'Smorgasbord' of events May 30 at boat school in Lower Hadlock

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Three local organizations collaborate to offer a community celebration of small boats on Saturday, May 30 at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock.

The free, family-friendly Boat Fest and Sail-In event is presented by the Traditional Small Craft Association (TSCA) of Puget Sound, Port Townsend Pocket Yachters and the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB).

The public is welcome to participate, swap sea stories, or simply experience and celebrate the local boating community at a "not-to-be-missed smorgasbord of boating activities usually unavailable to the public," said Claire Acord, TSCA of Puget Sound president.

At the event, boat school students launch newly completed boats, rides are offered on the Community Boat Project’s Voyager, and the school shares projects currently under way.

Music is provided by Skittles and Lobo del Mar, and a beer garden is set up at Ajax Café. A grill is available for those who wish to bring their own picnic; food is also available for purchase on site.

Participants are welcome to anchor out or beach their small craft. “We're expecting a big turnout of small rowing and sailing boats from the Port Townsend area, so it'll be a terrific boat show and chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the school," said Marty Loken of the Port Townsend Pocket Yachters.

A launch is available to bring boaters ashore, and a sand ramp and parking are also available. Register before May 30 to reserve a spot for your boat by contacting Bob Miller, 385-9585, 531-0364 or Rmiller43@gmail.com.

“We are enjoying working alongside our friends at TSCA and the Pocket Yachters to create a fun day of boats and boating for our local community, said Betsy Davis, NWSWB executive director. "This will be a great chance to meet boat school students, instructors and others who love small boats. Forge some new bonds or strengthen the old ones. You will have a warm welcome.”

The festival is held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, located at 42 N. Water St. on the Lower Hadlock waterfront along Port Townsend Bay.