Cherry trees are blooming, the Skagit Valley is ablaze with daffodils and tulips and temperatures are flirting with the 60s. May is traditionally a busy month here in the Pacific Northwest, particularly for Grand Banks owners. It all begins on the first Saturday in May with the traditional Opening Day festivities in Seattle organized by the Seattle Yacht Club. The festivities begin with the annual Windermere Cup crew races (go Huskies!) which attract an international team lineup. Following the Huskies win, there is the amazing boat parade with everything from modern to classic, steam-powered launches to the historic Virginia V, the last remaining vessel from the old “mosquito fleet” of ferries that swarmed all over the Puget Sound. All participants parade past the SYC’s Commodore, with hopes of winning their class in the awards competition.

Shortly thereafter, May 10-14 this year, we head to lovely Roche Harbor Marina and Resort on San Juan Island for the annual Grand Banks Rendezvous, sponsored in part by NW Explorations. This is historically the largest single gathering of Grand Banks in the world, this year gathering 65-70 of our lovely boats for a weekend of seminars, socializing and camaraderie. Our theme for 2017 is “Endless Summer” and we will be expecting weather to match. Bring your flip-flops and sun hats.

Then we move straight to the annual Pacific Northwest TrawlerFest, this year being held in Bremerton for the firs time at the nicely-updated Bremerton Marina, May 16-20. A one-hour ferry ride from downtown Seattle delivers one to 5 days of technical seminars and a boat show focused on our beloved trawler lifestyle. We will be presenting 3 of our brokerage boats this year and hope to see you there. Bremerton offers a lovely and vibrant downtown waterfront adjacent to an active navy shipyard, and a short foot ferry ride across the harbor lies charming Port Orchard with galleries, restaurants and a quaint small town atmosphere.

It is May and time to get out on the water!