Learn how to tie knots, bid on water-centric wares at a nautical swap meet, watch a helicopter rescue demonstration, choose a boat and try your hand on the high seas — it’s all on tap at this year’s Bainbridge Island Boater’s Fair.
Winslow’s main maritime event returns to the Waterfront Park dock (301 Shannon Drive NE) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8.
Admission and participation is free and open to all.
Returning faves and new festivities are on the agenda this year.
Guests can learn about the Bainbridge Island Police Department’s Marine Services Unit and tour their 33-foot boat “Marine 8,” which is used for search-and-rescue missions, vessel assistance and environmental response, among other things. Attendees can also check out “Marine 11,” an 18-foot vessel that is often used for boating safety checks, boater education and enforcement of “No-Wake Zones” around Bainbridge Island.
Feeling knotty? Learn knot-tying, cruise planning and vessel inspections with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, who actually started the event to teach people about boating safety.
Of course, the annual helicopter water rescue demo will go on again, in addition to free rides aboard the Sea Scout Ship Yankee Clipper, a 44-foot sail-training vessel which provides a “hands-on” maritime program for youth.
Or, as another way to get out and about on the water, try paddle boarding and kayaking with Exotic Aquatics Scuba and Kayaking. Staff will be offering free 15-minute demos from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. of the Eddyline kayak fleet and a selection of Pau Hana paddle boards, as well as a kayak safety class (or two, depending on demand).
They will also have a kayak instructor at the event, as well, as their kayak guides to answer questions, teach general paddling strokes (as requested), inform participants, and demonstrate fun kayaking tricks.
New this year: Experienced paddlers can join in the “Race to the Rock” at 10 a.m., from the dock to Blakely Rock and back.
Bainbridge Island Rowing will be back this year, too, for a free hands-on preview and instructional demo about the exciting sport of rowing.
The Bainbridge High School sailing team will be giving rigging lessons, the local ham radio club will be there, and you can try your hand at heaving lines and haul away with the Kitsap Maritime Heritage Foundation, in addition to numerous other displays and activities.
Visit www.bainbridgewa.gov/683/Boaters-Fair for a complete list of the day’s goings-on, or contact Harbormaster Tami Allen at 206-786-7627 or tallen@bain bridgewa.gov.
