Set Sail

There’s still plenty of opportunity to get out on Lake Union as our steamy Seattle summer winds down. One of the best ways to experience the lake is through The Center of Wooden Boats. This SLU institution promotes northwest maritime heritage through education, interpretation and provides visitors and members hands-on experience in building, maintaining, and using historic small craft.

Check out these upcoming events and volunteer programs at CWB.

Give back at the Boatshop

If you sign up for a shift in the SLU Boatshop, you’ll get to help finish out La Mamalona, the Ed Monk skiff built by four high school kids from El Centro De La Raza. You’ll work on the knees and stem for La Mamalona, help with the thistle, and assist with the Lake Union swifts. You might also have the chance to work on the BJK Pamela in the Floating Boatshop,

El Toro Regatta

The annual El Toro Regatta is September 25 and 26. CWB will host the youth regatta on Saturday and the adult Regatta on Sunday. Bring your own El Toro or reserve one of CWB’s (note: boats are limited). Participation is free, but there is a suggested donation of $25 to help support CWB operations.

CWB docents

CWB is searching for social ambassadors who would like to explore a docent role at the front desk. Volunteers will receive in-depth training about exhibits, programs, and events and share their knowledge and personal experiences with visitors. Docents also give impromptu tours of the Wagner Education Center. If you’re interested, contact either Annsofie at [email protected] or Shelby at [email protected] with questions about the role prior.

Listen in

If you’re into podcasts, local maritime history, and great banter, check out Down at the Boathouse, the CWB’s podcast inspired by stories shared on its docks over the years. Hosted by CWB’s executive director Josh Andersion and community engagement director Sandy Lam, the podcast has been recorded at different locations. All of them have been boats except for episode 1, which was hosted at the desk of late founder Dick Wagner.