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• Superyachts

ARTEFACT Yacht – Stunning $150M Superyacht

Built-in 2020 by Nobiskrug , ARTEFACT yacht is an incredibly unique and innovative yacht that has taken over the boating industry.

The technology used in this 80-meter-long yacht has created an environmentally conscious ship, earning it multiple awards including Motor Yacht of the year 2021. 

ARTEFACT yacht background

Although ARTEFACT was the creation of a family’s dream, the driving forces behind this groundbreaking technology were Mike Lazardis and Captain Clark.

This engineer and yacht captain worked together to combine their engineering knowledge and insight of the ocean.

They knew the ARTEFACT yacht needed to be something exceptional, while maintaining that home-like feel the family was seeking.

Specifications

The ARTEFACT yacht reaches a max speed of 17.5 knots with a range of over 6,000 nautical miles and is powered by 2 Caterpillar engines.

It is quite large and can hold about 12 guests and 24 crew members. 

ARTEFACT includes solar panels and a large battery storage system to prevent the constant use of internal combustion engines.

This allows the yacht to move quietly so as to not disturb marine life.

It also does not need to drop an anchor to hold position lessening any damage to the sea floor.

Even the water used on the ship does not go to waste – any wastewater is recycled and used later as technical water.

These may seem like simple changes, but they make a significant impact on lessening the environmental effects that most yachts can have. 

Designed by Gregory C. Marshall and Siamak Hariri, this spectacular structure features a futuristic look that is both gorgeous and functional.

With all of the glass used, the glass itself had to be specifically shaped in a way to minimize the transfer of vibrations and sounds that happen with glass. 

The open-space design allows passengers to get breathtaking ocean views at any spot on the ARTEFACT.

Not only will they see beautiful sunsets, but seeing more of the horizon actually helps with motion sickness.

An issue that some of the family members who own the ARTEFACT yacht ironically struggle from.

If you thought the ARTEFACT’s exterior was magnificent, wait until you see the inside!

Beautifully designed by the famous Reymond Langton , the interior has a spacious and home-like feel that makes you forget you are in the middle of the ocean.

When the ARTEFACT yacht interior was initially designed, the team built a full-sized model in an empty warehouse to physically plan out how everything would be placed.

They used construction wrap and pieces of wood to create the models of each room including the owner’s deck, the bridge, and even the special Tai Chi room. 

The ARTEFACT yacht has been sailing the waters since early 2020 when it left its home in Germany.

Its spectacular design and innovative use of technology have brought it much attention.

Many believe that its success will start a chain reaction in the yacht-building industry, creating more of a focus on environmental impact.

It will definitely be interesting to see how yachts will evolve and change with ARTEFACT as their inspiration.

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$250M superyacht Liva O draws 'big' attention on Seattle's Lake Union

SEATTLE - The superyacht LIVA O, owned by billionaire Stephen Orenstein , has made a notable appearance on Seattle's Lake Union . 

Measuring 387 feet, LIVA O is the largest superyacht ever built by the esteemed German shipbuilder Abeking & Rasmussen . For comparison, a Washington state Olympic Class ferry measures 362 feet.

Launched as the shipyard's latest masterpiece, LIVA O represents a significant achievement for Abeking & Rasmussen, which has been in operation for over 115 years. "We have once again succeeded in building an exceptional yacht," said Matthias Hellmann, CEO at Abeking & Rasmussen. "By upholding our values of innovation, quality, and client satisfaction, we have created a yacht that sets new industry standards."

Designed by Joseph Dirand Architecture in Paris, the yacht features a sleek black hull and offers luxurious amenities, including a Neptune Lounge with an underwater view, a swimming pool, a helicopter pad and a crow’s nest. The vessel also employs a diesel-electric propulsion system for quiet navigation and maneuvering. 

So how much does a yacht of this size cost? According to Superyacht Fan , Orenstein bought the yacht in 2023 for $250 million and estimates its annual running cost to be $15 to $25 million. 

According to Forbes , Stephen Orenstein is a German-American business executive with extensive commercial real estate holdings in Germany, Italy, the U.K. and the U.S., and holds a stake in the German soccer team Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Formerly owning 75% of Supreme Group, a logistics firm that supplied food and water to the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, Orenstein took over the company in 1985 after his father's death. 

Forbes estimates his net worth at $2 billion. 

The yacht's presence in Lake Union is drawing attention from locals and yacht enthusiasts alike, marking a significant milestone in Seattle's maritime scene.

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Blackberry founder Mike Lazaridis’ $150 million superyacht has a dedicated Tai Chi room with a ceiling tall enough to wield a sword above the head. The billionaire clad his 262 feet vessel in 70 tons of glass. It boasts a movie theater and an artistic 14-seater cosmic dining table.

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Divers search sunken yacht as entrepreneur, five others, remain missing

Tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and at least two Americans are among the missing after the British-flagged yacht Bayesian sank off the northern coast of Sicily.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Yacht carrying 22 passengers and crew sinks off Sicily’s coast in storm; one dead
• Two American, four British nationals missing, including tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch
• Fifteen rescued including Lynch’s wife
• Divers struggle with wreckage, search ongoing

The deep-sea search for six passengers missing after a luxury yacht sank during a ferocious storm, including a prominent British tech entrepreneur and his daughter, continued Tuesday, with divers attempting to search the yacht as it lay on the ocean floor off the northern coast of Sicily.

But Italian officials acknowledged that, as time went on, the chance of finding the missing alive was getting slimmer.

“We have no memory of situations in which, with sunken vessels, people remain alive after 36, now [almost] 48 hours,” said Vincenzo Zagarola, a Porticello coast guard official. It was “difficult to imagine” that people could still be alive inside the yacht’s hull underwater, Zagarola said.

So far, only one crew member has been confirmed dead in Monday’s disaster. The body of the yacht’s chef, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan, was found during initial recovery efforts. Fifteen people have been rescued.

Still missing are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and attorney Chris Morvillo , a partner at Clifford Chance in New York who represented Lynch in a recently concluded legal battle, and his wife, Neda.

Lynch, charged in the United States with fraud associated with his 2011 sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, was acquitted on all counts in June. The voyage on the 183-foot-long Bayesian, owned by a company controlled by Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was intended to be a celebration of his legal victory, Britain’s Telegraph reported .

Divers resumed work around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday but have struggled to enter the narrow passages of the cluttered wreck, Luca Cari, a spokesman for the fire rescue service, said.

Tables and chairs were blocking entrances, and cables and wires were forming a “sort of mesh,” Cari told The Washington Post. “At the moment we are working on land to plan for an intervention and above all to create new openings.” The divers were searching the yacht’s stern.

Divers have found “no indication” that any of the missing people are on the ship, he said, but one “operational hypothesis” is that individuals may still be inside their cabins, based on the early-morning time of the sinking.

