Pallin’ Around Charters: Sailing into Unforgettable Adventures
As the 2023 summer season unfolded, a new and exciting venture took to the waters of the Hood Canal – Pallin’ Around Charters. The dynamic duo, Katherine and her husband Kelley, embarked on a journey to offer an unforgettable experience to locals and tourists alike. With a primary focus on dinner cruises, Pallin’ Around Charters has quickly become a beacon for those seeking outdoor adventures and delicious culinary delights.
The Faces Behind the Charter:
Katherine, a former professional chef now working in the mortgage business, and Kelley, a seasoned carpenter turned captain, are the driving forces behind Pallin’ Around Charters. Their passion for the outdoors and love for sharing these experiences with others led them to create a unique charter service that caters to both adventurous souls and those who appreciate more leisurely exploration.
Kelley, a graduate of Flagship Maritime with a 6-pack captain license, brings decades of boating experience to the table. Katherine, using her skills honed as a professional chef, provides incredible meals to be enjoyed with the breathtaking sights around the canal. She will also be getting her captain's license this February to man the skiff in tighter places than the trawler can manage. The couple, having lived on a sailboat, in an off-grid cabin, and even in a van, are no strangers to the nomadic lifestyle and making the most out of tight spaces.
The Boat:
Their vessel, a 36-foot 1969 Grand Banks trawler, was purchased in 2022 in poor condition. With the interior in good shape but the exterior requiring extensive work, Katherine and Kelley undertook the task of restoring the boat themselves. The result is a stable and reliable vessel that has become the perfect platform for their diverse range of cruises.
The Philosophy of Pallin’ Around:
The name Pallin’ Around holds special significance for Katherine and Kelley, inspired by the lively and generous spirits of Katherine's aunt and uncle. To them, "pallin' around" meant having a good time together, whether they were grocery shopping at the local mart or on a wine-tasting tour in Italy. This philosophy encompasses every aspect of Pallin’ Around Charters, creating an atmosphere of warmth and enjoyment for all.
Community Involvement:
Investing in the community is a core value for Pallin’ Around Charters. The couple has rented out their home on Airbnb during the summer season for the past three years, gaining valuable insights into the needs and expectations of their guests. This experience has translated into improved dinner cruises and better-prepared charters, establishing Pallin’ Around Charters as a tourist favorite. Katherine also shares their adventures through a blog on their website, educating herself and others while showcasing the beauty of the areas they explore.
Expanding Offerings:
While dinner cruises make up 40% of their services, sightseeing and dive cruises each contribute 40% and 20%, respectively. Looking ahead, Katherine and Kelley plan to introduce all-inclusive weekends tailored for divers and their non-diving families. Recognizing a gap in amenities for divers in Hood Canal, they aim to provide a comprehensive package that includes lodging, rental equipment, and charters, helping build and strengthen the local diving community.
Memorable Moment:
One unforgettable experience for Pallin’ Around Charters involved a couple, whom Katherine and Kelley have known for a long time, wanting to enjoy one last cruise before the husband's health declined. The couple, joined by longtime friends, experienced a magical dinner cruise with a sunset serenade. One friend, a talented guitar player and songwriter, composed a song for the ailing husband, creating a poignant and beautiful moment against the backdrop of the setting sun.
“It was a really special moment; it felt really great to be a part of that and provide that setting for everybody,” Katherine shared about the experience.
Pallin’ Around Charters is not just a charter service; it's a celebration of life, adventure, and community. Katherine and Kelley's commitment to providing memorable experiences, coupled with their dedication to the Hood Canal community, sets Pallin’ Around Charters apart as a unique and cherished addition to the local landscape. Whether you're a lazy adventurer or a thrill-seeker, Pallin’ Around Charters invites you to come aboard and make unforgettable memories on the scenic waters of Hood Canal.