RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- November 2025 -

RBAW’s Biggest Annual Meeting Ever—Energy, Engagement, and a Full House!

We’re thrilled to share that last weekend’s Annual Meeting was the largest in RBAW history, with nearly 100 passionate boaters joining us in person on a Saturday morning! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and contributed to such an energizing event.

We’re especially grateful to our outstanding guest speakers—Rep. Andrew Barkis (2nd Dist) and Rep. Jake Fey (27th Dist), David Kennedy- BoatUS Gov't Affairs —and to Darren O’Brien of The Boat Geeks for skillfully moderating our Yacht Club panel. A special thank-you as well to the Tacoma Yacht Club for their warm hospitality and exceptional care throughout the day.

To all who participated, your engagement and support truly make a difference. Below you’ll find links to our newly approved 2026 Board, our Legislative Priorities, and the presentation slides from the meeting.

2026 Approved Officers & Directors

2026 Legislative & Regulatory Priorities

Annual Membership Meeting Presentations

Lakebay Marina Update

RBAW continues to move ahead on redevelopment work at the Lakebay Marina. In the 2025 legislative session, RBAW successfully worked to secure an additional $1m from the state capital budget for redevelopment of the project. Specifically, this new funding is aimed at removing creosote pilings from the existing pier, with plans to rebuild and replace the pier with more environmentally friendly materials. This funding is complimentary of the previously secured $500k which will also be used for shoreline restoration, planning, and additional redevelopment work at the site.

In October, RBAW also invited State Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove to the Lakebay Marina site to tour the facilities and talk about the marinas most pressing needs, as well as future plans. RBAW and the Commissioner – along with his aquatics team – had a very nice afternoon touring the marina and discussing next steps. RBAW will continue to work closely with DNR to utilize and spend the funds secured for the marina in a timely manner. RBAW even received a nice shoutout about the tour in the Commissioner’s October newsletter!

RBAW also recently met with the Lakebay Marina Citizens Advisory Committee (LMCAC). This committee is a passionate community group involved and interested in the redevelopment of the Lakebay Marina. RBAW and LMCAC had a positive discussion, and will continue to keep lines of communication open about the work going on at the marina. The Lakebay Marina Citizens Advisory Committee also attended the October tour with Commissioner Upthegrove.

Welcome our first two PLATINUM Contributing Members!

RBAW extends a heartfelt thank-you to our newest Platinum Contributing Business Members for their outstanding support of recreational boating. BoatUS elevated their commitment by upgrading from Gold to Platinum, and we’re pleased to welcome Nautical NW Magazine as our newest Contributing Member. We’re grateful for your investment in our mission!

Boat Owners Association of The United States is the nation's largest recreational boating association. We help boaters get more out of boating…more freedom, more savings and more information. Our 25+ benefits and services help make boating better.

BoatUS Website

Nautical Northwest is the premier print magazine devoted to work and play on the waters of the greater Pacific Northwest. We take a holistic approach to marine and inland waters living and community championship with stories and information for everyone from the casual beachcomber to avid boatowner and lifelong industry professional.

Nautical Northwest Magazine Website

Join us for Boating Day in Olympia!

RBAW and NTMA join together to host the annual Boating Day in Olympia on January 29th, 2026.

Meetings will be held from ~11am-5pm, followed by a reception at the Olympia Yacht Club. More information to come!

Offseason Boating Safety

Our friends at America’s Boating Club (United States Power Squadron’s) have some great information for offseason boating safety. If you're one of those PNW boaters who relishes the peaceful anchorages and light traffic of fall and winter cruising — this one's for you!

America's Boating Compass - October 2025

Explore Shoulder-Season Cruising in South Sound

Looking for a peaceful fall or winter boating getaway? Consider a cruise to Kopachuck State Park in South Puget Sound – the Park has recently completed a pretty extensive face lift! There's one overnight mooring buoy available—moorage can be paid via the onshore pay station or by calling the number posted on the buoy. If the weather is settled, anchoring is also an option. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a quiet, scenic stop for off-season boaters.

Thanks to Waggoner Cruising Guide, an RBAW Contributing Business Member, for highlighting this great destination and continuing to support informed, confident cruising in the Pacific Northwest.

Kopachuck State Park

Waggoner Cruising Guide News

Waggoner Article

Picking the Right Life Jacket

From our friends at OnBouy, an RBAW Contributing Business Member – they have a great article on a guide to picking the right life jacket – and a great refresher for us all!

Brush up on your knowledge about life jackets during the boating off-season! Also referred to as a personal floatation device (PFD), life jackets provide extra buoyancy to stay afloat in the water. Selecting the right PFD can be overwhelming, especially when this gear is so key to your safety! We’ve consolidated some helpful information about PFDs on our blog here.

Holiday on the Bay

Looking or a fun holiday celebration - check out the Port Orchard "Holiday on the Bay" event on December 6th, 2025 from 3pm-8pm. If your boat is decorated, you get free moorage!

Visit Port Orchard's website for more details. Moorage reservations can be made by calling the Marina.

Reminding Boaters: New SRKW Law Requiring 1000 yard Buffer Zone for Recreational Vessels

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.