Violent weather appears to have caught many by surprise. Zagarola, the coast guard official, said that they had only expected “strong gusts” on the day of the sinking and that no weather warnings had been issued.

One passenger, Charlotte Golunski, told Italian media of holding on to her 1-year-old daughter, Sophie, amid the storm.

“For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea,” she told Giornale di Sicilia. “Then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.”

The British-flagged Bayesian was carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew members roughly half a mile from the Sicilian fishing village of Porticello when it encountered rough weather at about 4 a.m. Monday. Lightning flashed, thunder boomed and waves thrashed the vessel.

A fisherman described the scene to the Italian news agency ANSA. “It was floating, still, then suddenly vanished,” Pietro Asciutto said. “I saw it sink with my own eyes.”

Golunski and her partner, identified by Italian media as James Emslie, had been invited onto the ship as Lynch’s guests. She told Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper that she held her daughter “afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upward to keep her from drowning.”

“It was all dark,” she said. “In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I screamed for help, but all I could hear around me was the screams of the others.” Eventually, Golunski, Sophie, Emslie and eight others were able to get onto an inflatable lifeboat.

The Sir Robert, a Dutch-flagged sailing vessel anchored nearby, responded immediately to help survivors before the Italian coast guard arrived.

Britain was expected to deploy a team of four inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment into the disaster.

“We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

Carl Sputh , a former yacht captain who now works as a broker for Northrop and Johnson, a yacht brokerage firm based out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said that sudden weather changes at sea were not uncommon.

“I was a captain for 27 years, and I can tell you that I’ve been in waterspouts and microbursts that are similar to what happened out there that night with them,” Sputh said in an interview. “You go from like zero wind and a beautiful night into 80-to-100-mile-an-hour winds out of nowhere. And it happens extremely fast, and they’re extremely violent, and then they’re over.”

Yachts like the Bayesian would have a retractable keel that helps balance the yacht when sailing and improves stability, Sputh added. The Bayesian was anchored offshore. If the ship was planning to move closer to shore soon, Sputh said, it would have been normal for the keel to be retracted, to allow for navigation in more shallow waters.

Bacares, Lynch’s wife, was among the 15 survivors, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the situation. The Bayesian is owned by Revtom, a firm controlled by Bacares and registered on the Isle of Man, records show.

Ayla Ronald, a senior associate with Clifford Chance in London, also survived.

“We are in shock and deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” the firm said in a statement Tuesday. “Our thoughts are with our Partner, Christopher Morvillo, and his wife, Neda, who are among the missing.”

“Our utmost priority is providing support to the family as well as our colleague Ayla Ronald, who together with her partner, thankfully survived the incident.”

Bloomer, in addition to chairing Morgan Stanley International, joined the insurance group Hiscox last year as nonexecutive chair.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event,” Aki Hussain, the group’s chief executive, said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our Chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing, and with their family as they await further news from this terrible situation.”

Judy Bloomer worked with the British women’s health charity the Eve Appeal.

“Judy is a brilliant champion for women’s health and medical research, and has been an incredible supporter, committee member and trustee of our charity for over 20 years,” CEO Athena Lamnisos said in a statement Tuesday. “We are deeply shocked to hear the news that our very dear friend and her husband, Jonathan, are among those missing.”

The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Italian ship maker Perini Navi, according to the SuperYacht Times.

Three teams of divers, two from Italy’s coast guard and one from the fire brigade, are involved in the search-and-rescue operation, the coast guard said.

The yacht sank to a depth of more than 160 feet. The first attempt by fire brigade cave divers to search inside the yacht was unsuccessful, rescue authorities said .

On Tuesday evening, Zagarola said that it would be “beautiful” to find the other passengers, but the odds were stacked against them. “We are [still] looking for missing people.”

Voyager Superyacht

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Amazing Destinations

Onboard luxury, vacation ideas, sustainability initiatives, local knowledge, the ultimate yacht charter.

From the moment you step aboard the Voyager, which premiered to much acclaim at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, you'll fall in love with Ocean Alexander's award winning Revolution yacht design , with it's towering, 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious full-beam VIP cabin , en suite charter guest cabins, numerous gathering areas, multiple outside decks, and sumptuous amenities. There's no better way to see these stunning destinations, which are nearly all only accessible by boats.

Not only has the Voyager been selected as the premier super yacht for delivering the best experience for guests of the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, we're also honored to have the Voyager Superyacht named as the Best Luxury Superyacht Charter Company - USA by Lux Life Magazine in February 2024.

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Stunning Destinations

Whether it's cruising in a private yacht charter in  Seattle , visiting the stunning billionaires-row homes on Lake Washington, exploring the San Juan Islands , cruising to  Vancouver or Victoria , anchoring in Princess Louisa Inlet, yachting in Desolation Sound , or experiencing the epic beauty of the incredible inside passage to Southeast Alaska, the waters of the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and SE Alaska are one of the most sought after luxury yacht charter destinations in the world due to its majestic, glacier-carved fjords, towering mountains, pristine waters, near year-round whales, and amazing sea life. 

Beginning with our concierge trip planning, we will curate the luxury adventure travel vacation of your dreams, from a once-in-a-lifetime VIP outdoor adventure to wildlife encounters, cruising glacial fjords, shopping, sightseeing, a lux shopping and pampering session. or the ultimate luxury yacht wedding experience you've ever see. We'll combine each of these with an elevated culinary experience, paired with fine wines and contemporary cocktails, all curated and delivered by our super-experienced and professional crew that has traveled over 10,0000 nautical miles on these waters, enough to cross the entire US and back twice, in just the past 2.5 years alone.

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From the moment you step aboard the ultra-luxury Voyager, our crew will indulge and delight you throughout your private VIP yacht charter, tailoring the experience to your desires—whether it's formal and fancy or casual and fun. Enjoy exquisite food, specialty drinks, a 10-zone Sonos sound system, our unique SuperYacht Karaoke experience, 8 HD TVs, 9 refrigerators and wine coolers, sumptuous staterooms and bedding, firing your first t-shirt cannon, and once-in-a-lifetime excursions. We spare no expense to deliver the ultimate luxury adventure vacation. Outside, ample seating, sun pads, our exclusive Beach Club, sun shades, a hydraulic swim platform, and water toys (kayaks, paddle boards, noodles, floating docks, and more) allow you to become one with nature in this unforgettable experience.

We don't take the stunning beauty that surrounds us every day for granted, and we're doing our part every day to be one of the most sustainable yacht charters anywhere. We've planted nearly 20,000 trees through The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion project, been a major donor to WildOrca.org to support conservancy research for the Southern Resident Killer Whales, and we've raised over $415,000 for local charities since the start of 2021. In addition, we've outfitted the Voyager Superyacht for a super-eco experience, with lithium ion batteries so we can run off of battery power for 12+ hours a day, onboard recycling and composting, and use of nearly zero single-use plastic products, all supported by eco-cruising speeds and a delectable vegetarian menu.

