Boxing the Compass off Friday Harbor

As punctual as the tide, each New Years Day at high noon the ancient mariners of San Juan Island take their boats out into the sea and box the compass. Rain or shine, and it’s usually the former, ten to twenty boats swing around to point precisely North as noon approaches. On a signal from the designated leader over the VHF—noon is declared and the boats blast their horns. Those aboard each vessel, power or sail, then ceremoniously take a sip of champagne or other liquid refreshment.

Together, the captains now each swing their boats to starboard until they are pointing due East. When everyone appears to be in alignment, once again the horns sound and sipping commences. Normally there is a bright line along the eastern horizon above the island and beneath a darker overcast. (See picture at top.)

By now a certain rhythm is established, although if it’s quite windy, some skippers have difficulty keeping their boats steady on a point of the compass. South is usually the toughest direction since the wind tends to barrel into the San Juan Channel from the South through Cattle Pass. But as soon as everyone is close to South, the horns and sipping are repeated.

Finally, the boats move to point West for the final stop in welcoming the New Year. By this time, most crewmembers are in good spirits—most captains, too! And it’s time for the parade.

For the finale in the boxing ritual, the boats randomly move into a casual single file to complete a trip around Brown Island and down the middle of Friday Harbor itself. Typically there is a dearth of viewers on the streets of the town at this time of day. But this matters not to the mariners. What is important to them is now the New Year has been properly greeted and welcomed…and it’s time to head back to Shipyard Cove and the on-shore party in the harbormaster’s office.