Volunteer for Races
SEVENTY48 and WA360 Volunteer Opportunities
Help us keep our races thriving! Volunteer opportunities are available at the SEVENTY48 starting line in Tacoma on June 6: we’ll need help with racer registration, boat launching, traffic, and wayfinding. Your help is key to getting the racers off to a great start.
Volunteers are needed in Port Townsend for the finish line operations crew beginning on June 7, to offer support for the incoming racers, take photographs, manage traffic, and mark their finish time. We are also seeking outgoing folks to emcee the finish line – bring your big voice and enthusiasm to this role. You’ll want to be a part of this dynamic event and we want you to be, too.
Volunteer T-Shirts
Hey, guess what? When you volunteer for the races, you’ll get a volunteer t-shirt. Sign up to volunteer for at least 8 hours and that shirt is yours! The sense of being part of a team, supporting a community, and keeping folks safe is yours to keep no matter how long you volunteer.
Volunteer Orientation
All volunteers are highly encouraged to attend in person at the Northwest Maritime Center Campus on Wednesday, May 28. Doors open at 6 PM, program begins at 6:30 PM. Look out for an email invitation. Volunteers who sign up for 8 hours will obtain their T-shirts. (A Zoom option and recording will be made available for out-of-towners and others with schedule conflicts.)
If you’re new to volunteering for the Northwest Maritime Center and our events, please fill out our volunteer application. If you’re a returning volunteer, just sign our 2025 Release Waiver.
Volunteer Role Examples
Here is a list of some of the SEVENTY48 volunteer opportunities. Click the boxes to learn more about each role. When volunteer shifts open for registration (usually in April).
SEVENTY48 Tacoma Traffic
You’ll be staged on the sidewalk to direct vehicles dropping off racers and vessels. BYO folding chair, gear, (umbrella, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.) and dress for WA spring weather. Outside position with access to indoor restrooms, a water refill station, and a break room.
Start time: 1 PM, 8-hour shift
SEVENTY48 Tacoma Dock Wayfinders
You’ll be stationed on the docks. You’ll orient racers putting their vessels into the marina. Be prepared to lend a hand. Answer their questions and direct them to Foss Waterway Seaport to get registered. BYO gear (umbrella, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.) and dress for WA spring weather. Outside position with access to indoor restrooms, a water refill station, and break room.
4-hour shifts
SEVENTY48 Tacoma Registration
Work alongside NWM staff to register racers. Must have excellent customer service skills. Training is provided. Indoor seated position.
Start time: 11 AM, 8-hour shift
SEVENTY48 Tacoma Boat Launch
A little far removed from the starting line BUT a key spot to share important messaging with racers trying to launch their vessels at the Waterway Park City Dock. Bring your favorite folding chair, cooler with drinks/snacks/lunch, large umbrella, and shades. Check in with our team at Foss Waterway Seaport first then we’ll shuttle you down and get you set up.
Start time: 11 AM, 8-hour shift
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Volunteer Orientation Food & Beverage Team
Oversee the food and drink set up and manage until the end of the event. Help us break down and clean up after the event.
3-hour shift.
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Set Up Crew
Create a welcoming finish area in Port Townsend for racers. Hang banners (must be comfortable on a ladder), pop up tents, make coffee, set out snacks, and other miscellaneous tasks will be in store for your day.
Start time: 12 PM, 4-hour shift
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Clubhouse Captain
In this leadership role, you will oversee a small volunteer team of race emcees and welcome racers and their friends and families for some relaxation. In charge of helping to set up/tear down the Clubhouse and keep snack and refreshment offerings stocked and flowing. You will communicate with the Race Event staff via radio and cell phone.
Start times: 5 AM, 12:30 PM and 8:30 PM, 8-hour shift
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Finish Line Clubhouse Attendants
Help us at the coolest hangout spot on the grounds by creating the vibe and making the rounds to support SEVENTY48 Racers and the Finish Line Ops Crew at the SEVENTY48 Clubhouse! We want people who love the race, are following their favorite teams and talking to the public around the Tracker screens.
Start times: 5 AM, 9 AM and 5 PM, 4-hour shifts
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Finish Line Emcee
Bring the energy to the Finish Line! The Finish Line Emcee, with microphone in hand, will announce the racers as they cross the finish line. Bring your “radio voice” and familiarity with an iPad or laptop
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Finish Line Photographer
Capture photos and finish line times of our finishers as part of the Finish Line Team to send off to our social media crew!
7 shifts available, 4-hour duration
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Finish Line Recorder
Record SEVENTY48 racers’ finishing times! Keep alert for incomers while enjoying Port Townsend Bay’s sights and sounds.
7 shifts available, 4-hour duration
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Finish Line Shoreside Supporters
Come physically support our finishing racers! You must be able and willing to assist racers out of their boats if need be; lend assistance carrying boats out of water; and/or bring a racer some hot water. Additionally and very importantly, you will collect SPOT tracker devices from racers—we need them for WA360 and future races! Required: Booties or Xtratuffs to protect legs & feet submerged in the water. This is an outdoor, rain or shine, and on your feet role with a buddy—one volunteer assists the racers while the other takes care of the tracker.
7 shifts available, 4-hour duration
SEVENTY48 Port Townsend Clubhouse Tear-down
The race has ended, Cups-O-Noodles have been served up, and hot tea has been administered. We’ll need the help of volunteers to pick up the Clubhouse gear and supplies and store them away.
2 shifts, 2-hour duration
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – Set Up Crew
Set up the venue space for the after-race party with decorations, necktie station, merch/raffle table and tables and chairs. Other miscellaneous tasks will be asked of you. **Must be willing and able to lift (up to 40 lbs.), bend, twist, be on your feet, & reach above your head.
3 volunteers, 3-hour duration
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – Kitchen Manager
Work with Race Boss on the menu for the after-race party well before the event; be willing to make suggestions and do grocery shopping (provide receipts for reimbursement); instruct kitchen crew; use of the NWM catering kitchen.
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – “Beverly the Bar Boat Attendant”
21+ and willing to check ID’s when necessary. You will load and maintain Beverly, our boat used to load up with ice and cans of beer for the after-race party. You will be on hand to monitor that no underage guests help themselves.
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – Manage the Greeter & Drawing Table
Welcome and orient guests to the after-race party—hand them a ticket for the drawing— help set the celebratory vibe at the entry.
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – Tear Down
Take down tables and chairs, take trash out to the dumpster; replace can liners; sweep up; take down decorations; dump ice; etc.
SEVENTY48 Necktie Affair – Kitchen Crew
Set up the food service area and keep it stocked and tidy throughout the after-race party; help with food prep and service; clean as you go in the kitchen and provide final kitchen cleanup. *Food handlers license preferred.
4 volunteers, 4-hour shifts