LEARN TO SAIL
Registration for 2023 classes is open!
Photo © Douglas Ludwig
Sailing & On-the-Water Classes at the Northwest Maritime Center
Our highly experienced US Sailing instructors, a year-round windy bay, and a beautiful waterfront location surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade Mountains combine to make the Northwest Maritime Center’s Basic Keelboat Program one of the best and most beautiful in the region. Experience sailing for the first time or take your sailing skills to the next level! All Basic Keelboat classes are taught with one instructor and no more than three students per boat. In order to further maximize your sailing time, 80% of each course is taught on the boat! NWMC members enjoy a discount on sailing classes.
The Northwest Maritime Center has received accreditation through US Sailing to teach US Sailing Certified Basic Keelboat Classes. Each student graduating from the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification Class will receive a US Sailing Membership, a Logbook and a Certification Sticker that can be used around the country to rent or charter sailboats. US Sailing is the national governing association for sailing and accredits only the top schools in the country.
Class Descriptions
Classes are listed here in alphabetical order.
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Private Group Sailing Lessons
Offered Wednesday–Sunday from May 25–September 3
$575 per sail | Up to 6 People | All Ages Welcome
Afternoon Sails: Wed–Sat, 4:30–7 PM
Sunday Sails: 10:30 AM– 1 PM
Learn to sail aboard our stunning wooden sailboat, La Vie en Rose! These 2.5-hour lessons are perfect for families, friends, groups, or couples who would like to try sailing without committing to a multi-day class. Learn more about these lessons on our Private Group Sailing Lesson webpage!
Basic Keelboat Part 1
May 13-14, May 27-28, June 10-11, June 24-25, July 15-16, July 29-30, August 12-13, September 16-17
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Cost: $550, $499.95 member
This is the first half of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course. Learn boating terminology, points of sail, sailing upwind and downwind, steering, basic knots, safety on the water, and practice crew overboard drills. This is step 1 toward your US Sailing Certification. The program takes place from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Tuition for this course includes the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Textbook, which will be waiting for you in the classroom. Alternatively, you may collect it ahead of time at the Wooden Boat Chandlery located at 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, open daily from 10am to 5pm. Simply tell the cashier at checkout your name and that you are registered for a Keelboat class.
Basic Keelboat Part 2
May 20-21, June 3-4, June 17-18, July 8-9, July 22-23, August 5-6, August 19-20, September 23-24
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Cost: $550, $499.95 member
This is the second half of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat course. Learn advanced sail trim, tacking, jibing, rules of the road, basic navigation, knots, reefing, line handling, outboard engine basics, and docking. Fifteen hours over one weekend (9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday). Receive your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification!
Basic Keelboat Level 1 is a prerequisite.
Basic Keelboat Full Course
May 15-19, May 29-June 2, June 5-9, June 26-30, July 10-14, July 24-28, July 31-August 4, August 14-18, August 21-25
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Cost: $1050, $999.50 member
This is the full US Sailing Basic Keelboat course taught over 5 consecutive days. See Level 1 and Level 2 descriptions for course content. The program takes place from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Receive your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification!
Tuition for this course includes the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Textbook, which will be waiting for you in the classroom. Alternatively, you may collect it ahead of time at the Wooden Boat Chandlery located at 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Simply tell the cashier at checkout your name and that you are registered for a Keelboat class.
Womens' Basic Keelboat Full Course
June 12-16, July 17-21, August 7-11
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Cost: $1050, $999.50 member
Do you learn better in a class with women? This is the full US Sailing Basic Keelboat course taught over five consecutive days. See Level 1 and Level 2 descriptions for course content. The program takes place from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. Receive your US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification!
Tuition for this course includes the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Textbook, which will be waiting for you in the classroom. Alternatively, you may collect it ahead of time at the Wooden Boat Chandlery located at 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Simply tell the cashier at checkout your name and that you are registered for a Keelboat class. Women and Girls’ programs at Northwest Maritime Center welcome those who identify as women and girls regardless of assignment at birth. These programs also welcome people who identify as non-binary or gender nonconforming and want to be in a female-centered environment.