AN OCEAN OF
yachts
Publisher & Advertising Sales
Michelle Zeasman-Gibbon
Associate Publisher
Michelle DeRouen michelled@nwyachting.com 206.445.5453
Editor Kate Calamusa
Creative D irector Lou Maxon
Staying Power
“Placed in the trust of the state 4-29-60 for yachtsmen forever.” This definitive statement is stamped on a sign tucked near the Fossil Bay dock on Sucia Island in the San Juans. As some might already know, it harkens to the extraordinary effort from the founding members of a local organization to buy the island, donate it to the state as a marine park in 1960, and thus preserve it as a cruising ground for the generations to come.
Today, that organization is known as the Recreation Boating Association of Washington (RBAW), and on pages 56-61, we explore how this all-volunteer body of boaters is continuing to push the marine pastime forward, as they recently rallied to purchase Lakebay Marina in the South Sound and plan to once again dedicate that spot to the state after its restoration.
The 1960s era continues to provide further inspiration. In 1961, M. Wylie “Capi” Blanchet published her classic, The Curve of Time, and on pages 48-55, writer Nia Martin profiles a group of young women who spent their summer following the author’s travels up the Inside Passage on their own journey of self-discovery. Also proving that Blanchet’s tales have stood the test of time: The recently launched fictionalized podcast that pulls story anecdotes from the author’s adventures as well as from the experiences of the local boater behind the cast (more details in The Current on page 34).
Boating’s future continues to look bright, even as we transition into the darker fall months. Mark Yuasa advises you to keep your fishing poles ready for autumn angling on page 62; and either of the new vessels from Nordhavn (pages 42-43) or North Pacific Yachts (pages 44-45) would treat you well should you wish to follow in Capi’s wake yourself sometime soon.
To yachting forever, Kate Calamusa
Editor
Say hi: kate@nwyachting.com
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Advertising D esign Christin Couvreux
Advertising Sales Craig Perry craig@nwyachting.com 206.391.6431
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Lori Eastes
James O. Fraioli Doug Hansen Andrew Hoge Randy Woods Mark Yuasa
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Published monthly by SKT Publishers, Inc.
NW, Seattle, WA 98117
MARITIME MISSIVES
BUYERS & SELLERS ] Back Story
Ever wonder about your boat’s past life? (The tales they could tell, right?) The lucky buyers of this month’s Broker Best vessel—a stunning 2018 Hampton Endurance 658 named Mahalo—will wonder no more. Mahalo’s original owners cataloged all their cruising adventures on their blog, mvmahalo.com, not only providing informative reading for a prospective captain, but also dreamy, inspirational Northwest travel ideas for us all. Thanks, Bob and Debbie!
[ DON’T FORGET
Growing the Industry
Boaters United
For this month’s feature on the Recreational Boating Association of Washington (see pages 56-61), we found ourselves in need of a snap of the Sucia Island sign that so encapsulates the founding mission of the organization. We put a call out on several community boating pages online and we’re floored by the immediate and enthusiastic response. Images flooded in, and several boaters even offered to cruise by specifically to take a photo. (Tough job, right?) Many also commented on just how much of a gift the island is to us all. As one boater said: “It is certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth! Very grateful it is a state park that we can all enjoy.”
From NWY to NMTA to RBAW (see pages 56-61 this month), we’re all about building up boating, so we are spreading the word far and wide that our friends at the aforementioned Northwest Marine Trade Association have opened up applications for the 2022 Grow Boating program. This amazing program bestows grants on non-profit or for-profit entities looking to push boating forward in our region. Applications are due on October 31st, so interested parties shouldn’t delay. For more info, go to: nmta.net/grants. Best of luck from all of us!
ANCHORS AWAY
OCTOBER 1 & 15
BELLINGHAM DOCKSIDE MARKET
Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham
Setting up shop the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, this pop-up market offers up the freshest seafood you can sleuth out. Fishing families gather to dish out the day’s catches and offer up everything from salmon to squid, cod to crab, as well as galley provisions like canned fish.
More info: bellinghamdockside.com
OCTOBER 15
TRADITIONAL RIG & CENTERBOARD SAILING CLINIC
Center for Wooden Boats on South Lake Union in Seattle
This monthly occurring clinic starts with a shore school and then moves on to the lake for hands-on learning. Clinic participants will have an opportunity to sail two types of vessels from a lineup of sprit, lug, gaff, yawl, and sloop rigs, all with guidance from the CWB’s experienced instructors. More info: cwb.org/smaller-boat-sailing
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OCTOBER 6-7
NORTHWEST MARINA & BOATYARD CONFERENCE
Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton Held for marina and boatyard pros and sponsored by Marine Floats, this anticipated annual event from the Northwest Marine Trade Association will relay important info on new permitting measures, as well as feature a keynote address from Commissioner of Public Lands and head of the Department of Natural Resources, Hilary Franz. Register now, spots are limited.
More info: nmta.net
OCTOBER 29-30
TACOMA NIGHT MARKET & SUNDAY BRUNCH MARKET
Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma Cruise down to the Foss Waterway Seaport for this monthly gathering of talented artists and makers, which features incredible music, great drinks, delicious local food, as well as anywhere from 50-100 vendors. (Free moorage is available at the Foss docks on a first-come-first-served basis!)
More info: tacomanightmarket.com
help spreading the word?
online and in print.
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODSBremerton’s Inventech Marine Wins $103M Coast Guard Bid
In a significant boost to the Northwest maritime economy, Bremerton-based Inventech Marine Solutions was awarded a contract by the U.S. Coast Guard to build up to 200 “over the horizon” cutters, known as CB-OTH Vs, for use as fast-response cutters during offshore patrols. The contract will last up to 10 years, with an estimated total value of $103.6 million.
The Inventech model chosen was based on the boat-builder’s 22° monohull platform, measuring 25’6” in length and 8’6” abeam, available in both outboard and inboard engine configurations. The winning demonstration boat weighed 6,785 pounds and burned 10.8 gph of fuel from an 86-gallon tank. The boat was powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7L engine linked to a Hamiltonjet waterjet, producing 480hp and a top speed of 40 knots.
The award was the result of a two-phase selection process, with phase one concerned with technical attributes, risk ratings, past performance, and price. This evaluation narrowed down the applicants to four companies: Inventech; Blackfish Solutions of Anchorage, AK; Gravois Aluminum Boats of Jeanerette, LA; and MetalCraft Marine US of Watertown, NY. In phase two, demonstration boats from the four finalists were evaluated in multiple locations over a three-month shakedown period. According to the USCG debriefing, Inventech, “exceeded the
A FEW OF THE CURRENT SPEEDSTERS OFFERED BY INVENTECH MARINE; NEXT UP, OVER THE HORIZON CUTTERS FOR USCG.
PHOTO BY NEIL RABINOWITZ PHOTO BY JAN ANDERSONexpectations established in the phase-one evaluation, delivering a boat that, in many situations, performed more capably than proposed.”
USCG also noted that the demonstration boat averaged the highest speeds (30 knots) of any of the competing boats in “Sea State 3” wave-height levels, which are the most common types of sea conditions typically faced by cutters. Test evaluators also said Inventech had “the most capable boat in heavy seas” that showed “a remarkable ability to perform in all conditions while providing crew comfort necessary to reduce fatigue.”
Inventech Marine, known chiefly for its Life Proof Boats models and foam-based FAST collar systems, said it focused mostly on serviceability, prevention of water intrusion, deck drainage, and ergonomics during boat development and construction. The first order for four CB-OTH Vs has been placed and this initial fleet will be used for further operational tests and evaluation before the program moves to full production, USCG said. Once the program is underway, the Inventech watercraft will be utilized for search-and-rescue operations, drug and migrant interdiction, living marine resources protection, defense readiness, and coastal security of ports and waterways.