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• Environment
• Puget Sound
• Traffic Lab

What happens to a retired WA ferry? Elwha, Klahowya about to find out

On Monday, starting around 9:30 a.m., the Elwha and Klahowya will move through the waters of Puget Sound for the last time.

To the Klahowya, we thank you for your long service. And to the Elwha, we say: Watch out for those rocks. And that pier. The dock, too.

These two old Washington State Ferries vessels were sold recently for $100,000 each to Nelson Armas, an Ecuadorian businessman who is towing the boats to a “clean, green” steel mill in his South American country. There, according to WSF, the steel company Adelca will handle the boat “recycling.”

In other words, as the state struggles to maintain service due to a lack of new ferries, these retired boats will be cut up, their steel melted down for reuse.

From the golden shores of the Evergreen State to the rusted scrap heap of history. It’s an ignominious, if common, ending for state ferries, which often supply decades of service to the waterborne commuters of the lower Salish Sea.

“The truth is, very few ferries find a second life after they’re retired,” Steven Pickens, a historian of Puget Sound ferries and author of numerous books on the subject, said in an email.

The Illahee, Klickitat, Nisqually and Quinault were all scrapped in Ensenada, Mexico, between 2009 and 2011. The Rhododendron is moored in British Columbia’s Fanny Bay, used as a floating warehouse and processing boat. The Olympic is closer to home, in Pierce County, “half torn apart on the beach at Ketron Island,” and the Evergreen State is up in Bellingham, “waiting for some sort of revitalization,” Pickens said.

The Chinook and Snohomish, both passenger-only boats, are still in service in California’s Bay Area and now known as the Golden Gate and Napa. The Tyee, which started life as the Glacier Express doing Alaskan tours before WSF bought it, is back in Alaska doing tours as the Glacier Express. 

Finally, the Skagit sank off the coast of the Tanzanian archipelago Zanzibar, killing more than 100 people on board . Following that 2012 tragedy , the Tanzanian government pulled another former WSF boat, the Kalama, from service. Then the Kalama “vanished,” Pickens said, and was “last pinged on the global GPS” in January 2018 off Anjouan Island, between the continent and Madagascar.

The Elwha and Klahowya might wish for such adventure instead of the maw of a scrapping facility. But for the Superclass Elwha, which is a decade younger than its scrap-bound mate, the past is much more dramatic than its future. It very well may go down as the state’s most famous ferry.

“Or perhaps the most notorious,” as Pickens wrote on his website evergreenfleet.com .

The 2,000-passenger, 144-car Elwha was launched in December 1967 and served the Seattle-Bainbridge route for its first four years. Through the 1970s, it was a backup vessel for the fleet.

The 1980s were its time to shine — or at least make some headlines — after it was assigned to the interisland route connecting Anacortes to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan islands.

On Oct. 2, 1983, the Elwha had just departed Anacortes with Capt. Billy Fittro at the helm. But the veteran pilot, who had more than three decades of experience, wasn’t alone in the wheelhouse. Peggy Warrack, a resident of Grindstone Harbor on Orcas and a passenger Fittro had taken a shine to, was there with him.

Perhaps Fittro should’ve taken a cue from the harbor’s name, but after a stop at Lopez, he steered the 382-foot Elwha on an unsanctioned tangent so Warrack could see her house. A shallow reef tore into the boat’s hull. Witnesses described seeing the vessel rise 3 or 4 feet out of the water.

Fittro pushed on. He made it to Shaw and, finally, to Orcas, where it did a “360 doughnut out there in the middle of the channel,” a witness told The Seattle Times. At Orcas, officials finally deemed the boat unsafe.

The Elwha was blamed at first, a failed steering component, but within a week, Fittro was fingered as the true culprit and lost his job. So did WSF chief Nick Tracey.

The collision caused $250,000 in damage to the Elwha, but the incident did provide some entertainment for islanders.

The Island City Jazz Band made the front page of The Seattle Times on Nov. 9, 1983, for its Dixieland “toe-tapping spoof” of the incident. The song: “Elwha on the Rocks.”

In Friday Harbor, the Electric Company Tavern concocted a new drink called the Elwha, made of equal parts Myers’s Rum Cream liqueur and Myers’s Rum. “It was served, of course, on the rocks,” according to a 2021 article in The Journal of the San Juan Islands.

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By 1989, the Washington State Board on Geographic Names agreed to change the official name of the reef to Elwha Rock.

But the boat wasn’t done yet.

In December 1990, hurricane-force winds raced through Puget Sound. The Elwha was out of service for regular maintenance at the time and broke free of its moorings. For hours, it slammed into the concrete pier, again and again, before it was finally cut adrift. The boat was out of service for another year as repairs were made.

In September 1999, a computer malfunction led the Elwha, laden with 158 passengers and 37 cars, to ram into the Orcas dock.

“I was standing on the lawn that overlooks the ferry landing, setting up for a party, when I heard the ferry honking, sounding its foghorn,” Patty Cunningham, who worked at the Orcas Hotel, told The Seattle Times . “People at the dock were yelling for everybody to get off the dock. … Then, it just rammed the dock, and the pilings started cracking.”

The Elwha’s story still had more chapters to it, but by 2019, the boat was deemed too costly to keep afloat. That July, while in dry dock on Lake Union , inspectors found extensive steel corrosion estimated to cost $25 million to repair. Another $10 million was needed to fix the boat’s auto deck. Seeing the bill, the Legislature decided not to repair the boat , sealing its fate.

“I will not be sorry to see the Elwha go. In fact I’d probably give it a kick on the way out if I could,” Pickens said in an email. “I’ll miss the Klahowya.”

The Evergreen State-class Klahowya is a decade older than the Elwha and had a more distinguished, if not as exciting, tenure.

It arrived at Vashon Island and entered service Dec. 9, 1958. For 56 years, “with very rare exception,” Pickens said, the 800-passenger, 87-car boat ran one route: the triangle route connecting Southworth, Fauntleroy and Vashon.

The Klahowya was on the triangle route from its first day in 1958 to summer 2014, a state ferry record for the longest time that one boat served a specific route, besting the Quinault’s three-decade run on the same route.

In 2014, the Klahowya was moved to the San Juan Islands interisland route, where the boat’s nearly 60 years of continuous service began to show.

