Downtown-Sailing-Series-Elliott-Bay-Marina-01Don’t Miss the Downtown Sailing Series in Seattle, Presented by BMW Seattle

The Downtown Sailing Series in Seattle, WA is underway! Founded in 2004 as a way to get Seattle boaters out on their boats, the Downtown Sailing Series is a casual weekly summer regatta showcasing the sport of sailing to the citizens of Seattle. Since its partnership with the Leukemia Cup Regatta in 2005, the Downtown Sailing Series has helped raise more than $1,500,000 for blood borne disease.

Starting each week from the Elliot Bay Marina, race or cruise with dozens of boats of every size as they set sail, cross the Seattle skyline and run back. If you have a powerboat, you can still join fellow sailors as you follow the racers on their route. Afterwards, celebrate over beer, wine and hotdogs at the Seattle Yacht Club outstation. It’s a great way to spend time with your mates and meet fellow sailors!

With their spinaker sails up, taking advantage of all of an East wind, these sailboats, part of the Downtown Sailing Series first race, head for a turn bouy by the Great Wheel on the Seattle waterfront. Twelve years ago Bruce Hedwick, the late Tom Rutton and Dwight Jones had an idea. To get more people to use their sailboats, how about a fun "race" in Elliot Bay? Since then every year on thursday nights there's a race from June to early August. Last Thursday's race, called the Downtown Sailing Series, was the first of the season, which attracted more than 80 boats of all sizes. There are only two rules in the race, don't bump into the other boats and have fun! The race starts in Elliot Bay near Elliot Bay Marina, then moves close to the downtown waterfront, before turning back to the finish line back at the marina. After the race, hot dogs and drinks are provided to the race participants. DSS also invites any non sailors to experience the evening sail, go to SeattleBoatShow.com and submit your name. Names will be drawn at random.Competitive & Casual Races Are Held Each Week

The course will be the same every Thursday night. The course will be from the start/finish line off the observation deck in the center of the Elliott Bay Marina Breakwater to a mark at the Grain Elevators Pier 86, then to a mark off the Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59, then to a mark off the west end of the Elliott Bay Marina, and back to the start finish line. All marks will be yellow 6 foot inflatable buoys. All marks are to be rounded to starboard. In light air conditions the committee may eliminate the Aquarium mark (Pier 59). Competitors will be notified by VHF Channel 78A.

The “Racing Class” starts first at 7pm and is intended for skippers that are keenly aware of the racing rules and want to sail in a more competitive environment. Typically the boats that choose to sail in this class are faster and have close quarter racing experience.

The “Cruising Class” starts at 7:05pm and is designated as such for skippers that just want to have a good time and participate in more of a “regatta”. Typically, skippers in this class are focused on just being on the water with friends and family while enjoying the camaraderie of sailing with a large group of other boats.

960x540The Fun Starts at Elliot Bay Marina

The Elliott Bay Cup is a large trophy that resides in the Harbormaster’s office. The winners of this annual trophy, both Cruising and Racing Class, are immortalized on the base and they also receive individual trophies. The Cup winners are selected based on the fastest time for the year.

In addition to the Elliot Bay Cup, The Rutten Cup is awarded each year to the boat that best exemplifies the true spirit of the Downtown Sailing Series. The previous year’s winner decides which boat should be awarded this perpetual trophy mug. Tom Rutten was an active sailor and well know writer for Northwest Yachting Magazine. Tom along with several friends, came up with the Downtown Sailing Series and this award is a tribute to him and the spirit in which he lived.

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downtownsailingseries.com
Each Week Starts From Elliot Bay Marina
2601 W Marina Pl, Seattle, WA 98199

Upcoming Dates:
July 16th: Sponsored by CSR Marine
July 23rd: Sponsored by Emerald Harbor Marine
July 30: Sponsored by Palisade Restaurant
August 6: Sponsor Appreciation Night

download (1)Join the Fun, Whether Racing or Just Cruising Alongside!