Take a moment and breathe in the crisp air on Puget Sound. Feel the wind as it moves across the water and through your hair. Mount Baker in the distance Victoria to the north and the Pacific Ocean beyond a series of islands heading out west. For the lover of the outdoors, the Pacific Northwest is the ultimate playground of lush green forests and deep blue ocean that is alive with wildlife.
Of course, you would want to sail in these waters because the idea of gliding into a hidden cove while being escorted by a pod of orcas is on your bucket list. You probably love the idea of aiming the bow toward snow-capped mountains in the distance. Sailing in Seattle should be on every sailors list of required destinations.
The islands that are within such close proximity of Downtown Seattle are home to secluded coves and pristine anchorages. Within these waters that are teaming with sea life are vistas of evergreens that slope to rocky shores.
Can Seattle Be Your Sailing Destination?
Of course! Why not visit a pristine location to learn to sail? Not only does Seattle offer good sailing it offers plenty of diversions to help you fill the time when you are either not sailing or when the rest of your family is off doing their own thing.
Summer in Seattle
Take a ride on the Great Wheel in the middle of summer and it seems like you can see forever. You can spot the entire space where your sailing lessons will occur and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the majestic landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Seeing Seattle from a sailboat is legendary but taking it all in from 175 feet up is quite breathtaking.
Summer temperatures in Seattle average in the low 70s during the day and, because of its northerly longitude, your sail day is longer than most in the lower 48. If there was ever a spot where sailing and outdoor adventure combine perfectly it is Seattle.
Sail by Day Explore by Night
While the wind will fill your sails on Puget Sound by day your appetite for culture, good food and entertainment will be satisfied in Seattle. Of course, you could take a walk through Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market and get a fish thrown at you or sample some of this coffee town’s fresh brew; but the real draw is the clam chowder. Grab a bowl at Pike Place Chowder and wash it down with one of the many craft brews that originate in Seattle. Take a look at the events going on at the Market from live music to art installations to simply exploring the multiple levels and eclectic vendors found at one of Seattle’s iconic landmarks.
Stay On The Water
With Puget Sound playing a huge role in the character of Seattle you can rent a paddle board in Portage Bay, go whale watching in the San Juan Islands or simply tour the area on a Washington State Ferry. From Downtown Seattle, you can choose from multiple destinations to visit via the large comfortable ferries. While out on the water the views of the surrounding mountains and waterways will be a highlight in themselves but quaint small towns await for a leisurely lunch or some exploration of the Pacific Northwest.
Gulf Islands Flotilla - June 2025 Join fellow sailors in cruising the charming east coast of Vancouver Island and the beautiful Gulf Islands. These islands boast sheltered waters, magnificent marine parks, quiet villages, and welcoming marinas. Wildlife abounds on the land and in the sea, with deer, bald eagles, sea otters, seals, sea lions, and orca…
Sail Trim & Boat Speed If you are looking to improve your sail trim and sail faster then the American Sailing Performance Racing Seminars powered by North U are for you. Taking place all across North America, these in-person seminars involve a full day of classroom-based instruction.
BVI Flotilla - Feb 2025 The BVIs are the perfect destination for your first charter experience. A flotilla gives you the support group that makes that first charter experience even easier. And the weather in late February in the BVIs is some of the best.