For more information on Inventech, go to: inventechmarine.com
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODSWA State Ferries Gets $38M from Feds for Needed Upgrades, New Des Moines Run
After several years of stress resulting from equipment failures, terminal accidents, and a sharp decline in personnel, partially due to the Covid pandemic, the Washington State Ferry (WSF) system finally got some good news in the form of a $38 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The FHWA funds represent the first impacts of the $173 million Ferry Boat Program, which was part of the trillion-dollar federal infrastructure package passed last year in Congress. This year’s allotment is more than double the amount that WSF received last year. WSF said the funds will be used primarily to perform long-delayed upgrades, emergency repairs, and preventative maintenance on the ferry boats. The money will be divided between nine state ferry operations around Puget Sound, as well as the Colville Confederated Tribes near Spokane.
The funds are desperately needed after a year plagued by mechanical breakdowns in the aging ferry fleet that carries an average of 23 million passengers every year. One of the more infamous incidents in 2022 was the July crash of the Cathlamet ferry into the Fauntleroy dock structure in West Seattle, causing serious damage to the boat and terminal pilings.
Delays have been more pronounced this year, WSF said, especially on the Anacortes/ San Juans route, where nearly half of all sailings in June were behind schedule. WSF
spokesman Ian Sterling said the system typically handles 50% more ferry traffic during the summer months when out-of-town tourists flock to the city, which “inevitably affects the time taken to get everyone on board and ultimately the on-time performance.”
In another rare sign of positive news for passenger ferries in the region, test runs have begun for a fast, passenger-only ferry service running from Des Moines to Bell Harbor Marina in Seattle. The two-month pilot project began in August and is set to last until October 9.
The Chilkat Express hydrofoil boat, managed by Puget Sound Express, makes four trips per day, Wednesday through Sunday. Cruising at 40 knots, the vessel takes about 40 minutes to complete each leg. If ridership is strong enough, more crews and departure times may be added to the run, Puget Sound Express said.
Currently, the City of Des Moines is partnering with the Highline School District in a paid internship program to provide deckhands to work alongside trained crew. Students in the program can receive exposure to work in the maritime industry and earn sea-time credit that can be applied to professional training.
For more information on the state ferry system, visit: wsdot.wa.gov; more details on the Des Moines foot ferry can be found at: desmoineswa.gov
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODSKadey-Krogen Opens Seattle Sales Office Under New Manager
Florida-based Kadey-Krogen Yachts has opened a new yachts sales office in Seattle and hired industry veteran, Jonathan Cooper, to be the company’s new West Coast sales manager in charge of hiring a dedicated sales team for the Northwest yachting market.
The new office, located on Northlake Way in Fremont, will handle Kadey-Krogen Yachts sales as well as the company’s most recent line, Summit Motoryachts. The office will also handle brokerage listings, Cooper said.
One of the flagships for the company’s new Seattle operation will be the Summit 54. With a length of 58’5”
and a beam of 15’10”, the 54 cuts an imposing figure on Elliott Bay, powered by twin Cummins QSB6.7, 542-hp engines. Created in collaboration between Kadey-Krogen and renowned naval architect Michael Peters, the Summit 54 model includes a planing hull that helps give the boat an impressive range of 330 miles at 23 knots.
Before joining Kadey-Krogen, Cooper served as art director of PassageMaker magazine, in addition to being the editor there for four years. Previously, Cooper had multiple roles at Grand Banks Yachts, played a crucial role in facilitating new boat sales. He has also traveled the world photographing cruising boats and destinations. With these varied roles in the yachting industry, Cooper said he has developed unique insights to the luxury cruising and bluewater markets, which he can now apply to a company that “essentially pioneered long-distance powerboat cruising.”
For more details on Kadey-Krogen and their new location visit: kadeykrogen.com
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODS [ E-BOATING BUZZ ]X Shore, Candela, Navier Electrify E-Boaters with Affordable Designs
The salty air of yacht buying these days has a palpable electric crackle mixed in with the brine. As more boaters are turning toward the increased efficiency, falling prices, and significant environmental benefits of electric propulsion, several of the industry’s top e-boat makers—X Shore, Candela, and newcomer Navier—are all introducing exciting new models, powered 100% by renewable energy.
For instance, Swedish e-boat manufacturer X Shore has recently unveiled the much anticipated X Shore 1, its new electric cruiser targeted for an audience that, until recently, could never afford a high-tech, battery-powered vessel. After last year’s debut of its initial e-boat, the Eelex 8000, X Shore refined that basic design with the goal of reducing costs through smaller batteries and greater production efficiencies. As a result, the new X Shore 1 will retail for about $140,000—less than half the cost of its predecessor.
Despite being a little smaller (21 feet, compared with the 25-foot Eelex), the X Shore 1 boasts similar performance, but with a smaller, 63 kWh battery. The company said its 125 kW, 168-hp-equivalent motor can accelerate the super quiet boat to a maximum of 30 knots in a sprint, but its range tops out at 50 miles at its 20-knot cruising speed. The X Shore 1 is scheduled to be available next spring in an either an open-air design or a canopy top version.
Meanwhile, two other Swedish companies—e-boat maker Candela and e-car maker Polestar—are teaming up to produce hyper-efficient batteries for both of their vehicles. By tapping into Polestar’s established automotive battery-charging system, Candela will be able to ramp up production and reduce costs of its sleek, aerodynamic C-8 and P-8 Voyager designs that use hydrofoils to lift the boat over the waves at high speeds. By substantially reducing friction via hydrofoils, Candela’s boats require 80% less energy than conventional boats of the same size, while still achieving speeds of up to 30 knots. With the battery partnerships inked and a recent
€24 million investment from EQT Ventures, Candela will now transition to a larger manufacturing plant to increase production of its hydrofoils.
At the moment, it appears the Swedes have the lead on the cutting edge of the e-boat world. But there’s at least one American upstart on the rise—Navier is also looking to ride the hydrofoil concept to success. The startup recently secured $7.2 million in venture capital funding, raised by a group of investors led by Global Found ers Capital and Treble VC.
Co-founded by MIT graduates Sampriti Bhattacharyya and Reo Baird, Navier teamed up with legendary Maine-based boat builder Lyman-Morse to construct the new, all-electric Navier 27 hydrofoil, merging Silicon Valley technology with 200 years of boatwright expertise.
The 27-foot hydrofoil with a carbon fiber hull, designed by naval architect Paul Beaker and the Navier team, is powered by two 50 kW electric motors, reaching speeds of between 18 and 30 knots and a range of 75 nautical miles at 20 knots. Navier said its debut craft can skim over waves up to 4 feet high, using 90% less power than similarly sized surface boats.
To distinguish it from the competing Candela boats, the Navier 27 has rigid hydrofoil struts that don’t just retract into the hull, they slide up through slots in the decking above to reduce draft and allow the boat to beach itself when needed. The boat is also equipped with an array of sensors to give boaters advanced autopilot control, automated docking technology, and an active collision-avoidance system. As the Navier 27 nears widespread release this fall, there are plans for it to debut at this month’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, featuring the all-season utility N27 Cabin model and the warm-weather oriented N27 Hardtop.
Further information on all three brands can be found on their respective websites: xshore.com; candela.com; and, navierboat.com
MAKING WAVES
BY RANDY WOODS [ DEEP SEA DISCOVERIES ]Everett’s OceanGate Releases
Stunning 8K Titanic Footage
Our hearts having been going on (and on, and on…) reliving the tragedy of the RMS Titanic for 110 years now. (Spoiler alert!
It doesn’t end well.) But, with the help of crystal-clear 8K video technology, a team of researchers has provided never-before-seen details of the iconic wreck during a deep-sea dive done earlier this year.
OceanGate Expeditions, based in Everett, sponsored the expedition that shot the footage in a five-person submersible craft, called Titan, one of the few vessels that can withstand the intense pressures seen at the wreck site that’s 12,500 feet down. (More information on this unique submersible can be found in the June 2022 feature found on nwyachting.com.)
The footage that was brought back revealed close-up views of the rust-encrusted ocean liner in astonishing detail, including the ship’s still attached anchor.
“I had never seen the name of the anchor maker, Noah Hingley & Sons Ltd., on the portside anchor,” said veteran Titanic diver, Rory Gordon, who has been examining the wreck for decades since it was discovered off the coast of Newfoundland in 1985.
“It is exciting that, after so many years, we may have discovered a new detail that wasn’t as obvious with previous generations of camera technologies.”
