2-Day Clinic
Two intense days at Shilshole Bay Maine, Seattle, WA, where Captain Giorgio runs repeated, hands-on docking drills. Perfect for skippers with Basic Cruising Certified who want calm, repeatable arrivals and safer departures.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate—able to climb on/off docks, move quickly on a pitching deck, and remain alert through repetitive drills.
Wildlife
History
Shilshole Bay has long been a working harbor on Puget Sound, shaped by regional maritime trades and the glacial history of the shoreline.
Conservation
Keep fenders and lines tidy to avoid tangling kelp and marine life; follow marina rules for waste and bilge management to protect Puget Sound.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
2-Day Clinic
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating in Seattle, Washington offers a variety of hands-on sailing and powerboating experiences across Puget Sound.
The organization runs day sails, two-hour introductory outings, weekend and multi-day certification courses, skills clinics, flotillas, and seasonal events. Short experiences include the Intro-to-Sail two-hour cruise led by a USCG Captain/Instructor, and TGIF Sunset Sails on 30'–46' sailboats with a six-person limit for semi-private evenings. Practical skills clinics include Anchoring & Crew Overboard practice with on-water drills and role rotations.
Certification-focused programs include the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Series (three-day instruction with certified instructors) and the US Sailing Cruising to Bareboat five-day course that prepares participants for bareboat skipper certification. Powerboating options include a Powerboat Conversion class to train certified members on the Camano 31 trawler Clifford, taught by instructor Margaret Pommert, and a two-day US Basic Powerboat Cruising Series that leads to an international US Powerboating certification.
Community and event offerings feature the Founders Cup - Capri Race Finale and the Southern Crossing Flotilla, a four-day fall excursion in South Puget Sound. Each program emphasizes on-water practice, instructor guidance, small-group formats, and real-world seamanship skills to build competence and enjoyment on Puget Sound.
Location
Seattle, WA
Operating on Puget Sound waters
Certifications
US Sailing & US Powerboating
Courses that lead to formal certification
Signature Vessel
Clifford (Camano 31)
Used in Powerboat Conversion class
Trips Offered
11 trips
Range from 2-hour to multi-day courses
Reserve a spot for a day sail, clinic, or US Sailing/Powerboating course — small groups, expert instructors, real on-water training.
Practice prop-walk recognition
Test prop-walk direction under gentle throttle in open water before approaching the dock so you know which way the stern will swing.
Stage fenders ahead of time
Pre-position a roving fender and tie docking lines ready to pass so you aren’t fumbling during the final approach.
Use clear crew commands
Assign one person to give calls and one to handle lines—short, consistent phrases prevent last-second confusion at the cleat.
Watch currents at slack and flood
Arrive early to observe current direction and speed; tidal shifts can change your preferred approach and throttle plan.
USCG-approved life jacket
Required safety gear and useful during close-quarters drills where sudden movements are common.
Non-slip deck shoes
Helps maintain footing on wet docks and decks while handling lines and fenders.
Sunglasses with retainer
Reduces glare on the water and prevents lost eyewear during intensive maneuvers.
summer
Notebook or logbook
Record lessons, prop-walk behavior, and local approach notes for future reference.