The Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands is holding the 13th Annual Wooden Boat Rendezvous Sept. 1-3 at Deer Harbor and Orcas Island. The Rendezvous is a low-key celebration of wooden boats, held in one of the most scenic harbors in the Pacific Northwest.
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. Highlights of the Rendezvous include:
Monday Sept. 1
Boats arrive on Labor Day.
Sail past: As a new feature we plan a sail past (parade) of any and all types of wooden boats at 3 p.m., in Deer Harbor in view of the Deer Harbor Marina. This will be followed by a no-host barbecue potluck on the dock 6 p.m. Monday.
Tuesday Sept. 2
Sailing regatta: breakfast will be held at 8 a.m., at the Deer Harbor Inn, followed by a skipper’s meeting for race participants at 9 a.m. 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 at 4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, following the sailboat regatta.
Evening barbecue 4-8 p.m.
Everyone is welcome. The barbecue menu includes locally caught salmon, local organic produce, and the highest-quality microbrew beer on the west coast. There will be great live music from the Crow Valley String Band.
Wednesday Sept. 3
Sailing dinghy race: A sailing dinghy race will be held Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Most boats heading on to Port Townsend depart during the day on Wednesday. There will be a no-host BBQ potluck at Deer Harbor Marina on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
Questions
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer (we always need help during the Rendezvous for various tasks) call the Deer Harbor Boat Works: 360-376-4056
Moorage
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.
