-
Intro to Sailing: Sailing EssentialsMay 9, May 23, May 24, May 25, May 26, May 30, June 6, June 7, June 20, June 21, June 27, July 11, July 12, July 25, July 26, August 1, August 8, August 9, August 15, August 22, August 29Our Sailing Essentials course is a comprehensive and fun three-hour introduction to the art and science of sailing, set against the picturesque backdrop of Port Townsend Bay. This hands-on experience...
-
Learn to Sail: Basic Keelboat Part 1May 10-11, May 24-25, June 7-8, June 21-22, July 12-13, July 26-27, August 9-10, August 23-24This is the first half of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course for those who want to take the first step towards earning their US Sailing Certification. Delve into boating...
-
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat Part 1Learn to Sail: Basic Keelboat Part 2May 17-18, May 31-June 1, June 14-15, June 28-29, July 19-20, August 2-3, August 16-17, August 30-31This is the second half of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course for those who have already completed our Basic Keelboat Part 1 course. Enhance your skills as you explore...
-
Learn to Sail: Basic Keelboat Full CourseJune 2-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 28-Aug. 1, August 4-8, August 11-15, August 25-29Earn your Basic Keelboat certification with our 5-day US Sailing Basic Keelboat class! Join us for an unforgettable week of learning, camaraderie, and the joy of sailing. No matter your...
-
Learn to Sail: Women’s Basic Keelboat Full CourseJune 23-27, July 21-25, August 18-22Earn your Basic Keelboat certification with our 5-day US Sailing Basic Keelboat class designed specifically for women! Whether you're a novice or have some sailing experience, this course is tailored...
-
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat CertificationBeyond Basic Keelboat: Skill DevelopmentMay 31,June 1,14,15, 28,29, July 19,20, August 2,3,16,17This Beyond Basic Keelboat class is designed for individuals who have already obtained a Basic Keelboat Certification and are eager to further enhance their sailing skills. Whether you're a recent...

Adult Sailing Classes
Our highly experienced US Sailing instructors, a year-round windy bay, and a breathtaking waterfront location surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains combine to make the Northwest Maritime Center’s sailing classes some of the best and most beautiful in the region. Experience sailing for the first time or take your skills to the next level!
We offer three levels of sailing courses:
- Intro to Sailing – For those who are new to sailing and aren’t quite ready to jump into the Basic Keelboat Certification course.
- Learn to Sail – For those who want to take the next step and earn their Basic Keelboat Certification. NWMC has received accreditation through US Sailing, the national governing association for sailing, to teach US Sailing Certified Basic Keelboat Classes.
- Beyond Basic Keelboat – For those who have already earned their Basic Keelboat Certification and want to further develop their skills.
You can dive into the course that aligns with your current skill level, or begin at the introductory level and progress through the classes step by step.
All sailing classes are taught with one instructor and no more than four students per boat. In order to further maximize your sailing time, the majority of each course is taught on the boat!
Keep scrolling to learn more about all of our different sailing classes.
Class Descriptions
Classes are listed in alphabetical order.
“I loved the sailing course! The instructors are excellent communicators with a lifetime of experience and knowledge. They were able to handle a classroom of people with different levels of sailing experience and teach us all effectively. On the boat, they did an excellent job of communicating orders, giving us some freedom to learn through practice, and providing great feedback on what worked and what to improve.” –Sailing Class Participant
Scholarships
NWM is proud to offer scholarships to those facing financial barriers so everyone can have the opportunity to learn with us, regardless of financial circumstances.
To apply for a scholarship for adult programs, please complete our scholarship application form during the registration process.
If you are in a position to pay more than the suggested price for a program, additional funds will contribute directly to making programs more widely accessible. Please contact our registrar directly at registrar@nwmaritime.org or 360.385.3628 x1.