Duwamish Head Race

Part of the Southern Sound Series

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Race Links

Sailing Instructions (12/9/25)

Sailing Instructions - Amendment

Rules 3.2 & 3.3 Please check back here after December 30th for cell phone contact information for the Race Committee in the event you are unable to reach them on VHF 72.

Welcome

The Southern Sound Series continues with the Duwamish Head race on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026.

The Southern Sound Series is a set of four sailing races hosted by different yacht clubs over a 4-month period. The Duwamish Head Race is the 2nd race of the series and is hosted by Three Tree Point Yacht Club. This race starts at the Des Moines Marina heading north (green), rounding the Duwamish Head marker in Elliot Bay, then west (red) to Blakely Rock, returning south to finish at Des Moines.

Registration

Please use the Race Links buttons above to register for this race, and to find the Notice of Race (NoR) for the series, and the series Sailing Instructions (SI). Registration is open now thru Friday, January 2nd at 6:00PM on the Regatta Network: regattanetwork.com/event/30491.

Guest Moorage

TTPYC has traditionally arranged guest moorage at the Des Moines Marina for the Friday night before the race. However, this year, due to the dock replacement project that will be ongoing during the Duwamish Head Race, there is no Friday night guest moorage available for vessels over 27'. For vessels 27' and under, please contact the Des Moines Marina to arrange a slip.

At the Dock

Docking Support: If you have been given a slip assignment, there will be a docking assistance team monitoring VHF 72 from 4:00 PM- 7:30 PM on Friday, January 2nd. Please check back here after December 30th for a phone number to use if you are unable to reach the docking team by VHF.

Free Supper: TTPYC will be hosting a free soup and chili supper at Anthony's HomePort at the marina from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM for race volunteers and participants. You will be able to purchase drinks from the Anthony's menu. During the meal, a limited supply of race buffs will be available for $10 while supplies last.

Morning Coffee: Due to the dock construction it will not be possible to serve our traditional coffee and pastries on the dock Saturday morning just prior to the race. Auntie Irene's is the closest coffee shop, which is a short 10 minute walk from the south marina entrance. They open at 6:30AM on Saturday.

Race Buff

Race Day

Picking up Crew: If you need to pick up crew at the Des Moines Marina, you will need to do so at the fuel dock. Please call marina security at (206) 960-2266 after 7:00AM on Saturday morning to have the fuel dock gate opened for your crew to get to your vessel. This is required due to the fuel/guest dock being secured, as it is currently being used for permanent tenants during dock construction.

Class Breaks: For your convenience, we are providing a visual representation of this series' Class Breaks, signal flags and race times for each class. As usual, these times may change on race day. Please be prepared to start at the times listed. And as always, please refer to the Sailing Instructions (SI) for official race information. The source of the SIs can be found on the Southern Sound Series web site.

A note about Southern Resident Orcas

Senate Bill 5371 - 2023-24, which went into effect January 1st, 2025, does not include a requirement for sailing vessels to luff sails when less than 400 yards from Souther Resident Orcas. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife does "ask that sailors luff sails... and wait for the animal to move away."