Despite a refurbishment in 1995 — which gave it “modern airline-style seats” in blue, tan and light brown — on Jan. 10, 2017, the boat was taken out of service and moved to the state’s Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

It has sat there ever since. Until Monday, when the open seas — and its fate — call.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Take the Fast Ferry to Slow Down on Blake Island

August 20, 2021 By Georgia Golla

• Uncategorized

By Brandon Fralic of Scenic WA | Photos by Capture.Share.Repeat

Taking a ferry ride is one of those quintessential Seattle experiences — right up there with visiting Pike Place Market and Seattle Center. There’s something special about cruising through Puget Sound, windblown hair and all. Time seems to slow down the moment you step on the boat. So when my partner and I were invited to Blake Island for the day, we jumped at the opportunity to experience the nature, history, and flavors of Seattle.

Blake Island Fast Ferry

Accessible only by boat, Blake Island is said to be the birthplace of Chief Seattle. If you don’t have a seafaring vessel, the easiest way to get there is via the Argosy Ferry, “your friend with a boat”. From Seattle’s Pier 55, it takes only 27 minutes to reach Blake Island via the Argosy Fast Ferry . Watching the Seattle skyline broaden from the back of the boat, we picked out familiar landmarks like the Great Wheel and Space Needle. Soon we were cruising around West Seattle, where the Alki Point Lighthouse comes into view. In nearly no time at all, we’d arrived at Blake Island.

Arriving at Blake Island means leaving the traffic and noise of the city behind. There are no cars or paved roads; the only vehicles you’ll see are boats and park maintenance carts. The entire island is a 1,127-acre Marine State Park with camping, restrooms, and showers. Though the Space Needle is never out of sight, Blake Island feels a world away from the city.

Most visitors go to Blake Island for the day due to its ease of access from Seattle. You can spend a few hours or an entire day exploring the island’s numerous activities. Stepping off the boat, the first attraction you’ll notice is the Tillicum Longhouse. Crushed seashell paths wind gently upwards to its doors. Inside, the smell of wood smoke greets you. Order food and drinks, book an activity, or simply walk around and enjoy. Here’s how we spent a day on the island.

Guided Nature Walk

We kicked off our visit to Blake Island with a 2-hour guided nature walking tour . Our guide began the tour with a practical matter — showing us the native stinging nettles to watch out for, and teaching our group how to treat stings with sword fern spores. We learned about the history of the island, including its significance as a meeting place for the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. A member of the Swinomish tribe herself, our guide shared traditional stories from the indigenous people who used these plants and trees in their daily lives. Ever wonder why the Western Hemlock is droopy, or how to identify Douglas Fir cones by their “mousetails”? You’ll have to take the nature walking tour to find out!

There are 8 miles of walking trails on Blake Island. We set out on the wide, forested perimeter road trail for a 2.4-mile roundtrip hike. Along the way, we spotted various ferns, foxglove, oyster mushrooms, and edible berries. When we had questions about identifying plants and trees, our knowledgeable guide had the answers. Upon reaching the northwest point of the island, we took a break at the beach. Additional boat-in camping is available here, with restrooms (including flush toilets and running water) just up the hill.

Looking west, we could see the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound. A raccoon scurried across the beach at low tide; an eagle soared overhead. We’re told that deer inhabit Blake Island, too. Nature thrives on this quieter side of the island. It’s absolutely worth the walk.

Coast Salish Cultural Presentation

Enter Tillicum Theater for an educational presentation on the history and culture of the Coast Salish tribes. This 1-hour experience is a must-see for Blake Island first-timers. We were regaled with colorful storytelling, masks, and ancestral dances by cultural coordinator Frank Mather. Telling these stories is personal for Frank, who honors his ancestors through dance and oral tradition. His family-friendly presentation ranged from Lummi and Snoqualmie legends to interactive dancing (where volunteers can participate). After some language learning and fun facts, Frank left each audience member with two small gifts — one to keep, and one to give away.

Guests can stick around post-presentation for a Q&A session. This is a good time to take a better look at the masks, hats, blankets, and other cultural items on display. For Frank, “knowledge is wealth”, and he was more than happy to answer our questions about the Coast Salish tribes. Years from now, Frank says, “you may not remember my name...but you’ll remember this experience.”

Dining and Wine Flights on Blake Island

After a few hours of activities, we were ready for a meal. “Seattle’s only island restaurant”, the Longhouse Cafe operates on days when the ferry is in service. We enjoyed Tillicum Harvest Wraps with smoked steelhead, side salads, and smoked salmon chowder. Diners can choose from shaded tables and Adirondack chairs across the sprawling lawn, with views over Puget Sound to Seattle.

The menu also features beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Showcasing Washington wineries, the wine flights make for an excellent meal pairing (and even come with tasting notes). Keep an eye on the Winery and Brewery Schedule , as Argosy hosts regional wine and beer producers on select weekends for tastings, bottles, and swag from June to September.

Additional Island Experiences

For those seeking to spend time on the water, Vashon Adventures offers hourly tandem kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals at Blake Island. No experience is necessary on these family-friendly excursions and all safety gear is included.

Finally, visitors can also reserve private fire tables for an hour at a time. This kid-friendly activity is a great way to wind down before catching the ferry home. Add on a s’mores kit for a true campfire experience — without the hassle of building the fire!

Tickets and Reservations

Blake Island Fast Ferry tickets can be booked online ($29 round trip, ages 3 and under are free). In 2021, the fast ferry runs Wednesday - Sunday during summer (July 19 - September 6). During fall (September 7 - October 3), service is reduced to Friday - Sunday. There are several departures each day. Parking is available at nearby lots and can be reserved in advance.

Activities can be booked online . You can also join activities while on the island, but it’s best to reserve in advance to guarantee your spot. Argosy offers several suggested itineraries on their website to help you find the best fit.

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Finding the right yacht doesn't start with the boat: It starts with you. So at Emerald Pacific Yachts, that's where we start, too. How do you want to use your yacht? What kind of lifestyle experience are you seeking? And what does the word "yacht" mean to you?

After all, a yacht can be a multimillion-dollar vessel with a helipad, a pleasure cruiser meant for taking the family on weekend getaways, or something in between. That's why we first get to know you and understand your own definition; then, we’ll find a boat that fits it perfectly.

Emerald Pacific Yachts has been a leader in the yachting industry on the West Coast for more than 20 years. Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned yacht, a new model, or you want to sell your current vessel, our team will provide expertise and support throughout the process—and during the years to come.

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From The Editor

Blackberries for Ali

Under power for picking

From Issue   September 2022

A ugust is blackberry season here in the Pacific Northwest, and in Seattle the best picking is at the water’s edge where the brambles are accessible only by boat and almost always untouched. Picking blackberries with my daughter, Alison, is a tradition that has a long history. In mid-August of 1993, the day after she was born , we took her out in the gunning dory to pick berries on the brambled shores of Seattle’s Lake Union. This past August, when she flew up from San Francisco for her birthday, she and I planned to go boating together.

