As Idaho residents, we could apply for non-resident status in the state of Washington where the boat was purchased, and this would mean we would not have to pay WA state sales tax on the purchase price of the boat. There was only one catch - the boat had to be removed from the state of Washington within 45 days of the purchase.
So, Aaron, Brett, and our broker Pete McGonagle set off from Elliott Bay to Victoria, BC on Jan 2, 2023. We got an early start for the 70 nautical mile journey, and we had great weather and the tides with us (thanks to Pete's excellent planning). Along the way, we saw Orcas surfacing just 100 yards from the boat, an intrepid kite surfer, Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, Mt Olympus and an absolutely gorgeous sunset. We dodged a few logs and arrived in Victoria after dark, pulling up at the dock in front of the Empress Hotel. After checking into Canandia customs, we had a drink at the Empress bar and went to bed for an early start back to Seattle the next day.
Once again, we had great weather for the return trip, although we had 20 knot winds right on the nose. It was kind of fun to watch the boat plow through the waves and have the spray deflected over the top of the hard dodger. We had the heat on down below and that was sure nice! We backed the boat into the slip just as the sun set. Over the next two days, Brett and Aaron had a couple of outstanding sails out in the Puget Sound, including some pretty boisterous sails in 25+ knots. The boat handled it with aplomb!
Aaron and Brett had a fabulous time and even went to Jazz Alley for a great night of music.
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