A cruising guide to Puget Sound by Migael Scherer

Author:Migael Scherer
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Boats and boating -- Washington (State) -- Puget Sound -- Guidebooks., Puget Sound (Wash.) -- Guidebooks.
Publisher: International Marine
Published: 1995-01-14T16:00:00+00:00

Port Townsend *****

Charts: 18441, 18464, 18471

Port Townsend opens its arms to visiting boaters, with a marina at each end of its waterfront. Brick downtown buildings and a ferry landing are in between, embellished Victorian homes set primly above. The town itself is relatively small—only about 7,000 in population—with a "big city" look from the 19th century that's human-scaled and inviting.

During the age of sail, Port Townsend was a major West Coast shipping port, on its way to becoming the commercial hub of Puget Sound—another San Francisco. Speculative booms in the 1800s were fueled by rumors of a railroad terminus; during this period many stately buildings and homes were constructed. The railroad never came, steam replaced sail— making the runs to Seattle and Tacoma profitable for shipping—and Port Townsend was left behind.

Today, some of the prosperity that eluded Port Townsend is brought in by tourists, many of them boaters. They fill the restaurants, shops, and galleries, and the quaint bed-and-breakfast inns. The waterfront is the city's major attraction, and its Wooden Boat Festival in early September is renowned throughout the West Coast. Seeing the town rise jewel-like from the bay, walking the lively streets, you may feel some of the hope its founders felt, believe a little of their inflated promise. Certainly you will be glad, not disappointed as they were, that Port Townsend remained small and lovely.

Port Townsend is served by a highway from the south and a ferry that makes several runs a day from the west side of Whidbey Island.

Approaches. Once inside the bay, the approach to Port Townsend is clean. Precise headings depend on whether you're going to moor or anchor, as described below.

Moorings. There are two harbors for visiting boaters: the marina operated by the Port of Port Townsend—usually referred to as Port

2

(anchorage)

(marina) All Facilities

Townsend marina—at the southwest end of town, and Point Hudson Marina at the northeast end of the waterfront.

The Port Townsend marina consists of two basins separated by a jetty and surrounded by an L-shaped stone breakwater that opens to the east. All the slips in this large marina are permanently assigned; in the tenant's absence these are rented to visiting boats. Approaching, head west of the ferry dock and the clock tower on the high bluff. The marina entrance is at the eastern end of the breakwater, with a reported controlling depth of 10 to 12 feet inside. Slightly favor the marina side of the channel to avoid a ledge of rock near the jetty. As you enter, the commercial basin will be to starboard; immediately in front of you is the Coast Guard station on the jetty. Motor past the commercial basin and the jetty, then make a turn to starboard for the fuel dock. Tie to the fuel dock and report to the marina office for a slip assignment. After hours, report to the pay station on the east side of the harbormaster's office, where you can choose from a list of available slips (this list is updated daily). Do not pull into an empty slip before checking with the office or pay station.

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