Latitudes & Attitudes’ ninth annual NW Cruiser Party and Share the Sail event comes to the San Juans this month.

The big annual party/rendezvous is Aug. 13-15 at Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes.

“We expect more than 150 boats and upwards of 1,000 people,” said Bob Bitchin, publisher of Latitudes & Attitudes Seafaring magazine.

“We throw six to seven of these cruisers’ parties around the country, mostly at the big boat shows. And one international party at a place like Antigua, Tonga, New Zealand. But this one is different as local readers started it and put it all together.”

The first party was held in 2002 with about 20 people on Sucia Island. Last year’s event in Poulsbo drew an estimated 750 people.

The week prior to the party will see an official Latitudes & Attitudes Share the Sail flotilla in the San Juan Islands.

“We plan on stopping at Spencer Spit, Friday Harbor, Sucia Island, Roche Harbor or Rosario, and Lopez Islander before heading back to Anacortes for the party,” said Friday Harbor resident Darren O’Brien, director of marketing for the magazine and producer/director of Latitudes & Attitudes TV.

On Aug. 9, the flotilla will visit the Port of Friday Harbor. That night, Florida-based “Endless Summer” and Friday Harbor’s own Ken Bateman will perform at the Rumor Mill.

Aug. 10, West Marine will host a “Meet Bob Bitchin” event from 8-10 a.m. Aug. 12, the flotilla visit Lopez Islander Resort.