By Janet Huck, Lead Staff Writer
Port Townsend Leader
The Port of Port Townsend had just one final permit to begin its $3.5 million renovation of Hudson Point Marina. After waiting months, port officials got word Monday, Oct. 30, that the permit had been issued. Tuesday, top port officials picked up the permit in Seattle themselves. “It’s too important to trust to FedEx,” said Port Deputy Director Jim Pivarnik.
Although the new marina has a similar layout to the present design, the port has planned many improvements, enlargements and flexibility, said Pivarnik. Designed and engineered by the Everett-based architectural firm of Reid Middleton with the help of a large, active citizen advisory committee, the new marina’s capacity would increase by 20 percent, allowing the Wooden Boat Festival to grow substantially. The 30-foot slips are increasing to 40 feet, 50 feet and 70 feet, and their width is enlarging to 43 feet to accommodate the longer, beamier vessels now being built. The bigger slips can also accommodate multiple smaller boats so that cruising yacht clubs can moor closely together.
The new marina plans to reserve space for a historic schooner such as the 120-foot Adventuress, which could create a spectacular sight viewed from Water Street.
The new plans include special accommodations for small boats like kayaks. Owners can rent racks on the dock. For ease in climbing in and out of the kayaks, the kayak floats are built four inches lower.
The 40-foot gangways are now 80 feet long to make them wheelchair accessible. According to state and federal laws, Pivarnik said, only one slip needs to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, but the port is making the whole marina ADA accessible.