The gunning dory she’d been aboard as a newborn has been idle and without a trailer, so I pulled the Whitehall out of the garage. The best berry picking would not be on Lake Union but on the Sammamish Slough where the banks 1-1/2 miles upstream from the launch ramp were thick with brambles. Our time was limited, and rowing would take too long, so I did something I’d never imagined I’d do: I put an outboard motor on the Whitehall.

In 1978, when I started building boats, and in the years that followed, my interest was only in boats that I could paddle, row, or sail. I began a series of lengthy small-boat cruises in 1980 and took inordinate pride in the thousands of miles I covered under my own steam or by sail. Outboards then were oil-burning two-strokes and I took offense at the noise they made and the rank, blue cloud they trailed. In 1983, as I was putting the last coat of varnish on the Whitehall, if I had foreseen that I would one day willingly clamp an outboard on its beautiful mahogany transom, I could only have imagined that when I reached my late 60s I’d be well over the hill and descending into madness.

A pair of gaffer-tape-covered plywood pads, one on each side of the transom, protected it from the outboard’s mounting bracket and clamp screws, but the Whitehall wasn’t content with 40 lbs hanging on its stern. With my homemade tiller extension, meant for another boat, I couldn’t get my weight far enough forward to put the bow down where it belonged.

Ali and I launched the Whitehall at the ramp near the mouth of the Sammamish Slough. I clamped my 2.5-hp Yamaha, a four-stroke, on the transom and we motored upstream. Even at less than half throttle, the Whitehall made good speed, much better than we could ever muster by rowing, but the hull didn’t take well to it. The full middle and the tucked-up stern heaved up a very lumpy wave train.

We made good time along the slough even with the motor at about 1/3 throttle. The transom is well braced with knees, but I didn’t want to strain the boat by applying full power.

We were soon through the gentle meanders where the slough is hemmed in by houses and lawns, docks and boats, and arrived at the bramble-lined stretch that runs straight for a ¼ mile through a city park. I nosed the bow into the south-facing bank where the blackberries are the ripest.

This stretch of the slough was once surrounded by a golf course; it’s now a public park. The brambles occupy the banks on both sides and there are plenty of blackberries.

The blackberries grow right down to the water’s edge. When I kayak the slough, I stop occasionally to pick berries for a little boost of energy. It can be tricky picking from the kayak: the brambles push the kayak away while I push in with the paddle in one hand and pick with the other, usually getting my sleeve snagged on the thorns.

Ali picked this section of the brambles and collected about two cups of blackberries without losing her balance or getting snagged by thorns.

A pint of berries takes only a couple of minutes to pick and less time to eat. In a typical outing we usually pick enough blackberries for two or three pies.

With the midday sun shining on the brambles, every gem-like bead making up each blackberry reflected a bright white pinpoint of light. The ripe berries parted from their stems at a touch while the ripest dropped when the cane they hung from was jostled. Eaten straightaway, the berries we gathered were sweet, soft, and warm. Ali picked until the tips of her fingers turned mimeograph purple. After we had eaten our fill, I paddled the Whitehall away from the brambles to midstream.

When a bit of a breeze stirred over the slough, I killed the motor and Ali raised the spinnaker. Although we didn’t sail for long, it was a moment more worthy of preserving than motoring was. I asked Ali to do this rendering of one of the photos I took. When she was very young, she, her brother, my sister, and I often had “drawing contests” and shared doodles and sketches of things we had challenged each other to draw. Ali had a knack for it and has had an interest in art for most of her life. Working with a computer, she has been doing portraits on commission for several years.

A breeze that had slipped between the banks and skimmed the river turned the water the color of blue-tempered steel. I had Ali raise the spinnaker, not because it would take us anywhere we needed to go, but to enjoy the Whitehall making speed as it was meant to, with only the sound of water curdling across the plank laps. When the air grew still and the spinnaker fell and draped itself around its mast, like a flag in an auditorium, Ali dropped the sailing rig and we motored back to the ramp.

We usually pick enough berries to bake pies—that was the purpose of the picking expedition on the day after she was born and for many of the outings we took as she grew up—but on this trip we came back empty-handed. The harvest that really mattered was the time spent with my daughter.

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Comments (6)

Wunderbar!!!

Beautiful short story of berry picking at sea (or slough) and wonderful portrait.

I just got around to reading your story (I read the magazine sporadically to spread the enjoyment through the month). Picking berries is a tradition for many folks. As a kid I was required to pick for the winter’s supply of jam and future pies. I didn’t care for it, but had I been picking from a boat, well. Thank you for supplying yet another practical use for small boats.

Hurrah to time on the water with our kids. Twice in the past few weeks the 3rd- and 5th-grade granddaughters have reduced the blackberry density, once hiking to Summerland and again along the West Seattle Alki Trail. Must be time to launch for a water-access mission.

A sweet story, Chris, and wonderfully illustrated! Our daughter, now in her forties and with her own four-year-old daughter, forbade me, some years back, from ever selling my Phil Bolger Teal, which she has sailed in since it was launched, back in the early 1980s.

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Lake Washington is the second largest natural lake in Washington and borders the eastern side of Seattle. Situated between Seattle and Bellevue, Lake Washington has two influent streams – Sammamish River at its north end and the Cedar River at its south. From swimming, fishing to kayaking, Lake Washington is a popular attraction in Seattle for water sports activities. If this is your first visit to Seattle, you might want to embark on a Lake Washington cruise and enjoy outdoor activities.

Beautiful Parks: Seward Park is located near Lake Washington and boasts about 300 acres of beautiful forest land, old growth forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, a native plant garden and miles of hiking trails. Seward Park is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon lunch with your friends and family. There are several swimming spots within the park and a paved path designed for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, etc. Stan S. Sayres Memorial Park is located a mile south of the Interstate 90 Bridge on Lake Washington. This park is famous for its stunning views with an amazing backdrop of Mount Rainier, Glacier Peak and Mount Baker. The Stan Memorial Park has many boat launch pads and you can enjoy canoing, kayaking and sailboating here. Warren G. Magnuson Park sits on a splendid mile-long stretch of Lake Washington's shoreline in northeast Seattle. You'll find more than four miles of walking trails, grassy fields, evergreen and deciduous trees, and some captivating public art installations. There is another day-use park along the freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington – Saint Edward State Park. This Park offers many outdoor play amenities. While here, you can take the opportunity to hike through a diverse century-old second-growth forest and explore its natural beauty and fascinating history. The Washington Park Arboretum is nestled into the shoreline of Lake Washington. It is home to over 40,000 trees from all around the world and offer opportunities to watch beavers and numerous bird species. Go the south end of the Lake to visit Gene Coulon Park, where you will find an interpretive botanical walk, water walk, fishing pier, picnic shelters, tennis courts and more.

