July 23, 2024
Water water everywhere … it’s one of the most alluring elements of our region. Your long-hidden nautical side is beckoning, but you don’t know how to get started in sailing or boating. Test out your sea legs and your new obsession with these resources for new boaters.
Classes
Windworks Sailing and Powerboating Club
U.S. Sailing Classes and Charters
Windworks shares US Sailing's vision of introducing as many people as possible to this exhilarating sport. Based out of Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard, Windworks is committed to ensuring your learning experience is safe, enjoyable, and of the highest quality. Their US Sailing classes will provide education and instruction in distinct areas: Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Trimaran, Powerboat, Power Catamaran, and Navigation. Windworks allows individuals to learn from scratch or improve on their existing boating skills. Once qualified, charter the Windworks fleet as often as you'd like — in the same manner you would as if you owned a boat — for a day, a weekend, or a week. Their newer model vessels range from 22' to 46', including a 2022 Neel Trimaran 43' and 2021 Fountaine Pajot 37' Power Catamaran.
United States Power Squadrons
Find a club near you
A national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to boating safety and education, the club brings boaters together to learn and benefit their communities. “America's Boating Club” has nearly 20,000 members organized into more than 300 squadrons across the country. Squadrons in our region include in Seattle, Everett, Bellevue, Tacoma, Snohomish, and Point Wilson. They offer a wide range of classes from an introduction to boating to boat handling, navigation, cruising, engine maintenance, electrical systems and communication systems, radar, and weather.
Mountaineers Sailing Club
Introductory sailing classes
Believe it or not, the Mountaineers outdoor organization offers basic sailing classes including crewing, coastal navigation, and racing. They are not certification programs, but you’ll get a sense of what it’s like to get out on the water and get access to club boats and sailing trips.
Basic Sailing/Crewing Class
This foundational class will give you basic knowledge on how to crew a sailboat, different rigs and points of sail, basic navigation, trimming sails and tying knots, the best gear to use, and how to stay safe on the water. Offered every year in the spring and member signups start in February and March at the Seattle and Tacoma branches. When you have passed the Basic Sailing course, you can sign up to go on Mountaineers Sailing Club boats for day sails based out of a number of locations.
Coastal Navigation teaches navigation skills and tools, and piloting. Generally offered from May through August in Seattle and Tacoma branches.
Racing Course demonstrates sails specifically used in racing, racing rules of sailing, and racing tactics and strategy. Generally offered in June every other year in even years with the Seattle branch.
Seattle Sailing Club
American Sailing Association certification classes
Located at Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard, Seattle Sailing Club offers American Sailing Association (ASA) certified lessons that include classroom and on the water instruction. Topics include keelboat sailing, bareboat charter, basic coastal cruising, and coastal navigation. Once you’re certified you can join the sailing club and use the fleet of sailboats ranging from 22-40 feet. Other activities include group sails, destination cruises, and weekly club races.
The Center for Wooden Boats
Sailing training classes
The Lake Union learn to sail class teaches adults and families basic boat handling skills in a one-month intensive course and 10 hours of onwater training. The Center also offers ASA Basic Keelboating certification, private sailing lessons, and a two hour basics drop in. A four hour small boat cruising class https://www.cwb.org/small-boat-cruising covers small boat cruising topics like boat features, small craft voyages, a gear overview, and Salish Sea destinations.
Get out on the water
Carefree Boat Club
Washington locations
If you’re interested in boating without owning, Carefree is a private club where you pay an annual membership and get unlimited year-round access to club boats at nine Washington State locations including Fishermen’s Terminal, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shilshole Bay, Bellingham, and Tacoma. Your membership also gives you access to 140+ nationwide and international locations. Boats include ski boats, sail boats, power boats, cabin cruisers, pontoon boats, and fishing boats. They also offer unlimited classroom and on the water safe boater training with U.S. Coast Guard certified captains. And host social and organized events.
The Center for Wooden Boats
Rent a wooden boat
After passing a test to demonstrate your sailing capability, you can rent small craft at the Center for Wooden Boats in Lake Union.
Footloose Sailing Association
Program and events listings
Leave your disability on the dock. Launched in 1991, Footloose Sailing Association provides safe, accessible and rewarding sailing experiences to disabled members, their friends, and families and caregivers.
Mountaineers Sailing Club
Mountaineers website
If you’re a Mountaineers member and have passed the crewing course (listed above), you can get out on a boat by registering for the many sails with local club members. Get hands on experience, meet other sailors, and test your sea legs.
Seattle Sailing Club
Membership options
For less than the cost of moorage at Shilshole Bay Marina, Seattle Sailing Club membership provides access to sailboats for daysails and overnight charters. Members also get great discounts on sailing lessons, sailing gear, and events in the region.
WindWorks Sailing and Powerboating Club
Boating lessons and charter
US Sailing and powerboating lessons and the only US Sailing school in Washington. Offers training in keelboating, cruising, trimaran, and powerboating. The intro to sailing course gives you insight into what it’s like to sail before starting the certification programs. Membership for sailors of all levels provides access to the charter fleet, discounts on lessons, boats for sale, and yacht charters. Once qualified, charter the Windworks fleet as often as you'd like — in the same manner you would as if you owned a boat — for a day, a weekend, or a week. Their newer model vessels range from 22' - 46', including a 2022 Neel Trimaran 43' and 2021 Fountaine Pajot 37' Power Catamaran.
Gear Up
Fisheries Supply
Clothing and apparel
This full-service boaters supply store on North Lake Union has a great selection of boating and safety gear like foul weather gear, personal flotation devices, dry bags, and clothing that will keep you safe and happy.
LFS Marine and Outdoor
Online store
This store near Fishermen’s Terminal has everything a commercial fisher and recreational boater could want including boating and outdoor gear, fishing equipment, and gifts.
Seattle Marine and Fishing Supply
Online store
Near Fishermen’s Terminal, this shop serves the commercial fishing and recreational marine industry with boating clothing and footwear, boat parts, and fishing gear and nets.
Seattle Sailing Club Pro Shop
Online shop
The shop at Shilshole Bay Marina (and online) offers sailing gear, sailing books, charts, cruising guides, and navigation tools. You can also purchase gift certificates for gear and lessons online.
West Marine
Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
This national chain has stores throughout our region stocked with safety equipment, boating clothing and gear, books, and pretty much anything you can think of.
