Learn To Sail
Learning to sail and joining the sailing community can be a very rewarding life experience and sailing is a great way to spend your vacations. Learning to sail is easier than most people think and a US Sailing certification from Windworks Sailing & Powerboating is the best way feel confident out on the water.
Why Windworks & US Sailing?
Windworks is only US Sailing school in Washington offering Basic Keelboat to advanced Passagemaking classes on our own boats. Windworks is the only US Sailing Catamaran courses in Washington on our own boat. Over 130 Google (5) star reviews. Teach on newer Capri 22’s (6 in fleet) to 2018 Catalina 315 and 2019 Catalina 355. Have 25 boats in our fleet
- US Sailing offers more time on the water to get certified and a low student to teacher ratio.
- US Sailing is the only sailing body recognized by Congress.
- US Sailing provides the most comprehensive certifications available that result in the greatest student confidence.
- Windworks Sailing & Powerboating provides the highest level of education and is the only US Sailing school in Washington that certifies other US Sailing instructors.
- Windworks instructors are US Sailing certified, Coast Guard licensed, and professional educators.
- Windworks has best newer fleet of boats to learn on than any other sailing school in Washington. Come see our fleet in person before taking lessons.
What does it take to get certified?
US Sailing & Windworks currently offers six levels of certification:
- Crew Level: A crew-level certification can be accomplished in one day and will provide the skills necessary to participate as a crew member on a small keelboat.
- Basic Keelboat: Build on what you learned in Crew Level and skipper your own boat. Find out how pilot a sailboat, navigate, anchor and manage a crew. Certifies student to skipper vessels up to 27’/tiller outboard
- Basic Cruising: Build on what you learned in Basic Keelboat by learning how to sail larger keelboats, up to 42 feet in length. You will learn basic navigation, sail theory, boat handling, anchoring, and docking.
- Bareboat Cruising: Build on what you learned in Basic Cruising and get certified to skipper vessels up to 42 feet in length for multi-day charters. Bareboat Cruising will provide the knowledge to confidently and safely pilot a craft in a wide variety of conditions and anywhere in the world.
- US Sailing Coastal Navigation: 16 hours taught by Eric Jonsen (US Sailing trainer instructor). Classes are spread out over (4) days after work during weekdays. Requires US Sailing (BBC) Certification or equivalent. Call our office (206) 784 – 9386 for details and dates. Class sells out quickly.
- (5) day US Sailing Basic to Bareboat Certification. Intense on water class for “Experienced Sailors” wanting US Bareboat certification quickly. Taught on our larger diesel hydronic forced air heated 38′ to 47′ late model Sailboats with (3) cabins. Call our office for details and dates. (206) 784-9386
- Catamaran US Sailing Endorsement class on our 2010 Lagoon located on our dock in front of office.
- Private Lessons Available for power and sail boats for $120/hour plus cost of the vessel for a half day. Call (206) 784-9386 to arrange.
Mark McKelvey
00:59 09 Sep 19
In late July, I had the pleasure of sailing with Captain Brian Gross from Windworks Sailing Club to get my Bareboat Charter certificate. We sailed to Poulsbo and spent the night anchored out. Throughout we practiced numerous emergency drills and lots of docking. In addition to getting the certificate, the class really built my confidence in being able to handle any situation that might occur. Brian has tremendous experience and he constantly shares tips that I hadn't been exposed to before. He was also great at making it a fun experience while we were learning. If you are looking to get your BBC, I highly recommend Brian.read more
Christa Shackleford
06:35 02 Sep 19
Took BK1 with Rainer, such a passionate and fun instructor! Loved this class and learned so much on the water in one day. Will most likely be taking BK2 & BK3 for the certification!read more
Cem Sibay
00:54 02 Sep 19
Maybe I got lucky, and ended up with a great/passionate instructor (Rainer, who I highly recommend for beginners like myself). But sure doesn't seem that way given how many other 5-star reviews Windworks seems to have drawn. After getting my first level certification (Basic Keelboat), am hooked and see myself now getting through all the courses they have to offer...read more
Cem Sibay
00:54 02 Sep 19
Maybe I got lucky, and ended up with a great/passionate instructor (Rainer, who I highly recommend for beginners like myself). But sure doesn't seem that way given how many other 5-star reviews Windworks seems to have drawn. After getting my first level certification (Basic Keelboat), am hooked and see myself now getting through all the courses they have to offer...read more
Jeanine Spence
21:05 19 Aug 19
Wonderful staff provided a great learning experience. After BK1, BK2, BK3 I feel confident in my basic skills. Will and Brian made it easy and fun to learn.read more
