Boaters, start your engines! If you’re reading this article, it means that the long-awaited glory of the Pacific Northwest summer is upon us. But this time of year is not just about the sunshine, it’s also when just about every boat builder, brokerage, and enthusiast group goes all out with their annual rendezvous.
What makes a boat rendezvous unique? The obvious boat rally element is just the start. Potlucks, barbeques, breakfasts, and even cooking classes tend to add a culinary layer. Boaters tend to gather in special places like an island or picturesque small town, making the experience part travelogue. Many rendezvous have informational seminars and even company reps present, adding a boat show dimension to it all. Of course, the bonds made and strengthened with your fellow birds of a feather, often over live music or with an energetic theme, is another critical ingredient.
In our effort to enable your summer dose of rendezvous magic, we offer our second annual Rendezvous Round-Up. Be sure to contact event organizers and RSVP before showing up, for many of these are designed for owners of select boat types, members of certain associations, and the like.
Grady-White Spring Rendezvous
and Ling Cod Derby
May 3-5, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by the Northwest Grady-White Club
Grady-White owners are invited to the company’s annual spring rendezvous and ling cod derby in Roche Harbor. More details available at nwgwc.org or northwestgradywhiteclub.org.
Puget Sound Grand
Banks Rendezvous
May 8–12, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by the Puget Sound Grand Banks Owners Association
This annual rendezvous is open to all Grand Banks owners and sports a 1960’s theme this year. Ten seminars, wine tastings, Women on the Water sessions, and much more are a part of this groovy event. Northwest Yachting’s own Galley Gourmet chef Bill Shaw will be giving a seminar about “Entertaining in your Galley.” More info and online registration are available at psgbowners.org or you can contact the hosting organization at rendezvous@psgbowners.org.
Willard Marine Rendezvous
May 10-12, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Hosted by the Willard Owners Association
Willard Marine trawler owners and friends take advantage of the pre-summer rush (and shoulder season moorage rates) this year in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. As always, the Friday evening dock party kicks off the fun and attendees are encouraged to bring their musical instruments. More info and online registration is available at willardboats.org.
CS West Spring Rendezvous
May 14–16, Maple Bay Marina, Maple Bay, B.C.
Hosted by CS Yacht Owners West
Owners of CS or Quanta sailboats who join the CS Yacht Owners West association are welcome to join in the fun. The rendezvous is the big annual shindig for this close-knit group. See more information and register online at csyachtswest.org.
PaNNTOA Rendezvous
May 30-June 2, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Hosted by Pacific Northwest Nordic Tug Owners Association (PaNNTOA)
The timing of this rendezvous matches up with the Anacortes’ Waterfront Festival. In addition to the local fun, informational talks with customs officers and more will be featured. Open to PaNNTOA members ($30 annual fee), register and learn more online at panntoa.org.
Hampton Rendezvous
May 30-June 1, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by Hampton Yacht Group
This Roche Harbor-based rendezvous is for Hampton, Endurance, and VIP customers/owners. Factory representative seminars, owner forums, live music, excellent cuisine, and more are just teasers. To RSVP or learn more, contact Jenny Lee Zierman at jenny@hamptonyachtgroup.com or call at 206-623-5200.
Aspen Power Catamarans Spring Owner’s Cruise
May 31–June 2, Alderbrook Resort, Hood Canal
Hosted by Aspen Power Catamarans
Aspen owners enjoy this annual cruise, essentially a rendezvous on the go. This year the Aspen fleet, estimated to be around 20 local boats, will be venturing down the Hood Canal to the Alderbrook Resort for a good time. RSVP via email at info@aspencats.com.
All Fleet Rendezvous – Signature Yachts
May 31–June 2, Port of Poulsbo Marina, Poulsbo
Hosted by Signature Yachts
The local brokerage Signature Yachts hosts an All Fleet rendezvous every year for their clients. Cocktails and appetizers are offered on Friday at the docks and morning educational demonstrations and afternoon sailing fill up Saturday. Famed blueberries pancakes are a Sunday morning staple. To learn more or register online, visit signature-yachts.com or call (206) 284-9004.
