10 minute read
Making Waves
BY RANDY WOODS
[ BOATING SEASON BEGINS! ]
A Primer on the Rules of Boating Season
May is here and many boaters are eager to get back on the water after a long and dark year. As quarantine restrictions continue to relax, here are some helpful tips for boaters about the recent on-the-water rule changes and regulations before you set sail on your next Northwest cruise.
Yes, you do need a boating license. Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding, you are responsible for knowing the laws and basics of boating safety. Many recreational boaters in Washington state are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. For details on classes, please visit
parks.state.wa.us/442/Mandatory-Boater-Education.
A new cut-off switch law went into effect April 1. Under new U.S. Coast Guard regulations, operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) link to prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOS link is usually a lanyard that attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Wireless ECOS links, using electronic fobs, perform the same duty if submerged in water. More details can be found at uscgboating.org/
recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php.
Puget Sound is a No Discharge Zone. To prevent the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage from boats into state waters, Puget Sound is one of more than 90 No Discharge Zone (NDZ) established in 27 states. To find secure facilities where it is safe to pump out sewage, go to PumpoutWashington.org or download the Pumpout
Nav app at apps.apple.com.
Make way for marine animals. The Salish Sea is home of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, which are listed as endangered in both Canada and the United States. Only 75 orcas of the Southern Resident community remain as of February 2021. Before you shove off, be sure to check the BeWhaleWise.org site for maps showing the proper distance boats should maintain (300 to 400 yards) when encountering sensitive marine wildlife, including the new baby orca that was spotted earlier this year.
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MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODS
[ INNOVATION IN MARITIME ]
Five Northwest Startups Chosen for Maritime Accelerator Program
Now in its second year of existence, Washington state’s Maritime Blue Accelerator Program has chosen 11 startups out of more than 100 applicants to take part in the second cohort of new businesses to receive assistance for their ventures. Five of those 11 companies are based in the Puget Sound region. Participating startups in the accelerator are provided office co-working space, as well as special access to mentors and advisors in their fields. The companies will also be invited to workshops to help guide entrepreneurs through various business challenges that startups often face.
The local maritime-oriented companies in the second cohort include:
As this second group moves forward, work is also progressing on the future Maritime Innovation Center, set to open by 2023 near Seattle’s Fisherman’s Terminal. The $18 million structure will be dedicated to promoting the region’s maritime industry and stimulating innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in the sector. The innovation center will be located in the Ship Supply Building, which will be restored as a LEED-certified workspace. When opened, it will provide 12,000 square feet of space for incubators, accelerators, and anchor tenants, along with fabrication and event space. For a complete list of all 11 of the selected companies, go to the Port of Seattle’s Maritime Blue
Accelerator page at portseattle.org/page/ maritime-blue-accelerator-2021.
Marine Construction Technologies — A University of Washington startup focused on making pile-driver rigs up to 90% quieter during marine foundation construction.
OpenTug — A maritime marketplace, currently in the beta-test stage, that connects shipping customers and service providers.
Pacific Mobility Group — A network of marine transportation companies that are based on technologies for vehicle electrification, shared mobility, and autonomous vehicles. Puget Buoy — A company that tests new designs for fishing gear to reduce their environmental impacts, such as whale entanglements.
Silverback Marine — A company developing boat-design tools for commercial support vessels and autonomous watercraft platforms.
A rendering of the future Maritime Innovation Center.
Next-Generation Performance Cruising
Fast Efficient Comfortable Cruising
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODS
[ BOAT SHOW BEAT ]
Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show to Return (Soon!)
After the April Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show was canceled last month under California’s Covid-19 restriction rules, Sail America and the California Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA) entered into a licensing agreement that may bring the show back at a future date. Under the agreement, CYBA will assume management of the show, previously run by Sail America. The CYBA “has a deep understanding of the boating market in Northern California,” said Don Abbot, the executive director of CYBA. The plan, he added, is to “re-imagine what the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show can be and how we can deliver a truly memorable event for the industry and the consumer.” In March, CYBA said that “shortly,” it will announce additional details on dates and location of the next show. Until that time, it said any questions about the show should be directed to CYBA.