Jeanine Spence
21:05 19 Aug 19
Wonderful staff provided a great learning experience. After BK1, BK2, BK3 I feel confident in my basic skills. Will and Brian made it easy and fun to learn.read more
Kent Ta
05:28 19 Aug 19
I am very impressed after finishing my BK classes with Windworks! Brian and Will are superb instructors with amazing knowledge, teaching skills, patience and humor who went above and beyond their call of duty to help their students. Many thanks, Windworks, for introducing me to the joy of sailing!read more
Jerry Van Galder
16:18 16 Aug 19
Rainer was an awesome instructor! Very knowledgeable, patient and humorous which made it fun too. Great boat as well. Top notch all around.read more
David Steere
17:47 11 Aug 19
We've been members of Windworks for the past two years, taking classes and going on day and overnight trips. The staff, especially the dock staff, are incredibly helpful and cheerful. And the classes are fun, very useful, and great preparation for getting you out on your own. They have a good selection of boats, and have never had a problem reserving boats. You do have to plan ahead during the summer a bit, but we've always been able to find a boat when we want one.read more
Alexis R
03:07 07 Aug 19
We loved every minute of the BK1 course! Will was an excellent teacher, who knew the boat and the water inside out and explained everything clearly and with patience. Can’t wait to take the next level!read more
Carrie Dixon
16:34 21 Jul 19
Windworks Sailing course was exciting and empowering. Their instructor was engaging and personable, articulate yet also accessible. We were sent a predatory study guide, light enough to grouse with a beer, which introduced the vocabulary of the boat. This helped us piece together the instruction with ease as we we already familiar with terminology. The practical phase left us feeling like we could head to sea and man a ship! Lots of repetition, with small ratio of students to instructor! My husband and I had a lovely date tacking and jibing around in the Sound!! Thanks Windworks Sailing!! Rainer’s instruction and humor made for a great day!!read more
Elisa Gentile
23:13 17 Jul 19
KB1: First rate instructors, small classes, comprehensive teaching. You can tell they love their job.No wind out there, so we learnt about knots, docking and wires. No waste of time with them.read more
Amy Hunt
16:59 16 Jun 19
I just completed the Basic Powerboat Cruising 1 and 2 classes and learned a lot of practical skills, gained experience and confidence. I would highly recommend Brian as an instructor. He was a great teacher who kept the class fun while sharing great tips.read more
Simon Griffith
19:47 12 Jun 19
I've enjoyed many pleasant days sailing on Puget Sound on various sized sailboats rented from Windworks. The office staff is courteous, the boats are in great shape, the dock staff are patient and knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, Windworks is a great way to make getting out on the water more affordable.read more
Ky Calder
17:20 03 Jun 19
The instruction was comprehensive. The on-water practice was invaluable. The instructors were patient. After completing the Basic Keelboat series I felt confident to skipper a boat with the help of novices. I highly recommend.read more
Sarah Zayic
13:52 20 May 19
I just finished my bareboat cruising course with captain Brian and it was an absolute hoot! I've taken a few classes through windworks, but this was my favorite. We did a ton of practice and emergency drills, which made every sailor on the trip walk away feeling more confident of their skills in every type of situation. The added bonus to learning and practicing so much was the event was fun! We laughed, drank beers (after parking of course), and enjoyed 2 days of sailing!read more
Michael Bowers
00:21 28 Apr 19
Just completed the U.S Sailing Basic Cruising class through Windworks. This is by far the best sailing school in the Seattle area. All three instructors, Norm, Will, and Brian, were great with different methods of teaching. I totally recommend Windworks for sailing.read more
Dmitry Guyvoronsky
02:32 24 Apr 19
We took Basic Keelboat class, and had a great experience all 3 days, in no small part due to outstanding coaching by Elena, Dave and, especially, Brian, who's cheerful and calm attitude helped my wife to overcome fear of tests 😉read more
John Sanders
16:26 21 Apr 19
I took the Basic Keelboat series of classes consisting of three full-day lessons from three different instructors, Phil (don't know last name), Eric Johnson, and Brian Gross. All three instructors were absolutely first rate. They were knowledgeable, personable and fun. The lessons consisted of both classroom instruction (sailing theory, operation of the sailboat, rules of the road, etc.) and lots of time on the water. I think I have a good grounding in sailing, and now I need to get more practice. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning to sail.read more
Margaret Sanders
03:52 21 Apr 19
