Shilshole Blog

At least four reports of burgled boats have been reported on R, T, and V docks in the last few weeks. Most of the items taken from the vessels have been electronics and one report of someone staying aboard a vessel as well. The docks have been posted with security alert information and we are asking that everyone keep an extra close eye out for suspicious people/activity and to report anything like that to the Port of Seattle Police department immediately.

If you have anything to report, call 911 and ask to be connected to the Port of Seattle Police.

Giuseppe Alvarado
Manager, Business & Operations
Harbor Services
Port of Seattle
206.615.3914

Dawn and I have been away from Shilshole for quite a long time. After over half a year cruising in BC we pushed off for Mexico last August. We did 4 offshore romps down to Cabo and spent last winter in Mazatlan. After spending the spring in the Sea of Cortez it was time to escape the heat, humidity and hurricanes of Mexico. Warm Rain is now in La Paz at Marina Costa Baja while we escape to the rain and green of the Pacific Northwest. Next March we take off from Cabo to the Marquases.

Fellow Shilshole Sailors,

I am organizing a weekend of sailing for the Heart of Sailing Foundation. In the past we have had one or two boats taking kids out on the water from Shilshole Bay Marina. We would like to get several more volunteer captains and their boats involved for the weekend of November 17th & 18th. This is a great way to make a contribution with something unique that you have; a boat and your sailing skills. The more boats we have, the more kids we can take out on the water. You can also volunteer to crew on another boat.

We usually start at 10 AM with a 2nd group at 1 or 2 PM. There is a lunch in between for the participants and volunteers. The kids are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Below is more information on Heart of Sailing. Please consider volunteering and give me a call or an email.

Thank you,

Curtis Wood
(425) 761-5362
s/v WindDancer

Shilshole Bay Marina, G59

Calling all volunteers for a weekend of sailing in Seattle, November 17th & 18th, hosted by a new thriving 501 C 3 in your community that is doing some amazing work with mentally challenged children.  Heart of Sailing Foundation, Inc. teaches sailing to special needs children as a form of recreational therapy. The charity was founded in 2004 by George Saidah, a successful software entrepreneur who was motivated by his personal experience with a loved one with a cognitive disorder. A sailor for more than 35 years, Saidah dreamed of combining his love of the ocean with service to the community. Since retiring in 2005, Saidah devotes his time to developing Heart of Sailing to create a fun, educational and therapeutic opportunity for children with developmental disabilities.
 
In our third year we have been able to touch more lives than our first two years combined.  Over 1,900 children and families around the United States and Canada have been impacted by the program this year already!  Five of our sites, which serve children all year, have served over 1,000 children this year alone!  With an impressive first year, Heart of Sailing was able to serve 150 children and more than doubled that number in 2006 serving over 650 children.  The number of locations has increased from 2 sailing locations in 2005, to 6 locations in 2006 (including Seattle), and now 14 sites in 2007.  We are anticipating 5 additional chapters opening in 2008 bringing our total sites to 19.  The explosive growth is only a small indication of the need of our program around the country and in Canada.  Countless volunteers have given their time generously to make sure this program continues to serve children with mental disabilities. 
 
To see the joy on the face of a child and his or her parent as we are sailing is truly priceless.  The excitement of sailing not only is therapeutic for a special needs child, but also therapeutic for the caregiver to see their child happy and carefree. 
You can read feedback from participants, parents or caregivers at: http://heartofsailing.org/parentcomments.asp and find out where we sail from at: http://heartofsailing.org/Sailwithus.asp
 
Seattle calendar and previous Seattle event pictures are here: http://heartofsailing.org/regional4.asp

You may get more information about our program at www.heartofsailing.org. I look forward in speaking with you in the next few weeks about this tremendous program. 
 
For Seattle area volunteer captain’s information:

Curtis Wood
(425) 761-5362
svWindDancer@bbxmail.net
For Heart of Sailing general information:

George Saidah
Founder/Executive Director
Heart of Sailing
(812) 935-7245
Fax (866) 609-0807
gsaidah@heartofsailing.org
www.heartofsailing.org

From our Friends at the Sunset Hill Community Association:  The City of Seattle is planning a clean up day on the new section of the Burke Gilman trail from the Ballard Locks to 61st Street on Friday, October 26. This will primarily involve weeding the planting beds adjacent to the new trail, and the City is asking for volunteers to help out. Volunteers will meet at the Locks parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and you can work as long as you are willing/able. The City will provide tools, gloves, and jackets (although you might prefer to bring your own gloves). If you think you will want to work past noon, you may also want to bring lunch and a beverage. The Sunset Hill Community Association has also extended this invitation to the Friends of Burke Gilman and Groundswell. The more hands the merrier!! So if you are willing to help, it could be a fun way to meet some of our neighbors. The more volunteers scheduled to participate, the more City people will be scheduled, according to Carol Beers. If you can help, please call Carol at (206) 783-2006 or send her an email at: c.beers@comcast.net.