Northwest Wauquiez Rendezvous
May 31-June 2, Point Hudson Marina, Port Townsend
Hosted by the Northwest Wauquiez Owners Association
This year will mark the 28th annual Wauquiez Rendezvous, open to all Wauquiez owners with or without their boats. The North American Wauquiez Championship regatta will be held Saturday afternoon, and tickets for a Saturday BBQ dinner are available. Keynote speaker Saturday night will feature Hood 38 owners Rob and Sue Jackson of Joyeux, who have sailed from Seattle to the Mediterranean. Details and registration information available via email at wauquiezpnwr@gmail.com.
Inside Passage Yacht
Sales Spring Rendezvous
May 31–June 2, Rosario Resort and Marina, Orcas Island
Hosted by Inside Passage Yacht Sales
Friends, family, and clients of Inside Passage Yacht Sales gather annually for boating and outdoors fun. Exploring Moran State Park, Cascade Lake, and Mt. Constitution are on the itinerary this year, as are the relaxing pools and spa of the Rosario Mansion. You can learn more and RSVP online at insidepassageyachtsales.com.
Riviera Rendezvous
June 7-8, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by Riviera, Emerald Pacific Yachts, and Van Isle Marina
The weekend of fun has a Silver Screen theme this year, so boaters be prepared to trick out that Riviera yacht to your favorite movie. Activities are scheduled throughout the weekend. More info is available on emeraldpacificyachtsales.com.
Alexander Marine West Coast Rendezvous
June 13-16, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by Alexander Marine U.S.A.
Disco is the theme for this year’s rendezvous for Ocean Alexander owners. The packed event lineup includes oyster shucking demos and tastings, dinghy parade, golf, cooking class, and more! Stay tuned as details develop at alexandermarineusa.com. Contact organizer Pauline Davis via phone (206) 344-8566 for more information.
Classic Weekend Rendezvous
June 15–16, Bell Harbor Marina, Seattle
Hosted by the Classic Yacht Association
The annual event features up to 50 beautiful classic yachts, all built at the Lake Union Dry Dock Company, and this year will honor the company’s 100th anniversary. Guests and the public can enjoy tours aboard most boats from 1000 to 1600 hours both days. For more info, contact event chair and Vice Commodore of the Classic Yacht Association via email at dianelander@outlook.com or phone at (206) 919-5099.
Tollycraft Rendezvous
June 20-23, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by the U.S. Tollycraft Boating Club
Tollycraft owners, U.S. Tollycraft Boating Club members, and non-member guests will gather once again at Roche Harbor for their annual fun-filled rendezvous. Skipper and his Little Buddy would be a good crew this year at the Gilligan’s Island-themed event. Register early for a reduced entry fee. More information can be found at tollyclub.com.
Hunter Rendezvous (B.C.)
June 20-23, Telegraph Harbour Marina, Thetis Island, B.C.
Hosted by the U.S. Tollycraft Boating Club
This annual meetup for Hunter owners reportedly draws in hundreds for a fun-filled weekend. Many details are to be determined at the time of this writing, but you can stay current and also register online at specialty-yachts.com.
Annual Pacific Northwest Jeanneau Rendezvous
June 21-23, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Hosted by Marine Servicenter
This summer marks the 19th iteration of this event, reportedly the longest running Jeanneau sailboat rendezvous in North America. All Jeanneau owners are eagerly invited with an excellent schedule to be announced. You can call for more details or to RSVP at (206) 323-2405 or visit marinesc.com.
Western Canada Jeanneau Rendezvous
June 21–23, Poets Cove Marina, Pender Island, B.C.
Hosted by Fraser Yacht Sales
Like the stateside Jeanneau rendezvous on the same weekend, this Canadian version is for owners of Jeanneau sailboats and is also enjoying its 19th year. Details are still coming together at the time of this writing, but you can learn more by calling (604) 734-3344 or checking out fraseryachtsales.com.
Beneteau Rendezvous (B.C.)