All three instructors for the Basic Keelboat classes we took were terrific coaches and teachers. They knew when to teach, when to coach and when to reassure -- and offered supportive and constructive messages. I had only wanted to learn enough to be a helpful crew member on family sails, and I accomplished that and much more. Tacking, jibing, docking and even learning how to rescue a person who has gone overboard! More practice needed, of course, but well on my way.read more
Ray Tan
15:11 18 Apr 19
well maintained boats, super helpful and friendly staff at the dock (thanks Aaron and team!) I've chartered with Windworks twice now, looking forward to the third.read more
Brendan S
23:16 14 Apr 19
Took the Powerboating 1 & 2 course with Margaret and Brian and had a great experience. Very knowledgeable instructors who make it fun to learn! Thank you!read more
Jim Costakis
03:13 02 Apr 19
My wife and I chartered a Capri 22 today. It was a beautiful day with moderate wind and snow still on the Olympics. We had never been there before, but the checkout process was seamless. They do require a resume and one should budget a bit of time for the process, but everyone was very nice and helpful. The boat was in fantastic shape. We will DEFINITELY be back.read more
Max Manndorff
23:48 17 Mar 19
Went out with Brian and Will for my Basic Cruising series and loved everything about it. Great and knowledgeable instructors.
Keith Dager
23:40 17 Mar 19
Had BC3 today with Brian, learned a lot, great day of sailing. Quality experience all the way through since BK1
Beck P
00:44 12 Dec 18
The Catamaran course was great! Our instructor Brian was calm and cool and did a great job showing me how the Catamaran operates and handles. A great way to spend the weekend!read more
Steven Bryerton
01:13 28 Oct 18
Took the basic powerboat cruising 1 course with Brian and he was great. He made it fun and the skills we picked up were great - he had a great way of instilling confidence in everyone even though the majority of the class had little on water experience with those manuevers in tight space with 30’+ boats. Great course, great instructor!read more
Mona S.
22:28 01 Oct 18
I took the Basic Keelboat course recently and had a fantastic experience! My instructor, Phil, was really knowledgeable and fun. I shared the experience with 2 others and he was really great about making sure everyone got equal time learning different skills sets and manning different positions on the boat. He also assessed areas we all needed more specific practice with and reinforced that by allowing for even more hands-on experience. I'm new to sailing and often notice there aren't always many women out there on the open water. In fact, on this day sail I was the only girl with the other two male students and my male instructor. Phil made me feel very comfortable and I felt like an equally contributing member of the team! I'm very appreciative of this aspect the most, especially as a new sailing student. I absolutely recommend Windworks and I highly recommend asking for Phil! I look forward to completing more courses soon to get closer to sailing certification. Keep up the great work, guys!read more
Basic Keelboat
This course is designed for students who have never sailed before and want to learn how to skipper a small keelboat. The skills learned in this class can be built upon with our Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising and will eventually certify the student to take larger boats for multi-day charters.
US Sailing’s Basic Keelboat certification is the most comprehensive certification in the market and will give you the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a simple daysailing keelboat in familiar waters in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. The certification is broken into three classes that must be taken in order. Each Basic Keelboat class is (8) hours on newer Capri 22’s. The lowest student-teacher ratio in Northwest. Most time behind the tiller for students.
- Basic Keelboat 1 (BK1): Learn about safety, getting on and off the dock, how to raise the sails and more. Certifies student to sail as a crew member.
- Basic Keelboat 2 (BK2): Build on Basic Keelboat 1 with more sailing theory, boat handling, docking and practical experience.
- Basic Keelboat 3 (BK3): Build on Basic Keelboat 2 with more sailing theory, basic navigation, and other skills necessary to skipper a boat.
Successful completion prepares you to:
- Certification that allows you sail up to 30′ tiller steered sailboat.
- Crew operations and skills
- Leaving the dock or mooring
- Boat control in open and confined waters
- Heavy weather sailing
- Basic navigation skills
- Overboard rescue methods
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Anchoring techniques
Prerequisites
No Experience required. Students must be 18 years or older. Youth student classes from ages 14 to 17 are available by request, and parent participation is required. Please call office for schedule. (206) 784-9386.
Pricing
Basic Keelboat 1:
- Members & Non-members: $295
- Book a mid-week BK1 course for a 50% discount.
