Practice sail trim, mooring, and navigation on real Bay conditions with skilled skippers running day sails and two-day expeditions from Sausalito Clipper Marina. These trips are instruction-forward and ideal for sailors who want hands-on experience under the Golden Gate.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4–48 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and balance; you should be comfortable moving on a heeling deck and climbing in and out of small launch boats.
Wildlife
History
Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate are primary waypoints; Alcatraz operated as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963 and remains a cultural landmark.
Conservation
Give marine mammals space, minimize wake in sensitive areas, and pack out all trash; follow skipper instructions to reduce disturbance and impacts.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
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.
Dress in layers
Wind and sun change quickly on the Bay; wear a breathable base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof wind shell.
Non-slip deck shoes
Closed-toe, non-marking soles improve traction on wet decks and protect your feet during active maneuvers.
Know the meeting point
Arrive early at Sausalito Clipper Marina, CA for check-in and a pre-sail safety briefing so trips can depart on schedule.
Watch weather & tides
High-wind sails are exhilarating but demanding; review local wind and tide forecasts before your trip and follow skipper guidance.
Windproof jacket
Protects against spray and the Bay’s cooling winds while you work on deck.
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides traction on wet surfaces and keeps soles from scuffing boat decks.
Sunglasses with retainer
Reduces glare and keeps sunglasses secure in gusty conditions.
summer
Dry bag
Keeps spare layers, electronics, and snacks dry during maneuvers and onshore stops.