Sailing the Northwest

There are basically four major ways you can enjoy Seattle’s Opening Day Boat Parade- line up on the Montlake Cut, actually take part in the boat parade, watch the Windermere Cup races on TV (no fun!), or moor on the Log Boom and throwing a few back with your neighboring boaters.
Each year, the University of Washington [...]

The Bush Administration apparently thinks so, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced their Small Vessel Security Strategy today to help reduce terror risks associated with small boats.  DHS is essentially hoping to institute a Neighborhood-Watch type program among boaters to help fight terrorism.  The full strategy is available on the DHS website.
This strategy came [...]

Many people will line up on Montlake Cut on Saturday, May 3 to watch the UW crew races in the 24th Anniversary running of the Windermere Cup.  But Opening Day in Seattle is best known for the Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day Boat Parade.
An annual tradition since 1920, the Boat Parade is the largest regional [...]

The figure eight knot was the first sailing knot that my father taught me when I was learning to sail, and should be the very first sailing knot you learn as well.  Other names for the figure eight knot include the Flemish knot, the Savoy knot, or the Figure of Eight knot.
The primary use of [...]

Thinking about buying a sailboat? Or do you just not want to make a fool of yourself anymore when you go sailing with your friends?If this is the year you want to learn how to sail, this series will let you know where you can do just that!  Here is part two of the list of sailing [...]

United States Coast Guard District 13 for the Pacific Northwest has launched a Vodcast series hosted by Petty Officer Tara Molle.  Every month, they will be highlighting news, video and other features from the 13th District.
We’ll be linking to each of the episodes as they launch so that we can stay up-to-date with these Guardians of [...]

Nervous about your upcoming trip on your friend or co-worker’s sailboat?  Has been a bit too long since you were last on the water?  Don’t know the difference between port & starboard, fore & aft, or genoa & mainsail?
It might be time to order up a DVD and sit back in the comfort of your [...]

We previously posted links to online NOAA charts for Puget Sound and the Northwest, and today wanted to point you in the direction of an online site that publishes waterproof charts for Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest.
I personally have always found these handy charts to be very useful for everyday cruising and racing on Puget Sound [...]

The Pelicans are Racing Again! Phinney Bay (South end of Dyes Inlet) will again be the site of the 2nd Annual Bremerton Pelican Regatta April 26 and 27. Viking Fleet #3 is a Northwest sailing club that sails 12′ lug rigged San Francisco Bay Pelicans (pdf). These heavy-weather dinghies were designed in the 50’s for [...]

Washington State passed legislation in 2005 requiring all boaters to carry a Washington Boater Education Card if they are operating a sailboat or powerboat with a 15HP or larger engine.   This card is not like a drivers license, however, in that it does not need to be renewed - once you obtain your knowledge of basic [...]