PORT TOWNSEND — Saturday’s ceremony in Port Townsend to commemorate the beginning of the boat season helps bring residents together to appreciate where they live, organizers said.
The event, sponsored by the Port Townsend Yacht Club, includes two parades, a concert and a celebration of boating.
“The Port Townsend Yacht Club has been here for decades,” said John Powers, this year’s fleet captain.
“We feel that we are part of the community and want people to enjoy Port Townsend from the water, which is a really unique perspective when you think about it.”
Parades
Approximately 40 boats are signed up to participate in a small-craft parade at 12:15 p.m. and a larger event at 12:30 p.m.
The actual number could grow by the time the parades start, because anyone with a boat is free to join in at the last minute, Vice Commodore Duane Madinger said.
The success of the event is dependent on the weather, Madinger said.
If the weather is good, as is forecast, the parade will include a pair of parasail users who will film the parade from the air.
If it isn’t, participants are free to bail at the last minute.
Madinger said the best place to view the parades and enjoy the day is from the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.
Views also will be available from Pope Marine Park or other spots along Water Street.
The small-craft parade will begin at City Dock and pass by the maritime center, while the main parade will start at the Boat Haven as soon as the 12:30 p.m. ferry sails, Madinger said.
Participants are asked to proceed at 5 knots with about 150 feet between each vessel.
About 25 percent of this year’s participants will have sailboats, with the remainder motor-driven, Madinger said.
Immediately after the parade will be the blessing of the fleet by Trinity United Methodist Church Pastor Tony Brown. The blessing will be broadcast on maritime channel 68.
Then a celebration will begin.
Once boats dock at the maritime center at 1:45 p.m., Lobo Del Mar, multicultural performers based in Port Hadlock, will perform.
The concert is sponsored by TowBoatUS, formerly known as Vessel Assist.
Race to the Straits
The final attraction will be the arrival of participants in the Sloop Tavern Yacht Club’s annual Race to the Straits.
This group is scheduled to race from Seattle to Port Townsend on Saturday, spend the night, then race back to Seattle the next day.
“This happens all over the world,” Madinger said of opening day.
“Yacht clubs everywhere celebrate this day, where we get to go out, have fun and carry on the tradition.”
For more information, see http://ptyc.net/events/opening-day.
________
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.