America's Boating Club Bellingham

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Meet our newest club advertiser—Favinger Plumbing. We appreciate their support of our mission to educate area boaters and promote safe boating for all.

Specializing in ANY SIZE JOB!
Check us out at favingerplumbing.com.

06/01/2026

Why does a Boat Tack 90 degrees in direction but 60 degrees through the wind (Quiz Week 11)

05/31/2026

How do you deal wuth rubbish at sea, especially if you are on a long passage? Tom and Vicky Jackson have some answers

05/31/2026

Want to navigate using your smartphone or tablet? Duncan Kent and Dagnall Clutterbuck look at a selection of wifi gateway examples under £250

05/29/2026

Choosing a trailer, tow vehicle, and other gear, how to haul the trailer, launch and retrieve your boat, boat ramp etiquette, trailer maintenance, insurance, and registration. online course

05/29/2026

When the time comes to leave an anchorage, there are recommended procedures.
Plan A: As the vessel moves over the spot where the anchor rests, pull it up if you can. Stop the vessel’s forward motion as you continue pulling in the anchor. If you use an electric windlass to raise the anchor, be vigilant to ensure it is running freely.

Plan B: If the anchor is set hard and you cannot pull it in, you may need to use the vessel’s forward motion to break the anchor loose. This means maintaining a slight forward motion and cleating the rode as you pass over the spot. The theory is that the vessel’s momentum will break loose the anchor. Be very wary of the strength of the cleat on your boat.

Plan C: If the anchor fails to break loose, perhaps it’s stuck on a rock. You can try to pull it out backward by motoring to windward. The flatter the angle you are pulling, the greater the chance of retrieval, so let out lots of rode when motoring to windward. Be conscious of the rode and propeller at all times.

Plan D: Try pulling the anchor out sideways. Let out lots of rode and alternate motoring across the wind on either side.

05/28/2026

Since 2002, a unique tradition has been making waves across Puget Sound and has evolved into a beloved annual pilgrimage for a dedicated crew of sailors known as the Pacific Northwest Pirates.

https://48north.com/news/24th-annual-pnw-pirates-bash-set-for-august-21-23-in-poulsbo/

05/28/2026

We’re hiring a Seasonal Dock Attendant!

The Port of Bellingham is seeking a Seasonal Dock Attendant to assist with daily operations at Blaine Harbor during the busy season while providing exceptional customer service to Port patrons.
In this role, you'll perform dockside customer service, assist vessels with moorage and docking, and help maintain the cleanliness and safety of marina facilities, including docks, walkways, restrooms, and parking areas. You’ll conduct regular dock checks, support Harbor staff with equipment and operations, and assist with maintenance observations and special projects as needed.

If you enjoy working on the waterfront, providing great customer service, and being part of a team, we encourage you to apply. Candidates with customer service experience and an interest in marina operations are especially encouraged to apply here: https://www.portofbellingham.com/Jobs.aspx

05/28/2026

Here are some tips on how to protect your vessel during a hurricane:

1️⃣ Strip the Deck 🌬️
Remove all canvas, cushions, and sails. In hurricane winds, these act like giant parachutes that can rip cleats right out of your deck. If it’s not bolted down, it’s a projectile!

2️⃣ Double Lines + Chafe Gear 🧵
Use oversized nylon lines for extra stretch. Most importantly, add chafe gear (like a heavy-duty hose) wherever lines touch the dock. Friction from a storm surge can melt a bare rope in minutes.

3️⃣ Center the Boat (The Spiderweb) 🕸️
Don't tie it tight! Use long spring lines to center the boat in the slip. This allows the boat to rise with the storm surge without getting pinned against the dock or pulled underwater.

4️⃣ Clear the Drains 🌧️
Hurricane rain is relentless. Ensure your scuppers (deck drains) are crystal clear. If they clog with debris, your cockpit fills like a bathtub, adding thousands of pounds that can swamp the boat.

5️⃣ Grab the "Go-Bag" 📸
Take your electronics and paperwork home. Pro Tip: Take "before" photos of your expert tie-down job. It’s your best evidence for insurance if the dock itself fails.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and watch the weather! 🌀💪