RBAW Monthly Newsletter
- January 2025 -
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Welcome RBAW Executive Director!
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The RBAW Board is excited to introduce Troy Olason as our Executive Director who joined us earlier this week! Troy comes to us from boat-builder American Tugs in La Conner, where he was their General Manager. He brings that special mix of a passion for boating, yacht club experience and maritime business development – and we are happy to have him aboard.
You can meet Troy at the RBAW booth at the Seattle Boat Show, and reach him at 206.929.2757 or email ExecutiveDirector@rbaw.org. |
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A few words from Troy . . .
Recreational boating is a foundational part of my life. The Olason family has been boating since the 1950’s, just like RBAW! I took my first boat trip in July of 1970 at 3 months old, we likely went to Sucia Island. As a third-generation lifelong boater, I have now exposed the boating lifestyle to my kids and grandkids. Generation 4 and 5 are in!
Professionally I have broad experience in the recreational boating realm. Most recently as the General Manager of American Tug in La Conner, I am sure you will not find a more quality built vessel - they make great boats, you can ask anyone. I have worked in business development at some level for my entire professional life, in addition to 20+ years of experience with communications, public and media relations, event creation and management.
I am very excited to start marching forward and engaging the opportunities and challenges of the Executive Director at RBAW. Raising awareness of this amazing organization and growing our membership to do more for recreational boating! I look forward to meeting everyone, please stopy by and say hello at our boat show booth. And…See you on the water! |
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The 2025 Washington Legislative Session is Underway |
The long 105 day session began on Monday, January 13th,
as is for every odd year (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.). Our WA legislature will work to pass biennial
(2 year) operating, capital, and transportation budgets – and debate numerous
policy topics, such as education, affordable housing, behavioral health and
human services, public safety, and environmental issues. Unfortunately, the state
budget outlook is looking very bleak as the state’s operating budget is in a
significant hole with an operating budget deficit between $10 and $12
billion over the four-year outlook. Legislators must work on ways to fill this hole, to
include budget cuts and various new revenue ideas (think taxes) – and we are
working closely with our Lobbyist Trevor Justin to keep a close eye on any
proposed changes to that may impact our
recreational boating world. Watch this space for more info and consider joining us for Legislative “Boating Day” in Olympia – see below for more info.
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Legislative "Boating Day" In Olympia on Feb 4th |
Recreational boating advocacy is at the heart of the RBAW mission - and as a group of 8000 passionate boaters, we can make our voices heard! All active RBAW members have received the invitation for
this years “Boaters Day” in on Tuesday, February 4th at the peoples house in
Olympia. RBAW, in conjunction with Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and the National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA), will meet directly with legislators and discuss our
priority asks for the 2025 legislative session. This includes continued funding
for the Lakebay Marina redevelopment, as well as the RBAW lead Lake Union Water Safety
initiative, called MindTheZone. We'll also be constantly monitoring the slate of bills that are being proposed in session and will use this time to provide any feedback to legislators. Our day in Olympia will be fast-paced with a dozen or so 15-minute meetings all over the Olympia campus, so comfortable shoes are a
must! Members will make their boating
voices heard as we advocate and educate legislators on the importance of these
priorities for RBAW members and recreational boating in our state. |
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The RBAW FREE Mobile Pumpout Boat is taking shape! |
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As announced in April of last year, RBAW was awarded two (2) Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grants to provide mobile pump-out capabilities and support our goal of increasing their availability for recreational boaters in Puget Sound. One grant is a 3-year O&M (operations and maintenance) program for West Puget Sound, and the other was to build a brand new mobile pumpout vessel to be used going forward. This new vessel will be ready to go to support the majority of the summer 2025 season and provides our contractor (NW Mobile Pumpout Services) a larger vessel capable of faster speeds, further distances, and more tankage for fuel and black-water.
We contracted with Pacific Skiffs in Marysville WA to build this welded aluminum vessel – they have great experience building vessels that were used for pumpout services, and they build very sturdy boats! As you can see from the pictures, she’s coming along nicely and we’re still on track for a May/June “splash”.
