Now here’s an idea for you cruisers. You do cruise, too, right?
There are cruising rallies around just about everything. Going to California, crossing the Atlantic, cruising to Baja, trekking to Alaska and just about everything in between. Well, Joe and the gang at 48 North Magazine thought, why not a simple cruise-in-company to the San Juans and Gulf Islands? Like racing, rendezvous tend to be the impetus for casting off. After all, that’s what we all need to do more of, cast off!
Tonight is the first informational meeting. If you’re thinking of cruising this summer, it’s definitely worth popping by the 48 North offices near Shilshole Bay Marina to get the lowdown. Details can be found on the Facebook page here. Basically, it starts at 6:30pm at 6327 Seaview Ave NW.
Here are editor Joe Cline’s thoughts on the matter, from the pages (with permission) of 48 North.
CASCADIA CRUISING RALLY
We’re Going Cruising, Come With Us!
One of the reasons we love the boat show is the chance to connect with so many sailing buddies that we don’t see on a daily basis. In chatting with these great folks, sometimes we talk shop, sometimes we just catch up, and every so often we cook up something that might actually be a big idea!
Well, this year’s great notion is something that we couldn’t be more excited about. 48° North is starting a cruising rally. Credit is due to Chuck Skewes of Ullman Sails who helped develop the idea, and Ullman will be the presenting sponsor!
We want you to go cruising with friends, new and old, and we can’t wait to be part of it. There is no shortage of sailing events in our area, but we think there’s nothing quite like this. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone from salty dogs to yacht club cruising groups to sailing school cruising courses. All are welcome, and we’re trying to set this up with the fewest possible barriers to entry.
We will start and end in Anacortes, and will dip into the Gulf Islands for a few nights. Here are a few things about which we’re excited:
- There are a lot of cruisers that have spent time in the San Juans, but haven’t sailed across the border before. We’ll go together and make the customs process easy for first timers.
- In an effort to keep costs down and to facilitate cruising skill development, we will be encouraging everyone to anchor as much as they are comfortable. This is one reason we’re headed to the Gulf Islands – there will be some less busy anchorages that can better accommodate 25 boats in August. We will run an anchoring chalk talk before departure, and we’ll be there to support you (and poke fun) if you need a little anchoring guidance!
- There is safety in numbers, but there’s even more safety when other attendees are industry pros. Among the rally sponsors are a sailmaker, Ullman Sails, as well as a diver and mechanic. If you have some trouble with your boat or gear during the rally, help will be close at hand.
- Activities abound! We are already planning a bunch of great stuff, from scavenger hunts to blindfolded dinghy races, from tug-of-war to volleyball. We even think we’ll have some sailor musicians along for some entertainment.
- There will be a mix of travel days and layover days. Rally-goers have the chance to both see some new territory and explore a particular area. Scheduled functions and parties will take place on layover days, so there’s not time pressure on travel days (that way you can sail more!).
Mainly, this is a thrilling opportunity for a community celebration of sailing and cruising and merry-making. In other words, this is sailor-folk doing what we love most. In this first annual running of the rally, we are planning to limit participation to 25 boats, so you’ll want to book your spot ASAP.
WHAT: The First Annual Cascadia Cruising Rally
WHEN: August 5 – 11, 2018
WHERE: Beginning and ending in Anacortes, headed north!
HOW: Check out www.48north.com/rally and contact joe@48north.com
HOW MUCH: $250
NEXT STEPS: Please join us for an informational meeting at 6:30pm on Tuesday March 13, 2018 at the 48° North office. We’ll discuss potential itineraries, logistics, and (hopefully) answer a bunch of your questions!
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.