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.

 

Whales and Boating

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Just a reminder to be aware of the regulations surrounding the observation of our whales (and sea lions) while out on the water.  Recently, 2 boaters were fined due to being too close to some orcas.  We are fortunate to have such beautiful creatures in our backyard and truly blessed when we encounter them while out boating.  But please, know the rules to keep them (and yourselves) safe.  Everyone’s got a camera these days, so don’t assume no one can see you.

Read the laws for Washington and Canada here:  Home – Be Whale Wise

Whale sightings: Orca Network

Do I have to register my motorized dinghy?

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Better to be registered and avoid the hassle, expense and embarrassment of family and friends some weekend when you are out boating…

As a resident of the State of Washington, YES, with one minor exception.  Rules in other states may be different, but in Washington, per Chapter 88.02.020 RCW Dispositions VESSEL REGISTRATION

(1) Except as provided in this chapter, a person may not own or operate any vessel, including a rented vessel, on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal in accordance with this chapter. A vessel that has, or is required to have, a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States is only required to display a valid decal.

Exception for motorized vessels:

(7) A vessel equipped with propulsion machinery of less than ten horsepower that:
(a) Is owned by the owner of a vessel for which a valid vessel number has been issued; and
(b) Displays the number of that numbered vessel followed by the suffix “1” in the manner prescribed by the department; and
(c) Is used as a tender for direct transportation between the numbered vessel and the shore and for no other purpose.
Many boaters seem to think that putting “tender to” on their inflatable in lieu of registration numbers will suffice.  Nope. (See 7b above), and “registered vessel to shore” (moored or anchored mothership) means just that…no fishing, crabbing, visiting other boats, etc.  (Tickets have been handed out in Shilshole in the past)

Emergency Communication Hub Event-June 11th

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The weather is warming which means our Emergency Communication Hub volunteers are getting outside for disaster practice. On Sunday afternoon, June 11th, volunteers across the city will gather to support their communities during a (simulated) long-term power outage. That’s right – we’re not responding to an earthquake this year – just a sudden and devastating power outage impacting the entire city. “Power Down”.

Other than no television, lights, or internet, how would a widespread power outage impact you and your household? Stop by one of our pre-determined locations to get a glimpse into that scenario. How will you cook without electricity or natural gas? If the internet and phones are down, how will you find out if school will be open Monday morning? What about our neighbors with medical devices that need electricity or refrigeration for their medications? You will get an idea of what systems are impacted when power is down everywhere – and we get to train more neighbors on how the Hub operates. Win-Win.

We need as many people as possible to stop by the Hub (closest to them) for 30 minutes, or so. This will give our volunteers practice in helping a large number of neighbors with needs. Please signup here to receive a reminder a few days before the event.

Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Awareness | Seattle Emergency Hubs | Seattle, WA

Shilshole Blog » Shilshole Prepares (shilsholecommunity.org)

Spring is Here! Finally…

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After 8 months, we are finally getting back to 70+°!  Neighbors are coming out of hiding, dock box conversations ensue, and boats are getting cleaned!

Here’s a couple reminders that may help…

  • The Port has a great haz-mat recycling program! Used oil, diesel and hydraulic fluid goes in tank near M2 restroom; used batteries, gasoline, and antifreeze/coolant go to Hazmat Box down near Seaview Boatyard (south end)
  • Garbage goes in the green waste container; all recycling goes in the yellow containers.
  • Please put your donated “junk” (items you no longer need but don’t want to toss) near the dumpster and not at the gate, so more people can see them.
  • Remind your guests and crew to park near the street in General Parking. Also, make sure your license plate tabs are up to date.  The Port can tow all illegally parked vehicles.
  • Please control your dogs (by your side or on a leash at all times) and please clean up after them! (the Seattle Leash Law is in effect on the docks, and Animal Control could be called for problem pets)
  • To avoid smash and grab car break-ins, do not leave items visible in your car.
  • There have been prowlers on the docks and in the waterways so please lock your boat, dinghy, etc and please call the Port’s cell phone, 601-4089, if you see anything/anyone suspicious.

Thank you for helping keep this a nice place to moor and live!