Adventurous Activities: Drink pitchers of Belgian ale and head to the Lake Washington Ship Canal for a unique experience. Here you can swing from a tree into the Lake and enjoy swinging in an altogether new way. The shoreline of Lake Washington features a perimeter path for bicycles and pedestrians. Walk along the waterfront and enjoy sweeping views of the lake. If your aim is to spend the day swimming and enjoying the panoramic views, then Madrona Park and Beach is the perfect place. It is located on the waterfront on Lake Washington which boasts a wooded hillside, a grassy beach and swimming area. An ideal place for playing volleyball or running is the Burke-Gilman Trail, located along the Lake Washington. Head to the Pritchard Island Beach on the western shore of Lake Washington for amazing and quiet swimming experience. Go to the Washington Park Arboretum if you want to spend some time paddling or canoing. If you enter the Washington Park Arboretum via the Montlake Cut, then you can explore the houseboats and marina of Portage Bay.

UW Husky Football Stadium and Tailgating: UW Husky Football Stadium is home to the University of Washington Husky football team and has been recently renovated in 2013. Take a game-day cruise for a tailgate experience in Seattle style. If you are a football fan, then book a UW Husky cruise to sail your way to the stadium and party on board your own private yacht before and after your game day excursion.

Lake Washington Dining Options: From hand-crafted cocktails, refreshing Seattle dishes, delectable wine, daily happy hours to weekend delicious breakfast, waterfront restaurants located near Lake Washington provides locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the true taste of Northwestern cuisines. You will find many dining options here, from oversized sandwiches, Northwest seafood dishes to refreshing craft beers. Some of the best restaurants to give your taste buds a treat at include include Daniel's Broiler – Leschi, BeachHouse bar + grill, Ivar's Seafood Bar, Shawn’s Cafe & Bakery, Santorini Greek Grill, Bing’s, Raw Bar 89, and Casa Ricardos to name a few.

Sailing and Yachting: You can experience a variety of views while enjoying your yachting adventure on Lake Washington. Surrounded by stately homes, exquisite waterfront properties, and private beach clubs, cruising Lake Washington offers enormous opportunities to get a taste of what Seattle's leisure life is. During your sailing adventure, learn the history of the Eastside and Seattle neighborhoods bordering Lake Washington. Pass under the new Evergreen Point Floating Bridge that connects Seattle to Bellevue. Embark on a journey to discover the most beautiful sights set against a beautiful backdrop of a golden sunset with a sunset yacht charter. Take your private charter to Mercer Island. It is known for spectacular views, amazing homes and magnificent natural beauty.

Fishing: Open to fishing year-round, Lake Washington holds dozens of fish species such as Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie. You can also catch Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon. Principal fishing ramps are at Kenmore, Magnuson Park, Gene Coulon Park, and Rainier Beach Park. Some of the popular piers are Kirkland, Marina Park and the Old Ship Museum Park. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or want to take your family on a fishing excursion, Lake Washington is the perfect place in Seattle to start your adventure.

From picturesque houseboat districts to the Husky Stadium, Lake Washington is a treasure trove for visitors looking to spend some wonderful time in the Emerald City. Take time for some hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking in Lake Washington when you visit the city of Seattle. At Pacific Northwest Yacht Charters, we provide private luxury yachts to charter and enjoy Seattle, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Ballard Locks, and Puget Sound in a way like no other. We also provide custom luxury event charters to host special events including wedding ceremonies, anniversaries, birthday parties, business events, company meetings and more. Contact us to find the right charter for your next vacation or special event in Seattle, and we'll recommend the best yacht for you.

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67' Luxury Italian Yacht Private Reserve in Seattle, Puget Sound, SanJuan Island

Spend your best day on the waters of Seattle, Lake Union, Lake Washington Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands! You and your guests will be delighted on luxury customized cruise adventure. There is boating and then there is Yachting, this is the latter. Start with a refreshing Champagne greeting and boarding. This is a luxury yacht and you can expect to be pampered and looked after just as you would expect of a glamorous yachting experience. During your planning session we will design everything to meet all your expectations and desires. Rates: Mon-Thurs minimum of 3 hours, Fri – Sat- Sun minimum of 4 hours. • $750 / hour up to 6 people • $1000 / hour 7 to 13 people • Marina Fee $200 - $300 • Sales Tax 10.35% • Premium Rates apply to Holidays. Private Reserve offers plenty of room to spread out. Full access to common areas: 3 staterooms with boat kings, 3 heads (full private bathrooms), large salon, dinette (seats 5), kitchen and back deck with dining table (seats 8), bow cushioned lounge (seats 10+) and two flybridge seating areas (can seat 20) and 3 dining areas. Amenities can include full-service concierge, real utensils & server ware, paddle-boards, swimming noodles, 14-person & 8-person floaties. Meals are flexible: you can bring your own food, we can suggest or provide catering to design a delicious spread. Flexible pick-up/drop-off locations; just ask! We typically pick-up at South Lake Union. We are available for your special events such as Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversary, Bachelorette Party, Proposal, Work/Office-Retreat, Family Reunion and more! Overnight, weekend and weekly charters available. * Prices can vary based on time of year, Holiday, location of pick-up/drop-off, Marina Fees, etc. Contact us for special Holiday rates i.e: - 4th of July - Opening Day of Boating Season - SeaFair Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday - Lighted Christmas Ships Parades - Andrews Bay Anchor & Swim. Captains Scott and Tracy are lifelong boaters, offering luxury cruises on their 67' Italian Monte Fino yacht Private Reserve. The crew will pamper you starting with the planning phases and throughout your cruise by serving your guests, freshening cocktails, bussing dishes and more. As you can see from the photos, the yacht offers comfy entertaining for guests, rain or shine. If you have any questions, we can answer those through GetMyBoat’s messaging platform before you pay. Just hit, “Request to Book” and send us an inquiry for a custom offer!

Starting from

• ₽69,000/hr 3 hrs min

Tracy and Scott

Check availability, listing accuracy, departure & return, vessel & equipment, communication, itinerary & experience.

Working with Tracy was very easy, we had a seamless experience and I would highly recommend this boat to anyone. We had 10 people for a leisurely cruise around lake Washington & lake Union, the boat was very well appointed, maintained and clean. The crew we had of Olinda and Jackie were also wonderful.

