Sailing in Gig Harbor, WA

JSailer · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2005

Hello,
My family and I are considering moving to Gig Harbor, WA.
Does anyone have any feedback on keeping a sailboat there and sailing around there?
I am concerned about heavy traffic with all the freighters going down to Tacoma.
Any advice would be truly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

jbanta · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

Is Gig harbor in stone or could you head a bit north say Oak Harbor or even Poulsbo?

JSailer · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

Well, Gig Harbor is not in stone... But I would have to be within reasonable distance from SEATAC to go to work (about an hour drive only twice a month).
We are open to all suggestions...
Of course the housing cost and schools is a crucial

We had considered Bainbridge Island also, but the commute would be more difficult.

RichardElliott · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

I sail into Gig Harbor occasionally. Great little town. The freighter traffic into Tacoma is not that much of a problem. The waters between Tacoma and Gig Harbor off the Southwest end of Vashon Island offer the best sailing and are away from the freighter path.

JSailer · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

That''s good info. Thanks Richard.
I wasn''t sure how wide the waters were in that passage west of Vashon Island...
It seems like a nice little town.

geohan · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

Don''t forget the free tie-up at the Tides Tavern for pizza or a Ruben and dark beer!

JSailer · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-2005

Pizza uh?
Well, that should get the kids'' approval!

GreggRuch · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2005

Great place to live,I live in Tacoma, and sail in the area. The freighter traffic really isn''t a problem. But--watch out for the area just north of Pt Defiance. When the tide is running in heavy it can pull a sailboat into the narrows, or put you way closer to shore then you would like. Check your tide tables carefully when leaving harbor. I forgot once, and spent a few hours trying to work my way past the point to get home. The tidal rush can cover a large area and run several knots. The seemingly expansive area between Pt Defiance and the south end of Vashon Island can be deceptive.

jdkirkk · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-2005

If you''re considering Bainbridge, bring lots of money.
I''m out of date for that area (now in Lake Michigan) but the fishermen were more of a nuisance than the freighters, although I did
encounter one at night and I''ve never seen so many lights! (I just stayed out of his way)
It''s tough to get to SEATAC easily from prime sailing grounds. If you only do it twice a month it''s worth the trouble to go to Anacortes or somewhere closer to interesting sailing country. I sailed out of Bellingham but thought later that Anacortes
would have been better.