Hamada waits for the wind on the April Anderson Adventure

Introduction - Dockton Potter Party: July 15,16,17, 2005

Join the Northwest Potters for another fun filled cruise to beautiful Quartermaster Bay and Gig Harbor. Both of these destinations are a short sail from Point Defiance in Tacoma. Sailors are invited to come to Pt. Defiance near the Ferry Dock on Friday in time for the Potter Sailing for Dockton Park in Quartermaster Bay at 6:30 PM. If you can't make that sailing, there will be another sailing at 9:00 AM on Saturday. Moorage is available at Point Defiance launch if you arrive after 6:30 PM.

Point Defiance has a multiple lane launch ramp good on all tides. We will have a Friday evening skippers meeting at 6:00 PM near the ramp, where we will establish our VHF working channel and discuss our route and general safety issues.

The first leg of our journey will be a sunset cruise to Docton Park where we will tie up at the dock for the night. Upon arrival we can sit around the campfire where we can socialize over refreshments and catch up on what our Potter friends have been up to. Those who can't make the Friday evening departure are encouraged to meet at Point Defiance Saturday morning for a 9:00 AM departure.

On Saturday, there will be time for a leisurely breakfast and visiting before leaving for Gig Harbor about Noon. By leaving at Noon we will take advantage of the most favorable current conditions. This also allows for the Saturday launchers time to meet up with us at Dockton.

Overview of the cruise

Our Saturday afternoon destination is beautiful Gig Harbor. We can first rendezvous at the famous Tides Tavern for an early dinners and refreshment on the deck if the weather is nice, or inside if not. Afterwards cruise over to the official DPP Mothership; Kokomo, a 42' sailing yacht anchored in the Harbor flying a large palm tree flag. Raft and hang out and visit fellow Potters. Bring a dessert to share with some paper plates and forks.

You can stay the night rafted to the Kokomo for free or try to find space at the public dock for a fee. No reservations are taken for moorage.

There will be two "windows" of favorable currents for sailing back to Point Defiance; an 8:30 AM departure or a 3:30 PM. The return trip to Point Defiance should take less than two hours.

Pt. Defiance Launch Detail

Pt. Defiance

Launch fee is $8:00 on Friday and $10 on Saturday. Overnight moorage fee is $10 and vehicle and trailer parking is $10 per night for up to 19 feet. Bathrooms.

See link below for more information:

Driving Directions

From I-5 take SR16 West.

Take the 6th Avenue Exit to the North Pearl Exit toward Point Defiance Zoo and the Vashon Island Ferry Terminal

Stay on North Pearl and follow the signs to the Ferry Terminal. Stay to the right of the ferry loading line and you will see the launch ramps to the left of the ferry dock.

Dockton Detail

Dockton Park

56 mooring spaces on a first come first serve basis. There is a moorage fee of $15 for boats up to 26 feet. There is a park, picnic area, boat launch and bathrooms.

Check the link below for more information:

http://www5.metrokc.gov/reports/parkinfo/getParkInfo.asp?PID=2455,Dockton%20Park

Gig Harbor Detail

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a very pretty and quiet place. It is large enough for our little cruisers to have fun sailing around the Harbor looking at the many boats on moorings or to visit waterfront shops. There are bathrooms at the head of the public dock. If you raft you will need an on-board head.

For more information, see the links below:

http://www.vrseattle.com/html/vrview.php?cat_id=39&vrs_id=vrs408

http://www.48north.com/nov_2003/gig_harbor.htm

Safety

Keeping safe on the water is every captain's responsibility. Make sure you review safe boat handling techniques with your crew also. Click here to view the comprehensive safety page.

Tides

Tacoma Tides:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Attendees