When Power Boats Ruled The Bay

1953 Race to Alaska

[Excerpted from The Spirit of Poulsbo]

By the 1950s Poulsbo was beginning to realize that it had a port that was worth more than just a home for the fishing fleet. Americans were on the move, and one of the things moving was power boats. All those power boats needed somewhere to go, and the Chamber of Commerce decided Poulsbo would be an excellent destination place for them.

In 1953 Poulsbo had the honor of being the starting point of the 22nd annual International Power Boat Association cruiser race. About 100 boats registered for the race accompanied by about 100 more Lookie Lou’s to cheer them on. The race began in Liberty Bay on July 3rd and ended in Vancouver BC on July 4th. The chamber planned two days of entertainment for the boaters in the town. Following that lead-off event, the chamber went all out to attract more port events. A year later on the Fourth of July, Seattle’s Queen City Yacht Club held their rendezvous with forty of their yachts in Poulsbo for the Independence Day celebration. A softball game, followed by a dance at the Sons of Norway Grieg Hall and an hour-long fireworks display on the bay, filled the holiday’s agenda. In 1955 the Tyee Yacht Club chose Poulsbo as the destination place for their annual challenge race. The port welcomed forty boats at the finish line.

The Tyee Yacht Club was the only yacht club in the Pacific Northwest where the women had equal membership with men and the only club on the Pacific Coast where women had a challenge race. Thus the beginnings of women’s liberation in Poulsbo! Again the celebration was capped off with a dance at the Sons of Norway Hall. We’re guessing the men were allowed to join their women for that event. The Ladies cruiser race came to Poulsbo again in the summer of 1956. After that, the word spread quickly about the beautiful port in Poulsbo. The city’s port, especially after the upgrades of the 1950s and 1970s, had no problem attracting the boating public to its docks, both for planned events and as a relaxing rest stop after a day or a week of boating on Puget Sound. The Port of Poulsbo, as well as the business community, tries to make visitors feel welcome in the town and at home on our water.

Shop for a Cause!

We are excited to introduce our new fundraiser to support upcoming events next year, like our reimagined Liberty Bay Festival. We’ve worked together with photographer Karen Shields, and created our own designs! Our collection includes festive sweaters, kids cloths, drinkware, and even wrapping paper. Shop for a cause this season and help the Poulsbo Historical Society.