Master Coastal Passage Making: Essential 5-Day Sailing Course in Seattle
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.
Overview
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.
US Sailing Coastal Passage Making
Course Multiday - US Sailing
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a transformative 5-day overnight course that equips you with essential skills for safe coastal sailing. Gain CPM certification as you master navigation based on tides, currents, and winds. Experience the thrill of sailing in diverse conditions, enhancing your abilities as a skipper or crew member in a challenging environment.
5 Day Overnight Course
Planning trips based on tides, currents, and winds. This course is intensive, challenging and incredibly rewarding. CPM certification means you possess skills and knowledge that the vast majority of sailors have yet to acquire. This certification means you have a substantial set of cruising skills and have demonstrated those in a challenging environment.
You will learn, and practice, the skills required for safe coastal passages as a skipper or crew aboard an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during passages on coastal waters, in all weather conditions, including all levels of visibility and all hours of the day and night.
Prerequisite: US Sailing Bareboat Cruising and Coastal Navigation
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
- Harbor seals basking on rocky outcrops
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof sailing jacket
Protects against wind and moisture during long on-deck hours.
summer specific
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.