Ferry Farewell Flotillas

Renewing a tradition begun in 2013, the local, non-profit Community Boating Center will continue this summer to host flotillas of watercraft in south Bellingham Bay for bidding adieu to departing Alaska ferries bound for Ketchikan. Boats of all kind are encouraged to join the gatherings. To enhance participation, the Boating Center offers 50 percent-off rental fees for human-powered watercrafts, including kayaks, rowboats and paddleboards, during the Farewell Flotilla events.

Again this year, the centerpiece of the Flotillas will the vessel Plume, a longboat replica built by staff and students of Bellingham’s Home Port Learning Center.  Plume will be available for a limited group to be the crew for the ferry send-off. Mike Baker, Home Port faculty member and captain of Plume, says, ”Plume is a time-travelling vessel that can take you back 230 years.  She has been Home Port’s floating classroom for 18 years, enabling students to understand the benefits of interdependence and hard work.  Nothing makes community like a small boat.”  Sign-ups for participating aboard Plume begin at 5:00 PM on the evenings of the events, near the public boat launch in Fairhaven.  Donations are appreciated. 

Additional Ferry Farewell Flotillas are planned for July 3, July 25, and August 28.  All participants should wear a life jacket and have clothing available for a variety of weather.  Life jackets will be available for Plume participants and CBC renters.  Friday Flotillas will sendoff the 418-foot MV Columbia.  The lone Saturday gathering on July 25 will bid adieu to the 382-foot MV Kennicott. 

The Community Boating Center will be open for boat rentals every day of the week beginning on Monday, June 22.  The Center offers sailing and paddle-sports youth camps as well as instruction in sailing, paddle-boarding, sea-kayaking, and rowing.  For details, visit the CBC website, www.boatingcenter.org.