There is so much to learn and to enjoy on the Olympic Peninsula. Below is information about our community and resources available to students and their families while attending Boat School.
Housing
The School does not offer on-campus housing. The school does provide an updated local housing list to all enrolled students. This is a great resource for students as many of the listed accomodations have been rented to Boat School students for years. The list provides a wide variety of accommodations, including marinas and mooring options. Most students choose to live in the following towns:
- Port Hadlock (5 min drive)
- Port Townsend (20 minute drive)
- Chimacum (5-15 minute drive)
- Port Ludlow (10-20 min drive)
- Marrowstone Island (also called Nordland) (5-10 minute drive)
- Discovery Bay (20 minute drive)
For more information about housing, please contact [email protected].
Transportation
The school is located on the Olympic Peninsula and surrounded by the Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Hood Canal, and Discovery Bay. With the school’s proximity to these waterways, there’s a high chance that you’ll need to take a ferry to travel. The Washington State Ferry System website is the resource for sailing times, reservations, and schedules.
The area also offers multiple options for boating and moorage. The closest options to the school are the Port Hadlock Marina, Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven, Point Hudson, and Port Ludlow Marina.
The Jefferson Transit bus system can transport you throughout Jefferson County, across the Olympic Peninsula, and even to Seattle (includes transfer).
There is a large biking culture and many people may choose this mode of transportation year-round. Be sure to invest in good rain and cold weather gear, head/bike lamps, and safety equipment, especially during the shorter days of fall and winter.
Support Services
Jefferson County, WA offers lots of community support for those who might need a little boost now and then. Instructors and school administrators care deeply about student well-being and success in school and in life. The Student Services Manager can help students connect with resources and services.
Community Boat Project
The Community Boat Project is an independent non-profit located on the the school’s campus. The program is an inclusive, hands-on program that attracts a wide variety of participating high school students from both the Chimacum and Port Townsend School Districts. These dynamic youth hold two important characteristics in common – the love of working with their hands and the commitment to working within a tight-knit team.
Our Neighborhood
The school is located in an area rich with natural beauty and charm. We are located on the waterfront in south Port Townsend Bay. When class boatbuilding projects are completed, students have the opportunity to launch them just outside the boat shop into one of the most beautiful harbors on the Olympic Peninsula.
Recreation
The Boat School encourages students to explore the Quimper Peninsula. Many hundreds of miles of protected cruising waters spread out from Port Townsend Bay. Sailing experience is also available in Port Townsend aboard vessels ranging in size from 20’ sloops to 100’ schooners. The Student Services Coordinator can connect students to local recreation opportunities.
In addition to sailing, nearby recreation includes hiking in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, exploring the rural roads of Jefferson County by bike, and exploring the San Juan Islands. Port Townsend, Sequim, and Port Ludlow sailing events and activities can be found at www.opsailing.com and www.ptsail.org. The Olympic Discovery Trail is a great hiking/biking/horseback riding path that spans 100 miles of the Olympic Penninsula: www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com. The Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest are excellent for weekend explorations and include miles of mountain and beach hiking. Port Townsend offers community events, live music, entertainment, arts, theatre, dance, sports, and more: www.enjoypt.com.
Family Resources
There are many volunteer, recreational, and educational opportunities for family members who move with students to Jefferson County. Visit https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1434/10629/Family-Resources for Jefferson County Family Resources.
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