Category Archives: NW boats and boaters

2011: “Around the Americas” Voyage Comes full Circle

It was the end of May 2010 when the 64-foot steel expedition yacht Ocean Watch set sail from Seattle on the 28,000-mile “Around the Americas” voyage–the first continuous circumnavigation of North and South American continents. One year and one week … Continue reading

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2011: Discovering the Secrets of B.C.’s Newcastle Island

Whether you visit Nanaimo BC. by sea or land, you should find time to visit Newcastle Island, the Provincial Marine Park that sits just a short distance from the city’s center. If you are berthed at the downtown marina or … Continue reading

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Remembering the Lightship Columbia

“The Coast Guard has signed the death warrant for the Columbia River lightship,” wrote Larry Barber at the end of 1979. Two congressmen had asked for “a reprieve,” he noted, after hearings in which fisherman and seafarers had voiced their … Continue reading

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Cape Disappointment Lighthouse–is 150 Years Old

Cape Disappointment is Washington’s Oldest Lighthouse There was a small ceremony this winter at Cape Disappointment Lighthouse that marked its 150 years of service to mariners. Cape D was the first light on the entire west coast, and all the … Continue reading

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Cascade Yachts: Building Boats for the Long Run

Portlanders Built Fiberglass Keelboats in 1956 The sport of sailing never got any respect in Portland. But that’s understandable. It’s 100 miles upriver from the Columbia Bar then another 10 to the home of the Willamette (River) Sailing Club. Dodging … Continue reading

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Is Ocean Rowing an Exercise in Futility?

There is no doubt in my mind that crossing an ocean alone in a small boat with only oars for propulsion (without sails) is one of the hardest voluntary sporting task anyone can undertake. (I assume that is why this … Continue reading

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Ray DeFir–Portland Water Ski Racer and Boat Builder (1930-2011)

Ray Was First Man to Water Ski 1,000 Miles Non-Stop! Ray DeFir, an active and well-known figure in the Portland, Oregon boating scene for over 50 years, died in 2011 at the age of 81. Ray had a lifetime love … Continue reading

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WWII Merlin Engine Set US Speedboat Records

 Loss of the Quicksilver and its driver in 1951 at Seafair In the years after World War II, as the US economy prospered, veterans settled down and soon began to look around for new forms of leisure. Many took to … Continue reading

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2011: The Nomadic Nautical Life of Allen and Sharie Farrell

Introduction: Allen Farrell spent 69 years building over 40 wooden boats on the coast of British Columbia, Canada. With his wife Sharie, he lived for almost 50 years aboard many of their handmade vessels or homesteading on the coast, continually … Continue reading

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1967 Maxi Atalanta Sails On

The 74′ Atalanta–a NW Favorite Since 1990 With its unmistakable flush deck and transom rudder, the 74′ ketch-rigged Atalanta has been a familiar site on Puget Sound since it arrived her in 1990 under the ownership of Richard C. Hedreen, … Continue reading

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