2026 Wooden Boat Rendezvous coming to Deer Harbor

||| FROM WARD FAY, JIM WAITE and BILL SYMES for WOODEN BOAT SOCIETY OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS |||  

The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands will host this year’s Wooden Boat Rendezvous at Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island, on Tuesday September 8. The annual Rendezvous is a gathering of wooden boats, owners, friends, and enthusiasts, and an opportunity for fellowship, story-sharing, and enjoyment of the wooden boat tradition in the beautiful setting of Deer Harbor. Some of the finest wooden boats in the region will be available for free viewing on the marina docks. All are welcome.

The Rendezvous also features two races: a sail race starting at noon, followed by a rowing race. The skippers’ meeting for the sail race takes place at 9 am on the dock, where course information will be provided. The rowing race starts at 4 pm with the boats and rowers lined up on the marina beach. Winners will be announced at a no-host dinner held at Island Pie restaurant (myislandpie.com) across from the marina, beginning at around 6 pm.

Wooden boat owners throughout the San Juans and surrounding region are welcome to bring their boats to the Rendezvous. Marina slips for the night of September 7 can be reserved by clicking on the green “make a reservation” button on the marina web site (deerharbormarina.com). Please do not call or email for reservations unless you have a specific question or need help as it is peak season and the marina is fielding a lot of calls. Discounted moorage (40% off) is available, applied as a credit once you check in at the marina. (Prior to check in, the full rate will be charged upon making the reservation via dockwa.com).

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.