Seattle Sailing Lessons
Looking for something special? Call 206-784-9386 or email us at support@windworkssailing.com
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 offers Free US Sailing Membership and Free Basic Keelboat Graduate sail ($180 value)*.
*Requires Windworks club membership and all (3) Basic Keelboat classes completed/passed. Free Graduate sail is available Monday – Fridays during Summer Season. Other seasons available any day of week.
- US Sailing requires 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 school is consistently rated 5 Stars on Google (Over 100 (5) Stars) by its students. Check our reviews.
- 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
- 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.
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!
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
Vernon Baldwin
23:54 10 Oct 18
My charter was great and easy. You pick up your key, and head out to the boat! There is a simple checklist style sheet you fill out before every charter that takes 5 minutes to complete, and when you are done at the end of the day, you simply turn in the sheet. Windworks takes care of the rest. Loved it!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
Dermot Leeper
10:51 27 Sep 18
I am not a member of the club, but i was still able to charter a 40ft beneteau for a week in September at a reasonable rate. The boat was a little old, but very well maintained and spotlessly clean. The The staff in the office and at dockside were a pleasure to deal with, extremely helpful.read more
Ky Calder
15:02 14 Sep 18
The instruction was comprehensive. The on-water practice was invaluable. After completing the Basic Keelboat series I felt confident to skipper a boat with the help of novices. I highly recommend.
Laurence Kerr
23:51 22 Aug 18
The Docking class, four hours with a real expert, was the best boat handling experience I have had in 55 years sailing. Small group, plenty of time for practice and a boat in excellent shape -just first rate all around.read more
Lucian Wischik
19:42 15 Aug 18
Windworks Sailing was great. You don't need to be a member or pay an annual subscription to rent the boats. This was my first time sailing in five years since my first kid was born. Windworks answered the phone immediately, got me a reservation the next day on an almost brand new Capri 22, did a checkout ride with instructor Mike, and I had a blast sailing back and forth across the Sound.
You know, in the past, I'd always looked enviously at the Windworks boats, seeing in what good condition they appeared, but scared that they must obviously be too expensive. It turns out they are indeed in good condition and they keep meticulous checkout sheets. And it turns out they're not too expensive after all. I think I'll next go for a catamaran class with them...read more
Brynna Baldauf
15:25 13 Aug 18
I did the TGIF sunset sail on Friday. It sounded like a great time to just sit back and relax and have a guided sail ride. It wasn't very relaxing, as there was only 1 crew member and one student to help with the boat. The boat we took out had not been put away correctly and so the first 30 minutes of the ride no one knew how to fix the sail and we pitched back and forth quite a bit while all of us scrambled to help in any way we could. Eventually it got figured out but it took a quarter to half the time so that by the time it was sorted out we weren't left with much time to relax or eat the snacks they'd encouraged us to bring before we were heading in. The woman captaining the boat was very nice, but clearly they need a few more hands on deck to make these go smoother. If you want to learn how to sail this is probably a good experience but for those who don't, this may not be what you're looking for.read more
Susan Warner
20:01 07 Aug 18
We reserved Le Reve for the weekend. We experienced excellent customer service. The boat was ready to go and the dock staff was standing by to help with lines and answer questions when we returned. Was an amazing weekend - cheers!read more
Jim Hirshfield
23:40 29 Jun 18
I decided to get back into sailing and cruising a few years ago, after a family trip to Desolation Sound in BC. But there was no way we could manage boat ownership - we were just too busy to justify it, and we didn't really know what we wanted.
Windworks has been the perfect solution. We've been able to try different boats, build experience and get valuable training and advice from the instructors, and the expert dock staff who keep everything running.
If you want to add sailing back into your life, but aren't ready to own your own vessel yet, definitely give Windworks a try. It's been a good fit for us.read more
Tim Quast
16:42 24 Jun 18
Summer Solstice on "Frolic" an amazingly well maintained Cat 28mk ll. Introduced my son daughter inlaw and 3 grandchildren to sailing.
The whole staff were great and very helpful. The food and drink was local and yummy. Can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful Saturday.read more
Tyler Young
03:07 24 Jun 18
Honestly i had a blast. Captain Will was very informative, respectful and personable, i plan on doing this again. also i took control of the helm for quite sometime. was very very happy with my experience!! Thank you!read more
manvillea
21:55 18 Jun 18
Great day on the water! Sail boat was clean and in great shape. Outboard motor started on first pull. Staff was very freindly!
