Course
Take your coastal sailing to the next level with an intensive CPM Completion Course launched from Shileshole Bay Marina. Gain hands-on night-navigation, tidal planning, and heavy-weather skills recognized by US Sailing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and comfort on boats for multi-hour watches; ability to handle brief heavy lifting and climbing on deck.
Wildlife
History
Puget Sound’s channels are the product of repeated glaciations; the region developed as a major Pacific Northwest maritime corridor in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Conservation
Practice leave-no-trace principles aboard and minimize discharge; follow local wildlife viewing guidelines and avoid disturbing shorebird and seal haul-out sites.
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating
Course
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.
Arrive early for briefings
Show up at Shileshole Bay Marina at least 30–45 minutes ahead to complete gear checks and pre-departure planning.
Dress for spray
Layered foul-weather gear and quick-drying base layers keep you comfortable through night watches and wet maneuvers.
Practice watch rotations
Be ready to sleep in short periods and perform consistently during night watches—bring earplugs and a small eye mask.
Keep a navigation log
Record tidal times, course offsets, and sail changes; disciplined logging is crucial for post-voyage debriefs and future passages.
Foul-weather jacket and pants
Seals out spray and wind during night watches and in the inlet’s chop.
Headlamp with red-light mode
Hands-free light for night navigation and chart work that preserves night vision.
Non-marking deck shoes
Safe footing on wet decks and compatible with marina docks.
Waterproof notebook and pencil
Useful for keeping navigation logs, watch notes, and tide calculations.