Community News

Bellingham Sailing Foundation has the permits to build a launch ramp!

The Bellingham Sailing Foundation was founded over 12 years ago with the sole purpose to make Youth Sailing more accessible for the kids of Whatcom County. The way we do this is by improving infrastructure like building docks and funding purchase of boats and equipment. In addition, we support funding programs like Learn to Sail and school sailing teams.

We now have all the permits to build a launch ramp next to the Youth Sailing dock, currently located at Zuanich Park, that will separate small sailboats from the power boat ramp and eliminate the need to sail through the harbor to get to the bay. This will make it safer for the kids and reduce the congestion on the powerboat ramps. It will also help with kayak launching at the famous Ski to Sea Race, a real win win for all! The ramp will also be accessible by the general public, so you would be able to have an easy and safe place to launch your kayak, paddleboard or other small watercraft directly from Zuanich Park.

We are working with the Port of Bellingham for funding this project and have set up a GoFundMe page to help with the cost. This is a legacy project that will serve Whatcom county for years to come. It's simple—we have a great body of water but lack the access to the water and this launch ramp will help immensely with the goal of making Bellingham a focal point for small wind and human powered craft.

Want to learn more about getting on the water this summer? Be sure to check out our friends at the Community Boating Center and see what they have in store this year for everyone.

Join Bellingham Dockside Market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, 10am-2pm, of each month at Fisherman's Pavilion in Squalicum Harbor for seafood straight from the fishing families that caught it. Dockside accepts EBT payments.

Dragonfly Kayak Tours programs are filling up fast! Don't miss out on their Coastal Voyage Teen Camp for a unique and enriching experience designed to captivate young minds ages 14-17 and create lasting memories. This program is meticulously crafted to offer a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and fun. Program highlights include kayak camping, outdoor survival and team building. These 6 day/5 night weekly sessions begin July 8 and end the week of July 29.

Love Your Waterfront on KMRE 88.3FM is celebrating their 1st anniversary! Love Your Waterfront is your gateway to all the wonderful aspects of Whatcom County’s waterfronts: the history, the thriving businesses, and the unique art and culture of the Salish Sea that make this an extraordinary place to live. The waterfronts of Whatcom County are also part of the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, as designated by Congress and the National Park Service.

Love Your Waterfront Quest Passport Sign up for FREE and learn more about where to go on your waterfront. Want to learn more about the program? Lindsey Gerhart with Bellingham Tourism will be on an upcoming episode of Love Your Waterfront.

Learn more about what’s happening on the waterfront with our partners at Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County.

Be sure to keep up to date with what’s happening around town with our friends at Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism!