Advance your sailing skills with a two-day Cruising Skipper course at Seattle's Elliott Bay Marina. Learn navigation, safety, and boat handling for confident cruising.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic physical fitness to handle boat operations, including some standing and light lifting.
Wildlife
History
Seattle's maritime history dates back to the late 19th century, with Elliott Bay Marina playing a key role as a commercial and recreational boating hub.
Conservation
Efforts in Puget Sound include strict marine pollution controls and habitat protection initiatives to maintain water quality and marine biodiversity.
Northwest Sailing
Advance your sailing skills with a two-day Cruising Skipper course at Seattle's Elliott Bay Marina. Learn navigation, safety, and boat handling for confident cruising.
Northwest Sailing is a Seattle-based sailing school offering a range of hands-on courses and certifications operating from Elliott Bay Marina and Carillon Point/ Downtown Kirkland. The school provides entry-level and advanced courses including Sailing Basics (ASA101) in Seattle and Kirkland, ASA101 review sessions, Cruising Skipper (ASA103), Bareboat Skipper (ASA104), PowerBoating AB101, Spinnaker Handling, and a multi-evening Coastal Navigation (105) series.
Courses combine on-water training aboard keelboats and performance sailboats with classroom-style navigation and safety instruction. Locations used for training include Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle and Carillon Point Marina in Kirkland, with some classes meeting in Downtown Kirkland. Several offerings specifically prepare students for ASA certifications and log required hours toward ASA credentials. The Bareboat Skipper (ASA104) course runs as a three-day program with a maximum of three students and private cabins on a 30′–45′ sloop-rigged boat.
Northwest Sailing emphasizes practical seamanship skills such as sail trim, knots, docking, boat handling, navigation, and emergency procedures. The school also offers a focused eight-hour Spinnaker Handling course on a J/80 performance sailboat and a five-evening Coastal Navigation (105) series covering chart reading, position fixing, and tides.
Featured on The Adventure Collective, Northwest Sailing lists clear course descriptions, locations, and certification pathways. Prospective students can choose courses by skill level — from beginner ASA101 to advanced ASA104 and specialized topics like powerboating and spinnaker work. Schedules and booking are available through The Adventure Collective listing and direct course pages online today.
Tours Offered
8 courses
Range from beginner to advanced certifications
Training Locations
Seattle & Kirkland
Elliott Bay and Carillon Point marinas
Certification Courses
ASA & AB
ASA101–104 and AB101 pathways
Bareboat Class Size
Max 3 (ASA104)
Personalized instruction on Bareboat Skipper
Choose an ASA or AB course at Elliott Bay Marina or Carillon Point and book through The Adventure Collective to reserve a spot.
Check Weather Before Sailing
Puget Sound weather can shift quickly; always review forecasts and marine conditions prior to heading out.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Choose shoes with good grip to stay safe on wet decks during maneuvers.
Bring a Waterproof Bag
Keep electronic devices and essentials dry while sailing.
Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure even on overcast Pacific Northwest days.
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against cool winds and occasional drizzle common in the Pacific Northwest spring.
spring
Non-Slip Deck Shoes
Ensures stable footing on wet and slippery surfaces while maneuvering onboard.
Polarized Sunglasses
Reduces glare from the water, making navigation and lookout safer on bright days.
summer
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps valuables and electronics dry during sailing sessions and unexpected splashes.