Mark Atkins
17:06 09 Jun 18
Great catamaran endorsement class with Captain Brian last month. Did a cruise over to Poulsbo and anchored up for the night. Walked away from the class feeling pretty comfortable to handle One World on my own. Great class and great instructor in Captain Brian. Thanks again!read more
Stephanie Krifka
20:13 04 Jun 18
Took the catamaran accreditation class with Brian, and learned a ton about how to operate a cat safely and confidently. Spent a lot of time learning how to maneuver a cat in the marinas, getting comfortable with blindspots and using the motors for docking, etc. and of course we had a little fun along the way. Definitely recommend this class.read more
Matt
07:08 10 May 18
I have been a member and student at Windworks for 3 years. They provide US Sailing instruction and they organize very fun sailing adventures. I have sailed on many of the fleet boats, and most recently enjoyed a 4-day trip on Hanse 470e Scirocco. It is a wonderful boat!read more
Damian Payne
15:19 01 May 18
We did the 5 day Basic to Bareboat last October and now we're up and running chartering boats out of Windworks! There's a great selection of boats, loads of club activities and best of all, you're constantly learning from all the staff and other members. You'll also be US Sailing certified, which means you can travel the world, chartering boats as your own skipper. Get out of your phone and get out on the water!read more
Tad Haas
14:36 30 Apr 18
I joined Windworks in Feb 2018 and have had nothing but excellent experiences each time I have joined in the sailing fun. This is true for basic keel boat classes, bareboat cruising certification, and boat rentals. Fast, efficient and fun. Great boats, good space and equipment and a crew: office, dock and instructors that all care.read more
Phil Faris
04:26 26 Apr 18
The Spring Tides Flotilla was 4 days of great cruising experience shared by a large group of Windworks members on 8 sailboats. I crewed on Sirocco, a beautiful virtually new Hanse 470e. Of course, elegance and craftsmanship are delightful, but the "performance" sails and rigging made Sirocco the fastest boat in the fleet. We had lots of 20-30 knot winds and gusts to cope with, and only our coordination as a team left room for improvement. (We never sailed together before.) Yet it was easy to improve and start to harness the Sirocco's potential. The open transom and large, comfortable cockpit was a real hit for evening socializing at the dock (stern in). For experiencing and observing a large variety of vessels handled by a large number of seasoned sailors, I strongly urge others to sign up for next year's Spring Tides Flotilla. Windworks has done a real service to the community in organizing this long weekend cruise through the San Juans and, not to forget, a crossing of Deception Pass.read more
Joan Mamelok
15:19 17 Apr 18
We lucked out with a beautiful day, and were able to spend most of it on the boat... first going over the more mundane aspects, check lists, knots naming things... and then we got to sail for 4 hours. Norm was fabulous, really giving us a hands on, figuring it out experience. He allowed us to make mistakes (which weren't dangerous) and learn to get comfortable... always encouraging. We even saw a mama orca with two pups!read more
Jimmy
02:16 19 Mar 18
Windworks Sailing classes are great. I’ve taken several - all really well received - but Bareboat Charter with Brian was the most fun I’ve had so far. Working with a more experienced crew and constantly testing our own skills was exactly what I was hoping for. The whole time there was great coaching and pointers from Brian. A++!read more
Lori Pitman
18:48 12 Mar 18
Windworks continues to offer top notch training.
I took a docking class on 11 March.
Will, the instructor, was very educational. He was patient and understanding of my skill level. I never felt rushed or uncomfortable with my limited skills.
The course was a perfect timeframe, a well balanced amount of demonstration and practice time.
We were able to ask a great deal of questions, regardless if directly related to docking.
I continue to feel more confident after each class.
