Who Are We? | What Do We Do? | At The Helm For more than thirty five years, the RECREATIONAL BOATING ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON (formerly Interclub Boating Association of Washington) has been a forum to bring together a common voice in the ideas, aims and objectives of Washington State Boaters. As a unified group, we've been able to convey our positions to the State legislature and to regulators much more effectively than any individual or single group could hope to do. RBAW's mission is to represent the interests of Northwest boaters effectively. To help fulfill that goal we have a professional lobbyist in Olympia, who makes sure our collective voice is heard by state lawmakers. Our main focus is State boating issues. RBAW is a principle member of the National Boating Federation (NBF) that supports pro boating legislation at the national level. Our voice is also heard in Washington, D.C. on federal boating issues. RBAW actively represents some 30,000 boaters in the State of Washington through both individual memberships and the membership of over 50 boating clubs in the State. RBAW is the only organization representing recreational boaters in the State. RBAW is run by boaters just like you. Our officers, board, and committees are all staffed by boating volunteers, nominated and elected by members. WE WORK FOR BOATERS! RBAW takes an active role to encourage the development & funding of facilities for boating. We originally played a major role in the purchase of Sucia Island and then deeded it to the state... and we originated the Adopt A Park program to help the state keep up the marine parks for all boaters enjoyment. RBAW helps to hold the line on taxes. So far, we have kept the state from quadrupling the registration excise tax from the current 1/2 of 1 % to 2% or more. RBAW keeps right on fighting to get boaters their fair share for the taxes they pay. We work to make boat taxes go toward boating programs, not the state general fund. RBAW is a member of the National Clean Boating Campaign. We subscribe to the slogan "BOATING IS GOOD CLEAN FUN, LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY". We support sensible environmental programs and laws. RBAW comes to your defense against unnecessary restrictions, such as a recent proposed ban about gray water discharge. RBAW supports state funding for boating safety projects, educates boaters on safety and environmental issues, and promotes the proper and safe use of marine equipment and marine radios. RBAW works with our Canadian neighbors. We meet with the B.C. Council of Yacht Clubs and exchange ideas that help boaters from both countries know and understand each other's problems with customs, fisheries, boating laws, safety and education, environmental regs, and Coast Guard operations. RBAW is a principle member of the National Boating Federation (NBF) that supports pro boating legislation at the national level. Our voice is also heard in Washington, D.C. on federal boating issues. RBAW represents boaters on both the North Pacific Marine Radio Council and the Puget Sound Marine Committee. We promote the safe and efficient use of Puget Sound and adjacent waters. RBAW keeps boaters informed. A periodic newsletter is sent to each member and is posted on this website to keep you up on pertinent issues. RBAW was there to help the state to "Get it Right" when they passed the new PFD laws. RBAW saves boaters money by reducing government intrusion and regulations. Yet the dues for RBAW are far less than the money you save each year. 2006-2007 Officers President: Robert Murphy Queen City Yacht Club First Vice President: Gordon Fountain Port Ludlow and Kingston Cove Yacht Clubs Second Vice President: Ed Jennerich Queen City Yacht Club Past President: David Kutz Kingston Cove Yacht Club Treasurer: Roger Curtis Dagmars Yacht Club Secretary/Director Emeritus: Louise B. Condon Rainier & Port Hadlock Yacht Clubs Eastern Regional Director: Cal Coie Clover Island Yacht Club Southern Regional Director: Ray Ryan Longview Yacht Club and CRYA Northern Regional Director: B.J. Ursin Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club Bellingham Yacht Club Trustees: Bob Wheeler Bremerton Yacht Club David Scott Swinomish Yacht Club Bill Larer Des Moines and Viking Yacht Clubs Richard Marshal Edmonds Yacht Club Jack Rottler Seattle Yacht Club Dee Dee May Queen City Yacht Club John Dawson Carver Cruisers Vikor Grabner Port Townsend Yacht Club Steve Greaves Unaffiliated Boaters Gus Decock (Trustee & Director Emeritus) Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club Phil Osterli Poulsbo Yacht Club Bob Stowell Queen City Yacht Club Dick Shultz Gig Harbor Yacht Club Kellie Hammett Dagmars Yacht Club Bob Fisher Navy Yacht Club Everett B.J. Ursin Meydenbauer Bay Yacht Club Bellingham Yacht Club Home | About RBAW | Boater News | Events Calendar Our Members | You Can Help | Join RBAW | Contact Us Design & Development by Dan Larsen