By Darrell Kirk

Sounder contributor

An unprecedented celebration of international friendship will take place this fall as a spectacular flotilla of boats, potentially reaching 100 vessels or more, journeys from Orcas Island to Salt Spring Island, Canada, for three days of celebration, cultural exchange and relationship building in the first annual “Hands Across The Water” international flotilla.

The Orcas Island Yacht Club is organizing this historic event, from Sept. 19-21, which represents a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds between neighboring island communities and celebrate the spirit of cooperation that defines the Pacific Northwest.

No boat? No problem!

Organizers from the Orcas Island Yacht Club emphasize that community members don’t need to own a boat to participate in this historic voyage of goodwill. The organizing committee is actively working to arrange transportation for those without vessels, ensuring everyone who wants to be part of this momentous occasion can join the adventure.

“This celebration is about bringing people together and honoring the relationships we’re growing between our island communities,” said Rear Commodore Natalie Zohar.

Co-organizer Ross Newport added, “Whether you arrive by boat or find alternative transportation, the important thing is being part of this special moment in our shared history.”

Planning your adventure

Community members interested in participating are encouraged to:

• Boat owners: Reach out to friends and neighbors to coordinate group travel and help transport fellow community members.

• Land-based travelers: Begin making reservations for accommodations on Salt Spring Island.

• All participants: Mark calendars for July 14, when online registration will open to help organizers coordinate the celebration.

The three-day celebration will feature an extraordinary array of activities designed to strengthen cross-border friendships. Salt Spring Island organizers are planning welcome receptions, wine tours, bike tours and a special “Taste of Salt Springs” community dinner. Youth activities include sailing competitions for both adults and children, soccer games mixing American and Canadian participants, and build-a-boat competitions for younger children.

Educational exchanges will connect Orcas Island and Salt Spring Island schools, libraries, historical societies, museums, farms, food co-ops and Rotary Clubs. The weekend will culminate with pancake breakfasts and closing ceremonies celebrating the new sister island relationship.

About the sister island initiative

The sister island relationship between Orcas Island and Salt Spring Island represents an ongoing effort to foster cultural exchange and friendship between island communities. This September celebration marks a significant milestone in establishing these important cross-border relationships.

For more information about the Sister Island Celebration, community members are encouraged to watch for announcements about the July 14 online registration opening at the Hands Across the Water website: www.AcrossTheWater.org.

This historic flotilla promises to be a celebration that participants will remember for years to come – a testament to the power of community, friendship and shared values that unite island neighbors across borders.

For more information, contact Zohar or Newport at info@AcrossTheWater.org.

Darrell Kirk photo. Rear Commodore Natalie Zohar and co-organizer Ross Newport.