In addition to revealing brighter colors of objects, such as the still intact solid-brass capstans, the images will help measure the natural rate of decay of the wreck, which fell two and a half miles to the bottom after an iceberg collision in 1912. Zooming in on some of the video images will provide unprecedented 4K quality, said OceanGate president Stockton Rush.
In the video, two green laser lights can be seen shining on the wreck, spaced exactly 10 centimeters apart, to assist crews in making precise measurements of the ship’s remaining features. By comparing the current video to that captured in earlier expeditions, mission specialists were able to note various structures that have collapsed, including sections of the deck and railing. The images will also help researchers identify little understood species of fish that have been observed swimming in and around the ship.
OceanGate Expeditions is currently planning another deep-sea Titanic Expedition in May 2023 and is seeking individuals who wish to take part. For more information, visit: oceangateexpeditions.com
THE CURRENT
BY KATE CALAMUSASpinning a Yarn
Tune in to a new youth podcast inspired by The Curve of Time—and the producer’s own Pacific Northwest boating adventures.
Much like the women of the “Capi” crew featured on pages 48-55, and many others within the Northwest boating community, Fawn Spady has long been enamored with M. Wylie Blanchet’s The Curve in Time. The landscapes, inlets, and other dreamy destinations described in the memoir have not only directed her own boating adventures with husband Jim over their past dozen years of cruising but have now also inspired the brand-new, fictionalized “Curve of Time” podcast written with kids in mind. “In my first life, I thought I’d be involved in movies because I’ve always loved storytelling,” says Spady, who worked in marketing and public relations for the Spady family’s iconic Dick’s Drive-In burger chain for years. “I kicked around the idea of creating a fresh, modern scripted take on the book for about 10 years, with lots of stops and starts, but had a realization that perhaps a podcast series was the right vehicle after listening to a historically inspired one about Ben Franklin with our grandkids. They were enthralled; I was inspired.”
Spady worked with a local team of creatives, including well-known Seattle composers Andrew Joslyn and Jonathan Warman, to create the immersive,
sweeping adventure tale of a family who follow the author’s voyage through the Salish Sea, all set to beautiful classical music and filled with rich characters. And while Curve of Time fans will recognize many of the spots the fictitious Wells family visits, from Princess Louisa Inlet to the Sunshine Coast, many of the moments channel Spady’s real-life boating escapades—like the time the couple had to cut away an anchor, which happens to the Wells family within the Bute Inlet. “Cruising in the Salish is some of the best anywhere in the world, and we have been lucky to see a lot of it, so the story really is one part travelogue and another part adventure tale,” she says. “And I think if we’re successful, as we go along it will be a wonderful way to introduce youth to our waterways, and even educate them on some maritime history through storytelling.”
Curl up on the settee, gather up your VIP crew, and listen in: As of press time, the first five episodes are available for listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and at curveoftimepodcast.com; you can also tune into the Spady family’s own adventures at sea at trueloveadventures.com
GOODS + GEAR
BY RANDY WOODSThe Salmon Have Returned… For Your Coffee
These fish are thirsty and won’t take decaf for an answer. Created by prolific Montana illustrator and outdoorsman Casey Underwood, this handsome, 13-ounce ceramic mug features a gorgeous, exclusive design that stars the Northwest’s quintessential marine symbols of return and renewal. The screen-printed artwork, called “Feeding Frenzy,” features a series of bold, black-and-white drawings of salmon hovering over a stream bed and a clay-red base. The mug is both dishwasher and microwave safe, so it will be a vibrant reminder of your love of Salish Sea wildlife for years to come.
$22 // caseyunderwood.com
Stay Dry with a Trail Mix Hoodie
Keep cozy and dry in the stiffest gales with this new design from Outdoor Research. The “Trail Mix” pullover hoodie can be used anywhere cool fall weather descends, whether you are day-hiking or rigging a sloop. A woven water-resistant overlay on the pullover’s hood and cowl protects your head and neck from wet weather, while a cinch cord at the hem and elastic wrist cuffs
helps retain heat—but not too much heat; the gridded fleece material uses thermo-regulating ActiveTemp technology to wick away moisture and prevent overheating. An exterior chest pocket provides access to your phone and other personal valuables. There’s a snug place for your hands, as well, inside a cozy kangaroo pocket. $120 // outdoorresearch.com
A Cool New Way to Keep Hands Warm
Tired of using one-time hand warmers that start to chill out after only a few minutes? These sleek, rechargeable Ocoopa H01 units may be just the thing to keep your digits toasty on frigid autumnal mornings. Just plug it into a USB port for three to four hours for a full charge and get 8 to 15 hours of continuous warmth. The 7.3-ounce warmer is contoured smoothly, like a computer mouse, to perfectly fit inside a hand or slip into a pocket. An outer shell of soft silicone provides a comfortable grip. Programmable in three temperature settings from 95° to 131°F, the H01 comes in a range of colors, with a travel pouch and a USB cable that can also be used to charge your smartphone. $35 // ocoopa.com
Pack Up Your Treasures in the Camp Hauler Bag
Don’t let the fall weather spoil your plans out on the water this season. This sturdy Camp Hauler Bag, created in collaboration between Pendleton and outdoor clothier Marmot, measures 18” wide and 17” high, giving you 10.6 gallons of room to carry essentials for your next day trip. Best of all, a zip-top and an inner cinch closure keeps excess moisture out and your contents inside. Made of high strength nylon, the bag is as durable as it is attractive, with its “Yosemite National Park” color scheme of bright yellow, sky blue, and multihued trim. Two interior slip pockets and a zippered exterior pouch give the bag added versatility.
$89 // pendleton-usa.com
Get Two Uses in One with Accon Cleat
Every skipper knows a boat functions best when every inch of space is being utilized—anything that provides more than one use is key. That’s why Accon Marine offers this combination cleat and fishing rod holder in one sleek unit. Just pop up the cleat from its backing plate and use it to tie off your vessel. Then, when at sea, you can slide the cleat back in, flush with the gunnel, and use the
center hole as a rod holder as you troll. The hardware come in three configurations: 0˚, 15˚, and 30˚ angles, depending on your boating needs. Made of marine-grade 316 stainless steel, the cleat is built to last and will keep your gunnels clear of extra clutter. $115.59 // acconmarine.com
Keep Your Footing with Chooka Duck Skimmers
If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it’s probably something you want to wear on slippery docks this season. These waterproof, ballet-style, slip-on skimmers from Chooka combine lightness and comfort with durability and functionality. The outsole is all business, made of ultra-UC gum rubber, giving you a tight grip on slick decks. The navy top half features stylish leather-bow accent details. A combo cotton and polyester lining and breathable EVA insole provide padded comfort for extended use on board or a night on the town. Featherweight and highly flexible, these hand-made shoes are easily foldable for stashing in bags while on the go.
$45 // shopchooka.com
ITS ONLY LIMITATION IS
IMAGINATION
With trans-oceanic range, superb seakeeping ability, and a dedication to liveability, a Krogen will effortlessly take you on your next adventure. Whether you’re considering a trek through the Caribbean, exploring the Inside Passage, undertaking a Scandinavian adventure, or explor ing the Sea of Cortez, Kadey-Krogen’s exclusive Pure Full Displacement hull is a masterpiece of blue water hull design that will ensure these long passages are safe and comfortable. Moreover, what sets every Krogen apart are the unrivaled comfort and attention to the details that will fully embrace you once a crossing is complete and it’s time to explore your new destination. What are you waiting for?
