Quarterly Update from September 3rd -October 31st (Quarter 1) By Nalani O’Brien, Maritime Education Instructor It is just the beginning! The school year is off to a strong start at Maritime High School! Across all four grade levels, students are embracing hands-on, real-world learning opportunities that connect science, technology, engineering, and math to the maritime
Fall arrives in many forms–one of those is our Thursday longboating class, known as Team Longboat. Middle and high school students from the OCEAN alternative program in Port Townsend School District come together for three and a half hours each week to build their maritime skills, share community, eat some snacks, and enjoy the simplicity
By Anika Colvin, NWM Communications Director When I sat down with Jared, a 17-year-old senior at Port Townsend High School, I was struck right away by how confidently he spoke about his summer job. For most teenagers, earning money might mean bussing tables or scooping ice cream. Jared chose something entirely different: working in a
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
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