HOBIE AND STARTING LINE SAILING ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Hobie Cat Company has appointed Starting Line Sailing as the new worldwide supplier for all Hobie Sailboats and Genuine Hobie Sailboat Parts and Accessories. This partnership will ensure continued investment in the production and availability of products enjoyed by thousands of sailors around the world. The same dealers and agents will stay involved, and the International Hobie Class Association will continue to coordinate and organize racing and events for Hobie class catamarans.

40 Years ago, Hobie Alter created a brand new type of sailing: beach cat fun for everyone. And that deep legacy, heritage, and vision continue with this partnership. Hobie and Starting Line Sailing — the parent company that includes Portland's West Coast Sailing, Zim Sailing, and several other companies — will work together to support the dealer network and the community of those interested in sailing and racing Hobie class catamarans. Direct coordination with the International Hobie Class Association will ensure ongoing support for the Hobie World Championships and the many famous Hobie events loved by sailors around the world.

» www.startinglinesailing.com

Port Townsend’s historic 50-slip Point Hudson Marina has opened again for boaters as of Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 — weeks ahead of schedule. Port of Port Townsend Executive Director, Eron Berg, said efficient work by Orion Marine Contractors of Tacoma, with strong support by the Port staff, made the early completion possible.

Point Hudson is protected from southerly winds by two jetties, both failing after almost 90 years of service. The 20222023 project, which began in mid-September, replaced the shorter north jetty. In September 2023, Orion will return to replace the longer south jetty and its pedestrian walkway.

The steel piles of the new jetty were driven 30 feet into the bottom of Port Townsend Bay before being filled with rock. Over 4,000 tons of armor stone fills the new north jetty at Point Hudson Marina.

“Orion did a great job, and the Port’s team did its work, keeping an eye on environmental compliance,” said Berg. “It went as well as we could expect for season one."

While most of Point Hudson has reopened, one portion of it — the six 70-foot guest moorage finger piers closest to the new jetty and to the RV Park — will remain closed for a few more weeks. Even with work continuing, Berg said the new jetty is intact and does its job of protecting the marina. Transient boaters are welcome to return, said Berg. “Come on in,” he said. “Have some dinner and some fun in town.”

» www.portofpt.com

Seattle Singles Yacht Club recently donated the proceeds from their Northwest Harvest Race, dinner, dance, and auction to Northwest Harvest — a non-profit that works toward food justice through collective action. Join the fun and support the cause by sailing the Northwest Harvest Race on September 23, 2023. » www.seattlesinglesyc.com/