June 21–23, Port of Sidney Marina, Sidney, B.C.
Hosted by Grand Yachts (Sidney and Vancouver)
Owners of Beneteau sailboats, lend us your ears! This annual rendezvous is a B.C. mainstay for lovers of the brand. For more information, you can contact Grand Yachts (Sidney) via phone at (250) 656-8909 or the Vancouver branch at (604) 687-8943. More info is also available at grandyachts.com.
J/Fest Northwest
June 22–23, Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle (Shilshole Bay Marina)
Hosted by Sail Northwest and Corinthian Yacht Club Seattle
J/Fest returns for its second consecutive year since the event’s resurrection. Part regatta—with One Design, PHRF, and Cruising class starts—and part on-shore party, J/Fest is open to all J/boat owners and crew. Learn more and RSVP at cycseattle.org.
Grady-White Summer Event
July 3, Liberty Bay, Poulsbo
Hosted by the Northwest Grady-White Club
The Northwest Grady-White Club is mixing it up this year by planning a fireworks raft-up for their members in Liberty Bay. Should be a blast! For more information or to RSVP, check out nwgwc.com or northwestgradywhiteclub.org. You can also contact organizer Tom Ross via email at tom@jacobsensmarine.com.
The Lake Union Sea Ray
Roche Harbor Rendezvous
July 10-14, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by Lake Union Sea Ray and Meridian Experience Cruise
Owners of Sea Rays rejoice, for the 21st iteration of Lake Union Sea Ray’s summer rendezvous is packed with golf, parties, surf clinics, a cooking class, brunch, and more. Check out lakeunionsearay.com for more information and to register.
Pacific Northwest Chris Craft Rendezvous (U.S.)
July 11-14, Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard
Hosted by the Chris Craft Ownership Committee
The Chris-Craft Rendezvous turns 30 this year with a bang and the rendezvous will have 80 spots open for classic Chris-Crafts. Live music, boat tours, seminars, swap meets, demos, live auction, awards banquet, and all the charming offerings of Port Orchard (like the farmer’s market) beckon. Details are available at chriscraftrendezvous.com and you can call Jerry Toner at (206) 919-6558 for more info.
Ericson Rendezvous
July 12–14, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Hosted by the Ericson Ownership Group
For Ericson sailboat owners and fans, this annual shindig is a real treat. A Saturday potluck, speaker, and other activities are planned. A block of slips is held at Cap Sante Marina for the rendezvous and you can call ahead to arrange your stay (no charge for rendezvous, marina slip fees still apply). You can learn more online at ericsonyachts.org or email ericson@starboardtrack.org.
Aspen Power Catamarans
Summer Owner’s Cruise
July 26–August 11, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound, B.C.
Hosted by Aspen Power Catamarans
The annual summer cruise by Aspen is the go big or go home version of their spring cruise, a rendezvous on-the-go that will take Aspen owners northward through the Gulf Islands and into Desolation Sound. RSVP via email at info@aspencats.com.
U.S. and Canadian Glasply Rendezvous
August 9-11, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Hosted by GlasPly Owners
This annual event is the fruit of Canadian-American cooperation and for all “past, current, and future” owners of classic Glasply boats. Story swapping, mixology, a raffle, food, and more abound. Contact Tyson Neland for more information or to RSVP, tysonneland@gmail.com or (360) 420-0316.
Bertram Rendezvous
August 9-11, Telegraph Harbor Marina, Telegraph Cove, B.C.
Hosted by Northwest Bertrams
Twenty slips are reserved for the first ever Bertram Rendezvous at Telegraph Cove. NW Bertrams hopes to gather as many classic and modern Bertrams as possible. For more information contact Dave Bibby at nwbertrams@gmail.com.
Bob Perry Rendezvous
August 17-18, Port Ludlow Marina, Port Ludlow
Hosted by Bob Perry
For owners and fans of Bob Perry designs, this annual event is a must. Casual activities are planned Saturday with a surprise guest speaker. A big potluck and live music courtesy of a Caribbean-style reggae band is also on the books. It fills up, so make slip reservations early. More info can be found at perryboat.com.