PEARL’S PICKS
BY PEARL ZEASMANShow me the Rope
This durable Metal Thimble Nautical Rope Leash keeps me from sprinting after too many seagulls or squirrels via the same handy metal-rigging enclosure used to keep boat lines, well, in line. The thimble enclosure also allows the rope to easily slip through, without jamming, making it a breeze for my mom to pop it right off, once I talk her into letting me chase those gulls for just a wee bit. $50 // nauticalluxuries.com
Park it Right Here
Cooler fall days call for a little extra coziness when I curl up to take my daily aft deck nap. This snuggly Olympic National Park Dog Bed from Pendleton should do nicely. With a striped design inspired by the Olympic National Park as part of the brand’s National Parks collection, it is backed in durable cotton canvas and crafted from soft polyester fleece fabric to ward off the chill. $99-$169, depending on size // pendleton-usa.com
Time to ReBoot
These boots were made for walkin’: My paws shall stay dry and toasty even in the most serious of squalls in Ruffwear’s Grip Trex Dog Boots, which are made with a tightly woven air mesh upper that is still breathable while keeping dirt and debris out, plus a rugged lug outsole that provides flexible traction over various terrains. The reflective trim also provides extra visibility during dusky and dark weather. $39.95 (sold as a pair) // rei.com
Rain, Rain, You Can Stay
There’s a whole lot to love about the Torrential Tracker rain slicker from Canada Pooch: A super water-resistant shell? Check. A reflective trim for visibility? Roger that. Functional pockets for stashing my VIP accessories? Why, of course. And, a cheery, color-rich design? I’m sold. (You should be too, paw-rents.) $40 // canadapooch.com
Pearl is a feisty and opinionated Jack Russell Terrier born on November 7, 2013. Her favorite treat is organic, non-GMO natural chicken jerky, as she likes to take care of her girlish figure. Pearl loves dog TV and sunbathing on the aft deck of her human’s yacht, which is moored on the H dock at Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle.
ARRIVALS
BY RANDY WOODS / PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORDHAVNNordhavn 41
Hankering for some coastal cruising?
Seeking to explore the open ocean?
Either way, look no further than the excellently appointed new N41 from Nordhavn.
While the new Nordhavn 41 is perfect for long coastal excursions, it’s also a true open ocean cruiser. After all, its slightly smaller cousin, the Nordhavn 40, set a circumnavigation record for a production powerboat, totaling 23,000 nautical miles in 26 weeks. So, naturally, the N41 is a bluewater beast, capable of battling Force 8 gales and maintaining a range of 3,000+ nautical miles, cruising at 7 knots.
The N41 is currently the smallest boat in Nordhavn’s ocean-crossing portfolio, but it packs in many surprisingly luxurious
amenities. Flooring throughout is made of teak and ebony laminate and the cabinetry is walnut with a satin varnish. The main salon features a walnut dinette table with stainless steel pedestal, two cushioned settees on either side with standard vinyl fabric upholstery choices, a custom bench seat with a folding bolster to provide more standing room, and an LED TV and Fusion Marine stereo system for entertaining guests. The salon roof even includes flexible solar panels to provide 400 watts of power. The portside galley features a stainless steel
Vitrifrigo refrigerator/freezer combo, a Wolf three-burner induction stovetop, a GE convection/microwave oven, and white Corian countertops. A commissary area includes a Ugur deep freezer, a wash er-dryer, and an access hatch topside. The helm to starboard has a full suite of Garmin equipment, such as an 8616 XSV 16-inch screen, radar, a chart plotter, a depth sounder, autopilot, VHF radio, an AIS 600 transceiver, and a GC 12 video camera in the engine room.
To give it the smoothest ride possible on rough seas, the N41 is equipped with ABT Trac 220 stabilizers and 4,000 pounds of lead ballast in the keel. The power steering system by Hypro Marine also provides electronic command steering for easy maneuverability. Double side decks and side power bow thrusters provide easy movement during docking and mooring.
A 12-foot center-console tender comes standard, stored on the aft roof with an 800-pound-capacity Nick Jackson pipe davit.
Belowdecks, the Nordhavn 41 is available with two berth layouts: one with a single owner’s cabin, complete with a memory foam mattress, a walk-in closet, an LED TV, and an en suite head with Grohe sink and stall shower fixtures; the alternative is a two-stateroom version that includes a shared head and bunk beds. Both configu rations also include more sleeping space on the settees in the salon and reverse-cycle air conditioning.
Even if you don’t have trans-Pacific plans, it’s nice to know the N41’s clean-burning, twin Kubota 75hp diesels and 60% efficiency propellers could get the job done if needed.
Specs & Info
LOA
Tankage (Fuel/Fresh/Black) 900 gal. / 300 gal. / 70 gal.
Engines
Twin Kubota 75hp Diesels
Contact
Nordhavn Yachts Northwest Anacortes, WA 360.209.9780 info@nordhavn.com nordhavn.com
ARRIVALS
BY RANDY WOODS / PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH PACIFIC YACHTSNorth Pacific 49’ Euro Pilothouse
Strong, stable, stunning, sleek: North Pacific Yachts’ newest pilothouse ticks all the boxes this fall.
The profile of North Pacific’s new 49’ Euro Pilothouse, with its slight forward rake and sturdy fiberglass hull, is the epitome of a classic, strong, stable trawler. A peek inside, however, reveals many elegant touches and luxury amenities giving it the feeling of a much larger vessel.
The flybridge, for instance, is spacious enough to entertain guests and store a 12.5’ RIB dinghy on the same deck. Open-air seating at an L-shaped dinette aft of the helm station provides spectacular, 360˚ views, plus a barbecue mount and another bench seat to port. The foredeck can be accessed from both the pilothouse and flybridge and includes a molded-in, cushioned seat with a flip-down backrest.
The interior of the highly customizable pilothouse and full-beam salon features satin-finished ash, wenge, and blackwood paneled walls, dovetailed drawers, and solid hardwood flooring. The settees in the salon are custom made and upholstered with fine leather. A common feature for all potential layouts is the placement of large windows and high, 6’10” ceilings throughout that flood the interior with natural light and panoramic views. Aft to port, the galley includes a convection/microwave oven, a refrig erator/freezer, granite or quartz options for countertops, and a four-burner cooktop, which can be ordered in glass-top, propane, or induction models. There’s also room for an optional dishwasher and trash compactor.
The pilothouse helm features a full set of Garmin electronics, including chart plotters, autopilot, radar, a fish finder, and VHF radios, all controlled from either Stidd or Llebroc helm chairs. A stairway beside the helm leads down to the accommodations, which can be configured in a three-stateroom layout or an option with two staterooms and an office. The master, located either forward or amidships, is full beam with a queen-sized berth, a recessed headboard, spacious windows, an en suite head and shower, and nearly 82” of headroom. The guest staterooms can have either queen-sized berths or bunk beds and have easy access to a shared day head and shower.
The voluminous cockpit covers about 74 square feet, but can be extend ed by two more feet astern. The area is fully covered by the aft flybridge deck and includes an expandable teak table and cushioned seating along the transom. The cockpit and swim platform are both finished with syn thetic Flexiteek decks that resemble real teak but require no maintenance. All of this is powered by the 49’ Euro’s single 355hp QSB 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine, capable of cruising at 7 to 10 knots. Larger engines are available for higher top speeds, as well as twin engines and get-home-engine options.
BROKER’S BEST
BY RANDY WOODS / PHOTOS BY SEATTLE YACHT MEDIA2018 68’ Hampton Endurance 658 LRC
Well-loved and maintained, this like-new Endurance 658 from Worth Avenue Yachts is a real beauty.
Lovingly cared for by its original owners, this 68’ Hampton Endurance long-range cruiser features three staterooms and three heads to comfortably sleep up to six people. While its muscular twin Caterpillar 12.9L marine diesel engines put out 1,000 horses (with just 445 hours of use), countless luxury appointments give the trawler a refined air of grace and stability.
Named Mahalo, this Endurance 658 LRC has an open layout on the main deck, allowing clear sightlines through the entire interior, from helm to the stern. Situated on the aft deck is a molded-in settee, fitted with custom upholstered seats. Adjacent and forward is an oval, gloss-finished cherry dining table with compass rose inlay. The aft deck also has access to a day head.
Moving forward through a sliding glass door, the salon includes large, frameless windows, allowing natural light to fill the space. Custom-built furniture includes a starboard L-shaped sofa, two port-side upholstered armchairs, and an electric-lift hi-lo table. The entertainment cabinet to port features a 46” Samsung TV on a lift with a Fusion 755 stereo system, a Sony Blu-Ray player, and Polk speakers.
Two steps up from the salon is the forward galley, equipped with a heated granite floor and granite counters. GE appliances include an upright Monogram refrigerator/freezer, a four-burner induction cooktop, and an electric oven. Forward of the galley is the pilothouse with Pompanette Platinum Series helm chairs. The helm
boasts a full suite of Garmin electronics, bow thruster controls, and a custom cherry steering wheel.
