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Don Wilson
Outdoor Movie Night at Shilshole Bay Marina, 16 August 2013.
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By Kati Davich
Whether you’re a year ‘round or warm-weather boater, there is always excitement to be had when cruising to Seattle!
First settled by the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s modern history was kicked-off as a staging ground for gold miners heading to the Alaska. This history is still visible today in downtown Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. Enjoy learning more at Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour, Trail to Treasure, the Smith Tower observatory, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Other history hot spots available in Pioneer Square are the Last Resort Fire Department to see restored fire trucks and the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum to learn about law-enforcement events dating back to the 1880s. Adjacent to Pioneer Square is Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, home of the Wing Luke Museum. The Wing Luke features the art and history of the Asian Pacific American community.
Today, Seattle is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Home to a robust maritime industry, a rapidly-growing technology industry, and everything in between, Seattle is currently home to an estimated 660,000 residents and is expected to continue growing in the coming decades. As a visitor, this growth means there are always new sights to see, things to do, and restaurants to try.
Seattle is also a boater's paradise. Situated in between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with waterways and lakes throughout, Seattle’s boating community is accessible and diverse from rowing on Ship Canal, to sailing races on Puget Sound, to Opening Day of Boating celebrating boats and boating from around the area.
If boat shows peak your interest, Seattle floats to the top in that category. For over 50 years, boaters have been converging on the gigantic Seattle Boat Show with more than a thousand boats and vendor booths of all kinds filling CenturyLink Field Event Center – with a satellite location on Lake Union, accessible via shuttle from the main show – during the end of January and beginning of February each year. The Boats Afloat Show on Lake Union in September is the boat show’s summer counterpart, boasting family-friendly boating fun.
Downtown Seattle is a cruiser’s first stop with its many offerings in a central location and their gateway to the rest of the city through downtown’s role as the main transportation hub. You may be familiar with visitor favourites the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Great Wheel in downtown Seattle. With the addition of hundreds of restaurants and retail shops, several professional sports teams, multiple theatres offering programming from musicals to concerts to comedy for all ages, art and science museums, and year ‘round special events, there is always something for everyone when visiting downtown.
Where to moor downtown Seattle - Bell Harbor Marina
Bell Harbor Marina is downtown Seattle’s only recreational marina, located at Pier 66 on the central waterfront. The marina has space for 70 boats, ranging from nine to 45 meters (30 to 150 feet). Guest moorage is available year ‘round, and reservations are taken up to two years in advance. Yacht clubs and groups welcome.
Bell Harbor Marina, VHF Channel 66A, 206-787-3952, bhm@portseattle.org - http://bit.ly/1LqJ5ux
Where to moor in Ballard, Seattle - Shilshole Bay Marina
North of downtown is Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, which is truly a one-of-a-kind. It is home to both a working waterfront and a bustling downtown full of restaurants, breweries, shops, and special events. Ballard is a hot spot for visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss visiting the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to experience a mechanical marvel surrounded by a large botanical garden, and Fishermen’s Terminal to grab a seafood meal overlooking the Pacific Northwest Fishing Fleet’s homeport.
Located in Puget Sound just outside the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks entrance to the Ship Canal, Shilshole Bay Marina is Seattle’s largest marina with over 1,400 slips accommodating both monthly and guest moorage. Businesses at or near the marina include a fuel dock, yacht brokerages, a boatyard with engine repair, sailing charters and lessons, marine supplies, and restaurants. Take advantage of the marina’s guest moorage amenities such as free bike rentals and shuttle van to get to and from nearby downtown Ballard. Yacht clubs and groups welcome.
Shilshole Bay Marina, VHF Channel 17, 206-787-3006, sbm@portseattle.org - http://bit.ly/1YkGxXS
Visit both marinas in 2017 and receive either a signature marina burgee or a hat as well as a tote bag full of goodies through the Port 2 Port program.
For more information on visiting Seattle and concierge services, go to VisitSeattle.org.