I look forward to other courses offered by Will or the other instructors at Windworks.read more
Mike Sturza
04:02 06 Mar 18
After sailing and boating for 40 years I took the 5 day Basic to Bareboat class with Elena just to get certified. She is amazing, teaching each student at their level and keeping everyone involved in running the boat. I have since passed the Navigation/Piloting coarse and skippered and crewed on a few of the chartered boats. All well maintained and ready to sail. The Windshare program has not only reduced the cost of my sailing but introduced me to some new good friends.read more
Greg Nash
01:40 05 Mar 18
I recently joined Windworks to broaden my knowledge of sailing. I owned a 15 foot day sailboat for many years and was ready to skipper larger sailboats with the intent to be certified to charter large cruising sailboats anywhere in the world. I am very impressed with the quality of the instruction and the terrific staff.read more
David McCann
17:53 04 Mar 18
Fantastic 1 day course. I am actually a Seattle Sailing Club member, but love the Windworks clinics that are well communicated, calendared and easy to join. Barend was a super instructor, calm, yet funny, and informative. Great to refresh on numerous skills that get rusty with lack of use. Great way to start a new season. Thanks Windworks and Barend !read more
Holly Ann Walker
16:35 24 Dec 17
The best vessels and instructor staff you could ever ask for! Windworks is the place to go to learn how to sail, charter, or if you’re just looking to join the sailing community. They also have powerboats too if cold weather sailing isn’t your favorite or you’re looking to explore a bit farther!read more
Snow dozer
07:52 15 Nov 17
Elena was our instructor for the day. She presented the material in a clear, straightforward way, and made sure that everyone had ample opportunity to practice their skills. On the boat, she explained and demonstrated each maneuver carefully, which gave us confidence in our abilities. Elena really loves to sail, and her enthusiasm and excellent instruction made the class fun and informative.read more
Kristine Cramer
16:16 22 Oct 17
We had two teachers for basic cruising, mike and Elena. They were both good, but Elena especially was top notch. As a woman, she gave me (another woman) equal opportunity to try and do things. My experience has been that male teachers gravitate toward giving other men first go on practicing new skills. Not Elena, she was very even handed. She’s also a great teacher, and I am so happy with my increased confidence and skills for sailing bigger boats. I recommend windworks for anyone learning to sail!read more
David Skolnik
00:02 22 Oct 17
Very well organized and presented classroom instruction followed by on the water practice of the items taught and additional methods learned. A very valuable experience for learning a correct and safe way to sail.read more
Harlan Falkin
20:32 05 Sep 17
Completed my first charter with Windworks last Friday and had an amazing experience. The staff is very helpful and the boat was exactly as promised- and recently polished! By my own doing I could not find the wrench to unlock the fuel cap, so I radioed the club and got an instant response! So glad to know they are there when I needed them!!read more
Dave Ahlers
16:49 15 Aug 17
Chartering a boat is expensive. No way around that. But Windworks provide a top-notch experience for your money. I'm not a member, so paid the higher, non-member rates. We rented a well-maintained, nearly brand-new Catalina 27 for the day. There was a thorough Captains checklist on board, and with the assistance of the dock staff we soon felt comfortable with the boat. We spent the day sailing out on the sound, and upon our return pumped out the head, washed down the boat, and replaced all the sail covers. The dock staff was there to greet us and assist us with docking and any questions we had. There are really very few options for chartering a sailboat in the Seattle area, so Windworks is really your only choice. But they made it a joy to do so, and we will be back.read more
Erich Knaak
00:53 02 Aug 17
Attended the Bare Boat Charter course this weekend and had a great time. Patrick is an excellent instructor and full of a lifetime worth of sailing knowledge. His practical instruction style and love for sailing made the whole experience enjoyable. The boat, Bandon, was great and in fantastic shape, like the rest of the Windworks fleet. Next time, more wind. Thanks for a great weekend!read more
Todd Beahm
20:18 25 Jul 17
Love WW Sailing Club. Great vessels to charter for the day, or overnights once certified by US Sailing (and can do this thru the club). Really like the hands on approach they have; staff is always there for you when ready to sail. They will answer any questions, make sure you are at ease with the boat you are chartering. Have taken some lessons as well; instructors are knowledgeable and ensure you learn all you need to know. Recommend you go visit them and see what it's all about!read more
Diane Tchakirides
05:40 24 Jul 17
The class covered a lot of material. We learned the basic lines, parts of the boat and points of sail. Then we got to put what we learned into practice and spent the afternoon out in the boat sailing. Norm was a great instructor...friendly, patient and a very experienced sailor. I will definitely take another class at Windworks.read more
Justin Schuchat
21:40 23 Jun 17
One World is a great boat! We had 9 people on board for 7 days of cruising the San Juans & Victoria and it never felt too crowded. The boat handles really well and it's super stable even in less than optimal conditions. She has great amenities including zoned cabin heating that made the chilly mornings very comfy. I'd highly recommend One World & Windworks for your family sailing vacation charter needs!read more
Rick Worden
17:34 19 Jun 17
Professional and friendly staff are in the office as well as along the dock. They really know their business. I was visiting from Chicago for Father's Day and enjoyed a day of sailing and lunch in Eagle Harbor (Bainbridge Island). The sailboat was extremely clean and well maintained for operation; it was a joy to hoist the sails. I will definitely be back next time I am in town.read more
Dean Foster
12:47 19 Jun 17
Organized. Nice people. We rented a well maintained boat. It all was fun and smooth.