The flybridge deck above features a second, full-control helm area. A large Corian hi-lo table and an L-shaped lounge provides an al fresco entertaining space with a sink, a 30” DCS propane grill, a refrigerator, and an ice maker. Aft of the outdoor galley, a 13’ Walker Bay Generation 400 DLX tender is stored with a Steelhead 1,750-pound capacity davit.
Stairs from the pilothouse lead to the cabins below, including a full-beam owner’s stateroom with a king-sized bed and en suite head and shower. The VIP
cabin forward has a queen-sized berth, while the port guest cabin has side by side twin beds. Both cabins have shared access to a separate head and shower.
Being less than five years old, Mahalo still looks like a brand-new vessel. But it has had some work done to keep it in top condition, including an annual waxing of the hull and topsides. In 2019, both propellers were removed and tuned. In 2020, the entire bottom was painted and Propspeed was applied on the props and running gear. Earlier this year, all zincs on its bottom, engines, and transmission were replaced, and CO2 monitors were replaced in the staterooms.
Specs & Info
LOA
Tankage (Fuel/Fresh/Black)
1,750 gal. / 400 gal. / 120 gal.
Engines
Twin Caterpillar Combined 100hp Diesels
Contact Worth Avenue Yachts Seattle, WA Scott Hauck 206.209.1920 scotthauck@worthavenueyachts.com worthavenueyachts.com
OH CAPI,
MY CAPI
PHOTOS BY EMERY HANSELLFour women follow in the wake of Muriel Wylie Blanchet’s The Curve of Time on an inspiring summer journey of self-discovery.
ABOVE: AN EYE IN THE SKY LOOK AT BY ALL MEANS. AT RIGHT: CREW MEMBER ERIN BEAUDOIN STRUMMING AWAY DURING A QUIET MOMENT AT SEA.
CHECKING OFF THE MAINTENANCE TO-DO LIST WHILE IN MOORAGE.
Two weeks into a two-month trip along Canada’s Inside Passage, the fleming, which keeps the rode of the anchor from getting stuck in the pulley, snapped. The 20-something, four-woman crew on By All Means, a North Pacific 28 pilothouse trawler, were literally in a tight spot.
“Behind us, there’s this falling down dock that just looks like a safety hazard. And then, on the other side, there’s a reef, and on the other side, there’s a cliffside,” says Uhane Johnson, who served as navigator aboard By All Means, when describing the calamitous moment. “We were working together, trying to communicate to not hit anything, while also pulling up a 30-pound anchor, plus 50 feet of chain.”
Ultimately, elbow grease, teamwork, and a milk crate loaned by friends saved the journey— which spanned from Washington’s San Juan Islands to Stuart Island in British Columbia.
The inspiration for that journey—author Muriel Wylie Blanchet—would have been proud. Blanchet, known as Capi (short for Captain), encountered many a tight spot in the Inside Passage and wrote about her adventures in The Curve of Time
The book is a firsthand account of her trips through British Columbia’s waters as a young widow with five children and her dog in tow. Almost 100 years later, Blanchet’s vivid descriptions, fearless independence, and colorful characters still inspire a sense of adventure.
It motivated Annie Means to organize her three friends this summer and take to the same waters that Capi sailed in the 25-foot Caprice. Means dreamed about such experiences since her family gifted her the Northwest literary classic at age 14. Originally from West Seattle, she skippered By All Means, which they had access to courtesy of her parents. “We’re very fortunate that they had the lack of common sense to let their kid and three other women use it,” she jokes.
“There was something about her; her spirit and her willingness to go against the flow of things I thought was really compelling,” says Means of why she wanted to follow in Capi’s wake. “Since we’ve done the trip, I think we are even more inspired, because we learned this is way harder than we thought it was,” she adds. “She was doing all of this with
Captain Vancouver’s logbook, charts, and a compass; and we’re out here with a GPS being like, ‘Hmm, are we in the right spot?’”
The women all met and went to school in Walla Walla, Washington, where Means is currently finishing her last year at Whitman College. The rest of the By All Means crew have since left the landlocked eastern Washington town. Johnson, a Lopez Island native, is now working for an organic body products company in Bellingham. Erin Beau doin, the boat’s human stern thruster hailing from Southern Oregon, now resides in Los Angeles doing business development for space tech startups. Em ery Hansell grew up in the Midwest and is currently traveling for her freelance videography. She helped hand pull the anchor and oversaw filming that will hopefully become a documentary.
Prior to their June 8th launch from the San Juans, each member acquired their boating license and, between the four, had some EMS experience and Wilderness First Responder certification. Much like Capi’s excursions, the journey was low budget. The women squished themselves and their few belongings into the boat; jamming jackets, Chacos, and denim (all of which became cutoffs) inside designated drawers. The four made do with a 40-gallon water tank, but sometimes spent days cut off from resources, which meant a lot of dips
BELOW: IT’S DUNGENESS FOR DINNER. AT RIGHT: EMERY HANSELL TAKES SNAPS DURING A STOP-OVER (PHOTO BY UHANE JOHNSON).
and dishwashing in the ocean. When available, shower prices ranged from 10 loonies (about $10) for a five-minute shower to two loonies for unlimited time. “We’d try to take showers when we found those places. Someone would run up the dock and be like, ‘You guys, deal of the century!’” says Beaudoin.
One intention of the trip was to observe the environmental changes between Capi’s sailings and the crew’s experience in 2022. A major differ ence? The amount of people. “We were never alone. We had a big conversation: ‘Is it even possible to find somewhere that we won’t see anyone for a couple of days?’” says Johnson. “Emery (Hansell) was looking at charts, trying to figure out where that might be. We just decided that it’s not possible anymore, unless we went farther north, because it’s such a trafficked area.”
Another difference was fishing access. “There’s a lot of fishing regulations in place, because the area’s been so overfished by commercial vessels that, now to preserve species, the season is closed for a lot of the year,” says Beaudoin. Bivalve harvesting was also off the table with biohazard warnings due to untreated waste and harmful algal blooms proliferating as waters continue to get warmer. This required the group to rely more on groceries and paying to dispose of waste properly. To help lessen their footprint, they used sustainable body
products, worked with less water, and utilized a solar panel.
A similarity to Capi’s trips that took the crew by surprise was the impact of logging. Now logged twice, the forested landscapes lining their journey have gone from a 100-year rotation to a 70-year rotation. Capi wrote about the logging cycle on her journeys and often tied up to log booms. Today, even amongst the stunning topography, the group could see helicopters removing logs by hook and dropping them into a net.
However, one spot from Blanchet’s book that particularly exceeded expectations was Princess Louisa Inlet. “It is awe inspiring,” describes Means, “cavernous walls that have waterfalls cascading from them—and you open up into, what appears like it could be a lake, but it’s all saltwater. It felt like Yosemite—the waterfront version. And it blew my mind completely away.”
Despite wondrous surroundings, the crew was conscious of a darker aspect of Capi’s journeys: the treatment of Indigenous communities. “It’s no secret that when you reread The Curve of Time, Muriel Wylie Blanchet was interested in Indigenous cultures, but not necessarily respectful of them,” says Means. “So that’s something that we’re trying to deal with and wrestle with; how do we still respect a woman who we look up to, but also understand that
she was not perfect, and that we need to address some of the wrongdoings that she participated in?”
Looking at women in boating then versus now also revealed what has changed—or still needs to. Un like today, Capi was put in the position of having to choose between autonomy or financial security after the death of her husband. Though the crew’s choices are much less limited, they noticed how few women are still represented in outdoor boating and, if pres ent, were usually with a man as part of a couple.
Though most were pleasantly surprised by the group of four women and their travels, reactions from both men and women sometimes veered into sexist territory. “The two questions that we were consistently asked were: ‘Is it just you four on the boat?’ Implying, you know, ‘Where’s your captain? Where’s the man? Where’s the older person?’ And, ‘How are you girls all still friends after living on a boat together?’ Implying that women are catty and can’t cohabitate,” says Means.
