Our season starts in Spring and 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. Life vests are provided; however, you may bring your own. The weather is changeable so be sure to bring layers in case the weather cools.
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. Life vests are provided; however, you may bring your own. The weather is changeable so be sure to bring layers in case the weather cools.
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. (15 hours total instruction time)
Price: $450
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. (15 hours total instruction time)
Price: $450
- April Session: 4/17/2026-4/19/2026 Fri 3-6PM, Sat/Sun 9AM-3PM ->
- May Session: 5/8/2026-5/10/2026 Fri 3-6PM, Sat/Sun 9AM-3PM ->
- June Session: 6/26/2026-6/28/2026 Fri 3-6PM, Sat/Sun 9AM-3PM ->
- July Session: 7/18/2026-7/20/2026 Fri 3-6PM, Sat/Sun 9AM-3PM ->
- August Session: 8/14/2026-8/16/2026 Fri 3-6PM, Sat/Sun 9AM-3PM ->
Basic Keelboat Level 2
This course builds on skills learned in Level 1 (Parts of the boat, points of sail, sail theory, sailing windward and downwind, steering, and basic knots). With more time on the water to cement these skills. In addition, we will review safety on the water and crew overboard techniques. We will touch on anchoring techniques, review heavy weather sailing and appropriate sail configuration, weather, introduction to charts and navigation. Depending on weather conditions and comfort of the students, the group may also go through the setup and use/handling of a spinnaker. (15 hours total instruction time)
Price: $450
This course builds on skills learned in Level 1 (Parts of the boat, points of sail, sail theory, sailing windward and downwind, steering, and basic knots). With more time on the water to cement these skills. In addition, we will review safety on the water and crew overboard techniques. We will touch on anchoring techniques, review heavy weather sailing and appropriate sail configuration, weather, introduction to charts and navigation. Depending on weather conditions and comfort of the students, the group may also go through the setup and use/handling of a spinnaker. (15 hours total instruction time)
Price: $450
- July Session: 7/25/2026-7/26/2026 Sat/Sun 9AM-4:30PM ->
- Sept Session: 9/12/2026-9/13/2026 Sat/Sun 9AM-4:30PM ->
Spinnaker Sailing Clinic
Curious about flying a spinnaker but not sure where to start? This weekend-only hands-on clinic is designed to build confidence and practical skills using a spinnaker for downwind sailing. We’ll cover what a spinnaker is used for, when and why to fly it, how to rig and set it up correctly, and safe techniques for hoisting, trimming, gybing, and dousing. After shoreside instruction, you’ll head out on the water for guided practice, giving you real-world experience handling the spinnaker as part of a team. Perfect for sailors looking to expand their skill set and add a whole new level of fun (and speed) to their sailing.
Price: $450
Curious about flying a spinnaker but not sure where to start? This weekend-only hands-on clinic is designed to build confidence and practical skills using a spinnaker for downwind sailing. We’ll cover what a spinnaker is used for, when and why to fly it, how to rig and set it up correctly, and safe techniques for hoisting, trimming, gybing, and dousing. After shoreside instruction, you’ll head out on the water for guided practice, giving you real-world experience handling the spinnaker as part of a team. Perfect for sailors looking to expand their skill set and add a whole new level of fun (and speed) to their sailing.
Price: $450
- August Session: 8/29/2026-8/30/2026 Sat/Sun 9AM-4:30PM ->
Women's Sailing
Taught BY women FOR women.
Private Instruction
We offer one-on-one instruction with our US Sailing certified instructors. Focus on what you want, learn at your own pace. Scheduling will depend on boat and instructor availability.
Price: $100/hr per person 2-hour minimum.
Contact us for scheduling options
We offer one-on-one instruction with our US Sailing certified instructors. Focus on what you want, learn at your own pace. Scheduling will depend on boat and instructor availability.
Price: $100/hr per person 2-hour minimum.
Contact us for scheduling options
What our students have to say...
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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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
Thank you for communicating what I was doing right and what I needed to work on. I felt very supported. - Women's Sailing Program Student, May 2022 |
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 |
I loved each person's different teaching style and appreciated the hands-on experience. Great balance of letting us try to figure things out and giving us all the tools we needed and making sure we were safe on the water. - Student, August 2023 |
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. (15 hours total instruction time)
This course is not currently scheduled. If interested, please contact us for details.
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. (15 hours total instruction time)
This course is not currently scheduled. If interested, please contact us for details.
Overnight Cruise
This course executes the plan drafted in Basic Cruising. Pricing will depend on destination and duration of the cruise, vessel and instructor.
This course is not currently scheduled. If interested, please contact us for details.
This course executes the plan drafted in Basic Cruising. Pricing will depend on destination and duration of the cruise, vessel and instructor.
This course is not currently scheduled. If interested, please contact us for details.