a.m., which Trailer said should be attended by anyone who wants to participate, either with or without a boat.
“If someone wants to go out on a boat, we can match them up with someone if they come to the meeting,” she said.
Similarly, skippers who are looking for a crew can find volunteers at the meeting.
Following the race, at about 4 p.m., the awards ceremony will take place upstairs at the Northwest Maritime Center, where beer and snacks will be served.
For more information, call 360-385-3628, ext. 104, or go to www.nwmaritime.org.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
