Fidalgo Island is an ideal location for a small boat center. With easy access to the water and a long history in the maritime industry, a boat center revolving around boating related activities would be the perfect fit for this marine community.
The plans for the center include small boat storage, educational space, rowing and sailing programs for children and adults, maritime art and boat building programs, a space for small boat repair, staging and launching. Right now this is all in the planning stage, location and funding still to be determined.
“When we are sure that we are on the right road there is no need to plan our journey too far ahead. No need to burden ourselves with doubts and fears as to the obstacles that may bar our progress. We cannot take more than one step at a time.”
-Orison Swett Marden
The Anacortes Small Boat Center is on the right road, taking small steps and working closely with supporting members, community leaders, the city, and the Port of Anacortes. Sometimes you need the small steps to lead you to the long-term goal.
Some of the first steps in the right direction are:
1. Dingy Dock and Kayak Storage: This storage area on Q Dock provides easy water access for smaller boats. ASBC rent dock space for dinghies, kayaks and other small crafts.
2. North Basin Boat Storage Yard: Adjacent to P/Q Dock at Cap Sante Marina is a gated, dry-storage area for small crafts. The convenient location has reasonable rates and annual discounts. The yard is also a fundraiser for ASBC’s long-term goal of a permanent small-boat facility in Anacortes.
3. North Basin Hoist: The small-boat hoist installed at P/Q Dock at Cap Sante Marina handles boats up to 4,000 lbs, and there is a painted arc so people can remain clear while the hoist is in use. ASBC members and storage-yard tenants have access to the hoist at a reduced rate after approved ASBC hoist training.
4. Seafarers’ Memorial Park: ASBC representatives participated in the creation of a safe, friendly, hand-launching facility for small boats at the park. The Anacortes Radio Control Sailors use the area for their weekly races. The Pull and Be Damned Messabout, the Pacific Challenge, Hole in the Wall’s Paddlefest, and Lido Nationals hosted by Lido Fleet 78, as well as high school sailing regattas, have all been held at the park, and the City of Anacortes Parks & Recreation Summer Sailing Program launches from the park all summer long.
Each year the Anacortes Small Boat Center hosts these two annual events.
Pull and Be Damned Messabout: The Traditional Small Craft Association sponsors this annual event, featuring a myriad of small boats. It is held in May at Seafarers’ Memorial Park.
Waterfront Festival Quick and Dirty Boat Building Competition: As part of this popular Anacortes Chamber of Commerce event at the Cap Sante Marina, ASBC organizes the always exciting Quick and Dirty Boat Building Competition. Entrance fees help fund ASBC’s long-term goal of a permanent small-boat facility in Anacortes.
ASBC wants to promote a safe and meaningful access to the waterways on Fidalgo Island, through marine education, knowledge of our local maritime heritage and waterfront traditions, and leadership in our youth and adults.
This year, ASBC is working closely with the City of Anacortes to create a position to hire a Sailing Director. The position will facilitate and run the existing small boat program, provide classes in sailing for youth and adults, and raise money to expand the programs. ASBC is currently raising the funds for the position.
How can you help?
1. Become a member of the ASBC. Yearly membership is $25.00 per year. You don’t have to be a small boat owner to join. Visit the website and fill out the membership form.
2. Donate for the Sailing Director Position.
You can make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check to:
ASBC
PO Box 2164
Anacortes, WA 98221
Indicate this is for the “sailing director” position.
3. Just make a donation
Send a check to ASBC, PO BOX 2164, Anacortes, WA 98221
4. Spread the word
5. Volunteer. ASBC is looking for boat enthusiasts, people with non-profit experience, or community-minded individuals to participate in the ASBC leadership. ASBC is a volunteer-based organization and could use support to help keep this great organization running.
All contributions helps ASBC pursue its goal for a small boat center.
The Anacortes Small Boat Center is an umbrella organization for many of the small boating associations in the community. The ASBC’s Non-profit ID# is 501(c)(3) non-profit EIN: 26-3620852.
The ASBC meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Anacortes Yacht Club.
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
– Henry Ford
