Sailing at Quartermaster Harbor

You step onto the creaking wooden platform. Below you shines the aquamarine dazzle of water. One can’t enter a boat gracefully–it’s physically impossible. Instead, you dangle one foot into the vessel while keeping the other firmly planted on the ledge of the dock. If you can get it without capsizing the boat or falling in yourself, then you may just be a cut out for this. On Vashon, Quartermaster Harbor is the place to go sailing. Vashon and Maury Islands envelop Quartermaster Harbor’s water and the many boats that float upon it. As an island community, water sports have become an undeniable aspect of its culture. Many young islanders spend summers on the water, experiencing the complexities and joys of sailing. Countless boatwrights and builders that hone their craft there, not to mention the amazing, dedicated community members who volunteer everyday and help keep sailing camps and yacht clubs running.

Throughout summer, students and families on Vashon can finally take a break from the busy school months and spend some time in nature. Quartermaster Harbor and its gorgeous scenery, yacht clubs, and rentable boats has made it a destination for islanders to swim and sail in the summer.

“When you go out sailing on Vashon, you feel really connected to the land and water that you’re on. It’s like you connect to the sounds and views around you. It’s really peaceful,” said freshman Desmond Berg.

Quartermaster harbor, which rests on the bay between the Vashon and Maury Islands, had docks built in Dockton in 1892 to help support the shipbuilding industry on Vashon, which eventually moved to Seattle in 1909. In 1948, the Quartermaster Yacht Club was founded by the QYC (Quartermaster Yacht Club). Now, decades later, Quartermaster Harbor supports all kinds of water sports and helps keep the tradition of sailing alive.

Quartermaster Harbor is accessible to a lot of people on the island because it’s in a central location and offers tons of unique opportunities that other places don’t. It’s such a special place,” said Desmond Berg.

However, several students at VHS fear the gradual decline in use of sailboats as they’ve begun to notice an increase in motorized boats in the harbor.

“The island is definitely getting dominated by other sports and motorized vehicles are starting to compete with actual sailboats on the water. People who just want to have fun are outnumbering the actual sailors”, said freshman Emmett George.

Despite being threatened by more efficient, simpler technologies, at Quartermaster harbor, and many other marinas on Vashon Island, sailors continue the tradition of boat building, restoration, and instructing youth sailors.

“The Quartermaster Yacht Club’s Bruce Haulman Youth Program is amazing because of how it balances the exciting and calming aspects of sailing,”said sophomore Gloria Erickson.

As a joint effort every summer, Quartermaster Harbor and Vashon Parks direct the Bruce Haulman Youth Sailing Program. Weekly sessions from July to August foster young sailors’ skills and passion for sailing. Although sailing appears and sounds quite difficult, and in many cases it is, many youth sailors pick it up quickly. From morning to afternoon, sailors ages eight to 18 learn the basics of sailing.

“The instructors do a great job of introducing the basics of sailing, and giving us a solid foundation in such a short time. I genuinely enjoyed and felt capable on the water by the end of camp”, said Emmett.

At Quartermaster Harbor, the Youth sailing program officially started in 1999, but Quartermaster harbor has roots of youth sailing activity going back to the 1960s.

“Sailing at Bruce Haulman sailing club is so special to me because I get to help teach kids all about sailing,” said sophomore Gloria Erickson.

Campers learn how to rig a boat, which can be tricky—one loose knot, and the sail might come flopping down, gybe instead of tack and you might smash into something. And of course, the classic sailor saying, “Tiller towards trouble", a rule of thumb for all sailors; when heading towards another boat or obstacle, turn the tiller towards the issue, and your boat will turn away from it. Sailing fast is fun, but sailing safely is necessary. The Bruce Haulman Youth Program equips all sailors with important skills to stay safe when on the water.

“Quartermaster yacht club blends rigorous sailing and relaxing sailing. That creates an amazing environment for kids to learn,” said Gloria Erickson.

So many students at VHS recount the countless exciting adventures they experienced on Quartermaster Harbor’s waters.

“Sailing on the island can be carefree and exciting, either way you’ll have an amazing time!”, said Desmond Berg.

On Vashon, sailing isn't just a sport, or a leisurely pastime on summer days—it’s an art form. Quartermaster Yacht Club serves as a reminder to everyone that the art of sailing will never die as long as dedicated, knowledgeable people keep it alive and young sailors learn and do the same.