Quite frequently I come across some history about sailing on Seattle’s Green Lake, which is just down the street from my house. Just in the last few months I’ve learned that there used to be active Pelican, Sea Scouter (a purpose built Sea Scout dinghy) and El Toro racing. It sounds like the city was even supportive, or at least didn’t try to stop it. Rumor has it that it all kind of dried up when the city took over sole management. From what I can tell, a private company offers boat rentals there now – mostly SUPs and kayaks.
Even more frequently, I think “what a great place for people to sail.” Yeah, the winds there might not be steady, and it won’t be long before you bump into shore but a lot of great metro sailing happens around the world on lakes just like that, and worse. Over the years I’ve seen city owned Toppers, Zumas and now I guess Hunter Xcites, and they’re occasionally rented. I saw lessons being conducted on the lake this year but can’t find a web link for any future ones. Once in a while a Windsurfer or Laser makes its appearance. Not surprisingly, the City of Seattle doesn’t seem to recognize that recreational sailing is a vital part of our community and it should devote at least some support. There are three major rowing regattas there each year.
Here’s a chance for sailors to have their say on what happens on Green Lake via the Green Lake Small Craft Center Redevelopment program. No doubt the rowers will be on hand. We should be too. By all appearances sailing is pretty much an afterthought except for the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. Click on the following headline to be taken to the original post on the Phinneywood.com website.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is asking the community for input on the preliminary design for potential improvements to the Green Lake Small Craft Center.
Parks is holding an information session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Green Lake Small Craft Center, 5900 West Green Lake Way N. Meet the design team, Schacht | Aslani Architects, learn about the site opportunities and constraints, and offer input on what a new small craft center might look like. This is a follow-up to the initial design idea meeting in June.
Initial funding is coming from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund Program. The Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council is looking for more funding from the Seattle Park District Major Projects Challenge Fund, State grants, and private fundraising.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.