Three Sheets Northwest

Anarchist sailors put ideals to the test on world voyage

Deborah Bach — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:00:58 +0000

Nathie, in red, and other members of the Libertatia Voyaging Project prepare to launch their boat from South Park Marina. For a group of 20-something self-described anarchists, their plan to sail around the world together on a 1935 ketch they restored isn’t about breaking the rules — it’s about democracy and community. The five friends launched their [...]

New rules take aim at Seattle houseboats

Marty McOmber — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:23:13 +0000

Reporter Vanessa Ho has this story at SeattlePI.com on how proposed shorelines regulations in Seattle would ban new houseboats and could threaten an iconic way of life. In a city of lakes and bays, squabbles about water are inevitable. But as Seattle mulls over a hefty set of new shoreline rules, one of the most iconic [...]

In Migael’s Wake | Langley

Migael Scherer — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:00:52 +0000

Langley’s popular—and crowded—little marina is scheduled for expansion. The pilings near shore mark the launching area. The best anchoring is to the right (south) in this photo. Langley, northwest across Saratoga Passage from Everett, is a cozy Whidbey Island town that enthusiastically welcomes tourists. The main street is crowded with shops and restaurants, with park benches [...]

The smelly little fellas

John Vigor — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:24:00 +0000

A WOMAN READER IN DENMARK asks for my help. “My bilge smells,” she says, “I keep it clean and wash it out regularly but it always smells. Is there an answer?”Well, Gertruda, this is something most sailors don’t talk about in public. It’s on...

Dutch sailor, 14, gets OK for solo world trip

Marty McOmber — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:55:40 +0000

Here we go again? The Seattle Times just posted this story about another attempt to be the youngest to sail solo round the world. MIDDELBURG, Netherlands — A Dutch court cleared the way Tuesday for 14-year-old Laura Dekker to embark on a risky attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world, an adventure [...]

Rescue at Matia Island

Marty McOmber — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:16:47 +0000

Towline Marine Assist Capt. Richard Rodriguez has a first hand account and more video of the Coast Guard's rescure of six people at Matia Island in the San Juans. Here's his story: "The vhf crackled at 05:30 about a vessel aground on Matia Island. I got Towline underway with a few minutes and picked up Capt. Fritz at Mineral Point. Deteriorating seas slowed our speed of advance to about 12 knots in President’s Channel..."

First Down the Sound race (and party) promises summer fun

Deborah Bach — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:00:34 +0000

The Sloop Tavern Yacht Club’s annual Race to the Straits is among the region’s most popular regattas, drawing around 100 boats for a double-handed, overnight race to Port Townsend and back in early May of each year.

First PNW Islander Freeport rendezvous a success

Tom Brown — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:26:03 +0000

Boat owners choose their vessels for specific and highly individual reasons, and owners of Islander Freeport sailboats are no exception. A few of those owners got together recently to talk about and show off their boats at the inaugural Pacific Northwest Islander Freeport Rendezvous, held July 16 to 18 at the Port of Kingston Marina.

Digital Yacht AIS200N2K at Panbo

Tim Flanagan — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:56:31 +0000

Ben at Panbo has this item about yet another innovative product from Digital Yacht. This outfit continues to impress me with its thoughtful product offerings. The picture tells a lot: Digital Yacht’s new AIS200N2K is the first AIS receiver I know of with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000, and USB outputs. But get this: it can also [...]

Anglers net fish, cash at Elliott Bay Salmon Derby

Admin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:16 +0000

Sara Hickman won the women's division of this year's Elliott Bay Salmon Derby. Under blue skies and plenty of sunshine, anglers reeled in fish and took home prizes at Saturday’s 2010 Elliott Bay Salmon Derby. Lance Calvo won the first place prize of $2,500 with a 16-pound, 8-ounce chinook. Sara Hickman won the derby’s women’s division, scooping [...]