Happy Guests Aboard

We are happy to share what Allison and her group liked about their charter with Sailnorthwest Charters!

We had the best time! Our week-long family trip in the San Juan islands was wonderful! Our captains Judy and Griff, their dog Lilly, and our family of six sailed on Hopscotch, a well laid out, clean, and well maintained sail boat. Both Judy and Griff cooked for us, and our meals were delicious. The kitchen was stocked with lots of fresh fruit and snacks, and there was always an appetizer and dessert. We especially enjoyed the fresh peach pancakes! Our group spent a lot of time sailing the boat, and our captains were very patient with us as we learned the ropes. The stops each day were well planned and varied between less populated islands with hiking and rocky beaches, and Roche and Friday Harbors on San Juan Island--both cute, little towns to hang out in. We'd definitely sail with Judy and Griff again, and would highly recommend Sail Northwest to anyone.

Allison

Look What We Learned!

The following was written to us by a couple that took one of our private couples ASA classes this summer. It is always fun to hear sailing adventures from our students. This was written after they saw photos of our class boat's keel damage after a class hit the rocks.

"Was so sorry to see the photos of Spotlight Gal, and hear of her mishap.  Will she be okay to sail for next season?  Your advice about depth finder, GPS and charts is sound - and we've decided to use Navionics for next sailing season. On our anniversary, we got ourselves a chart book and tools. Been enjoying learning how that works.

We took Strathspey out of moorage for the winter today - got in one last sail before she sits on the trailer all winter. We hope to do lots more cruising in her next year; glad for the opportunity to learn from you guys - we're better, safer sailors, and I am much less of a chicken because I understand all the factors better.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again, and hope Spotlight Gal will come through okay - we enjoyed our time on her a lot!"

 

BTW... Spotlight Gal is fixed good as new and aback in the water!

How Do I Choose a Sailing School?

Any school can issue a ‘course completion certificate’ and many will give you a local skipper’s license. If you want a certificate that will be taken seriously you should choose a center that is recognized by one of the leading bodies.
The main one that you will come across is ASA (American Sailing Association). The ASA is an American organization with a highly respected syllabus. Every year 210,000 people take an ASA training class and their schools are available worldwide. All ASA certified training centers are inspected and must meet demanding standards which include safety equipment and procedures on all the training sailboats, qualifications of instructors, syllabus, maximum student: instructor ratio of 5:1. Sailnorthwest Sailing School has a student limit of three per class.
If you are mainly interested in a sailing vacation you may not require a school that can offer you these high standards, but you should bear in mind what you are getting when considering whether you are being offered value for money.
www.sailnw.com/school.html 

Baby Orcas join our crewed charter!

Have you ever wanted to go sailing but don't know how to sail? Come and share in the fun aboard Hopscotch, our 50' Beneteau as we sail through the beautiful San Juan Islands. Sea life abounds, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic eagles, share in the romp of the Orcas at play, or watch the curious seals follow us. Enjoy great food and fun co-captains, Judy and Griff.

http://www.sailnw.com/crewedvacation.html

Join us for a fun filled week aboard Hopscotch!

Have you ever wanted to go sailing but don't know how to sail? Come and share in the fun aboard Hopscotch, our 50' Beneteau as we sail through the beautiful San Juan Islands. Sea life abounds, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic eagles, share in the romp of the Orcas at play, or watch the curious seals follow us. Enjoy great food and fun co-captains, Judy and Griff.

CHEERS from crewed charter guests

http://www.sailnw.com/crewedvacation.html

How Did You Start Sailing?

I am asked this question over and over and it is good one. How many sailors can say that one of their kids got them into it? Usually it is Mom an Dad that get you into sailing lessons and you go from there. Well, my oldest son Bill, took me for a sail from Seattle to Victoria, BC on his new 40' sailboat. He taught me how to read a chart and how to do dead reckoning while we were underway. I loved learning some navigation and have never forgotten it. We sailed all night with the tide and arrived at our destination early in the morning to the dawn of a beautiful day in a very charming city. I had so much fun that I joined a sailing club and my sailing life has grown from that first experience to achieving my sailing instructor certification and a USCG Masters license. It goes to show that what we make out of life starts with baby steps!

Come and join us for a fun filled crewed charter!

Have you ever wanted to go sailing but don't know how to sail? Come and share in the fun aboard Hopscotch, our 50' Beneteau as we sail through the beautiful San Juan Islands. Sea life abounds, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic eagles, share in the romp of the Orcas at play, or watch the curious seals follow us. Enjoy great food and fun co-captains, Judy and Griff.

CHEERS from crewed charter guests

http://www.sailnw.com/crewedvacation.html