What an amazing experience! From the moment we booked our charter Tracy was in touch and making sure we had all the information and assistance. We would need to create the perfect multigenerational family day out on Puget Sound. The Private Reserve is an immaculate and beautifully appointed boat. Tracy provided us with recommendations for caterers who could provide everything from formal sitdown meals to casual sandwich. Trays that could be ordered in advance and picked up on your way to the boat. Additionally, she provided us with a list of trusted captains and crews to guide us safely through our voyage and see to our every need while on board the yacht. The only thing I would have done differently is to book the entire day instead of just five hours. Our time ended all too quickly, but we have wonderful memories of our day on the Private Reserve

We chartered this beautiful yacht to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife, inviting several other couples aboard to join us for a sunset cruise on Puget Sound. Everything went better than expected and we all had an amazing time. Most definitely an event no one will soon forget. The owners of this vessel are right on top of every little detail from the moment I first contacted them. They walked me through all the details, assisted with hiring crew and catering, and basically held my hand through the entire process. Should the occasion present itself again I would charter Private Reserve without question.

We had a great time on Tracy and Scott's yacht yesterday. Our corporate guests enjoyed the trip tremendously. The boat is amazing. Tracy and Scott were very helpful with the whole process and were wonderful hosts. The captain and the crew made our experience unforgettable.

What an experience to remember!! Tracy and Scott are the coolest hosts to be on a boat with, ever. And when the boat is as amazing as the Private Reserve is, well it just makes for an unforgettably epic experience. As Captain and First Mate, Scott and Tracy are impeccably professional with their mission of sailing you safely and smoothly to the best mariner sights in the PNW. As hosts, Tracy and Scott are a dynamic duo that create a warm and fun environment with first-class elegance. Every element was spectacular and their yacht is a dream ship that matches them perfectly. Our wedding day aboard the Private Reserve was made absolutely spectacular by Tracy and Scott. They went well above and beyond our grandest hopes and expectations. We can't wait to come back and celebrate with them again.

Relax and enjoy your unique boating-experience aboard The Private Reserve, a distinctive 66’ Monte Fino luxury Italian yacht. Private Reserve offers day and overnight cruises in the Puget Sound, Lake WA and the San Juan Islands.

Features & Details

Approximate location.

You’ll get directions to the departure location when you make a booking.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund up to 10 days prior.

Additional Terms & Information

Sales tax 10.21% to be paid prior to boarding. Overnight stays available for multiple-day charters in our luxurious VIP staterooms. Cancellation Policy:  prior to 10 days: 100%, prior to the 5th day: 50%.  Additional charges MAY apply for fuel, moorage, crew, food & beverage, etc.   Private Reserve is a Smoke Free, Drug/Marijuana Free, Shoes-off boat.

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The Strange, Twisted Story Behind Seattle's Blackberries

Ann Dornfeld

Thomas Edison (from left), Luther Burbank and Henry Ford. Two are still world-famous; the guy in the middle brought us many crop experiments, including the Himalayan blackberry that's now inescapable in Seattle. New York Botanical Garden/LuEsther T. Mertz Library/Biodiversity Heritage Library hide caption

Thomas Edison (from left), Luther Burbank and Henry Ford. Two are still world-famous; the guy in the middle brought us many crop experiments, including the Himalayan blackberry that's now inescapable in Seattle.

In Seattle, blackberries are as much a part of the view as the Puget Sound — the twisting brambles so ubiquitous, they're as likely to vex gardeners as delight them.

The tale behind the city's blackberries turns out to be equally tangled. It starts at the end of the 19th century, at a time when American life was changing dramatically.

People were moving from rural areas to towns and cities, including Seattle. Industrialization was creating a new middle class.

Down the coast in Santa Rosa, Calif., an eccentric guy named Luther Burbank was hard at work on his experimental farm. Burbank didn't have any formal training, but he was working feverishly to breed strange and wonderful new kinds of plants.

This story comes to us from KUOW's Local Wonder , a story project that gives listeners the opportunity to decide what stories should be covered.

"He realizes the growing middle class is going to want to have fresh fruits and vegetables," says Phillip Thurtle , who teaches in the University of Washington's Comparative History of Ideas program. "They're not going to want to eat canned beans. They're going to want to eat fresh beans all the time. But in order to do that, they're going to have to be able to be shipped."

Thurtle says Burbank set out to create new varieties of fruits and vegetables that would be delicious and prolific — and that could withstand the voyage on the nation's new transcontinental railroad.

A packet of Burbank's Shasta Daisies. Burbank exchanged seeds with people around the world. USDA/National Agricultural Library/Biodiversity Heritage Library hide caption

Burbank sold his hundreds of plant creations through catalogs with pictures of shiny fruit and shinier superlatives.

Burbank's creations could also be weird — like a spineless cactus. Or his potato-tomato hybrid, which somehow never took off. But others — like the freestone peach and elephant garlic — were smash hits.

"My favorite example is the Shasta daisy, because this is something that most of us have in our gardens," Thurtle says.

If you've had fries at McDonald's, you've likely eaten a relative of a Burbank creation. A potato Burbank bred in the 1870s, called the Burbank, later mutated into a potato called the Russet Burbank. It's the most widely grown potato in America today.

Thurtle says that Burbank was also working on another large-scale project: the thornless blackberry — "kind of the parallel to his spineless cactus or his stoneless plum. He wanted to take the rough spots out of nature, to domesticate it for middle-class lives."

Burbank traded seeds with fellow collectors from around the world. In a package from India, he found seeds for a huge blackberry with an even bigger flavor.

Burbank named it the Himalaya Giant (even though it's actually believed to be from Armenia). And he found that this blackberry grew like nobody's business — but only in temperate areas, like the Pacific Coast. So in 1894, he offered the berry in a special circular he sent buyers in mild climates. It was popular.

By the early 1900s, the Himalaya Giant — which would eventually be known as the Himalayan blackberry — was especially thriving in the Puget Sound region.

Thurtle says Burbank's business was thriving, too. Everyone wanted to see his plant laboratory. He was hanging out with Thomas Edison (light bulb) and Henry Ford (Model T).

Burbank had become an international celebrity. He was so successful at breeding plants that he became interested in applying the same principles ... to people. And that's where his tale gets problematic.

He started selling a new book that he'd written in his catalogs, The Training of the Human Plant.

Burbank wrote that the crossing, elimination and refining of human strains would result in "an ultimate product that should be the finest race ever known."

He considered the U.S. the perfect place to practice eugenics, because, at the turn of the century, there were immigrants coming from all over the world. He wrote:

"Look at the material on which to draw. Here is the North, powerful, virile, aggressive, blended with the luxurious, ease-loving, more impetuous South. "The union of great native mental strength, developed or undeveloped, with bodily vigor, but with inferior mind."

Luther Burbank also introduced the Shasta daisy to gardens around the world, and the potato variety whose offspring is used by McDonald's to make its iconic fries. New York Botanical Garden/LuEsther T. Mertz Library/Biodiversity Heritage Library hide caption

Burbank's theory of genetics was that an organism's surroundings left an imprint that was passed on to future generations. For that reason, he wrote that children should spend most of their time outdoors, communing with nature. Perhaps that's why a Mercer Island boarding school for troubled boys was named after him in 1931.

