Our sailing classes run weekdays and weekends or as scheduled for private classes. Classes generally start in April and go through October, please contact us for availability.
Classes meet at the Port Angeles Yacht Club, 1305 Marine Drive, Port Angeles, WA (360-457-4132).
Time is divided between “classroom” and “on the water” instruction. All instructors are licensed Coast Guard Captains and registered with the United States Sailing Association. In good weather, we sail. In poor weather, we are forced into the classroom. Bring your lunch. We will break for lunch but will want to get back on the water as soon as possible. Life vests are provided; however, you may bring your own, especially if you are a child. Bring a change of clothing — you may get wet. Weather in the Salish Sea is unpredictable so be sure to bring layers in case the weather cools. Also bring a hat that will stay on, along with sunscreen.
Courses Offered:
Basic Keelboat Level 1
Learn parts of the boat, points of sail, sail theory, sailing windward and downwind, steering, and basic knots. Also included will be safety on the water and crew overboard practice drills. This four day class is the first step towards the Basic Keelboat Skipper program. (15 hours total instruction time)
Cost: $275 per person
Keelboat Level 2
Learn advanced sail trim, tacking, gybing, rules of the road and basic navigation. Also included will be heavy weather sailing tactics, line handling, docking and basic diesel engine operation. (15 hours total instruction time)
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat “Crew”.
Cost: $275 per person
Basic Cruising
This course continues on the knowledge gained in our keelboat courses. Students will continue to learn docking, mooring and anchoring techniques, heavy weather sailing (reefing), overboard rescue, and knowledge of basic boating systems. In addition, the students will plan an overnight trip, provisioning the boat and cooking aboard. This course exposes the student to a benefits of cruising this magnificent area in a safe and structured environment.
Cost: $450 per person
Classes meet at the Port Angeles Yacht Club, 1305 Marine Drive, Port Angeles, WA (360-457-4132).
Time is divided between “classroom” and “on the water” instruction. All instructors are licensed Coast Guard Captains and registered with the United States Sailing Association. In good weather, we sail. In poor weather, we are forced into the classroom. Bring your lunch. We will break for lunch but will want to get back on the water as soon as possible. Life vests are provided; however, you may bring your own, especially if you are a child. Bring a change of clothing — you may get wet. Weather in the Salish Sea is unpredictable so be sure to bring layers in case the weather cools. Also bring a hat that will stay on, along with sunscreen.
Courses Offered:
Basic Keelboat Level 1
Learn parts of the boat, points of sail, sail theory, sailing windward and downwind, steering, and basic knots. Also included will be safety on the water and crew overboard practice drills. This four day class is the first step towards the Basic Keelboat Skipper program. (15 hours total instruction time)
Cost: $275 per person
Keelboat Level 2
Learn advanced sail trim, tacking, gybing, rules of the road and basic navigation. Also included will be heavy weather sailing tactics, line handling, docking and basic diesel engine operation. (15 hours total instruction time)
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat “Crew”.
Cost: $275 per person
Basic Cruising
This course continues on the knowledge gained in our keelboat courses. Students will continue to learn docking, mooring and anchoring techniques, heavy weather sailing (reefing), overboard rescue, and knowledge of basic boating systems. In addition, the students will plan an overnight trip, provisioning the boat and cooking aboard. This course exposes the student to a benefits of cruising this magnificent area in a safe and structured environment.
Cost: $450 per person
What our students have to say...
It was amazing how calm he was even when students screwed up big time. It was also very nice that he shared his cell phone number with us, and HE CALLED US with the suggestion we might want to reschedule in order to experience different weather/wind conditions! That was great! - Student, June 2017
Thank you for being so patient while I explored my limited sailing knowledge. I learned much more than I thought I would ;-) - Student, June 2017 |
It takes me quite awhile to learn and I am very grateful for Keith's patient and skillful help in keeping the learning process open. - Student, June 2017 |
Keith is a great teacher and gave us pleasant 4 days on the water. As a couple who had not cruised for over twenty years, we needed to refresh our knowledge of basic sailing principles and techniques. Keith tailored our course to meet our needs and gave us the confidence to get on the water again. - Student, August 2017
We actually covered much more than the absolute minimum we might have. So not a complaint, but I would have appreciated just a bit more on proper sail trim (beyond just the tell-tales). - Student, May 2018 |
Actually, the course far exceeded my expectations - Student, August 2018 |
This course far exceeded my expectations in regards to learning sailing fundamentals and safety. I greatly appreciated the the water time, hands-on approach, and the instructor's passion. - Student, August 2018
I had a wonderful time learning the basics of sailing with Captain Keith, he is an amazing encyclopedia of knowledge and sailing lore. Thank you for the great experience! - Student, May 2019 |
I was impressed at hiw Keith handled my anxiety getting on the boat to sail by giving me some time and a place to meet them at the boat launch dock in 15 minutes. Just enough time to muster courage to get on. Kind and gracious with my feeling vulnerable. - Student, May 2019 |
Class structure was great for me, with more hands on with theory rather than the other way around. - Student, August 2019 |
Keith is a great teacher: non-judgmental, clear, calm and deeply knowledgeable - Student, June 2020 |
Keith is a great teacher: non-judgmental, clear, calm and deeply knowledgeable. - Student, June 2020 |
Thanks Keith, I really enjoy your style of teaching. I always felt that you were encouraging us to rely on our newly gained knowledge and think for ourselves, but always willing to give help when needed. - Student, May 2021 |
This was a great class and Eric did a fantastic job! He let us progress at our own speed and gave us an opportunity to function independently with his supervision. - Student, May 2021
My first 2 days were with Keith and the other student had to cancel so I got to have a personal lesson w/ a great instructor. He made me understand sailing on a fundamental level, which is what I was lacking. The winds were calm and made for a great learning environment. Keith was very competent & patient with me out there and he set the tone on how fun sailing is. My next 2 days were with Erik and I really appreciated his approach to teaching in that he slowed it down & made you really think about the knot you were tying and why it worked, what points of sail were more work & attention then others and the seamanship of it all. On the water he was clearly in his element and was also very competent & patient with me even on the last day when the winds were howling and I seemed to have forgotten how to tie a bowline. This was a great experience & I look forward to tapping into this wonderful sailing community you have here in PA. - Student, June 2021