Richard Douglas
20:19 14 Jun 17
My family and I had an absolutely great experience sailing with Windworks in Seattle! The staff was helpful and friendly. Our boat was super well maintained. The experience could not have been better. We will definitely be back to charter from them again!!read more
Jeremiah Spradlin
20:01 12 Jun 17
I am a returning member, who dropped off 10 years ago and just returned to the club. I am thoroughly impressed at how tightly they run their ship. 🙂
For example, there were a few "issues" with the boat on a previous charter, but communication with the staff was easy and pleasant. And they took the time to meet me at the boat to review my issues, to make sure they didn't affect future charters.
My subsequent charter was trouble free!
But honestly, it was their responsiveness and helpfulness during that first charter that earned them five stars and why I will continue chartering with them.read more
Paul Becker
17:15 21 May 17
We love being members of Windworks, they have a large fleet of sailboats and the members are all qualified to use them before they can rent the boats, safety, convenience, and quality. Our favorite boat is Zuriblue, the Hunter 33, easy to sail, has central heat and enclosed cockpit keeps us warm and dry in the PNW.read more
Alex Applebaum
04:15 25 Apr 17
Have taken Basic Keelboat and Cruising so far and ALL the instructors have been excellent. They've been extremely patient and most of all keep learning sailing fun. Highly recommended.
Christina J Holman
16:47 23 Apr 17
My husband and I had our first sailing class yesterday (4/22/17 - BK1). It was definitely out of my comfort zone, and we had higher winds in the afternoon than expected, but Eric was an amazing instructor and I learned a lot. It was a rush! My husband loved it so much he wants to go back for more; what a great experience!read more
PierreM Geurts
17:05 16 Apr 17
Great BC2 class on a light sailing day aboard Chester. Bill carefully reviewed pre-departure checklist, trimming sails, heaving to, and many Crew Overboard Maneuvers. Always fun to learn from a seasoned expert.read more
REY ALLAN BONUS
03:03 11 Apr 17
Great class and instructor. I'm even more confident to safely take a boat out and back. Wished they had a class about docking with just the sails.
Mike Griswold
02:38 07 Apr 17
Reservation system is a little difficult but the boats are always in good shape, the deck crew is always fantastic, and the office folks are always easy to deal with. It all makes getting out on the water nothing but fun and enjoyment.read more
Dave Tempero
05:47 08 Mar 17
Great lessons. The instructors really guide you through the details of sailing without ever feeling "teachy". Will and Keith bring different styles, but great teaching and fun to hang with for the day.read more
Douglas Baughman
16:47 24 Feb 17
Windworks has very thorough teaching, small class sizes which means lots of individual attention, and boats kept in pristine condition. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I feel safe and competent out on the water with this club.read more
Trevor McGill
15:32 12 Feb 17
I had another great experience with Windworks! Spent the day practicing docking and close quarters maneuvers with a couple of other members. Great tips from my fellow club members and got to try out a boat that I've never sailed before. Joining the club is the best way to get into the world of sailing. Now I can take my family on multi-day trips or join other members for a Windshare any time I want to get out on the water.read more
Tony Haftel
14:15 07 Oct 16
Just completed the Basic to Bareboat cert on the Lucy Jane
What a great experience
Beautiful Bavarian 37 Amazing winds and scenery in the San Juans for five days.