Seattle boys running amok were sent to The Luther Burbank School on the shores of Lake Washington, where they learned to farm.

Today, only the dormitory remains in what is now Luther Burbank Park. And the only thing running amok are the Himalayan blackberries that escaped those turn-of-the-century berry farms and gardens.

A blackberry bramble in Seattle. b-duss/Flickr hide caption

"I mean, there is not a part of Western Washington that is not touched by this plant," says Sasha Shaw, a noxious weed expert with King County, Wash.

Shaw says the Himalayan blackberry erodes soil and crowds out native plants and animals.

"It can grow in dry soils, wet soils," Shaw says. "It grows into the forest, it grows in full sun. There's really not a place it can't succeed."

Birds and other animals spread the seeds far and wide. Those seeds can live in the ground for years waiting to germinate. And once the plant is growing, when the tip of a vine touches the ground, it can create a new plant.

"People keep trying to kill it, and it keeps coming back," Shaw says. "It really has everything going for it in terms of an invasive plant."

Luther Burbank never got around to breeding humans. But it appears that he may have introduced a master race ... of blackberries.

This story first appeared on member station KUOW's website .

• plant breeding
• blackberries

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Seafab Cafe

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Review Highlights

“ I got the (not a) Cuban , and the meat was perfect and tender. ” in 5 reviews

“ As well as their lotus :) I asked for a specific order from the barista and she did it exactly like I asked! ” in 2 reviews

“ Best London Fog , best atmosphere with good music and always friendly staff! ” in 2 reviews

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1001 NE Boat St

Seattle, WA 98105

University District

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I've been a long time lover of Seafab. Best London Fog, best atmosphere with good music and always friendly staff! That being said, with the change of ownership came a change to the menu. Speaking on behalf of the gluten free (Celiac!!) community, it is extremely disappointing that the new owner doesn't see the value in offering gluten free bread options anymore. The staff has always been extremely accommodating and kind dealing with allergies, I just hope that this can be reflected in the ownership of the cafe! As a UW student trying to fill her brain with knowledge and good food, I hope the accessibility of Seafab as a safe spot to gather with friends and study can be valued under the new ownership. All the best, Alison P.S. If you order the spicy chicken in salad form, the staff is more than happy to accommodate, and its' very tasty!! Shoutout to the AWESOME people who keep Seafab lively and fun during intense study (and gossip) sessions :)

Their breakfast sandwich lives rent free in my head. I order the bacon, egg and cheese on ciabatta and the arugula is such a refreshing add. It's even yummier with a little bit of hot sauce. Would definitely say the prices are a little on the higher end but it's worth it for an amazing sandwich every once in a while and they're conveniently located near UW campus along the water.

A cool place near campus to study and grab a bite! The service is always great and the baristas are always kind! There is plenty of seating, however it can get packed! Endless of food options including acai bowls! But beware the peanut butter powder if sprinkled on top... I was expecting the powder to be mixed in but regardless still yummy and nutritious!

Very cute cafe! Near the water and lots of seating and played fun music. The drink and food wasn't super fast, but i've got things at far longer waits at other cafes so I didn't mind. The pastry was delicious, but Macrina pastries always are. Drink was a medium price, not too expensive but not the cheapest. I came here to read and have a drink and it was great for that. Highly recommend for a casual cafe experience.

Iced Mint Tea with a Macrina Almond Croissant

YES YES YES I LOVE Seafab! This is like the only place in UDistrict with Lotus and I'm so here for it. They have stamp cards and so many drink options. Price isn't that bad!!! So slay. So much seating, and if you can get it there's free 2 hour parking. What a little gem tucked away in west campus. FOOOOD was AMAZING!!! The eggs aren't those premade eggs they use fresh ones. All the bread was so good. I really loved the egg and cheese. Service was so sweet. They were really nice and patient with our order. Inside there's some people doing homework, taking Zoom calls, and chatting. I found my new favorite spot!!! :)

See all photos from Ciara L. for Seafab Cafe

I woke up ravenous, encased in sweat from what seems to be this city's anti-AC policy. Tim and I headed down to a small, university cafe by the elicited name above. The entrance resembled a recently renovated storage unit, covered in faux foliage and the aura of liberal costal elites. Tim and I were ill impressed. I ordered what seemed like a safe option, a sausage, egg, and cheese burrito. What I thought was safe ended up being a gastrointestinal disaster. My burrito was stuffed with what gleaned to be Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage and the remnants from a pan of scrambled eggs. After a couple bites, I decided it was best to console my hunger with sips of cold brew. Overall, not my favorite to wake up to, but coffee was solid. Anyways that's all from me! Stay safe, stay Seattle!

Said burrito

GURRLLLL DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED. The service was nice although it seemed like the trainee at the counter had yet to even clocked in. Mentally speaking of course. I was overcharged for both of my items because after I ordered and payed I was informed they were out and they offered me cheaper alternatives. The sausage, "egg", and "cheese" burrito was more of a sausage, sausage, and more sausage burrito. The Red Bull Italian soda was just Red Bull with whip cream. The ambiance is as if you took a mid century modern home that needed to be remodeled and then took away the air conditioning. Overall not very impressed. Next time I'll be taking my business elsewhere. XOXO Ben.

SAUSAGE SAUSAGE SAUSAGE AND MORE SAUSAGE

Don't even know where to begin

Cute cafe by the water in Udistrict. The prices reflect the ambiance. It cost me $30 for a full sandwich (Cuban) and a coffee with oat milk (summer special S'mores Mocha). Very expensive especially because the sandwich was quite small. It came with a small side salad that was pretty mediocre as well. The sandwich wasn't anything amazing taste-wise either. The tea just uses tea bags that's still left in your drink when served to you. There is a large self-seating area and I saw many people working on their laptops there. There are single stall restrooms. There is no parking except for street parking.

See all photos from Carol L. for Seafab Cafe

Good service and food quality. Breakfast sandwiches are really good. Coffee is good. The Cuban was ok. My issue was the menu states different types of bread for certain sandwiches, the "Not A Cuban on Ciabatta" says in the description it is on a "sweet roll" but-like the name says- it was on the same ciabatta roll that my bacon breakfast sandwich comes on...maybe I would have liked it more on the sweet roll? Not sure why description and name do not match. I go there regularly. And they have PARKING.

Hidden Gem!! Absolutely love this place. The lotus was delicious and sweet. Their white coffee was nutty & very flavorful! As well as their lotus :) I asked for a specific order from the barista and she did it exactly like I asked! Great service :)

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Arabela C. said "My friend would not shut up about this place. She lives around the corner and this location just opened up. While in town, I went ahead and gave it a shot. I was a bit upset I didn't get to try their breakfast, but I did however…" read more

in New American, Breakfast & Brunch

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