Mark is editor and publisher of the Waggoner Cruising Guide, the most popular cruising guide for the Northwest with a loyal following of over 7,000 who purchase the book every year. Mark served on the NMTA Board from 2007 to 2010, chaired the Seattle Boat Show Committee 2010-2011.and created the Seattle Boat Show University seminar program. Currently Mark serves on the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show committee.
What would you like NMTA members to know about the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show?
It has continued to grow each year with more attendees and more boats and exhibits on display. The timing of the show in the spring is usually great weather in Anacortes and a great time to look at boats and accessories before the cruising season. People have a lot of fun at the show.
What do you most appreciate about working with NMTA?
The people! We are all passionate about boating and that passion shows at the Seattle Boat Show and the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show.
What boat did you learn to boat on?
I started boating on freshwater lakes in Wisconsin with a vintage Thompson with a 20 hp Chrysler outboard when I was very young.
What was your first boat?
A Sunfish sailboat and I did my own fiberglass work to fix it up. I also raced a powerboat at the Ocean City Yacht Club on a borrowed boat. For many years I was the youngest to ever place in a race in that series.
Current boat?
A 1978 Tollycraft 30 Sedan. My boat, while vintage, has been heavily modified with diesel engines, Diamond Sea-Glaze windows, a new galley and electronics. I use it when I lead our annual flotilla cruises to Southeast Alaska. In addition I cruise in my boat almost all summer long on the Inside Passage to meet with advertisers and update the Waggoner Cruising Guide.
Favorite place to go boating?
I have been fortunate to boat in some amazing places in the world from the Caribbean to the coast of Vietnam and co-authored a cruising guide to the Virgin Islands, a spectacular cruising area. Cruising the canals of Europe is one of my favorites too. Locally I am always thrilled to be in Roche Harbor, Otter Bay, Ganges or sitting by the LeConte Glacier watching it calve, or watching whales in Southeast Alaska. It is a tough choice to select a favorite.
