Volunteer Bulletin – October 2025

By Tracy Thompson, NWM Volunteer Coordinator

2026 ADVENTURE RACE DATES!

First Up: SEVENTY48

Race Start: Friday, May 29, 2026 – 7 PM

An epic test of muscle and grit begins at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma, WA, where racers push off at 7 PM to battle the tides, the currents, the clock—and their own endurance. No engines. No sails. No support. Just pure human power.

Volunteers are at the heart of SEVENTY48—from tracker distribution and launch in Tacoma to the finish line celebration in Port Townsend. Whether you thrive in the adrenaline of the starting scramble or prefer to captain the finish line through the night to welcome weary racers home, there’s a spot for you.

Love a good party? Help us close out the race at The Necktie Affair, where we serve up some grub, award prizes, and celebrate with a little tongue-in-cheek neckwear modification (based on race completion—or not).

Want in? Get on the volunteer recruitment list by emailing Tracy at volunteer@nwmaritime.org.

Next Up: The Return of R2AK (Race to Alaska)

It all starts with The Ruckus—Saturday, June 13, 2026
Race Start: Sunday, June 14, 2026 – 5 AM

R2AK is back and wilder than ever—a two-stage adventure that defies engines, comfort, and common sense:

• Stage 1: Port Townsend → Victoria (40 miles of engine-free grit to shake out the bugs, the gear, and the nerves)
  
• Stage 2: Victoria → Ketchikan (700 miles of pure endurance through currents, coastline, and chaos)
  

Volunteers fuel the fun and keep the show running—from registering racers and helping set up The Ruckus kickoff party to providing support on the docks in Victoria.

At The Ruckus, you might:

• Collect waivers from folks daring enough to get an R2AK tattoo
  
• Stir up the crowd as a “Rabble Rouser”
  
• Wrangle boats on land or in the marina
  
• Or serve beer to the thirsty masses
  

We’ll send sign-up details closer to the event—but if you want early access to volunteer updates, email Tracy at volunteer@nwmaritime.org.

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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

A huge thank-you to Anne Cameron and Pat Keaty for tabulating over 200 Wooden Boat Festival survey responses! Your dedication helps us keep improving the festival experience.

Feedback from attendees was inspiring—many praised the friendly, relaxed, and connected vibe that our volunteers create. Here are a few of their words:

• “The volunteers were especially wonderful this year. They were helpful, engaged, and seemed to genuinely enjoy helping my children.”
• “Everyone—attendees, volunteers, and staff—was so happy. It’s a truly wonderful place and experience.”
• “It’s all great, but the courtesy and helpfulness of the volunteers are particularly commendable.”

Ongoing Volunteers

A heartfelt thank-you to all who dedicate their time year-round—you make everything possible. And a warm welcome to Meg Karn, our newest Welcome Center volunteer!

Front Desk: Anne Cameron, Patrick Keaty

Welcome Center: Sandra Baughman, Susan Camp, Myron Gauger, Meg Karn, Alice King, Susan Kutsch

Youth Programs: Gordon Burke, David Oddo

Boatshop: Walt Crinean, Carol McCreary, David Oddo, Tim Rohrer, John Quinn