World's Biggest Tugboat Races, Workboat Parade, Chowder Cook-Off, Survival Suit Races, Quick and Dirty Boat Building Competition and Lots of Free Family Fun during Seattle Maritime Festival this May

    SEATTLE, WA, April 04, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Don't miss the boat when the world's largest tugboat race thunders along the Downtown Seattle Waterfront. Enjoy the Waterfront Chowder Cook-Off. Check out the survival suit races, a boat building competition, vessel tours, sea-air rescue demonstration, kid's events, Stories of the Sea, and a container ship full of family fun.

The Downtown Seattle Waterfront is the place to be for the annual Seattle Maritime Festival, sponsored by Seattle Propeller Club with support from the Port of Seattle, from May 6-8, 2010.

"The festival is designed to celebrate and showcase our maritime industry and the important role it plays in the Puget Sound region's economy," commented Festival General Chair Andy Bennett, KPFF Consulting Engineers.

This year's Festival celebrates "The Year of the Seafarer," as declared by the Council of the International Maritime Organization. The theme pays tribute to the world's 1.5 million seafarers for their unique contribution to society. It also recognizes our region's mariners who have helped keep Puget Sound waters amongst the safest and most risk-adverse in the world.

This year's Festival also helps showcases The Canadian Naval Centennial 1910-2010.

Most of the public activities take place on the Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pier 66/Bell Harbor Marina, on the Downtown Seattle Waterfront. There is no admission charge.

The highlight of the Festival and Family Fun Day is the annual tug races. This year, over 40 tugs and workboats are expected to participate in the 26th Annual Seattle Tugboat Race Championships.

The overall maritime calendar is jammed with industry and public events throughout the month of May. (All events subject to change). Highlights include:

Saturday, May 1:
Opening Day of Boating. "Explore, Dream, Discover Out of This World" is the theme for 2010 Opening Day. Since 1920, the Seattle Yacht Club has sponsored Opening Day and last year, 263 boats - from sleek megayachts to the saltiest Northwest classics - registered for the kick off of the Northwest boating season. Further information: www.seattleyachtclub.org

Sunday, May 2:
Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society Dinner, Maritime Events Center, 2 p.m. The meeting includes the presentation of the Medal of Merit and Volunteer of the Year Award and a keynote program featuring Devon Grennan, President of Global Diving & Salvage. Further information: www.pugetmaritime.org

Tuesday, May 4:
Celebrity Judging for Chowder Cook-Off, Edgewater Inn, 11 a.m. Waterfront restaurants compete for the trophy in this cook-off. Sponsored by the Seattle Waterfront Neighborhood, www.seattlewaterfront.org, and Metropolitan Improvement District, www.downtownseattle.com.

Wednesday, May 5:
Transportation Club of Seattle Membership Luncheon
Further information: www.transportationclubofseattle.org

Virginia V Repositioning Cruise, 1 - 4 p.m.
Built in 1922 in the Puget Sound and recently restored, the Virginia V is a genuine wooden-hull ship with a fully operational 100+ year old steam engine. Voyage on the historic Virginia V as she cruises from South Lake Union to Bell Harbor Marina for the Maritime Festival! For tickets call (206) 624-9119 or visit: www.virginiav.org

Thursday, May 6:
12thAnnual Maritime Career Day, Maritime Events Center, Pier 66
If you are looking for a career with great wages, chart your course to the 12th Annual Maritime Career Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maritime Event Center, Pier 66, on the Downtown Seattle Waterfront. Admission is free for students, job seekers and the general public.

This event provides a unique opportunity to take a glimpse into the working world of trade, transportation, fisheries, government and career training. Step aboard and explore working vessels, speak with industry representatives, and sit in on our Maritime Speaker Series. Further information: www.maritimeeventcenter.com

Vessel Tours, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Pier 66 and Bell Harbor Marina
Free tours of workboats and other vessels: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Blake, Virginia V, Seattle Maritime Academy Instructor, Port of Seattle Harbor Patrol, Seattle Police Department Patrol Boat, King County Department of Natural Resources Liberty, Marine Spill Response Corporation Cormorant, Diver's Institute of Technology Response, and Seattle Fire Department. Also look for the spectacular Manson Construction barge proudly flying the American, Coast Guard and Port of Seattle flags.

Wine Tasting on the Virginia V, 7 - 9 p.m., Bell Harbor Marina
Join the fun at a special wine tasting on board the Virginia V. For details call (206) 624-9119 or visit: www.virginiav.org

National Fisherman's Tenth Annual Stories of the Sea Fisher Poetry Slam, Conor Byrne
The Festival will award cash prizes to the top three finishers in this unique Maritime Poetry Slam. Only 12 spaces are available and registration is on a first-come basis. To register, call (206) 728-3742. Presented in cooperation with Pacific Marine Expo.

Friday, May 7:
Working Waterfront Workshop: Environmental Leadership, Stewardship and Collaboration, Maritime Events Center, Pier 66
Join community, business, labor and government agency leaders at an informative Workshop to explore ways to work together toward a common goal of environmental stewardship. During the Workshop, you will learn about current and planned air and water initiatives and build new relationships with individuals and organizations engaged in insuring Puget Sound's economic vitality and environmental sustainability. Workshop fee is $80. To register or for further information visit: www.SeattlePropellerClub.org.

