Shilshole Blog

This Sunday is your chance to put away the flower pots, roll up the “welcome” mats and take your “house” for a spin.  It’s a fun “race” around the buoys open to all liveaboard sailboats.  The weather forecast if great!

There is a small $20 entry fee, (which covers beer, trophys, and race committee boat fuel) and you don’t have to have any racing experience. A Skippers’ Party will be held at the Ballard VFW Post (2812 NW Market St., just East of the Sloop Tavern) at 1800 hrs (6pm) on Saturday before the race. The skippers’ party is sponsored by the Washington Liveaboard Association- Shilshole branch.

Sign up to race

Race Your House Rules

Race Your House Photos

In the boating world, when someone says they are a “captain”, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have some Napoleon complex on their own boat and like to wear black berets (although those people do exist).  It generally means that they have undergone complex studies and a rigorous exam to earn the title.  With it (OUPV, 6-Pack), you can legally take paying passengers out on a boat.  You can deliver boats for the owners or brokers. It may reduce your insurance rate, and carries weight when chartering.

You see the ads everywhere for local classes.  They are held in classrooms, online or personal study…all to fit your schedule.  Winter is a good time to consider this as the boat is usually tucked away.  Here are couple local organizations but also check out the marine stores, yacht brokers, and boating magazines for references…

http://www.flagshipmaritimellc.com/

http://www.usmaritime.us/float_plan.shtml

https://www.marinerslearningsystem.com/oupv-sixpack-captains-license.html

Thursday is the Great Washington ShakeOut: a statewide opportunity to practice how to be safe during big earthquakes.  This affects us how?  …

If you’re at work, all of these suggestions could be relevant.  If you are on your boat, then the tsunami possibilities are relevant.  Most of us on a boat have a plan in case of a natural/man-made disaster but it is always good to review your plan and make corrections.  Our Shilshole Prepares site also addresses many of these potential issues.

Do you have some foul weather gear/boots you and/or your kids have outgrown?  How about some fleece jackets you no longer use?  Water toys?  There is a new store opening in Ballard that will sell your outdoor clothing on consignment.  Check them out here…, and this is the store link  https://wonderlandgearexchange.com/

Coast Guard officials are seeking comment from mariners and maritime stakeholders while reviewing an application from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company requesting approval of the location and plans to build a movable railroad bridge to be constructed across Salmon Bay 0.3 miles west of the Ballard Locks in Seattle.

read more here