Celebrate the 4th of July
with your boating friends!
Drop an anchor or raft onto a friend
in beautiful Quartermaster Harbor, Vashon Island
This is a No-Host Cruise
just come and enjoy the festivities.
The fireworks are fabulous!
The atmosphere is festive!
Join the spontaneous Patriotic Dinghy Parade!
Boats begin arriving on Thursday, but the harbor is huge with vast anchoring space.
You can arrive anytime.
Fly your burgee and look for fellow GHYC boats
We have Reciprocal privileges with Quartermaster Yacht Club
You may dinghy to their dock and go ashore.
Be courteous and friendly…. It is their club and they will be having their own celebration.
Is this an organized yacht club cruise?
No. This is a No Host, No Registration Cruise. There is no cruise leader, no scheduled
activities, and no one in charge. Members are free to come and go as they please and enjoy the
holiday at their own pace.
Why do we have this cruise?
This has become one of our favorite annual traditions. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the
beauty of the Pacific Northwest, spend time on the water, and make new friends while
reconnecting with old ones.
When do most boats arrive?
Most boats arrive on July 3 and depart on July 5, although you're welcome to come for just one
night if that better fits your schedule.
Where is it?
Gig Harbor is the lower left harbor in the photo below.
Cross the Narrows, and head north up that large harbor on
Vashon Island.
Where do we anchor?
Boats gather in Quartermaster Harbor, where the anchorage is generally easy, shallow, and
comfortable in 25–35 feet of water.
The anchorage is in the very north end as the harbor curves to the left. Anchor in the area of #56
How do I find other GHYC members?
Fly your GHYC burgee proudly!
Then hop in your dinghy and look for other boats flying the
GHYC burgee. Introduce yourself and enjoy meeting fellow members. You'll find that GHYC
boaters are always welcoming.
Are there any services available in the harbor?
No. There are no services available, so plan to bring everything you'll need, including food,
beverages, water, and any other supplies.
You might also consider bringing an appetizer or snack
to share when visiting other boats.
Can we go ashore?
Yes. The Quartermaster Yacht Club graciously allows us to tie up our dinghies and access
shore through their property. Please be respectful, appreciative, and courteous so we can continue
to enjoy their hospitality.
What is there to do ashore?
The area is perfect for a relaxing stroll. You'll find:
? A small mercantile store
? A lavender farm
? A coffee shop
? Beautiful walking trails on the peninsula
Are there any organized activities?
Not officially! On Saturday afternoon, an impromptu patriotic dinghy parade usually
develops.
Decorate your dinghy, wear your red, white, and blue, and join the fun. There is no
scheduled start time and no parade leader—it simply comes together naturally.
What shouldn't I miss?
As evening falls, bundle up, find a comfortable spot on the bow of your boat, and enjoy one of
the highlights of the weekend—the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks over the harbor!
We hope you'll join us for one of GHYC's favorite boating traditions. Whether you stay for two
nights or just one, you'll find good company, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to
celebrate Independence Day on the water.