But cohabitating was smooth sailing, with the group connecting over silly fun and sudden crises alike. Besides the anchor debacle, the crewmembers also rallied together during predicaments such as stormy conditions, a dead battery, the disappearance of their drone for 20 minutes, and bloody gashes from those pesky, razor-like oyster shells—all of which reached satisfactory ends due to the four’s easy camaraderie.
In less dramatic moments, the crew passed time by knitting, listening to podcasts, and reading—with books often found at Little Free Libraries. A particu lar favorite read aloud was Deadman Island by D.W. Ulsterman, the seventh book in the San Juan Islands Mystery franchise. “It’s about a murderous sea lion and a lot of in-island politics,” laughs Beaudoin. “That was a great way to bond.”
Additionally, the crew kept busy shooting footage for their documentary, which they hope to have a rough cut of out next summer.
For now, the four are adjusting back into their everyday land lives and the rapid demands of modern life. “Trying to hold on to a little bit of that slow living and relaxation from the boat has been a little tough to reconcile,” says Hansell. That sentiment was shared by the whole group.
Upon reflection, a lasting impact of the trip were the people met along the way, from a chance encounter with boat designer Chris Morejohn to befriending worldly retired couples and affable liveaboards. “It was inspiring to have [support] not just from our peers, but also from people that have had a life that has been lived in an unusual way and done so with grace,” says Hansell. “That gave, at least me and I think everybody else, a lot of hope for being able to do the same ourselves.”
Towards the end of their journey, the crew found themselves reunited in Pender Harbour with people they’d met along their route. “It was a really nice way to wrap up—share fresh prawns and salmon and veggies, and just have a little dock party with a
THE FOURSOME’S ADVENTURES SPANNED FROM THE SAN JUANS UP NORTH TO THE DISCOVERY ISLANDS AND BACK.
– Annie Means on Capi Blanchet
community we had built in just two months,” says Beaudoin. “That made us all think about how great it would be to go back and do it again.”
>> To keep up-to-date on production details of the forthcoming documentary, or to relive the wom en’s journey via their social handles, visit: linktr.ee/ capithemovie
“There was something about her; her spirit and her willingness to go against the flow of things I thought was really compelling.”
REC CENTER
RBAW AND ITS ICONIC EMBLEM LOOM LARGE IN WASHINGTON STATE BOATING.
FROM ADVOCATING PRO-BOATING LEGISLATION TO PRESERVING BELOVED CRUISING GROUNDS, THE RECREATION BOATING ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON CONTINUES TO BUOY ITS LEGACY AS A COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE.
BY KATE CALAMUSASucia Island, a horseshoe-shaped gem found among the northernmost San Juan Islands, encompasses craggy rocks, sweeping grasses, and towering trees dotting stunning stretches of shoreline. From Shallow to Echo to Fossil bays, the calm, cool waters there have presented boaters with cruising opportunities for decades—a present all made possible by the Recreation Boating Association of Washington (RBAW).
First formed as the Puget Sound Interclub Association and later incorporated as such in 1956, the later-renamed RBAW and its earliest leaders— among whom numbered first president Everett “Ev” Henry of Rainier Yacht Club—worked to save the 814 acres offered by the islands from being heavily developed. The 24 Northwest yacht clubs that served on the founding body rallied to raise $25,000, reportedly half the value of the land at the time. They then purchased the archipelago, and donated it all back to Washington state to be preserved as a park so that boaters for generations to come could— and would—reap the benefits of her beauty. Perhaps the dedication sign that is perched at the head of the dock in Fossil Bay says it best: “Placed in the trust of the state 4-29-60 for yachtsmen forever.”
That canny maneuvering in the best interests of boaters still speaks well to the ambitions of RBAW today, as the membership-based, all-volunteer-run organization continues to passionately promote recreational boating within the state through three primary arenas: advocacy, awareness, and conservation.
“Sucia was our first claim to fame, and it really exemplifies the vision from our first club leaders for preserving areas for boating in the state,” says current president Bob Wise, who owns several marinas on the Kitsap Peninsula. “Today, our board is made up of similarly like-minded boaters, I’d say passionate boaters from all areas of boating, who are working together to affect change.”
One such area where change often manifests is within the legislative halls in Olympia. RBAW employs a full-time advocate, who works with the elected representatives and regulatory agencies on policies that affect the marine pastime, everything from safety to tax issues. “It’s incredibly important to us that we are there to speak up for boaters, to provide a voice, within these sessions,” explains Wise.
Case in point: Last year during the budgeting session, RBAW fought alongside the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and others to rally against a proposal to double the Watercraft Excise Tax. (Many argued the proposed tax wouldn’t have been fair for boaters as the fees were to go to maintaining roadways, not waterways.) Testifying in committee hearings, RBAW flooded legislators with almost 17,000 messages in disfavor; and the tax failed to pass. More recently, RBAW also helped in a bipartisan push to secure several million dollars in state funding to help rid our waters of derelict vessels, thus tripling the amount directed at that effort. They have also been working closely with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to advocate that more resources to be directed at Seattle Harbor Patrol. (Currently just one vessel and 13 staff are responsible for the safety of over 200 miles of Seattle shoreline around Elliott Bay, Lake Union and Lake Washington.)
RBAW also works to keep boaters in the loop on the water, too.
The organization was the one to spearhead this year’s Mind the Zone campaign on Lake Union,
which drew attention to the seaplane advisory landing zone and promoted safety awareness among the growing number of boaters, paddlers, kayakers, and others who frequent the lake during the busy summer months. “Lake traffic has increased significantly over the past several years, and it came to light that perhaps many new users weren’t even aware there was an advisory landing zone, or what it meant when those buoys flashed,” says RBAW Vice-President Andrea Pierantozzi, who spearheaded the initiative. “So, we jumped into action to make sure that everyone could share the water safely.” Pierantozzi and her team created a vast social media campaign that featured the catchy #MindtheZone hashtag and included a video that garnered over 350,000 views, rallied area businesses and boating clubs to help spread the word to consumers, and posted signage so that adventurers were aware of the advisory zone before casting off.
Similarly, in 2021, when boating access to Andrews Bay in Lake Washington was threatened due to noise complaints from on-shore neighbors and concerned
boaters, RBAW members sailed out to the spot on their own vessels and chatted with boaters face-toface, reminding them to be respectful of the shared space. They asked boaters to take a pledge to that effect, and over 1,200 individuals did so.
“It all goes back to the theme of what we do and who we are,” says Pierantozzi. “Educating our own, protecting our own, and preserving access to amazing boating.”
Which is exactly why RBAW has spent the last two and a half years on a preservation effort that returns them to their roots: On December 28, 2021, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the association officially closed on the joint purchase of the historic Lakebay Marina located on Mayo Cove in Pierce County. The intent is to restore the iconic property, which includes 2.8 acres of uplands and tidelands as well as the marina facilities, and again turn it over to the state for management as a marine park, just as it was done with Sucia Island in 1960. “It’s an absolute gem in the South Sound and has the potential to be even better
ABOVE: RBAW’S LATEST AND GREATEST VENTURE IS THE RESTORATION PROJECT AT LAKEBAY MARINA.
for boating, another Sucia. The vibe is incredible, you are just a couple of minutes away from the cities, yet feels worlds away,” says Wise, who had been eying the property for years and spearheaded the recent effort.
Now that they have possession of the property, the restoration phase has begun. The derelict docks have been removed and prep work has begun to replace them, as well as the fuel dock. RBAW will rehabil itate the building and redo the boat ramp to make it more accessible for vessels, including trailerable ones. Between grants and fundraising efforts, RBAW has raised $2 million towards the effort, but several more million will be needed to complete the project, which Wise estimates will take 2-4 years. “It’s a great project, and it’s something we want to do more of; to keep growing public access to the water, and creating permanent conservancies for boaters,” Wise says. He adds, with a chuckle: “This one took 60 years to find, I sure hope the next one comes along a bit quicker. We’ll certainly be looking.”
Wise states that RBAW is actively looking for community help with the Lakebay Marina project
—donations can be made on their conservancy website at rbawmarineparksconservancy.org—as well as always looking for new members to join the 11,000-member-strong association. Membership to RBAW is just $20 a year. That fee helps fund all three arms of the association’s efforts, as well gives mem bers perks such as discounts at such businesses as Fisheries Supplies, access to e-newsletters and insider info on issues affecting boaters, invites to activities, and the right to fly the RBAW burgee.
