Explore the US Sailing Coastal Passage Making course in Seattle, a transformative five-day overnight experience that teaches vital navigation and seamanship skills. Earn your CPM certification while mastering challenging tidal and wind-driven conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days overnight
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition, capable of handling boat maneuvers and performing onboard tasks for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Seattle’s maritime history dates back to early 19th-century trade and fishing industries vital to the Pacific Northwest economy.
Conservation
The course emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and responsible boating to protect the Puget Sound’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
Explore the US Sailing Coastal Passage Making course in Seattle, a transformative five-day overnight experience that teaches vital navigation and seamanship skills. Earn your CPM certification while mastering challenging tidal and wind-driven conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Plan for busy waterways
Seattle’s coastal waters have significant marine traffic; stay alert and communicate clearly with your crew.
Check weather forecasts daily
Puget Sound weather can shift quickly—monitor conditions to prepare for sudden wind or fog changes.
Practice night navigation
The course includes night passages; bring quality navigation lights and trust your instruments.
Dress in waterproof layers
Expect cool, damp conditions; layering keeps you comfortable both on deck and below.
Waterproof sailing jacket
Protects against wind and moisture during long on-deck hours.
summer
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides traction on wet boat surfaces to ensure safety.
Marine-grade gloves
Helps prevent rope burns and improves grip during sail handling.
Headlamp with red light mode
Vital for nighttime navigation and onboard tasks without impairing night vision.