Partial funding was through the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Clean Vessel Act Program, and in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Clean Vessel Act Grant Program. As a longtime proponent of recreational boating pump-out facilities (fixed and mobile), RBAW has spearheaded state lobbying efforts to augment the federal Clean Vessel Act funds that states receive. See you this summer for a FREE mobile pumpout! |
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Reminding Boaters: New SRKW Law Requiring 1000 yard Buffer Zone for Recreational Vessels |
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With the SRKW in Washington waters right now, boaters are reminded of the new 1000yard setback law took effect on Jan 1st, 2025: Washington State Law - Mandatory Measures
- Boaters must stay 1,000 yards (1/2 nm)* from Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) on either side.
- Boaters must stay 200 yards from the side and 400 yards out of their path in either direction from other killer whales (Bigg’s/Transient killer whales).
- Boaters must go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of killer whales.
- Boaters must disengage engine(s) if whales appear within 400 yards.
*NOTE: It can be difficult to determine different types of killer whales, especially at a distance when you’re underway. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, treat them as endangered, and follow the appropriate regulations and guidelines.
Boats should stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals). The new rules apply to all recreational boaters in Washington waters, including paddle craft like kayaks and paddleboards. You can review the complete set of boating rules related to SRKW, Biggs or Transients and other whales in Washington State and British Columbia - to include the Canadian Sanctuary Zones - at www.BeWhaleWise.org. |
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Fair Winds and Following Seas to the Landon's
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RBAW wishes Lorena and Leonard Landon all the best in their next adventure as they say good-bye to the Waggoner Crusing Guide. Their unwavering dedication to recreational boating and passion for educating and informing has been so very valuable to boaters. RBAW will miss them, and sincerely appreciates their support of our mission - to include guest speakers at our 2022 Annual Meeting. They'll be at the helm of the Waggoner booth at the upcomming Seattle Boat Show, so swing by and wish them well when you pick up your 2025 Waggoner Cruising Guide and Ports and Passes! |
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RBAW and MindTheZone at the (GREAT) Seattle Boat Show
January 31 - February 8th, 2025, Booths 929 and 931, East Hall RBAW Board of Directors Meeting
*February 6th, 2025 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM | CANCELLED due to Boat Show and Legislative Day conflicts
Legislative "Boating Day" in Olympia
February 4th, 2025 I Kick-off and Meetings starting @12:30pm through 5pm, followed by Reception at Olympia YC until 7pm
RBAW Board of Directors Meeting
March 6th, 2025 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM | In-person at TBD, and Zoom access |
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Where are you spending your boat dollars? Ask your vendors to invest in what's important to the Recreational Boater and Support RBAW, and get notice by our 8,000+ members Please refer them to Troy at 206.929.2757 or ExecutiveDirector@rbaw.org Platinum Member - $10,000
- Educational Speaking Consideration
- Exhibitor Table at Annual Member Meeting
- Ability to Offer Discounts to RBAW Members
- Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
- Member Directory Listing on RBAW Website
- 2 Social Media Spotlights with Information of your Choice
- Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
- Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
- Named Member & Logo on RBAW Member Communications
- Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter
Gold Member - $5,000
- Ability to Offer Discounts to RBAW Members
- Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
- Member Directory Listing on RBAW Website
- 1 Social Media Spotlight with Information of your Choice
- Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
- Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
- Named Member & Logo on RBAW Member Communications
- Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter
Silver Member - $2,500 - Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
- Member Logo on Exhibit Booth Banner
- Member Logo on Annual Meeting Banner
- Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter
Bronze Member - $1,000 - Named Member & Logo on RBAW Website Home Page
- Business Card Ad & Logo in RBAW’s Newsletter
Learn more about how your business can support what's important to the recreational boater in WA - and get noticed by our 8,000+ members, contact Troy at ExecutiveDirector@rbaw.org for more information. |
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Follow us on social media and join our boating community!
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