“I love putting my heart and soul into fighting for things that are important to us boaters,” says Pierantozzi of becoming involved with RBAW. “We are getting to determine the long-term future of boating and help contribute to its preservation. That’s a pretty incredible legacy.”
>> To learn more about the Recreational Boating Association of Washington, become a member, or donate to their efforts, visit: rbaw.org
TIGHT LINES
CONTRIBUTED BY MARK YUASA, WDFWThe Chase is On
Don’t pack up that fishing gear just yet: MARK YUASA reports in with recommendations on sleuthing out more fall salmon.
The fog and morning dew covering the landscape is a sign that fall has arrived. For salmon anglers, this means it’s time to start chasing salmon in bays, terminal fishing sites, and deep-water estuaries near the entrances of rivers.
While many anglers think to stow away their fishing gear as fall arrives, October and into the month of November can actually be one of the more productive times out on the water, especially in places like Grays Harbor—located in the backyard of Aberdeen and Westport. State fishery managers are forecasting one of the best coho salmon returns since 2014 to Grays Harbor and its tributaries. This increase in productivity is tied to a higher marine survival rate and improved ocean conditions. The Grays Harbor coho forecast is 198,719 (120,381 are wild and 78,338 are hatchery), up big time from 76,518 (44,843 and 31,675) in 2021.
Good boat launching facilities to access the fishery in Grays Harbor are: the Westport boat ramp, which is best for all sizes of boats; the Johns River boat ramp, a gravelly two-lane site that is suitable for smaller boats; and, the 28th Street boat launch in Hoquiam. The boat ride from the Westport Marina to the main fishing ground in what is known as the “South Channel” takes about 15 minutes to reach the “Goal Post” (a distinct set of rotting wood pilings) located off the Johns River inlet. In this area there is a trough that is 15- to 35-feet deep and runs east and west along the shoreline heading to the Chehalis River mouth. Anglers should start at the Goal Post and head east, ending their troll at Stearns Bluff, a landmark on the southern hillside.
Fishing gear consists of a 6- to 10-ounce lead drop sinker ball to a three-way slip swivel with a triangle Shortbus and/or Brad’s 360 Evolution flashers and a 6- to 8-foot leader attached with a cut-plug herring and/or a Yakima Bait’s Hildebrandt 3.5 Spinner. Once you start trolling, let out 12 to 25 pulls of fishing line, so your bait is spinning just off the sandy bottom or at mid-depth if you mark fish higher up in the water column. Be sure to check your fishing gear often, since the harbor is filled with eel grass. (The best way to avoid eel grass is by fishing during the softer tidal
series.) A flood tide is the best time to fish, although some will catch fish right at the low tide change. Since the bite is dictated by tidal exchanges, there’s no need to be on the water first thing in the morning unless that’s when the flood tide occurs.
While the best show happens in the South Channel of Grays Harbor, you can also catch coho in the Lower Chehalis River from the Montesano boat launch to the Lumber Mill, and from the Friends Landing boat launch to a couple miles below the Wynoochee River mouth.
(The Chehalis River forecast is a good looking 106,624 wild and 36,854 hatchery coho.) The South Channel fishery (also often referred to as the “East Grays Harbor Fishery”) is open through October 31 with a two salmon daily limit and release all Chinook, and from November 1-30, the daily limit is one salmon and release all Chinook.
Salmon anglers can also expect to see a decent number of migrating coho in several marine areas of Puget Sound. The northeastern region of Whidbey Island (Marine Area 8-1) is open through October 9 for coho with a two salmon daily limit (release all Chinook and chum). Central Puget Sound (Marine Area 10) and south-central Puget Sound (Area 11) are open for all coho through October 31. Hood Canal (Area 12) is also open for coho through November 30, and anglers can also target chum salmon. Southern Puget Sound (Area 13) is open year-round for salmon fishing and areas around Peale Passage, Dana Passage, and Harstine Island should be good for hatchery coho this month. Anglers should check the WDFW website for any emergency changes to the season dates.
Next month we’ll dive into Puget Sound winter Dungeness crab fishing options, an announcement on that front should be out soon. I’ll see you on the water very soon!
Mark Yuasa is a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications Manager and longtime fishing and outdoor writer.
Samson & Polyform Winterizing Sale
BELOW DECK
BY ANDREW HOGERain? Check!
Make a splash this fall as you traverse from slick docks to city sidewalks with these rain boot finds from ANDREW HOGE.
It’s that time of year again, when we trade our summer footwear for rain-ready soles. But, as the selections below suggest, the seasonal swap doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.
1. UGG Harrison Tall Rain Boots
If the mention of ‘UGG’ conjures up memories of the mid-2000s sheepskin boot craze, I’m here to tell you to take a second look. The Australian-based company has since expanded its offerings, including this ultra-chic, waterproof, tall leather rain boot complete with seam-sealed construction and stylish buckle detail. ($200; ugg.com)
2. Dolce Vita Thundr H20 Chelsea Rain Boot
These glossy Chelsea-style rain boots come in three neutral colors, which means they look fabulous with a range of ensembles—from jeans to formal wear. The chunky lug sole provides stability, and the elastic detail around the ankle allows you to pull them on and off with ease. ($85; nordstrom.com)
3. Muck Boot Originals Pull-On Mid-Boots
These stylish Chelsea boots from REI are completely waterproof, making them ideal for days filled with splashing waves and unexpected rain. Not only are they fun to look at—that bow detail is a nice touch— but they also feature polyurethane footbeds with moisture-wicking and antimicrobial memory foam to keep your feet dry and fresh. ($110; rei.com)
4. Columbia Men’s Trailstorm™ Mid Waterproof Shoe
At first glance, you might think these streamlined soles are a pair of trendy high tops, but leave it to Columbia Sportswear to get them all terrain ready. The design features seam-sealed construction and excellent traction, along with advanced Adapt Trax™ technology that makes them perfect for transitioning from the marina to your pilothouse.
($110; columbia.com)
Andrew Hoge is a Seattle-based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer who covers the Pacific Northwest’s evolving style and cultural scene. Follow his perspective on Instagram at @andrewhoge.
The Hunt Deep-V hull delivers unparalleled safety, comfort and confidence for glorious days on the water. The interior is built exclusively to your specifications. And the build of every Hunt 63 is managed and backed by The Hinckley Company’s 93 years of experience and seven yacht yards. Here stories are told in the luxury of a bespoke interior and adventures are logged on a hull proven and perfected over time. Not just a better boating experience. The best. Out there.
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SEA FARE
BY JAMES O. FRAIOLI / PHOTO BY MATTHEW PIETSCHA James Beard Award–winning cookbook and cocktail author with more than 40 published titles to his credit, Fraioli’s books have been featured on Ellen and the Food Network, and in Vogue, People, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He resides in Bellevue, but keeps his sportfishing boat (a 28-foot Albin) in beautiful Anacortes, the gateway to his beloved San Juan Islands. Have a cookbook idea or project in mind? Email james@culinarybookcreations.com.
Other Fish to Fry
Accentuated by sea-cured celery and a nutty brown butter sauce, the sometimes overlooked flounder shines in this easy, pan-fried application from JAMES O. FRAIOLI.
There are many species of flounder that find their way to dinner tables across America. Soles, like Dover, English, and petrale, along with sand dabs, flukes, and plaice are also part of the flatfish family and often grouped into the “flounder” name. Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, flounders thrive in our local waters and are quite plentiful. The most abundant is the starry flounder and Pacific sand dab. For those of you who appreciate a light, delicate fish with a mild, slightly sweet taste, you’ll enjoy this delicious flounder recipe from my cookbook: Sea Robins, Triggerfish & Other Overlooked Seafood, which I co-wrote with Chef Matthew Pietsch. The recipe is incredibly versatile as the quick application works wonders for just about any species of fish available. The dish also pairs well with a fresh green salad simply dressed with fresh-squeezed lemon and olive oil.
