Applications for 2025 training expeditions in the San Juan Islands, Salish Sea, and Open Pacific are closed. We recommend applying as early as possible for 2026 expeditions to secure a berth on your preferred leg.
For the 2026 season we are returning to one of our most cherished cruising destinations: the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Rugged, remote, and teeming with serene beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cruising grounds, the west coast of Vancouver Island is an ideal location to learn bluewater cruising skills and apply offshore seamanship.
Navigational challenges including huge tides, powerful currents, and local weather patterns provide an excellent opportunity for you to build your skills and knowledge in a highly dynamic ocean setting.
You’ll master traditional and electronic navigation, storm tactics, Lifesling overboard rescue and gain many valuable skills and experiences. Don’t hesitate to ask about the waiting list if the expedition you’re keen on is full, as we do get cancellations.
July 4-12, 2026 9 days, 350+ nm
5,500 USD Apply by March 1, 2026
We start in Bellingham, WA, island hopping through the gems of the San Juan Islands and attending a private class at Port Townsend Sails. Next we'll cross the shipping leads and head for Victoria, BC to clear into Canada and make our way out the Strait of Juan de Fuca, keeping watch for orcas and northern right whale dolphins. Experience the wind and swell of the powerful Open Pacific as we sail north up the west coast of Vancouver Island to Barkley Sound, home to the stunning Broken Group where we'll cruise, explore, and learn before disembarking in the charming seaside town of Ucluelet, BC.
6 berths available
July 14-22, 2026 9 days, 350+ nm
5,500 USD Apply by March 1, 2026
After boarding in Ucluelet, BC we'll spend the next few days cruising, exploring, and learning in the exquisite Broken Group. From Barkley Sound we sail south down the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca and making our way north around the Saanich Peninsula. We'll visit a legendary local rig shop while learning to deal with massive tides, currents, and uncharted rocks. Finally, we'll visit Sucia, a cherished Marine Park, for a gorgeous final romp ashore before disembarking in Bellingham, WA.
6 berths available
July 24-31, 2026 8 days, 300+ nm
5,000 USD Apply by March 1, 2026
Board the boat in Bellingham, WA as we island hop through our favorite San Juan Island destinations before navigating the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca out to the Pacific Ocean. Explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and practice maneuvering in powerful currents and huge tides. Point the bow toward Port Townsend for a private class at the world renowned Port Townsend Sails loft.
5 berths available
Sept 5-13, 2026 9 days, 350+ nm
5,500 USD Apply by May 1, 2026
We start in Bellingham, WA, island hopping through the gems of the San Juan Islands and attending a private class at Port Townsend Sails. Next we'll cross the shipping leads and head for Victoria, BC to clear into Canada and make our way out the Strait of Juan de Fuca, keeping watch for orcas and northern right whale dolphins. Experience the wind and swell of the powerful Open Pacific as we sail north up the west coast of Vancouver Island to Barkley Sound, home to the stunning Broken Group where we'll cruise, explore, and learn before disembarking in the charming seaside town of Ucluelet, BC.
6 berths available
Sept 15-23, 2026 9 days, 350+ nm
5,500 USD Apply by May 1, 2026
After boarding in Ucluelet, BC we'll spend the next few days cruising, exploring, and learning in the exquisite Broken Group. From Barkley Sound we sail south down the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca and making our way north around the Saanich Peninsula. We'll visit a legendary local rig shop while learning to deal with massive tides, currents, and uncharted rocks. Finally, we'll visit Sucia, a cherished Marine Park, for a gorgeous final romp ashore before disembarking in Bellingham, WA.
6 berths available
Sept 26-Oct 3, 2026 8 days, 300+ nm
5,000 USD Apply by May 1, 2026
Board the boat in Bellingham, WA as we island hop through our favorite San Juan Island destinations before navigating the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca out to the Pacific Ocean. Explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and practice maneuvering in powerful currents and huge tides. Point the bow toward Port Townsend for a private class at the world renowned Port Townsend Sails loft.
6 berths available
Hands-On From Day One
You’ll take the helm, manage sail plans, troubleshoot systems, and plot our course. No spectators here — you're the crew.
Real-World Conditions
You'll gain confidence navigating, anchoring, and reefing when it matters most.
Radically Supportive Training
We meet you where you are — we teach with patience, clarity, and context. Our curriculum was developed and tested by John Neal over 400,000 miles.
Technical Know-How
Learn not just what to do but why. We're certified marine technicians and licensed captains who want to demystify boat systems and seamanship.
Nat Geo Meets Bluewater
We’re marine biologists and National Geographic expedition naturalists. You can expect thoughtful, science-rich sailing with a deep connection to the ocean.
Got your eye on a leg—or not sure which trip is right for you?
We’re here to help.
Whether you're ready to apply or just have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll talk through your goals, experience, and next steps to help you find the right fit.
This isn’t a tour—it’s training. And we want every crew member to feel prepared, supported, and excited for the adventure ahead.