InsidePassageNews.com

Let's Promote Kodiak!

Kodiak—the best commercial fishing port in Alaska; a world-class yacht destination; the boat repair capital for the Gulf of Alaska.

Although a handful of transient vessels visit Kodiak every summer, our city has never been marketed as a yacht destination. However, those boaters who do call in Kodiak are amazed at our great harbor facilities, marine-service providers, museums, and retail stores.

Last summer three large sailing yacht owners [Leonore (80'), Shaman (88') and the Diablesse (92')] were overjoyed to have repairs to their hydraulic steering, electronics, engine and electrical systems done after a crossing from the South Pacific. One owner said: "Marty, I'm very impressed with the caliber of maritime support in Kodiak. I never expected it way up here."

Nautical book publishers, Don and Réanne Douglass from Anacortes, Wash., motored into Kodiak a couple years ago on their modest 42' motor cruiser and were most impressed with Kodiak. "Marty, your harbor is magnificent, but it's only half full. Why don't you get the word out about this place and fill these slips for the summer?" I was at a loss for words, explaining that most of the slips are rented and that they would be occupied again by mid-September. Don went on: "Kodiak is a great destination and accommodating summer cruisers is a significant untapped market. Boaters are looking for places like this." He said enthusiastically. "There are hundreds of yachts in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) capable of transiting the Gulf of Alaska to Kodiak." He explained that they are much more likely to cross the Gulf nowadays because they have electronic navigation aids, improved weather forecasts, and satellite phones. Don was amazed that Kodiak isn't actively marketing its harbor facilities, services, restaurants, museums, bars and shops.

The Douglass' author seven different cruising guides where they identify over 6,000 anchorages and harbors between San Diego and Dutch Harbor. Their guides include diagrams, descriptions of harbor facilities, and amenities that boaters need. It's the recreational version of NOAA's venerable Coast Pilot and nearly every boat has copies of both publications in the wheelhouse. As a result of their trip to Kodiak, the Katmai coast and Kodiak Island will be included in the Douglass's eighth boater's guide to be on sale next year.

Southeast Alaska Has Already Benefited

Several coastal communities benefit already from recreational cruisers, especially those on the Inside Passage. Places like Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell and Petersberg are sitting gold mines . . . and nuggets are lying all over their harbors. The progressive communities are capitalizing on the opportunity. In contrast, Kodiak gets few transient yachts, yet vessels that do make the crossing, are ecstatic with Kodiak's beauty and its facilities. I frequently observe them buying fuel and groceries, enjoying our restaurants, going sport fishing on charter boats and flight seeing with air-taxi operators.

Not long ago, the City of Craig, located on the Gulf-side of Prince of Wales (POW) Island, was significantly impacted when the lumber industry collapsed, followed by halibut IFQs and low salmon prices. Like Kodiak, Craig is NOT on the Inside Passage, and recreational vessel port calls were sporadic. In 2000, the harbor experienced a noticeable downturn and the shops were suffering as well.

That summer, Don and Réanne Douglass made a trip to Craig. They were aware of the fantastic scenery and the established services and facilities Craig had to offer. They generously offered space in their then-upcoming guide Exploring Southeast Alaska. Craig Harbormaster Mike Kampnich jumped at the chance to write an article which the Douglass' included in their guide.

Their guide is a $70 hardback book that stays in the wheelhouse. It is never tossed out with the newspapers and provides continuing exposure for Craig year after year.
The Douglass' also planted the seed for promoting SE Alaska at the Seattle Boat Show. Juneau was also looking for ways to expand their market too. Mike Kampnich reported this opportunity to Juneau's city mayor, council and administrator who knew they had to expand their economic base and had nothing to lose by inviting recreational boaters. So Craig joined forces with Juneau and began attending the Seattle Boat Show held in mid-January every year. As a result, Craig's "transient vessel days" have doubled from 500 in 2000 to over 1000 in 2004 - that's a 100 percent increase in just four years! Not only is the harbor doing better, but also the rest of the town is thriving all summer. The restaurants, shops, marine chandleries, and bars that were struggling, have survived and are viable again.

Mike says, "Boaters are hungry for new locations without the hoards of tourists along the Inside Passage. They want to see unspoiled Alaska, meet real Alaskans and feel like they are welcome." He went on to explain, "Craig hasn't sold out to recreational boaters, but their presence keeps the doors open so we can support our local fishing fleet. Everyone exists in harmony."

Some vessels stay a couple days; others base in Craig all summer and invite different parties of family and friends to join them; some spend thousands of dollars for groceries and fuel—a significent economic boost to Craig's economy.

Marty Owen
Kodiak Harbormaster
mowen@city.kodiak.ak.us