Flounder À La Meunieere
Serves 4
1 large carrot, peeled and ends trimmed 4 (6-ounce) flounder filets, cleaned and trimmed
2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
4 to 6-ounces clarified butter or neutral flavored oil (canola or grapeseed)
Kosher salt, as needed Coarse flake or sea salt, as needed ¾ cup Brown Butter Sauce, divided, recipe follows
Sea-Cured Celery, as needed, for garnish, recipe follows Jarred pearl onions, halved, as needed, for garnish
Brown Butter Sauce
4 cups heavy cream
1 lemon, juiced
Fine sea salt, as needed
In a small, heavy-bottomed sauce pot (3- or 4-quart), add the cream and bring to a boil. (Note: the cream will easily “boil over” if not attended to, so stir the cream and reduce the temperature slightly to keep the cream from spilling over the sides of the pot.) Continue to cook the cream at the highest manageable temperature, slowly reducing the moisture contained in the cream. As the cream thickens and reduces, decrease the heat to a simmer and continue to stir. The water content in the cream will continue to evaporate, and the remaining milk solids and butter fat will begin to thicken further,
First, shave the carrot into long strips, using a mandolin or vegetable peeler. Place the carrot strips into a bath of ice water and chill for 10 to 15 minutes prior to serving. The carrot should curl into interesting curved shapes. Dry well before plating.
Towel dry the fish well prior to cooking. Place the flour in a large, shallow baking dish. Do not flour the fish until ready to cook.
Place a large sauté pan over medium to medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat for 1 or 2 minutes. Add the clarified butter or oil to the pan and allow to heat for 30 to 60 seconds. Season the fish well with kosher salt, and dust immediately with the flour, being sure to remove any excess flour from the fish. Place the fish carefully into the
hot pan. Once lightly golden brown, turn the fish using a fish spatula and finish cooking the other side. Remove the fish from the pan and sprinkle immediately with course flake salt.
Using a large spoon, place a few tablespoons of the Brown Butter Sauce onto the center of a plate and push the spoon across the plate, front to back, drawing the sauce across as you go. Place a flounder fillet over the sauce, just off center. Garnish the fish with some shaved carrot, Sea Cured Celery pieces, and pickled onions.
Sea-Cured Celery
and then caramelize. Scrape the sides of the pot throughout, re-introducing the product to the cooking mass. Once the cream begins to take on a caramel tone, reduce the heat slightly and begin to stir frequently. (Note: The thicker the cream becomes, the more likely the mixture will stick to the bottom of the pan and scorch or burn, ruining the preparation, so don’t stop stirring.) Continue to cook the thickened mixture, stirring frequently and removing any particles that have become stuck to the pan, until deeply caramelized (a darkbrown golden hue). Once the cream has thor oughly expelled its water content and is deeply caramelized, remove from the heat. Add the lemon juice while whisking aggressively to re-emulsify the mixture, and season with salt.
Serve immediately.
4 celery stalks, trimmed
Olive oil, as needed
Fine sea salt, as needed
Cut the celery on a long bias to achieve a piece that is 1½ inches in length and ¼-inch thin. Add the celery to a small mixing bowl and coat well with olive oil.
Season liberally with sea salt. Place in a sealed Ziploc bag, remove all the air, and tightly seal. Allow to sit at room temperature overnight. When ready to use, remove the celery from the bag, rinse, and pat dry.
Boating Memories
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PORT OF CALL
BY LORI EASTES / PHOTO COURTESY OF WORTH AVENUE YACHTSSea to Shining Sea
The Isthmus of Panama links Central and South Americas, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, plus offers idyllic islands and breathtaking beaches in addition to its iconic canal.
Experience the unique beauty of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during a voyage through Panama. Perfect for exploration aboard a private charter yacht, this destination not only offers you the opportunity to travel through the stunning San Blas and Las Perlas islands, but also the once-in-lifetime experience of transiting the iconic Panama Canal in between the two archipelagos. Take your pick or explore them both: The San Blas Islands are a chain of 365 islands that extend over 160 kilometers along the Caribbean Coast from the Gulf of San Blas to the Colombian border. Over 80 percent of these picturesque islands are uninhabited, providing pristine cruising and peaceful solitude. The Las Perlas Islands located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama offer similarly unspoiled landscapes with a mix of modern and exciting environments.
GULF OF SAN BLAS
Meet your yacht at Red Frog Beach Island Marina and enjoy sweeping views of the cobalt sea kissing the lush green jungle landscape. Situated in the islands of the Caribbean Sea, the protected waters invite you to begin your journey on the water. After exploring the resort and tranquil property, get settled into your yacht and sail away from the sun swept beaches toward Bocas Town.
Known for the strong surf, Boca Town provides amazing ambient sounds of water crashing onto the beach both day and night. When you wake up in the morning, indulge in breakfast before walking along Starfish Beach, so named because the golden beach and turquoise waters are home to giant orange starfish that cover the shore. Finish the evening sipping a glass of wine while watching the beautiful sunset in the distance.
After a longer trek east, you’ll reach the remote and natural San Blas Islands. Although only a short trip from Panama City, the islands will transport you to a time long ago. Run by the Kuna tribe, the islands are autonomous provinces with minimal interference from the national government. They have maintained their own economic system, language, customs, and culture throughout the years. Each island is ruled by a chief and tribal societies have passed down traditional dress, legends, music, and dances for generations. Often, you’ll see the graceful handiwork of their wooden canoes and patchwork sails on the water. Called “cayucos” in the native language, the vessels complement the aquatic landscape.
LAS PERLAS ISLANDS
Situated on the Pacific Coast of Panama and containing 200 islands and islets, this island chain was discovered by Spanish Conquistadors in 1503; they named them the “Islas de las Perlas” due to the abundance of pearls found here. Best known for the deserted white sand beaches, exquisite scuba diving, and delicate ecosystems, each unique island offers the chance to revel in peace and privacy.
Be sure to visit the nature reserve of Isla San Telmo located on the southern end of the islands. Anchor off the coast and launch the water toys; you can play for hours thanks to the almost nonexistent swell. Find delight in observing the unique wildlife on the islands including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and over 700 species of colorful fish.
Another can’t miss destination is the remote and mostly unknown Islas Secas. This idyllic location boasts incredible marine life. Move seamlessly by foot or boat to access the endless ocean wilderness. Snorkel or dive amidst the aquatic wonders of the Gulf of Chiriqui, discover the biodiversity of Coiba National Park, or swim waters that often host migrating humpback whales. For a more thrilling adventure, spend the afternoon flying through the jungle on a zip line excursion. After seeing the beautiful sites from above, take a tour of a coffee farm where you can sample some of the best coffee in the world.
PANAMA CANAL
This 50-mile-long artificial canal that divides Central and South America allows you to easily transit to a variety of picturesque coastlines. Considered one of the man-made wonders of the world, this engineering marvel is over 100 years old and since opening, over one million vessels have transited the canal. It was even expanded in 2016 to allow for larger vessels. It takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to pass through the Gatun, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores locks. Rising 85 feet above sea level, this truly unique experience will be the highlight of your trip.
Lori Eastes is thrilled to be on the team at Worth Avenue Yachts because chartering private yacht vacations combines everything she loves: party plan ning, travel, and boats. With a background in hospitality, Lori is committed to providing an unparalleled experience for her clients. To chat with Lori about making your yacht vacation a reality, give her a call at 206.209.1920.
BON VOYAGE
“STANDING IN THE PRESENT, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF THE CURVE, YOU CAN LOOK BACK AND SEE THE PAST, OR FORWARD AND SEE THE FUTURE, ALL IN THE SAME INSTANT.”
- M. Wylie Blanchet
THE CURVE IN TIME CONTINUES TO INSPIRE NORTHWEST BOATERS LIKE FAWN SPADY, THE PRODUCER OF A NEW YOUTH PODCAST BASED ON CAPI’S CHRONICLES, WHO SNAPPED THIS STUNNING SHOT WHILE CRUISING IN CANADA. (MORE IN THE CURRENT ON PAGE 34.)
PHOTO BY FAWN SPADY
Discover the world with Worth Avenue Yachts. Our dedicated charter team will guide you through the incredible destinations ready to book for your next vacation.
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