Wooden Boat Festival comes to Deer Harbor, Monday, Sept. 3 through Wednesday, Sept. 5. Photo courtesy Chris Thomerson
From Mark Smaalders
The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands is holding the Eleventh Annual Wooden Boat Rendezvous 3–5 September 2012 at Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, Washington. The Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Rendezvous takes place between the Victoria Classic Boat Festival and the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival.
All wooden boats are welcome: oar, power and sail. Wooden boats of all sizes attend the Rendezvous, from rowboats to motor launches, and daysailers to historic tall ships. Most of the boats moor at the Deer Harbor Marina, and are available for public viewing throughout the gathering. The Rendezvous is a low-key celebration of wooden boats, held in one of the most scenic harbors in the Pacific Northwest.
Monday 3 September
Boats arrive on Monday 3 September (Labor Day), with a potluck on the dock Monday evening.
Tuesday 4 September
Sailing regatta: breakfast is held at the Deer Harbor Inn at 8:00, followed by a meeting for race participants at 9:00. The regatta will begin in the late morning, wind permitting, and will take boats through the scenic islands and challenging currents of Wasp Passage.
Paddling and rowing race: There will be a paddling and rowing race late Tuesday afternoon, following the sailboat regatta
Evening BBQ: 4-8 PM
Everyone is welcome. The barbeque menu includes locally caught salmon, local organic produce, and the highest-quality homebrew beer on the west coast. As always there will be great live music and good humor.
Wednesday 5 September
A new event this year is a sailing dinghy race, held Wednesday morning. Most boats heading on to Port Townsend depart during the day on Wednesday.
Questions?
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer (we always need help during the Rendezvous for various tasks) call the Deer Harbor BoatWorks: 360-376-4056
We encourage participants to make moorage reservations with the Deer Harbor Marina (360-376-3037). Note: Tell them you are coming to the Rendezvous to get the reduced moorage rate.
About the Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands
The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands promotes the restoration, use and enjoyment of wooden boats. The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands was formed in 2002 to perpetuate the craftsmanship, artistry and knowledge of the maritime traditions through education, public display, restoration and construction, and entertainment. The society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a strong commitment to the care and feeding of wooden boats, their owners and those who appreciate them.
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