Pacific NW Sailors Help!

[Ken Prichard]

We're interested in sailing Puget Sound (for the first time). We've circumnavigated Vancouver Island, sailed the Gulf & San Juan Islands extensively but never Puget Sound. After this years Swiftsure we're thinking of sailing from Victoria to Port Townsend and spending about 4 days in the area. However, we don't know anything about it. So we'd like to get info from those of you who do. Where should we go? What should we avoid?
We want to sail 5 - 6 hrs. a day, will be sailing a C&C 115 and are interested in ending each day at a moorage, not at anchor (we kind of like bars with cold beer, hot showers and being able to order breakfast).

 

[Tim C350 April IV]

Port Townsend - lots of places to grab beverages, eat, and shower. Two marinas (Point Hudson to the east of downtown and Boat Haven, about 3/4 mile west of downtown.) I personally prefer Boat Haven because Port Townsend Brewing company is right on the property, Dos Oakies BBQ is a few steps away - toward town, and the walk into town helps stretch the muscles.

Kingston (Apple Tree Cove) - great marina on the west side as you head south into the sound. Main Street Ale House, Italian place I can't recall the name of, and the Holding Lane Tavern. Edmonds Ferry dock is here.

Poulsbo - back through Agate pass, and around the keyport naval station, into Liberty Bay. Port of Poulsbo (the last marina you'll come to on the right) has a great marina, extremely close to their quaint downtown, with lots of choices for food and drink. Sluy's bakery on the main street is an absolute must.

Bremerton (one of the ferry stops) and Port Orchard - both have large marinas and access to food and drink - haven't been to Bremerton since they rebuilt the whole thing, and only been once to Port Orchard.

Back eastbound through Rich passage.

Eagle Harbor (on Bainbridge Island - also one of the ferry stops) - Try Winslow Wharf marina - food and drink choices right at the dock, or either way up the hill.

Bell Street Harbor Marina - nearly the only choice to stop in Elliott Bay - where Seattle actually is. The other possibility is Elliott Bay Marina, along the north shore of the bay. Limited food/drink choices around Elliott Bay Marina - more choices at Bell Street Harbor, including all of downtown seattle within walking distance.

Heading back north, Shilshole Bay Marina - fuel, pumpout and services, walk to restaraunts. Edmonds marina (years since I've been there).

Pay attention to your current tables, go with the flow!

Good Luck!
Tim Brogan
April IV C350
Seattle

 

[deepfreezesailor]

Ken,
If you time it right you will have the option of a excellent Jazz Festival or the Antique Wooden Boat Regatta. Sorry, I have not seen this years dates yet, but the Chamber of Commerce should be able to supply you the information, as well as, a lot more for free. Good sailing and in enjoy,
Deepfreezesailor

 

[Bob V]

Tim nailed it

great answers there Tim. You could write a guidebook.

The only thing that I could think to add is that Waterfront Pizza in Port Townsend has the best pizza in the universe and right next door is the place that serves the best pancakes. Waterfront Pizza will deliver right to the marina if you meet them at the ramp.

Port Townsend Blues Festival runs July26 - Aug 2.

Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival Sept. 11 - 13.

 

[John Nantz]

More Puget Sound info

Port Townsend: Just across the street from West Marine is a little local "greasy spoon" place that some of the locals go to. Check out their wall of bumper stickers, signs, etc. while you're waiting for your order.

Poulsbo: Well, guess I would be biased.

Bremerton & Port Orchard: I'd really opt for Port Orchard over Bremerton. Realize there is a ferry wake issue here (and anywhere else where the ferry comes in). Bremerton has tried to quiet some of the ferry wake but I'd still opt for Port Orchard.

Olympia: Percival Landing is "right downtown" as you can get, and old town at that. Can't recommend any places in particular but there are a lot of small shops, cafes, used bookstores, etc. The area has been "upgraded" (i.e., "re-vitalized"; read: higher rents, yuppie businesses, etc.) by the city fathers which, in our opinion, has been more of a down-grade.

Quartermaster Harbor (better not on a weekend or holiday) & Gig Harbor.

And want a challenge, try Shelton but watch your draft and the sand bars. I don't know what to say about the visitor dock but the marina is now run by the port authority vs. the Shelton Yacht Club. The good part is there are no crowds, either, except during the oyster fest. Shelton is an old logging mill town but has a number of old stores. The Yuppies haven't discovered it yet and it'll probably be a while, too.

Good luck in the Swiftsure!

 

[Tom Spohn]

Good Mid Sound destinations are Blake Island, Quartermaster Harbor, and Gig Harbor. At Blake you can go to the Indian longhouse and buy a salmon dinner and watch the Indian dances. Also trail around the island is great for stretching legs. Quartermaster is scenic and if there is no wind anywhere else there is usually a little breeze between Maury and Vashon Islands. Gig Harbor is my favorite. Trust your chart as you cannot see the entrance to the Harbor until you are almost on top of it. Once inside are shops, restaurants and the Tides Tavern with music on the weekend. Four days are not enough, but better than nothing.