- Book a weekend BK1 course thru June 30th for 25% discount.
Basic Keelboat 2 & 3:
- Members: $300 (Includes text book, US Sailing Log Book, Sticker, 1 year membership to US Sailing)
- Non-Members: $595 (text book not included, US Sailing Log Book, Sticker, 1 year membership to US Sailing))
Basic Cruising
Learn to sail a cruising keelboat. Cruising keelboats generally have inboard diesel engines, a steering wheel, are set up for multiple day trips and, also, most cruising vessels and include hot and cold water, cooking facilities, sleeping quarters, and private bathrooms with showers. The larger size of the vessel is more comfortable for day sailing, as they can accommodate more passengers.
US Sailing’s Basic Cruising certification is the most comprehensive certification in the market and will give you the confidence to safely sail anywhere in the world and in a variety of weather conditions. The certification is broken into three classes that must be taken in order:
- Basic Cruising Part 1 (BC1)
- Basic Cruising Part 2 (BC2)
- Basic Cruising Part 3 (BC3)
Successful completion prepares you to:
- Certification that allows you sail up to 42′ sailboat.
- Organize and direct crew operations.
- Day-trip planning.
- Basic charts and navigation.
- Sail trim, heaving-to.
- Heavy weather sailing techniques.
- Inboard engine techniques.
- Docking techniques.
- Anchoring techniques.
- Safety and emergency procedures.
Prerequisites
Basic Keelboat Course (3 part series)
Pricing
BC1, BC2, BC3 Package
- Members: $695 (Includes text book)
- Non-members: $945 (text book not included)
Bareboat Cruising
You finally made it, gone through all the classes, had sufficient time on the water, and now you are ready to get through the next level. Taking the cruisers out for more than a day sail, that’s what real sailors want, to take her where the wind blows you, and stay aboard anchored in a far away harbor.
The first night you will charter your destination and get provisions for the trip, feel free to stay the night in the marina on your vessel. The group will set sail in the am at the designated time, and be anchored or moored by sunset. The next morning you will set sail again, and take the test on the boat before arriving back to the dock before sunset.
Successful completion prepares you to:
- Certification allows you to skipper vessels up to 42 feet.
- Organize and direct crew operations.
- Plan multiple day charters.
- Advanced seamanship.
- Advanced sailing techniques.
- Advanced heavy weather sailing techniques.
- Advanced docking techniques.
- Extensive knowledge of boat systems including diesel engine troubleshooting and galley safety procedures.
Prerequisites
Basic Keelboat and Basic Cruising Certifications
For members, Navigation & Piloting Course(4 Part Series) is required to be taken prior to chartering a WWSC vessel overnight.
Navigation and Piloting class is one of the favorite classroom courses for our members. We’ll teach you all of the critical information needed to navigate our beautiful complex waters of the Salish Sea and Puget Sound. You’ll learn how to interpret the USCG Aids to Navigation (ATON), how to read the navigational charts (maps), calculate tides and currents, estimate fuel burn and bridge clearances, and plan your itineraries.
Pricing
- WWSC Members: $825 (text book included)
- Non-members: $975 (text book not included)
Basic to Bareboat
Basic to Bareboat is our most popular course and combines all courses, starting with Basic Keelboat 2 through Bareboat Cruising, into a fun-filled 5-day cruise-and-learn adventure. When complete, you’ll be ready to skipper sailboats, up to 42 feet in length for multiple day trips to destinations in the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and more.
This course is designed for students who have some basic sailing experience and want to learn how to skipper larger cruising sailboats for multiple days.
US Sailing’s Bareboat certification is the most comprehensive certification in the market and will give you the ability to responsibly skipper and crew a cruising sailboat, up to 42 feet in length in a variety of weather conditions. Over 5 days, you will be taken through the following by a knowledgable captain:
- Basic Keelboat Certification
- Basic Cruising Certification
- Bareboat Cruising Certification
Successful completion prepares you to:
- Skipper vessels up to 42 feet.
- Organize and direct crew operations.
- Plan multiple day charters.
- Extensive knowledge of boat systems including diesel engine troubleshooting and galley safety procedures.
Prerequisites
Basic Sailing experience is recommended. Students must be 18 years or older. Please call the office for the schedule. (206) 784-9386.
Pricing
- WWSC Members: $1,500 (text book included)
- Non-members: $2,000 (text books not included)
