 It is also significantly drier than the surrounding region due to being in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains, receiving only of rain per year.The bay was originally named "Port Townshend" by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, for his friend the Marquis of Townshend.It was immediately recognized as a good safe harbor, although strong south winds and poor holding ground often make small-craft anchorage problematic off the town's waterfront.