explore the Puget Sound waters, guided by a knowledgeable captain
Windworks offers private Skippered Charters for up to 6 people! This is a wonderful way to explore the Puget Sound waters, guided by a knowledgeable Captain. Just sit back and enjoy the sights of Seattle and other Puget Sound destinations, or you can also take your turn at the helm with a Captain nearby for guidance! Bring your own food and libations to the party and participate in tacking and jibing as much as you’d like! See below for “samples” of vessels you could be sailing on. Windworks has over (12) larger Sailboats and powerboats (Trawlers) available at Shilshole Bay Marina (Outside Ballard locks), Seattle WA.
Scirocco
Scirocco is newer Hanse 470e 47 foot performance cruiser with 3 staterooms and 2 heads, including an owner’s cabin with a separate head. Spacious indoor salon with white leather couches, hardwood, skylights and a full galley plus full dodger and bimini top to protect you from the elements. The cockpit comfortably seats 6 people.
Le Reve
Le Reve (The Dream) is a newer 40 foot Beneteau Oceanis with three cabins, two heads and a comfortable interior where there is an ambient feeling of pleasure, light and peacefulness. The interior is bright thanks to the many Ports and Windows and the generous volume of each space. The cockpit comfortably seats 6 people.
Sunset Cruise
2-Hour Semi-Private Fully Skippered Cruise of Shilshole Bay, Seattle
$125/person
What’s Included
Semi-private cruise – Every Friday starting at 6 pm (arrive 5:30 pm sharp) until September 30th. Book early event sells out fast. Bring your food, wine, cheeses enjoy!
Up to 6 people per boat
34 to 47 foot newer sailboat
USCG Licensed Captain
All safety gear
Basic Instruction
Half-Day Cruise
3-Hour Private Fully Skippered Cruise of Shilshole Bay, Seattle and surrounding areas.
$149/person
What’s Included
3-hour private cruise
4 person minimum (Min 2 guests add $75)
Up to 6 people per boat
32 to 47 foot sailboat
USCG Licensed Captain
All safety gear
Basic Instruction
Full Day Cruise
6-Hour Private Fully Skippered Cruise of Shilshole Bay, Seattle and surrounding areas.
$249/person
What’s Included
6-hour private cruise
4 person minimum
Up to 6 people per boat
32 to 47 foot sailboat
USCG Licensed Captain
All safety gear
Basic Instruction
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