Author Archives: Admin

Technical Problems

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We apologize for the issues we are having.  The front page and some posts are not showing correctly.  If you click on the tabs above, most of the information will appear on the other pages. 

Fishermen’s Fall Festival, Sept 30th

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The Festival provides families with a fun and educational outing on the waterfront as well as an opportunity to learn more about seafood. Hands-on art projects with fishing themes, including the popular wooden boat building and “Fishing for Fun” fish pond, are complementary for all children and admission to the Festival is free. Proceeds from the activities within the Festival are donated to the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation to assist families of fishers lost at sea.

Fishermen’s Fall Festival – Home (fishermensfallfestival.org)

Seaview Ave. may get speed cameras

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update 7/25:  Eight new Seattle cameras will automatically ticket drivers starting in March – MyNorthwest.com

Seattle City Council is moving forward with an ordinance that would install speed cameras around the city to curb the frequency of street racers.  Read more at MyBallard…

Ballard likely to get two new speed cameras on 3rd Ave NW and Seaview Ave NW aimed at slowing down street racers – My Ballard

Yacht/Boating/Cruising Clubs

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Joining a group of fellow boaters is a great way to learn from others with a similar passion; more about your boat and how to use it, getting involved in boating-related activities (ie racing if you’re a cruiser, youth lessons), and of course, the social aspect of potlucks, dances and meeting new friends.  There are several nearby clubs and organizations that are listed here:

Corinthian Yacht Club Sloop Tavern Yacht Club
Shilshole Bay Yacht Club Puget Sound Crusing Club
Seattle Yacht Club Seattle Singles Yacht Club
Olympic Yacht Club

 

Ballard SeafoodFest

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Ballard SeafoodFest is an annual festival held in the Ballard neighborhood, celebrating the Scandinavian heritage and fishing industry featuring a diverse range of seafood dishes from local restaurants and vendors, as well as live music performances, art exhibits, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. The festival also includes a salmon BBQ, which has become a staple of the event and a highlight for many attendees.

Ballard SeafoodFest

Anchoring Etiquette

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It’s always Happy Hour entertainment or a “what are they thinking” moment watching boats come in and anchor near us.  For those that have been doing it awhile, here’s a couple reminders…for the newbies, please practice, observe others, and ask questions.

  • when you arrive in anchorage, take note of how the boats are sitting to the wind and/or tide and set your anchor in the same direction.  If you have concerns, motor by an anchored boat and ask them where their anchor is and how much rode/chain they have out-they will appreciate your consideration
  • if the bay is empty, don’t crowd the only boat there…they may want their privacy and please, if possible, don’t anchor directly upwind from someone.  They don’t want to smell your cigarette smoke, BBQ or generator exhaust.
  • common anchoring protocol in our protected bays is a 3:1 scope…not difficult math…water is 30 feet deep means you set out 90 feet of chain (you will need more if you have a chain/rode (rope) combo).
  • when you’ve found your spot, motor around a 100-foot circle from your anticipated spot to check your depth and any obstacles, bring your boat head to wind/current (you’ve already checked how others around you are sitting) and then bring your boat to a COMPLETE STOP (look at the bubbles/seaweed in the water).  Drop your anchor to the depth of water you are in and then start backing down, letting out the scope you need.
  • When you reach your 3:1, slowly keep the boat in reverse as the anchor and chain set.  Site on the shore, both sides of your boat, for any movement and take note of landmarks (ie: flagpole lined up with window in red house, tree tops). Then put in neutral and again take note of your position.

Do Not just dump all your anchor and chain in one spot, turn off your engine and go ashore!  You would be surprised at how many do just that. We also watched a 35′ Bayliner drop what was maybe 40 feet of chain in 40 feet of water and then start backing down.  He traveled backwards from just off of Arrabella’s Landing, past a couple well anchored boats to the other side of Gig Harbor where the water finally got shallower and at that point, he connected with the bottom, about 50 feet from the beach!  Fortunately for him, it was high tide and calm weather-imagine how ugly it would be if it was different!  That is not the boater you want to be or to be next to in an anchorage!

Have fun this summer, be safe and be a good neighbor.