January Buddy Cruise — Blake Island Marine State Park

January 16–18, 2026
Six boats signed up — more welcome

This January, instead of holding a Commodore’s Ball, the club chose to take a cost-conscious approach and skip the formal event. The silver lining? It gives us a chance to return to the heart of who we are. We’re a cruising club at our core, and nothing centers us more than getting out on the water together.

So we’re doing what we do best: pointing our bows toward a beautiful destination and sharing a winter weekend afloat.

With six boats already signed up, this buddy cruise is shaping up to be a warm, low-key flotilla—perfect for shoreside fires, shared food, crisp hikes, and easy company.

What to Expect

• Arrival & Moorage:  Plan to arrive around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, which is typically the best window between departing and arriving boats.  Slips are first-come, first-served.  Rafting is allowed.  No water on the docks.

• Shore Power Available:  The marina offers 30A outlets throughout the dock, so heaters, kettles, and creature comforts are all fair game.

• Two Shelters With Fireplaces:  Blake has two covered picnic shelters, each with a built-in fireplace.  Please bring a small bundle (5-6 logs) of firewood if you can—just a bit from each boat turns the evenings into a glowing, communal gathering spot.

• Buddy-Cruise Format:  No formal Cruise Captain, no formal schedule. Just arrive, tie up, plug in, and enjoy the weekend at your own pace. Text, VHF, and dockside hails will handle the coordinating.

Weekend Vibe

Friday – Arrival & Heavy Appetizers

• At 1700, gather for cocktails & heavy appetizers

• Weather will dictate location (dock, shelter, or aboard Moseying Around)

• After eating: relaxed sea-story sharing

Saturday — Coffee, Play, Explore, Potluck

• 0830 — Dale will host coffee on the dock (with a few goodies)

• Horseshoes if the group agrees

• The day is yours for hiking, kayaking, photography, or visiting

• 1700 — potluck supper at the shelter or aboard

• More sea stories by the fire if logs remain

Sunday — Depart at Leisure

• 0800 — Coffee on the pier

• Depart late morning whenever you’re ready

January on Blake is wonderfully peaceful—shorebirds, quiet docks, open trails, and a sense of having the island almost to ourselves. Expect cozy fires, warm drinks, impromptu snacks, and plenty of room to wander.

Blake Island Marine State Park | Washington State Parks