[ WEST COAST NEWS ]
Marine Servicenter appointed Jeanneau Sailboat Dealer for Southern California, Opens San Diego Office
Three cheers for Marine Servicenter on their official appointment as the Jeanneau sailboat dealer for Southern California, reaching from Monterey Bay south to the Mexico border. First established in 1977, the company has been a dealer for Jeanneau since 1988 in the Pacific Northwest and has earned the Jeanneau Dealer of the Year three out of the past 5 years. Mike Van Tuyl is coming onboard as the Service Manager down south. “We are thrilled to have Mike onboard with his vast expertise on Jeanneau sailboats,” said Marine Servicenter owner and V.P. of Sales Dan Krier. “Mike is the perfect fit for us to bring Marine Servicenter’s philosophy of high-end customer care and after-sales service to Jeanneau owners in Southern California.” Joining the offices and marinas located here in Washington in both Seattle and Bellingham, the newly opened San Diego office can be found at 2700 Shelter Island Drive. The well-situated locale is right off the America’s Cup Harbor promenade and features a prime linear sales dock just steps outside the office doors, which is of course full of the newest Jeanneau models on display.
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODS
[ SPRING SALE ]
It’s Back! Browse for Your Next Boat at the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Spring Boat Sale
After being forced to resort to a virtual gathering in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Spring Sale is returning this month, albeit in a limited in-person capacity, compared to earlier shows. The event, produced by the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, will be held at Cap Sante Marina on the weekend of May 21-22. While the 2021 version of the sale will welcome in-person participation for the first time since 2019, the scope will be limited to on-water boat displays only and there will be no accessory tent or trailered boats allowed in the plaza to maintain social distancing protocols. Other public safety enhancements will include extra spacing between boats, the wearing of face masks, and proper cleaning and managed dock capacity. Get outside and browse boats and yachts of all sizes from your favorite brands, dealers, brokers, and exhibitors all in one place here. Admission for the spring sale will be free to attendees, but the docks will be monitored for capacity and must stay within the limit required by Washington state guidelines. For more information, and an up-to-date list of exhibitors, please visit anacortesboatandyachtshow.com.
[ MAY MEET-UPS ]
Rendezvous Round-Up
Last year, one of the great disappointments for many Northwest boaters during the Covid lockdowns was the shuttering of the entire rendezvous season. This spring, however, this tried-and-true tradition is returning to its former glory. Here is a list of the latest developments on this spring’s “mask-up, meet-up” events:
The Northwest Grady-White Club’s Spring Rendezvous & Lingcod Derby April 30-May 2, Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island, WA
According to club treasurer, Rob Powers, the planned event will be a lingcod derby along with socially distanced social events. For updates, go to: nwgwc.org.
Mukilteo Yacht Club’s Opening Day of Boating May 1, Port of Everett Marina, Everett, WA
At Everett’s North Guest Dock 6, festivities to celebrate the new season will begin with a Wild, Wild West theme. Activities will include a noontime Blessing of the Fleet parade within the breakwater, and a 6 p.m. People’s Choice Awards Ceremony. For more information, go to:
mukilteoyachtclub.com. Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association 2021 Shakedown Cruise May 5-9, Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island, WA
Owners of Grand Banks, Eastbay and other American marine boats are welcome to attend the event, which has received an “overwhelming response” in recent surveys. The association expects more than 60 boats will attend its first ever GB Shakedown Cruise and perhaps 100+ boats for the GB Rendezvous in September. Expect a no-host event with socially responsible activities, as well as lots of surprises, the group said. For more details go to: psgbowners.org/.
2021 Nordhavn Rendezvous - NAPS May 7-9, Port of Poulsbo Marina, Poulsbo, WA
The Nordhavn’s Around Puget Sound (NAPS) rendezvous was started in 2018 by Kevin and Alison Jeffries as a fun way to cross paths with other Nordhavn boat owners in the Pacific Northwest. After the third event was cancelled in 2020, the rendezvous will return this year in Poulsbo, with 36 Nordhavns confirmed to be in attendance so far, with 10 other Nordhavn boat owners flying in to participate in the festivities. For more information, contact Bill Baker at bill@mvroxia.com or visit
nordhavn.com/naps-rescheduledfor-may-2021/.
Olympic Yacht Club Port Orchard Rendezvous May 7-9, Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard, WA
The Olympic Yacht Club welcomes all to their rendezvous, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or national origin. For details about the rendezvous, visit: oycnw.org.
Hidden Harbor Yacht Club Rendezvous May 28-31, Bremerton Marina, Bremerton, WA
This year will have a “Toga Party” theme. Dress accordingly. Details can be found at: hhycseattle.com/events/.
Viking Yacht Club Memorial Day Cruise May 28-31, Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard, WA
This Tacoma-based yacht club will celebrate the Memorial Day start of the summer season with a cruise in Port Orchard. A $5 fee will be charged for each reservation. More information can be found at: thevikingyachtclub.com/
