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Small Boat Winter Series

Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers is proud to dedicate this event to our friend and teammate, Peter Marcus.

Peter is loved and respected for his personal success as an elite paddler and as a champion of physical fitness, friendly competition, and philanthropy; having an impact well beyond our local waters. In addition to a donation of 50% of our net proceeds, a special sticker will be available for purchase to honor his legacy and support his chosen non-profits: the Bellingham Community Boating Center and the Bellingham Food Bank. 

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Race Information

  • Date: Feb 25, 2023

  • Time: first start at 10:00am

  • Location: Marine Park (Port of Bellingham)     100 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 

  • Boat classes: OC1, OC2, OC6, Surfski (single and double), and SUP

  • High tide: 8:12 AM PST 8.83 ft Low tide: 3:23 PM PST 0.95 ft

  • Registration

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Registration Details

  • Pre-registration and pre-payment must occur online at Pacific Multisports. 

  • Registration fee: $30 per person

  • Start times may be assigned depending on number of participants.

  • Online registration must include completed waiver.

  • We will be using PNWORCA issued numbers; please enter that number during online registration. If you don’t have a PNWORCA number, a number sticker will be available at check-in on race day.

  • Check in at the registration table in the covered area when you arrive (opens by 8:30am).

  • As a fundraiser and race event, refunds will not be made. We appreciate your understanding. 

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Course Description

  • The race begins at Marine Park in Fairhaven and continues along the beautiful etched limestone shoreline down around Clark’s Point into Mud Bay and back to Marine Park. This is a 6-mile-long course with gorgeous views of wildlife and the San Juan Islands. (Wind and water conditions will influence final course details, with the possibility of a downwinder.)

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  • Race distance: approx. 6 miles

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  • Safety Meeting: 9:30am (any hazards/changes to the racecourse will be announced at this meeting). Safety messages will be updated on our website and social media platforms and reviewed during the safety meeting on race day.

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In the case of winds 10MPH or above, see this video.

​Safety Requirements

  • Boats must be safe, seaworthy, and appropriate for open water.

  • Paddlers are required to wear a PFD and have a whistle on their person. 

  • While safety boats will be on the course, racers must be capable of self-rescue in any conditions that may be present on race day.

  • Surfskis, Outrigger Canoes and Stand-up Paddleboards must have a functional leash attaching paddler to craft.

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Recommended: High-visibility clothing, VHF radio/cell phone.

Hazards and Other Safety Considerations

  • Winter weather is unpredictable. Strong currents and winds may be present.

  • Run-off may leave large submerged debris in the water. 

  • Use good judgement and be honest about your abilities for the conditions.

  • If you require assistance on the racecourse, signal a safety boat by waving your hand, paddle or oar over your head. 

  • Participants are obligated to aid any racers in distress. Be sure they are in their boat and underway before leaving them. Time spent assisting will be credited to you. 

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Race Start, Finish, Awards, & Lunch

  • Start signaled with flags and horn blast

    • Yellow – 5 minutes to start

    • Red – start is imminent

    • Horn blast – GO!

  • Your finish will be signaled by a short blast from an air horn.

  • Please keep clear of the finish line after you have completed the race.

  • A selection of hearty soups will be served by BBOP after the race (approx. 11am)

Awards will be distributed to the top 3 finishers in each division.

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Questions?

Any additional questions may be answered by contacting the Race Director, Janice Lapsansky:

  • Email: janice@squelch.net,

  • Phone: 360-739-5776

  • During the safety meeting, 9:30am, just prior to the race start.

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