Instructed by Chris Yoho an excellent teacher with skill, patience and just the right personalty and knowledge to make all that learning fun read more
Lorraine Palmer
17:22 12 Sep 16
We just completed our US Keelboat Sailing Certification with instructor Mike Mullins. He was a great instructor providing lots of working scenarios out on the water to get us ready to sail on our own. Nice people, nice culture, fun place to learn.read more
Gregory Hastings
18:39 07 Aug 16
Confidence, satisfaction, safety, value - FUN. Completing cruising classes now, after keelboats, sailing with other Windshare club members...; delivered on my research. Looked at clubs/classes/instructors from Seattle, Gig Harbor, Everett. Clear first choice, best boats, 3-4 students per instructor. Ask for Patrick Najou! Highest recommendation. Ahead, sailing anywhere in the world we travel. New friends, great adventures.read more
Christopher Drasbek
15:28 24 Jul 16
My private sailing lesson with Patrick Najou was amazing! You must be thrilled to have him on your staff. His years of sailing experience and teaching skills are the perfect combination. I learned so much! I enjoy the club and will continue my sailing education with Windworks.read more
Anita Lamberti
14:02 30 Jun 16
When trust, integrity and professionalism are a must, Anita Lamberti is the one to contact! Amazing person! Exceptional Realtor!
David Lester
23:01 28 Jun 16
I recently hired Mark Evans of Windworks to broker my 30 ft sailboat. Within one week of the start of the listing I had an offer which I accepted. Mark was great in guiding the whole process and within about 3 weeks the boat had closed and I got my original asking price!read more
Chris .Nichols
13:07 14 May 16
My family has been using Windworks for the last 18 months and it's been a great experience. The boats are new, well maintained and the rates are competitive. I would highly recommend Windworks.
George M
16:52 04 May 16
I took a couple of private lessons with Patrick Najou at Windworks. Not only did I pass qualification for the Windworks basic keel boat class, I received some really excellent critical feedback about transitioning my sailing skills from dinghy sailing to larger boats. Patrick has a remarkable sailing resume and a great outgoing personality. So I am looking forward to sailing with him again next summer.read more
Aaron R Robinson
06:14 30 Apr 16
Been a Windworks member for several years now. Great place to learn to sail. They are a US Sailing club and have some amazing instructors with years of experience.
Emre Can Sezer
21:18 18 Apr 16
I've been a member of Windworks Sailing club for a year an a half. I've taken the Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Navigation and Piloting, Bareboat Cruising and Basic Keelboat Instructor certification classes. Both the US Sail curriculum and the instructors at Windworks Sailing are top notch. I cannot stress this enough. You get excellent instruction from excellent teachers and boat load of water time.
The club has a fleet of Capri 22's which are great for day sailing with friends, but also offer plenty of adjustments lacking in other keelboats designed for basic instructions (traveler, adjustable back stay, fairlead tracks, etc.). These come handy during the Thursday night Capri races the club organizes.
If you're into cruising, the club offers a great array of bigger boats, perfect for evening sails or a getaway to the islands. The fleet has been growing steadily over the past year.
The club routinely organizes events like the upcoming Spring Tides event where multiple cruisers will head up to Deception pass over a long weekend. Thursday nights is Capri racing, open to all, sailor and non-sailors. It is a great way to experience another side of the sport and meet other club members. It is also a great learning experience for most.
Finally, the people who work there are people pleasers. They go out of their way to make sure you get a great experience.
If you're looking into getting some lessons, or for a club to charter boats from, check out Windworks Sailing. It has a lot to offer.read more
Doug Bostrom
20:00 18 Apr 16
We've been members of Windworks for for several years. There's no other outfit in Seattle making it quite so immediately possible to grab a professionally maintained boat and go, whether it be just for the day on an agile keelboat or for a few days in a full-up cruising sailboat.
Was inspired to write today's review after taking a WW Capri 22 out yesterday, our first WW outing of the year. The Capri fleet is extra-spiffy; all-new sails, lots of renewed running rigging and the boats generally in better-than-ever health. We had a fine day for about the equivalent money of a couple of lift tickets and Windworks deserves a hearty thanks for making possible such a rewarding time.
Also thumbs up to Justin on the dock. Super helpful but neither patronizing nor pushy. Excellent.read more
Casey Cady
14:27 16 Feb 16
I've been with Windworks since last summer and have had a great experience. The staff is super helpful and the boats are immaculate. I'd recommend Windworks to anyone wanting to get out on the water!
Adam Tischler
16:14 05 Sep 15
I joined a few years ago. I knew how to sail small boats but wanted to get into cruising. Their courses are great; small classes, good instructors and good facilities. The dream is reality, I recently took my family on an overnight cruise, totally confident in my skills, thanks to Windworks.
