THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join a two-day sailing course at Elliott Bay Marina designed for beginners to gain key sailing skills and earn ASA certification. Perfect for anyone ready to set sail in Seattle’s stunning waters!
Join a two-day sailing course at Elliott Bay Marina designed for beginners to gain key sailing skills and earn ASA certification. Perfect for anyone ready to set sail in Seattle’s stunning waters!
Book with Northwest Sailing
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Northwest Sailing · Seattle, Washington
Experience the thrill of sailing on Elliott Bay with Northwest Sailing’s two-day Sailing Basics (ASA101) course in Seattle. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to brush up on essential skills, this hands-on keelboat course offers comprehensive instruction on knots, sail trim, navigation, and seamanship. Over two immersive days, you’ll gain practical experience steering, docking, and managing sails under the guidance of expert instructors. The setting of Elliott Bay Marina provides a stunning backdrop with panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline and nearby natural wonders. This course is perfect for anyone eager to earn their American Sailing Association certification while building confidence on the water. Participants will leave equipped not only with the skills but also the knowledge necessary for future sailing adventures. No prior experience is needed, making it an accessible introduction to the world of sailing in the vibrant Pacific Northwest.
easy.
2 days (approx. 12 hours total).
Moderate fitness is recommended to handle standing, adjusting sails, and moving on a moving boat with balance.
No prior experience is required; the course is designed for beginners to learn all fundamental skills.
Participants receive an American Sailing Association (ASA) 101 certification upon successful completion.
Bring layered clothing, non-slip shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle.
Food and drinks are typically not provided, so bringing snacks and water is recommended.
The course is suitable for ages 15 and up, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
In case of unsafe weather, the company may reschedule or modify lessons to ensure participant safety.
Elliott Bay has been a central maritime hub since Seattle’s early days, supporting trade and local fishing communities.
Efforts in Elliott Bay focus on protecting marine habitats by promoting responsible boating and reducing pollution.
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.
Book with Northwest Sailing