Bolger Boats at the Palooza?

We're hoping that some Northwest-based Bolger boats will take part in the third annual Pocket Yacht Palooza, definitely aBogeresqueevent that takes place July 19-20 at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, WA.

Last year's Palooza drew 75-plus interesting small rowing, sailing and powerboats--wood, fiberglass or what-have-you. The event is organized by the Port Townsend Pocket Yachters, a decidedly UN-yachtclubby group that proudly says it has no dues, officers, business meetings, bylaws or other trappings of typical boat clubs. Members just love getting out on the water in small boats, often cross-pollinating with the Puget Sound Chapter of TSCA…the Traditional Small Craft Association.

You don't have to go through a registration process or pay a dime to take part in the Pocket Yacht Palooza--just email organizer Marty Loken at Norseboater22@... and let him know you'd like to attend, with or without a boat. The boat-show portion of the Palooza is on Saturday, July 19. On Sunday, boat owners hit the water to exchange boat rides and row-sail-motor-paddle across Port Townsend Bay for a picnic on the beach at Ratt Island. And share more boat rides.

When the Saturday boat show ends at 5 p.m., folks get together for an informal potluck on the beach at the Maritime Center, and then adjourn for a 7 p.m. presentation by small-boat adventurer Colin Angus of Victoria, B.C., who will share stories about his row around Vancouver Island, and the cross-the-Atlantic row he did earlier with his wife, Julie.

Boats can be displayed on trailers during the Saturday show, or they can be hauled up on the adjoining beach. Some owners anchor just offshore, and a few deep-keel boats prefer to use guest slips at the Point Hudson Marina…immediately next to the Maritime Center.

Full details and tons of photos from recent Pocket Yacht Paloozas can be seen on the Pocket Yachters website,www.pocketyachters.com  Just click on the Pocket Yacht Palooza section to read about this year's big Palooza event.

If you have questions or want to bring a boat--whether a Bolger design or not--please email Marty at Norseboater22@...

Hope to see you at the Pocket Yacht Palooza!

- Marty