The rain kindly held off for last night’s opening Duck Dodge, drawing about 40 boats to Seattle’s Lake Union for the start of the popular summer racing series’ 35th year.

Crews were in fine form, cracking beers and tossing out friendly jokes to each other as the sailboats gathered for the start of the race. We joined the crew of Shoot the Moon, a 40-foot Peterson skippered by Don Wills, who’s participated in Duck Dodge since it started in 1974. I situated myself in the stern to take photos, while Marty worked the jib sheet and the four other crew members took up their various positions, Lauren working the kite, Bob on the main sail, Rhiannon in the companionway working lines and Luis jumping in as needed.

Boats ranged from Hobies to the 70-foot Santa Cruz Neptune’s Car, and fluky winds required some strategic maneuvering and sail trimming to get racers around the course. Residents of houseboats came out to greet crews as they passed by and a few non-racing boats cruised around the periphery watching the race, which lasted about two hours.

The event ended on an odd note, with the committee boat abruptly departing before boats could gather for the customary post-race raft-up and awarding of duck decals to the race winners (update: we were told that the skipper had to leave early). Bewildered skippers and crews steered their boats around the area, wondering what to do.

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“We need someone with an anchor,” called out a crew member, throwing his hands up. “They took off! First Duck Dodge of the season.”

An anchor was soon lowered and about a dozen boats rafted together for some post-race socializing. Libations flowed and at least one Duck Dodge “virgin” hopped from boat to boat, kissing each captain according to custom. As the first drops of rain started falling, Shoot the Moon started its engine, getting ready to depart. Knowing what was coming, crews on other boats shone spotlights toward Shoot and Moon, hooting and yelling. Learning that the boat’s crew was expected to present a row of full moons, Marty, whose lily-white rear rarely sees the light of day, admitted a shocking truth—he was a first-time mooner (Me? No comment).

Never ones to break tradition, the Shoot the Moon crew lowered their pants, saluting the crowd before motoring off into the dark.

Duck Dodge runs every Tuesday through Sept. 8. For information, check out the race website.

About Deborah Bach

Deborah Bach is the editor and co-founder of Three Sheets Northwest. She is an avid sailor and long-time professional journalist. You can find Deborah aboard Three Sheets, an Island Packet 38, with her husband Marty and their cat Lily.

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