Look in any direction up or down your nearest Salish Sea coastline—or better yet, get out on the water—and you will be interacting with layers upon layers and generations upon generations of maritime heritage. It doesn’t always seem that way—industrial areas abuzz with cutting-edge marine technology seldom hearken back to ancient times. Shoving off to go boat racing on a carbon fiber sled while decked out in fresh, modern foulies with tunes bumping and videos being instantaneously distributed to the world from our pocket computers feels anything but historical. Yet, simply engaging with this place, this marine environment, is to be connected to the legacies and echoes of our collective maritime heritage. To take the age-old step from land onto whatever conglomeration of wood, metal, and composite we entrust with our lives in this region is an invitation to commune with all mariners who enjoyed, shaped, shared, and depended on these waters.
Earlier this month, I had the good fortune to attend a meeting of Maritime Washington National Heritage Area’s (MWNHA) partner network. The MWNHA is a fairly new entity, especially by historical standards, but it’s already done amazing things and is meaningfully and positively impacting local maritime communities, past, present, and future.
Among other takeaways, I left that day-long community event inspired by the quality of people I met and the substantive work they do. From small talk to round-table info sessions, I admit I was surprised that no one appeared married to the spirit of antiquity. Rather, each new acquaintance struck me as unambiguously forward-looking in their steadfast commitment to preservation, connoisseurs and conveyors of the benefits (both individual and societal) derived from such principles of curiosity and care. From museums to historical ships, educational non-profits to stewards of the marine ecosystem—I found these partners impressive.
The meeting was held at the Port of Everett, a maritime facility with deep roots as well as distinctly modern development. You may know this port for its slip scale, as I did—it’s the largest public marina on the West Coast. You might not know the thoughtful consideration and historical deference that has gone, and continues to go, into the port’s ambitious and expanding business plan. They’ve centered a recently-relocated local landmark building alongside the port’s public waterfront park, and also they’re bolstering new business growth in the form of restaurants and retail. They’re helping to facilitate the continuation of Everett’s small but steady commercial fishing fleet, while paving the way for contemporary multifamily residences. It struck me as an ideal venue and example for this group of heritage-minded partners to reflect on all we strive to uphold and honor, and all the ways we must evolve to do so.
As someone who loves the Salish Sea and the boats and communities intertwined with it, the possibility of strengthening ties to the region’s maritime heritage is thrilling. Whether via direct partnership with some of these historical entities and vessels, or by refocusing the lens through which I already view my time afloat—I accept the invitation to take note of all there is to learn and understand about these extraordinary waterways, and the people who have shared in that learning, knowledge, and connection from the first Indigenous mariners to the current, complex age of marine development.
When you cast off this month, whether it’s for one of the region’s many opening day celebrations, an adventurous sailboat race, the season‘s first cruise, or a casual sunset happy hour with friends—I invite you to turn your gaze beyond the day’s activity, and to appreciate our collective connection to this place’s past and future.
I’ll see you on the water,
Joe
Joe Cline
Joe Cline has been the Managing Editor of 48° North since 2014. From his career to his volunteer leadership in the marine industry, from racing sailboats large and small to his discovery of Pacific Northwest cruising —Joe is as sail-smitten as they come. Joe and his wife, Kaylin, have welcomed a couple of beautiful kiddos in the last few years, and he is enjoying fatherhood while still finding time to make a little music and even occasionally go sailing.
