Gain essential coastal piloting skills with US Sailing's comprehensive four-part navigation course in Seattle. Learn to read charts, identify hazards, and navigate Puget Sound confidently—sans GPS.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 sessions, approx. 3 hours each
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly seated learning with some on-water practice
Wildlife
History
Seattle’s maritime history dates back to the Duwamish people, with modern sailing culture growing alongside the city’s rise as a Pacific trade hub.
Conservation
Participants are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and support local efforts to maintain Puget Sound’s fragile marine ecosystem.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
Gain essential coastal piloting skills with US Sailing's comprehensive four-part navigation course in Seattle. Learn to read charts, identify hazards, and navigate Puget Sound confidently—sans GPS.
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.
Master Basic Chart Reading
Familiarize yourself with maritime charts before heading out to understand symbols and depth contours.
Practice Compass Use
Develop proficiency using a magnetic compass to maintain course when visibility drops or electronics fail.
Know Tide and Current Cycles
Study the local tide tables as Puget Sound currents significantly affect navigation and vessel handling.
Use GPS as a Backup
Rely primarily on traditional navigation techniques but confirm positions with GPS for added safety.
Nautical Chart Kit
Includes charts, plotting tools, and dividers crucial for hands-on navigation exercises.
Compass
A must-have for mastering directional skills even when GPS is unavailable.
Waterproof Notebook
Useful for taking notes and recording bearings during practical sessions.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable during on-water lessons amid Seattle’s variable weather.