Seventy-five percent of the human heart is filled with salt water, close to the percentage of our planet covered by oceans. Salt water holds a kind of familial stability for me as I’ve attached myself to it since my 20s, when I first noticed boats. I saw that they embodied art, history, culture, commerce, tradition, travel, living in nature and community, all things I admired. 

I’ve optimized my life the 40-plus years since, surrounded by salt water, so that now my heart feels 100 percent full.

Anecdotally, Port Townsend boasts more women captains per capita, than anywhere else on the planet. I used to feel unusual, working on, living in, and sailing boats. 

Looking around now, women are everywhere on the waterfront; paddling their kayaks up Chimacum Creek, rowing their shells on the bay. Racing their boats in the Shipwrights Regatta, working the marine trades as electricians, riggers, finishers, canvas workers, sailmakers, shipwrights, sail training young and old, rain or shine. 

Skippers and mates on tall ships, celebrating and perpetuating the traditional role this commerce always played. 

Running seine boats, trollers, catching fish for the people. Merchant seamen driving ships offshore loaded with supplies on the marine highway. 

Passage makers visiting faraway places, sharing cultures, scientists and environmentalists who protect our fragile shorelines and beyond. 

Nonprofit maritime educators that broaden the reach of possibilities to all. Port commissioners doing the hard community service few will commit to. Business owners providing goods and services, creating tax revenue, building the work force, shining an international light on Port Townsend. 

Photographers, artists and writers who document brilliantly this lifestyle. Moms teaching their children the joys of this natural feast, building the next generation of sailors.

It’s a joy to be part of such a diverse and engaged community.

To honor and celebrate these fine women and their cultural significance in building our hearty, robust working waterfront. A moment in time will be captured at 4 p.m. Friday, March 11 at the city dock next to Pope Marine Park with a group photograph. The Cotton Building will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. to gather and meet old and new friends.  

Please join us if you feel connected. We are the 51 percent.

Diana Talley
PORT TOWNSEND