Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival

Wed., Jul 1 2009 at 12:00AM

Since the Saturday Night Live Im on a boat skit aired in February, Ive wanted to get on a boat. But for those of us who lack the resources to spend the Fourth of July holiday floating idly amid the posh yachts in the San Juans or Côte dAzur, theres this weekends 33rd annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival. What could be more nautical then cruising on a 100-year-old steamship called the Puffin? Puffindoesnt the name just sound relaxing? Other vessels open to inspection and rides are the old lightship Swiftsure and vintage tug Arthur Foss. Food, refreshments, and various childrens activities are also featured. For thrill seekers, the Lake Union Challenge Cup races will feature craft constructed in a mere 24-hour period, built on site over the weekend, while you watch. Then they race sometime after 5 p.m. on Sunday. Last years winner was made out of bamboo, grass, glue, and a bed sheet. These contraptions are powered by sail and paddle, and you better believe that contestants know how to swimbecause sinking is a routine hazard. CHANTAL ANDERSON