America’s Cup boat on-water testing begins

One week after being launched, BMW ORACLE Racing’s new 90-foot multihull yacht hoisted sail here for the first time Tuesday and began its shakedown in 6-8 knots of breeze over four hours of testing on the Rosario Strait.

“What a great feeling to get this amazing boat under sail power,” said Russell Coutts, team CEO and Skipper . “This boat is incredibly challenging. We will take it conservatively in this testing session as we learn more about the boat and its potential.”

After leaving the dock at 11 a.m., the team first hoisted the 5,000-square-foot mainsail up the 158-foot carbon fiber mast towering above the trimaran. Following the mainsail tests, the team hoisted the staysail and completed some initial tacks.

Along with 14 sailing team crew members on board were eight members of the design and build team who continued structural and systems reviews during sailing.

The new yacht is a key element of the team’s preparation for the next America’s Cup, representing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club.

The initial on-the-water testing session will continue in Anacortes until the middle of September.


Climate Stewards training starts Sept. 15

Northwest Clean Air Agency is launching the Climate Stewards Volunteer Program to empower citizens to address climate change locally.

The 20 hours of free training meets Mondays and Wednesday beginning Sept. 15 at Padilla Bay National Estuarine Reserve. To register or for more information visit http://www.nwcleanair.org or call (360) 428-1558.


Burn ban lifted for some fires

The burn ban on small recreational fires has been lifted.

Contact the Anacortes Fire Department at the main station at 13th Street to complete a burn permit application for any recreational fires within the city limits. General yard waste and construction debris fires remain banned.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Call 293-1925 for more information.

For property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, call (360) 856-3500 for burn permit information. Those in unincorporated Skagit County should contact the Skagit County Fire Warden at (360) 428-3293.


Comments sought on major waterfront cleanup plan

Public comments on proposed cleanup plans for the former Scott Paper Mill site will be accepted by the Department of Ecology through Tuesday, Sept. 30. Open houses about the proposed plans are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 17, at Seafarers’ Memorial Park building.

The Scott Paper site is between 17th and 20th streets and east of Q Avenue.

The proposed documents may be viewed at the Anacortes Public Library or http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/sites/scott_paper/scott_hp.html.

Submit comments to Panjini Balaraju, site manager, Toxics Cleanup Program, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600; or to .