Decatur Island Rendezvous
August 20-22, Decatur Island
Hosted by the Classic Yacht Association
Members of the Classic Yacht Association meet at Decatur Island between the Vancouver and Victoria boat festivals every year with a packed itinerary of hiking, kayaking, crabbing, golf, and of course, boating. If interested, contact Christian and Jeanne Dahl via phone at 425-478-2514 or 425-478-2167 respectively. You can also contact the commodore at
pnwcommodore@classiyacht.org.
Canoe Cove Association Rendezvous
August 20-22, Decatur Island
Hosted by the Canoe Cove Association
This one-of-a-kind rendezvous is for owners of boats manufactured by Canoe Cove Manufacturing of Sidney, B.C. The association’s goal is to record and register all the boats ever built by Canoe Cove (now building on a custom basis). You can learn more about the event and join the tribe online at canoecovering.com.
Monk 36 Rendezvous
August 23-25, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Organized by Ralph Falk, Marion Falk, Robin Dalton, and Frank Nebuloni
The Monk 36 Rendezvous is open to all Monk owners, past and present. Come share cruising experiences, exchange ideas, tour boats, and of course enjoy the camaraderie, great eats, and cocktails. Take advantage of Cap Sante marina’s location in downtown Anacortes. Explore museums, the Farmer’s Market, nearby shops, and hiking trails. For more information email either Robin Dalton at 7akyoyos@gmail.com or Ralph Falk at ralphfalk@comcast.net.
Pacific Northwest Beneteau Rendezvous
August 23-25, Brownsville Marina, Bremerton
Hosted by Signature Yachts and Pacific Northwest Beneteau Owner’s Group
All Beneteau sailboat owners are encouraged to join the Pacific Northwest Beneteau Owner’s group and local Beneteau dealer Signature Yachts for their annual celebration. Evening potlucks, seminars, prizes, swag, cocktails, and yes, those talked about Signature Yacht blueberry pancakes are part of the fun. You can RSVP or learn more by contacting Signature Yachts via email at service@signture-yachts.com or via phone at (206) 284-9004. More info is also available at signature-yachts.com.
Deer Harbor Wooden Boat Rendezvous
September 2-5, Deer Harbor, Orcas Island
Hosted by the Wooden Boat Society of the San Juan Islands
Timed between the Victoria and Port Townsend boat festivals, the annual event is held for wooden boat owners and lovers of all kinds. Rowing and sailing races, potlucks, live music, and more. For more info or to RSVP, contact Ken Meyer via email at meyerlku@gmail.com. Info is also available at
woodenboatsocietyofthesanjuans.org.
Factory Rendezvous:
Cutwater Boats & Ranger Tugs
September 5-8, Roche Harbor Resort and Marina
Hosted by the Northwest Kadey-Krogen Owners Group
This huge annual rendezvous for both Cutwater Boats and Ranger Tugs pulled in over 200 enthustiastic owners last year for a weekend of boat fun. Register early, it sold out last year and probably will again this year. You can get the full details and regsiter online at rangertugs.com.
Kadey-Krogen Northwest Rendezvous
September 19-21, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes
Hosted by the Northwest Kadey-Krogen Owners Group
Kadey-Krogen will hold an annual Pacific Northwest rendezvous this year in Anacortes. The weekend, open to members of the owners’ group, is always packed with fun and boating education. Check out kadeykrogenowners.org for more details and RSVP contact information.
BAD Rendezvous! Brownsville Appreciation Days Classic Yacht Rendezvous and Car Show
September 20-22, Brownsville Marina, Bremerton
Hosted by the Pacific Northwest Fleet of the Classic Yacht Association
Dockage is free for up to 50 boats this year at the Port of Brownsville for this novel celebration that combines a classic car show, yacht tours, food stalls, carnival rides and games, and more. For more information, contact event coordinator Peter Riess via email at peterriess@msn.com or via phone at (323) 841-1335.
