October 2025
October 7, 2025
Dear Friend,
As the newest member of The Center for Wooden Boats team, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and say how honored I am to be part of this remarkable community. Since joining CWB in July, I have been inspired daily by the people who make this place so special, the volunteers, instructors, and visitors who keep our docks alive with curiosity and care.
If we have not met yet, I hope to see you at one of our upcoming fall events or out on the water soon. While we continue sailing year-round, things naturally slow down as the weather shifts. The change of season gives our team a chance to reflect, make repairs, and prepare for the months ahead, all while staying connected to the community that keeps this place moving forward.
With gratitude,
Corey McDaniel
Development Director
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Programs
- Halloween Bash 2025
- Membership Reminder
- Updates to WA Tax Law
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Classes, Events and Updates
- Call for Sailing Instructors
- Small Boat Navigation
- Basic Keel Boat
- SailNOW!
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Help Us Get More People on the Water
We’re inviting more volunteer sailing instructors to join our crew. Whether you’ve taught with us before or are thinking about getting involved for the first time, this is a great way to share your skills and help others discover the joy of sailing.
Our instructors make CWB’s programs possible, bringing their knowledge and passion to the docks each week.
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Halloween Bash at The Center for Wooden Boats
As our boat rental season comes to close, we are marking the occasion with one of our favorite traditions—CWB's annual Halloween Bash Public Sail on Sunday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a day of costumes, treasure hunts, and free boat rides on Lake Union. Kids can collect stickers at stations around campus and win a prize, and there will be special rides aboard the historic Virginia V.
Registration for free boating opens at 10:00 a.m., and space fills quickly, so arrive early to save your spot.
We’ll also have Wooden Boat Storytime and toy boat building throughout the day. Come in costume and enjoy a spook-tacular Sunday on the water.
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Thank You for a Wonderful W.O.O.D. Regatta!
Fair winds, friendly races, and plenty of smiles filled Lake Union for this year’s Norm Blanchard W.O.O.D. Regatta.
A huge thank you to all the sailors, volunteers, and staff who made it such a special day on the water, and to photographer Jacob Battista for capturing the action so beautifully.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s regatta, but for now, enjoy a few favorite moments from this unforgettable day.
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New Sales Tax Notice
As of October 1, 2025, all CWB adult programming and boat rentals are now subject to Washington State sales tax.
This includes group classes, charters, workshops, shore school, sailing checkouts, livery passes, and rentals. The current tax rate is 10.35%.
We appreciate your understanding as we align with these statewide requirements, and we thank you for your continued support of The Center for Wooden Boats.
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Small Boat Navigation Class
November 8 & 9
Ready to take your small boat adventures further? Join our Small Boat Navigation workshop, a two-day, ten-hour course offered Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9.
You will learn how to use nautical charts and essential publications to plan trips, read tide and current data, and navigate Puget Sound’s dynamic waters with confidence. Whether you paddle, row, or sail, this hands-on class gives you the tools to explore safely and independently.
Navigation materials are provided, and each participant will take home a Puget Sound chart to continue planning new adventures.
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US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
November 1 - December 6
Ready to take your sailing to the next level? Join our Basic Keelboat course, a multi-week, hands-on class that follows the US Sailing Certification pathway and builds the skills needed to handle a keelboat safely and confidently.
Through a combination of on-the-water practice and classroom instruction, you will learn sail trim, boat handling, docking, and safety essentials while building toward national certification. No prior experience is required, and all materials are included.
This course runs November 1 through December 6 and is a great next step for SailNOW! graduates or anyone eager to deepen their sailing knowledge.
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Small Boat Cruising Clinic
November 23
Ready for your first day trip beyond the dock, or a confidence refresher before winter, join our Small Boat Cruising Clinic on Sunday, November 23.
In one focused session you will practice chart checks, route planning, reading wind, tides, and currents, reefing and sail balance, anchoring and docking, and crew communication. This clinic is a great next step after SailNOW!, and a solid tune-up for returning sailors.
Spots are limited, early registration is encouraged.
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Fuel the Mission
We are deeply grateful for our community’s generosity — it keeps our docks alive with learning, connection, and adventure. As the busy summer season winds down, your support is what fuels our mission through the quieter fall months. Every tax-deductible donation helps sustain youth sailing, boat restoration, and hands-on programs that connect people to the water. Please consider making a gift today and know that your support makes an immediate and lasting difference.
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Important Membership Update!
We value our members and want to be sure you don’t miss a thing. Please note that memberships are not currently auto-renewing. Please check your status today by emailing Corey McDaniel, Development Director at cmcdaniel@cwb.org or renew online now to ensure you continue enjoying your benefits.
As a member, you receive discounts on classes, boat rentals, and our gift shop, along with exclusive invitations to member events — and you help keep CWB’s living museum thriving. Your membership support fuels everything we do, from restoring historic boats to teaching the next generation of mariners.
Not a Member Yet?
Join today — or renew your membership — and enjoy all the benefits while helping us keep our docks vibrant and our maritime traditions alive.
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Boats for Sale
Bring a piece of maritime history home! From small craft to classic yachts, CWB has boats available for purchase, with proceeds supporting our hands-on programs. Current highlights include the 1926 R-Class Racing Sloop Pirate and the 1948 Salmon Troller Halcyon.
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