Budd Inlet Six Commemorative Cruise
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this special event! Please enjoy the photos, courtesy of Tracy Jameson.
Event Information
Welcome Aboard!
Arrival Information
Reserved parking (608 Washington St. NE) is available beginning at 12:15pm. The lot is approximately a 20-min walk from the departure dock, with shuttle service available. We strongly encourage you to use this space, as parking is extremely limited at the Marina and surrounding areas.
Boarding at Swantown Marina begins at 1pm. Plan to arrive at the boat no later than 1:15pm, as we will depart at 1:30pm sharp and guests will not be admitted after that point.
Expect heavy traffic in and around Olympia for the holiday weekend and annual Harbor Days festival. Please plan accordingly and allow ample time for an on-time arrival.
All guests must check in before boarding. A reminder that this is a members-only event available to Olympia AHA Museum Orca-level members, and an RSVP is required for all attendees. Orca Individual members may reserve one (1) space, and Orca Household members may reserve two (2) spaces.
If you are an Orca member and have not yet RSVP’d, please do so here.
If you would like to join as an Orca member and reserve space on the cruise, you may purchase a membership here.
For day-of needs, including changes to your plans, directions, etc: Contact Cheryl Selby at (360) 970-6611
Schedule:
12:15pm: Reserved parking lot opens at 608 Washington St. NE
1:10pm: Parking lot closes and final shuttle departs for Swantown Marina
1-1:20pm: Boarding at Swantown Marina Breakwater Dock
➜ Note the tight boarding window! Plan to arrive at the boat no later than 1:15pm, as we will depart at 1:30pm sharp and guests will not be admitted after that point. Arrive early to enjoy the waterfront park and Billy Frank J. Trail, where seating and restrooms are available.
1:30pm: Departure, Programming Begins. View the Cruise Program
4:15pm: Return and disembark. Please note that sailing times depend on water and weather conditions and waterway traffic. Timing is approximate.
Parking:
We have a reserved gravel lot located at 608 Washington St NE, just south of the Olympia Farmer’s Market (driving directions are included at the end of this page). We strongly encourage you to use this space, as parking is extremely limited at the Marina and surrounding areas.
Download and print your Parking Pass and Walking Directions.
Parking is approximately 0.77 miles, a 20-min walk, from the dock.
Shuttle service is available, with the final shuttle departing at 1:10pm. Return shuttle service is also available following the cruise.
Your vessel:
The Comanche is a 143′ ocean-going tugboat with both US Navy and Coast Guard service. The vessel has a storied history, including a Battle Star from World War II. The Comanche is preserved and operated by The Tug Comanche Historical Rescue Foundation.
➜ A note on accessibility: The Comanche is designed as a military vessel and includes ladder-like stairs at boarding and between levels, with no ramps available. Volunteers will be available to assist with boarding. Please let us know if you have mobility concerns and we will do our best to accommodate! Contact Lauren Richards, Visitor Services, at lauren@olyaha.org.
be prepared - What to expect:
To ensure your safety and comfort, please wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals) and avoid draping clothing, like skirts, scarves, or loose-fitting items.
Wear weather-appropriate attire. Expect cooler temperatures on the water, with likely wind and mist.
Food and beverages, including a signature cocktail and beer and wine, are provided as part of the experience!
Covered areas are available in the event of inclement weather.
Restrooms are available on board.
Both a photographer and a film crew will be documenting the event. You will be asked to complete a media release upon arrival. We respect your privacy! You may decline to be included in photo/video coverage.
Reserved parking Driving Directions:
Destination: 608 Washington St. NE, Olympia, WA.
From I-5 Southbound (from Seattle/Tacoma)
Take Exit 105 toward State Capitol/City Center/Port of Olympia.
Follow signs for Port of Olympia and merge onto Plum Street SE.
Continue north on Plum Street into downtown Olympia.
Turn left onto State Avenue NE.
Turn right onto Washington Street NE.
Continue north to 608 Washington St. NE.
From I-5 Northbound (from Centralia/Portland)
Take Exit 105 toward State Capitol/City Center/Port of Olympia.
Follow signs toward Port of Olympia/downtown Olympia.
Turn onto Plum Street SE and continue north into downtown.
Turn left onto State Avenue NE.
Turn right onto Washington Street NE.
Continue north to 608 Washington St. NE.
additional questions?
Please contact Lauren Richards, Visitor Services, at lauren@olyaha.org.