Vessel Tours, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Pier 66 and Bell Harbor Marina
Free tours of workboats and other vessels: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Blake, Canadian Navy tugs Glendyne and Glendale, Virginia V, Seattle Maritime Academy Instructor, Port of Seattle Harbor Patrol, Seattle Police Department Patrol Boat, King County Department of Natural Resources Liberty, Marine Spill Response Corporation Cormorant, Diver's Institute of Technology Response, and Seattle Fire Department. Also look for the spectacular Manson Construction barge proudly flying the American, Coast Guard and Port of Seattle flags.

Saturday, May 8: Family Fun Day, Pier 66 and Bell Harbor Marina

U.S. Oil & Refining Seattle Tugboat Race Championships
The 26th Annual competition is the largest tugboat race in the world. This year, more than 30 boats are expected to participate. Racing is from the Grain Terminal, Pier 86, to the finish line at Pier 66.
Noon: Fire Boat Display
12:10 p.m. Canadian Navy Tugboat Ballet
12:20 p.m. Abandon Ship Demonstration .
12:50 p.m. Coast Guard Sea/Air Helicopter Rescue
1:15 p.m. WorkBoat Magazine Workboat Parade
2:00 p.m. Class C Limited Tug Race
2:30 p.m. Class B Harbor Tug Race
2:45 p.m. Fireboat Firefighting Demonstration
3:00 p.m. Class A Unlimited Race

Watch the Tug Boat Races from the historic steam ship Virginia V. This year she once again serves as the official finish line. Special guest: Chuck Fowler, author of Tugboats. Board the Virginia V at Bell Harbor Marina by approximately 11:30 AM. Return at approximately 4 PM. Call 206 624-9119 or email [email protected] to purchase your tickets.

Watch the Tug Boat Races from the Royal Argosy Luncheon Cruise. Call (206) 623-1445 for ticket information.

Pacific Maritime Magazine Quick & Dirty Boatbuilding Competition presented with TOTE and Jensen Maritime Consultants
Industry teams compete in building a boat from standard materials at Pier 66, starting at 9 a.m. Judging at 3 p.m., with racing in the Bell Harbor Marina, Pier 66, scheduled for 4 p.m.

World Invitational Survival Suit Races presented with Seattle Maritime Academy and Foss Maritime, 11 a.m.
This prestigious, exciting and fun event will feature teams of four members. At the starting gun, teams put on their survival suits, jump into the warm waters of Elliott Bay, swim to a life raft and climb aboard. The fastest team wins the competition and the trophy.

Fourteenth Annual Seattle Waterfront Neighborhood Waterfront Chowder Cook-Off, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Discover the best chowder around - participants include Anthony's Pier 66, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Elliott's Oyster House, The Crab Pot, The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar, Ivar's, Steamer's Seafood Cafe at Pier 56, Seattle Marriott Waterfront and Six Seven at the Edgewater. Special chowder tasting areas will be created inside each restaurant or retail store.

Buy your Chowder Passport for only $5 at all participating restaurants or at the festival information booths. Proceeds benefit maritime community and youth organizations.

Free Harbor Tours (11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.) presented by the Port of Seattle
Discover the working waterfront. Board at Bell Harbor Marina/Pier 66 one-half hour prior to each departure. There is a limit of 400 guests for each tour. Stop by the Festival Information Booth at Pier 66 to pick up your ticket. There is a limit of four tickets per adult, 18 years or older.

Vessel Tours: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Canadian Navy Tugboats, Virginia V and others

Free Admission to the Maritime Events Center and Display Booths

Free Wooden Boat Building for Kids, Kids Activity Center and other family fun

Monday, May 10:
Transportation Club of Tacoma Luncheon
Further information: www.transportationcluboftacoma.org

Tuesday, May 11:
59th Annual Maritime Day Luncheon
Carnival's Spirit at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, Pier 91. During the luncheon, the Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award, the Elected Official of the Year Award and Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award will be presented. The luncheon is sponsored by the Seattle Propeller Club and Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with support from the Port of Seattle. Cost is $60. For reservations call (206) 389-7262.

Wednesday, May 19:
Tacoma Propeller Club Maritime Day Luncheon
Further information: www.tacomapropellerclub.com

Thursday, May 20:
Labor/Management Luncheon, Catholic Seamen's Club
Presented by the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Club, 2330 First Avenue. Call (206) 441-4773 for further information.

Friday, May 21:
Tacoma Propeller Club 54th Annual Chowdown
Further information: www.tacomapropellerclub.com

Saturday, May 22:
National Maritime Day

Tuesday, May 25:
Transportation Club of Tacoma Annual Golf Tournament
Further information: www.transportationcluboftacoma.org

For further information, call (206) 787-3163 or visit www.SeattlePropellerClub.org.

The Seattle Maritime Festival is sponsored by the Seattle Propeller Club, with the Port of Seattle.

The Seattle Propeller Club is the city¡¦s largest maritime organization and represents leaders from all aspects of the maritime industry, including shipping, fishing, tug and barge, ship building, trade, tourism, marine services and support, harbor services and port districts. The Port of Seattle plays a key role in bringing international trade, transportation and travel to the Pacific Northwest, and supports industries as diverse as tourism and commercial fishing. The Port also owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

For further information, visit http://SeattlePropellerClub.org

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