By Tracy Thompson, NWM Volunteer Coordinator THANK YOU, WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS! Phenomenal. The outpouring of support for this year’s Wooden Boat Festival was truly astounding. More than 600 individuals volunteered, stepping into 78 different roles across nearly 500 shifts! Whether you greeted guests at the front gate, helped with setup throughout the week, or
Washington State Ferries and Maritime High School Classroom on the Water Any experienced mariner will tell you, each time you step aboard a boat there’s a learning opportunity—Northwest Maritime doesn’t declare the sea ‘the greatest teacher we know’ for nothing. Still, not all waterborne learning experiences are created equal and, this month, a group of
What a weekend! The 48th annual Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival was nothing short of extraordinary. Fog, rain, or shine—you showed up. For three days, the waterfront came alive with boats of every shape and size, lively docks, packed presentations, music and dancing, and the kind of community spirit you can only find here in
Mark your calendars—Race to Alaska and SEVENTY48 are back in 2026, and race dates and details have just been announced. SEVENTY48 launches first: Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7 PM from Tacoma. 70 miles, 48 hours, no sails, no engines—just you, your boat, and your grit. Race to Alaska follows: Sunday, June 14, 2026, at
By Tracy Thompson, NWM Volunteer Coordinator VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Ship Simulator Docents Needed Train with the best of them and run our Ship Simulator for the public! After special training, our Ship Simulator Docents will encourage the public to step up to the helm and take this adult-sized video game for a spin! The idea? Practice
Welcome to your ultimate online guide to this year’s most anticipated wooden boat celebration! Explore the highlights, special events, and activities of this year’s festival. Plan your experience with our detailed schedule, and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant community spirit and camaraderie at the 2025 Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival this September! 48th
By Nalani O’Brien, Maritime Education Instructor As the sun sets on an incredible year at Maritime High School, we’re proud to share the waves we’ve made across all four grade levels. From hands-on environmental action to launching into maritime pathways, our students continue to chart bold courses into the future. Here’s a look at what
By Len Maranan-Goldstein, NWM Senior Philanthropy Advisor Question 1: What does a baby colossal squid have to do with Northwest Maritime? Answer 1: Quite a lot, as it turns out. Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Eric King proved the point during his keynote speech at Navigator Night Out on July 18. Question 2: How can a young person get
By Rachel Bradley If you’ve ever spent time on the water or been around boats, you might know the feeling of looking at a vessel and falling in love. I had been searching for a sailing dinghy for over six months, waiting for the right boat to come along that sparked that feeling of joy.
By Tracy Thompson, NWM Volunteer Coordinator VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer at the 48th Wooden Boat Festival! Join us in celebrating the 48th Wooden Boat Festival by volunteering during the first week of September! Shifts are available Thursday–Sunday, September 4–7, 2025. Festival highlights include a special screening of Women & the Wind—a documentary about three Australian women