We’re thrilled to welcome the first day of Spring (and much-needed sunny weather) as Washington's vibrant boating scene kicks back into high gear. With beautiful days on the horizon, we'll be charting a course through some of the exciting boating events happening right here in Washington over the next couple of months.

2024 Daffodil Marine Festival & Parade

The 72nd annual Daffodil Marine Festival and Parade put on by the Tacoma Yacht Club is a fantastic way to welcome the new boating season. The main event is the Decorated Boat Parade on Sunday, April 14th, showcasing creatively decorated vessels along the Tacoma waterfront. Throughout the weekend, enjoy live music, dancing, and trivia contests. The Tacoma Yacht Club offers moorage on a first-come-first-served basis.

Quick Facts to Know:

• When: April 12th-14th
• Where: Tacoma Yacht Club
• Moorage Details:
  • First-come-first-served basis
  • Guests can begin arriving at noon on April 11th
  • Cannot guarantee power access
• Registration:
  • Register here
  • Registration Deadline: March 22, 2024
• Additional Information: Learn more

Carol Pearl Blakely Rock Benefit (Sailboat Races)

The Carol Pearl Blakely Rock Benefit Race is one of the largest sailboat races in the Puget Sound with up to 150 boats participating. This race provides fundraising for Footloose Sailing Association, which is a local sailing program for people of all disabilities, their friends, family, and caregivers. This event is a great way to support a good cause and kick off the boating season, whether you're in the race or cheering from the sidelines!

Quick Facts to Know:

• When: April 13th
• Where: Shilshole Bay Marina
• Registration:
  • Register here
• Additional Information: Learn more

Spring Boats Afloat Show on Lake Union

The Spring Boats Afloat Show is a multi-day event showcasing a wide variety of boats on Seattle's beautiful South Lake Union. At this event, you can tour a wide range of boats, from yachts to sailboats, and explore the newest boating technology. Enjoy live music, delicious food & drinks, a kids boat building activity, and a festive atmosphere. Also, celebrate Women's Day on Thursday, April 25th!

Quick Facts to Know:

• When: April 25th-28th
• Where: South Lake Union
• Registration:
  • Register here
  • Admission is free for children 12 and under.
• Additional Information: Learn more

Seattle Yacht Club Opening Day

The Seattle Yacht Club Opening Day and Windermere Cup is a jam-packed day celebrating the start of Seattle's boating season on May 4th. To begin, in the morning there is a VIP boat parade followed by the exciting Windermere Cup races on the water. Following the races is the official parade featuring decorated boats. The day wraps up with trophy presentations and a closing ceremony on the SYC Lawn.

Quick Facts to Know:

• When: May 4th
• Where: Seattle Yacht Club and Montlake Cut
• Anchoring Along the Parade Route:
  • Designated anchorage area - the waters along the south side of the Lake Washington Ship canal from the east end of the Mountlake cut to the East terminus of the Lake Washington Ship canal.
  • Anchored vessels shall not be left unattended overnight or for a prolonged period of time during the day (more than 4 hours)
• Registration:
  • Register here
• Additional Information: Learn more

At OnBuoy, we’re excited to make memories within the boating community this upcoming season. Whether you’re attending a boating festival in downtown Seattle or exploring a secluded spot on the Pacific Northwest coastline, OnBuoy is here to help you make the most of it! Check out the beautiful moorages offered by members of the OnBuoy community as we embark on this new boating season!