Join us @ The Shed on March 21st for the 2nd Annual‘Socks to the Flame”: A Sock Burning Party & Celebration of Spring Extravaganza, a fun-filled celebration that honors the rich history of the Maritime Sock Burning tradition! This lively event marks the official start of Spring and boating season, all while embracing the timeless spirit of defiance and renewal. We are proud to partner with the Warrior Sailing, a program of the USMMA Sailing Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)3 public foundation. All proceeds raised during the event will go to support the organizations efforts to provides maritime education for wounded, ill, and injured veterans, to support wellness, recovery and reintegration.
Socks to the Flame is a beloved community tradition rooted in maritime lore and created by our dear friend and fellow sailor, Bob Turner. It’s a joyful way to welcome the warmth and promise of spring while ceremoniously shooing away the chill of winter.
The day begins with a Community 5K Run/Walk at 9:00 AM, inviting runners and walkers of all levels to come together for a great cause. Registration is $35 for Adults and $15 for Youth (ages 15 and under), with all proceeds benefiting Warrior Sailing, supporting veterans through sailing, education, and community.
Warrior Sailing Basic Training Camp / Seattle, WA
The celebration continues in the afternoon with the Maritime Sock Burning Celebration from 3:00–6:00 PM—a time-honored sailor’s tradition symbolizing the official end of winter and the hopeful turn toward brighter, breezier days ahead. Bring your cold-weather socks, gather with friends and neighbors, and join us for this spirited ritual filled with camaraderie, laughter, and gratitude for the changing season.
Food and drink will be available during the Sock Burning celebration (3:00–6:00 PM):
Frogmore Stew – $15 per person
All-You-Can-Eat Oysters – $25 per person
Wine & Beer available for purchase through Windhorse
Whether you’re running, walking, burning socks, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Socks to the Flame is a meaningful and memorable way to celebrate community, tradition, and the return of spring.
A Brief History of the Sock Burning Tradition:
The tradition of sock burning dates back to 1978 when boatbuilder Bob Turner, fed up with the long, harsh winter, tossed his winter socks into a campfire as a symbolic farewell to cold weather. What began as a spontaneous act of rebellion against sock-wearing soon became a cherished rite of Spring. As Turner told Baltimore Magazine, “It was never meant to be taken seriously. It just says, ‘Enough with the socks! Time to go sailing!’” Since then, marinas and yacht clubs across the country have embraced this quirky tradition, welcoming warm weather and the return of Sperry topsiders, flip-flops, and, of course, boating season.
Fast-forward to 2026, and the sock-burning tradition still stands as a symbol of clearing out the winter cobwebs and stepping into a fresh new season. To commemorate this event, Windhorse will host a celebration like no other!