This coming Memorial Day weekend is the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race from Victoria to Cape Flattery (and beyond). Many boats from Shilshole and the CYC/STYC clubs will be participating. Get details and follow their progress here…
Norwegian Constitution Day is the official National Day of Norway, celebrated on the 17th of May. Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as “Syttende Mai” (17th of May) or Grunnlovsdagen (The Constitution Day).
The parade begins at the corner of NW 62nd and 24th Avenue NW. The route follows south to Market Street and eastward to Bergen Place park, then turns right onto 22nd and continues south down Ballard Avenue and ends at Lone St.
The first of May is generally considered the opening of boating season in Puget Sound. The weather warms and dreams of getting out on the water come to fruition.
The Seattle Yacht Club has a hosted an opening day event since 1913. The University of Washington hosts a rowing regatta in the Montlake Cut in the morning with a parade of decorated boats going through in the afternoon. It is great family fun to watch from shore or from your boat moored along the parade route.
This year it will be held on Saturday, May 2nd. Get details here…https://www.seattleyachtclub.org/opening-day-2026
Here are some events to end 2025 and to ring in 2026…
…and be sure to check out the Polar Bear Plunge at Golden Gardens New Years Day!
In the boating world, when someone says they are a “captain”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have some Napoleon complex on their boat and like to wear white visors caps that say “Captain” (although those people do exist).
It generally means that they have undergone complex studies and a rigorous exam to earn the title. With an OUPV or “6-Pack”, you can legally take paying passengers out on a boat. You can deliver boats for the owners or brokers. It may reduce your insurance rate, and carries weight when chartering.
You see the ads everywhere for local classes. They are held in classrooms, online or by personal study…all to fit your schedule. Winter is a good time to consider this as the boat is usually tucked away. Here are couple local organizations but also check out the marine stores, yacht brokers, and boating magazines and the January Boat Show for references and schedules…
http://www.flagshipmaritimellc.com/
https://www.usmaritime.us/captains
https://www.marinerslearningsystem.com/oupv-sixpack-captains-license.html
The signs installed at the top and bottom of Golden Gardens Drive indicate it will be closed on 10/1/2025 and 10/2/3025. If anyone has a link to an official explanation of the closures please comment.
Many boaters at Shilshole race their own boats or crew for others. There are major (all day) races almost every weekend during the spring and fall and more relaxed (1-2 hour) races during the summer. If you have never tried racing, you are missing out on a great way to improve your sailing skills, which will greatly enhance your cruising -you’ll sail more efficiently, sail faster and do less motoring.
We have a couple local clubs that give you an opportunity, with no experience or cost as crew, to get out on the water and work as a team. It’s as simple as showing up on time, having warm dry clothes and lifejacket, listening to the skipper and the more experienced crew, and showing an interest. It’s not a party: it’s a fun, competitive team sport.
Check out their web sites for how to get involved…
upcoming races…Seattle Area Racing Calendar (SARC) – 48° North (48north.com)
Shilshole Boatfest is an event dedicated to getting new people into boating. This FREE Shilshole Bay Marina event sponsored by the Port of Seattle invites the public to the marina to get out on a boat; learn how to get into boating, about boating safety and environmental practices; and to celebrate the Ballard Community!
The 4th is soon upon us. Many people will have a long weekend (or week) to get away from the dock and cruise locally. Some popular displays to see by boat are:
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on April 22, to demonstrate support for environmental protection. As boaters, with our close relationship to the water and its environs, this a great opportunity to review our boating habits and work with our neighbors to ensure that we all can enjoy cleaner water and air!
Some things to consider:
Shilshole Required Best Management Practices and Flare Disposal
Shilshole Blog 