They have a great fleet of boats and friendly staff. I recommend them to my friends, if you are curious, check them out. read more
Jon Fritzberg
21:09 02 Sep 15
I've been back and forth about buying a boat for years. Windworks was a great find - a place where I could both learn more about sailing and actually test our a variety of boats.; Mark the new owner has brought several great boats into the fleet, from fast daysailers to cushy cruisers and they keep them in great condition. It's been easy for me to find others to share for afternoon or day trips through their Capri racing or Windshare program. i just wish I had more time to spend at Windworks!
read more
Suzanne Marston
15:20 01 Sep 15
I joined Windworks in March because I love the water and wanted to master the skill of sailing. In the last 5 months I have achieved my dream and have the skills I need to confidently sail. The club has a top notch fleet of boats to learn on and/or charter as well as fun club activities. I have also met great people here with the same desire to sail which makes it all that more fun! This club offers everything!read more
Zach Bahill
05:09 01 Sep 15
I joined Windworks this spring to take the basic keel boat class and had a great time. The three day class really taught me a lot and I liked having a different instructor on each of the days to get different perspectives and ways of teaching. As a sailing club, it is excellent. All of the boats are in great condition and well cared for. The dock staff is super friendly and always there to help if you need a hand coming or going from the docks, and the office staff are very friendly and helpful as well. And the actual club members seem like a great group of people, splitting charters with other members is a great way to keep costs down. Overall I would highly recommend Windworks.read more
Brian Lund
01:50 01 Sep 15
Having had no prior experience on a boat, joining Windworks was a simple way for my wife and I to learn to sail and meet others with similar interests. Classes are not required to get out on the water with other members. After completing a few classes and getting certified, we are able to take friends out on boats ranging from 25' to 49'. The certifications also enabled us to charter boats in other areas such as the islands North of Cabo, Mexico and the Windward Islands around St. Lucia. Next on our list is the Virgin Islands. Very happy we have joined and all of the staff we met have made the learning experience easy and enjoyable. read more
Camille von Eberstein
01:43 01 Sep 15
I loved my Windworks Basic Keelboat Sailing class! The instructors were super patient with my landlubbery errors. I really liked the fact that women were well-represented. Another local club seemed very guy-oriented, so I was happy to see that Windworks was very welcoming to women. I can't wait to go sailing some more, as soon as my parents move here (they were my inspiration for learning to sail!)read more
Paul Kent
01:42 01 Sep 15
Been a member since 2001. What I really enjoy are the Club Sails or Windshare. You sail with competent people who are eager to help. We all learn and share our experience. No cheaper way to go than split the expenses on a Club Sail.read more
Stan Diddams
01:27 01 Sep 15
You've heard the saying that a boat is "a hole in the water that you throw money into." Windworks offers a nice solution! I've been a member for 3 years. My wife and I have enjoyed the lessons, and the sailing. We particularly like the "Mindshare" list which allows sailors in the club to share a charter with others, significantly reducing the cost and allowing us to sail some very nice larger boats. read more
Tony Perucca
01:17 01 Sep 15
My kids and I have taken two sets of classes and find sailing together very bonding and fun. The Windworks instructors are top-notch, very experienced, and passionate about sailing and doing safely and with skill. The Windworks club is a worthwhile investment, giving access both to ongoing, fun club events and a variety of well-maintained boats.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:
- 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 25′ 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 15 to 17 are available during summer months. Please call office for schedule. (206) 784-9386.
Pricing
Basic Keelboat 1:
- Members & Non-members: $295
- Book a mid-week course for a 50% discount. (Text book extra)
Basic Keelboat 2 & 3:
- Members: $500 (Includes text book and free graduate sail)
- Non-Members: $650 (text book not included)
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 Part 3 (BK3) or equivalent
Pricing
BC1, BC2, BC3 Package
- Members: $795 (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 Cruising (BC3)
Bareboat cruising also requires Navigation & Piloting Part 1 & 2 for a separate fee $475 for members and $550 for non-members.
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 taken basic Keelboat 1 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 Keelboat Crew (BK1) is required. Students must be 18 years or older. Please call the office for the schedule. (206) 784-9386.
Pricing
- WWSC Members: $1,700 (text book included)
- Non-members: $2,200 (text book not included)
