Sailing Schools in Washington
11 search results

Chariot Adventures
Bellingham, Washington, United States
Chariot Adventures is based in Bellingham, Washington, offering a unique sailing experience in the beautiful San Juan Islands. Their ASA Cruise n Learn class is a six-day, live-aboard mini-cruise that provides hands-on sailing practice, covering skills like docking, anchoring, navigation, and safety, based on the ASA 101, 103, and 104 curriculum. The school specializes in working with couples, offering private cruises where partners can learn together and gain confidence sailing their own boat. Participants may explore iconic spots such as Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Rosario Resort, and smaller islands like Sucia and Lummi, with opportunities to see wildlife like orca whales and bald eagles along the way.

Puget Sound Sailing Institute
Tacoma, Washington, United States
Puget Sound Sailing Institute is dedicated to providing high-quality sailing education in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. Their experienced instructors, some of whom have received the prestigious ASA Outstanding Instructor award, focus on personalized teaching and practical on-water training. The school offers a wide range of courses, from beginner keelboat lessons to advanced certifications in navigation and offshore cruising, all designed to help students build confidence and achieve their sailing goals in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Griffin Bay Adventures
Friday Harbor, Washington, United States
Nestled on San Juan Island, Griffin Bay Adventures offers a scenic setting in one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the United States. The school provides tailored sailing and powerboat courses, ranging from basic certifications to advanced coastal sailing and ocean crossing adventures. Their team of experienced mariners, including racers, delivery captains, and cruisers, lead students through hands-on training aboard a variety of well-equipped vessels, fostering skills and confidence on the water.

Sail Port Townsend
Port Townsend, Washington, United States
Sail Port Townsend is a woman-owned sailing school located in the charming coastal town of Port Townsend, Washington. The school focuses on providing welcoming and inclusive introductory sailing experiences, emphasizing a strong foundation in basic skills. Their fleet features classic 26-foot Thunderbird sailboats, known for their performance and affordability, making sailing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With small class sizes and a team of passionate professional instructors, Sail Port Townsend offers personalized guidance in a relaxed setting, helping students build confidence and a love for sailing while exploring the vibrant maritime community of the Pacific Northwest.

Koru Expeditions
Gig Harbor, Washington, United States
Koru Expeditions offers sailing courses and expedition experiences aboard a 50′ performance catamaran throughout the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and into British Columbia. Entry-level instruction is also available on a modern Jeanneau 349. With an inclusive and adaptive teaching style, Koru supports a wide range of learners, ensuring a practical, hands-on experience for every participant. As a small, nimble operation, Koru Expeditions is able to provide customized programs and frequently accommodate last-minute class requests. Whether certification is needed for an upcoming charter or a more casual experience is desired, the team is committed to meeting individual goals. Additional offerings include docking workshops, sunset cruises, introductory sailing courses (2- and 4-hour options), and hosted corporate or community events. Every experience with Koru Expeditions is designed to inspire adventure, foster learning, and create meaningful connections on the water.

Northwest Sailing Center - Seattle
Seattle, Washington, United States
Northwest Sailing Centers in Seattle offers a welcoming environment with highly experienced instructors, all of whom hold full USCG Captains Licenses and bring many years of sailing expertise. The school provides access to the largest fleet in the Pacific Northwest, including performance boats like J/80s and Beneteau First 36.7s, allowing students to learn and enjoy sailing in a variety of settings. From the peaceful waters of Lake Union to the expansive views of Elliott Bay, the location offers diverse sailing experiences for both beginners and seasoned sailors alike.
San Juan Sailing
Bellingham, Washington, United States
San Juan Sailing is a well-established sailing school located in Bellingham, Washington, with over 35 years of experience in providing quality sailing instruction. Their courses take place in the scenic San Juan Islands, offering students the chance to learn on fully equipped cruising sailboats while experiencing the cruising lifestyle firsthand. The school’s instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, guiding students through a range of ASA certifications from basic sailing to advanced coastal cruising, including specialized courses for women and catamaran sailing. With small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning, San Juan Sailing provides a relaxed environment for both beginners and experienced sailors to build skills and confidence in a stunning maritime setting.

Anacortes Yacht Charters
Anacortes, Washington, United States
Anacortes Yacht Charters is situated at the Anacortes Marina in Fidalgo Bay, offering easy access to some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. The school provides structured ASA sailing classes every weekend during the spring and fall seasons, taking advantage of the favorable sailing conditions during these times. The location offers a variety of sailing experiences, including handling tides, currents, navigating challenging straits, and close-quarters anchoring, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Baker. The school also features a combined ASA 101/103/104 course that allows students to achieve certification in just four days, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.

Northwest Sailing Center - Kirkland
Kirkland, Washington, United States
Nestled along the scenic shores of Kirkland, Washington, Northwest Sailing Center provides a welcoming environment for sailors of all levels. Surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery, it’s a great place to learn, practice, and enjoy the art of sailing. The center’s team, made up of experienced instructors with USCG Captain’s Licenses and ASA certifications, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every class. Whether someone is stepping onto a boat for the first time or looking to refine their skills, the center offers a variety of courses suited to different needs. Outside of classes, members can access a sizable fleet of keelboats for adventures on Lake Washington and Puget Sound, making it a lively spot for both learning and recreation in the Pacific Northwest.

Sail Olympia
Olympia, Washington, United States
Sail Olympia is based out of Swantown Marina in Olympia, Washington, offering sailing classes and adventure experiences in the scenic South Puget Sound. The area provides excellent sailing conditions year-round, making it a great spot for both learning and exploring. The school operates from March through October on the modern and well-equipped sailboat Meritage, which has received multiple awards for its design and performance. With a focus on personalized instruction, classes are small and tailored to individual learning goals, from basic keelboat sailing to coastal cruising and bareboat chartering. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, local culture, and sustainable, farm-to-table provisioning, all in a relaxed environment perfect for sailors of all levels.

Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy
98221, USA
Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy, located at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes, Washington, offers a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced sailors looking to enhance their skills. Situated near the scenic San Juan Islands, the school provides students with the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Certified instructors, many of whom are US Coast Guard licensed Captains, guide students through classroom lessons and hands-on sailing experiences, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for learning and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are currently 11 schools in Washington. Each of these schools is a certified training center, meeting rigorous international standards for safety, equipment, and instructor expertise.
Yes, there are RYA-certified sailing schools in Washington. RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certifications are internationally recognized and often required by yacht charter companies as proof of competence.
Yes, there are ASA-affiliated schools in Washington offering a range of sailing certifications. ASA (American Sailing Association) courses follow a proven curriculum designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident coastal cruiser.
In Washington, major certifications are available. These programs provide a structured learning path, allowing you to build your skills progressively and earn licenses that are valid for international bareboat charters.
Yes, several schools in Washington offer Competent Crew and Day Skipper courses. Competent Crew is the ideal starting point for beginners to learn the basics of life on board, while Day Skipper is the first step toward taking command of your own vessel.
