Elliott Bay Racing
Race across Elliott Bay with Windworks on two Catalina 275s and learn sail trim, tactics, and teamwork under pro guidance. Finish the night with waterfront music and local food—perfect for sailors and visitors who want an active Seattle evening on Puget Sound.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate: able to climb aboard, move on deck, brace during heel, and handle short bursts of exertion during maneuvers.
Wildlife
History
Elliott Bay has anchored Seattle’s maritime economy since the late 19th century and remains a working waterfront alongside recreational marinas.
Conservation
Local groups focus on water quality and responsible wildlife viewing—avoid feeding wildlife, dispose of trash properly, and limit single-use plastics.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
Elliott Bay Racing
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
Even summer evenings on Elliott Bay can be cold and windy—bring a windproof shell and insulating mid-layer.
Non-marking shoes
Wear non-marking, grippy footwear for safe movement on wet decks and comfortable footing while trimming sails.
Arrive early for briefing
Boarding and safety briefings start before the race; arrive 20–30 minutes early to get settled and assigned.
Protect electronics
Use a dry bag or waterproof case for phones and cameras—spray and sudden rolls are common during maneuvers.
Coast-guard approved PFD
Essential flotation—bring your own if you prefer a personal fit, though some events provide life jackets.
Non-marking deck shoes
Protects the boat and provides traction on wet decks for trimming and moving safely.
Windproof shell and insulating layer
Keeps you warm on cool, windy evenings common on Elliott Bay.
summer
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps phones, wallets, and cameras dry during spray and active sail handling.