Rugged, remote, and teeming with serene beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cruising grounds, the San Juan Islands and Open Pacific are the perfect places to learn bluewater cruising skills and apply offshore seamanship.
Huge tides, powerful currents, uncharted hazards, and dynamic local weather patterns provide an excellent opportunity for you to build your skills and knowledge in a stunning ocean setting.
During each 8-day expedition you’ll sail 350+ nautical miles including a passage of at least 100 nautical miles, plus master traditional and electronic navigation, storm tactics, Lifesling overboard rescue and gain many valuable skills and experiences. For ease of terrestrial travel, all expedition legs begin and end in Bellingham, WA. Don’t hesitate to ask about the waitlist if the expedition you’re keen on is full, as we do get cancellations.
5,000 USD | 1 berth left
Board in Bellingham and ease into the expedition by island hopping through our favorite San Juan destinations. From there, we’ll set up for the big transition: navigating the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca and breaking out into the Open Pacific. This is where you’ll feel the true motion of the ocean and put offshore seamanship, watchstanding, and routing decisions into practice. Along the way, we’ll explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and work with powerful currents and big tides. Classic Pacific Northwest seamanship that translates into global voyaging prep at its finest. We'll visit the maritime hub of Port Townsend for a private class at the world-renowned Port Townsend Sails loft. Experience the best cruising and offshore training the Pacific Northwest has to offer while preparing for your own bluewater adventures.
5,000 USD | Available
Enjoy extended island hopping through the remote reaches of the San Juan Islands archipelago while leveling up your coastal cruising skills on this inland sailing expedition. Instead of heading out the Strait, this expedition focuses on the nuances of coastal route planning, weather decisions, and seamanship in complex, high-use waterways while exploring more of our favorite island destinations and anchorages. You’ll practice sailing through narrow passes, work with strong currents and big tides, and navigate busy traffic lanes. You’ll practice anchoring strategies, coastal piloting, and practical navigation techniques you’ll use every day as a coastal cruiser. We’ll explore charming coastal towns, including the quintessential maritime community of Port Townsend where we'll stop for a private class at the world-renowned Port Townsend Sails loft.
5,000 USD | Available
Sail to Sucia Island Marine Park, one of the Salish Sea’s most treasured destinations, known for its sandstone shorelines, excellent hiking, and abundant marine wildlife. We’ll practice confident anchoring techniques, coastal piloting, and cruising skills as we make our way to Lopez Island and prepare for the offshore leg ahead. Then we head out the Strait of Juan de Fuca for an extended passage into the Open Pacific, where you’ll feel the true ocean swell and put offshore seamanship, watchstanding, and advanced weather routing into action. Throughout the expedition, you’ll gain firsthand experience managing strong winds, currents, and tides while exploring the remote reaches of the Olympic Peninsula and the quieter corners of the Salish Sea. We finish in the maritime town of Anacortes with a private class at the Marine Technology Center, an ideal capstone to your offshore training experience.
5,000 USD | Available
Board in Bellingham and ease into the expedition by island hopping through our favorite San Juan destinations. From there, we’ll set up for the big transition: navigating the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca and breaking out into the Open Pacific. This is where you’ll feel the true motion of the ocean and put offshore seamanship, watchstanding, and routing decisions into practice. Along the way, we’ll explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and work with powerful currents and big tides. Classic Pacific Northwest seamanship that translates into global voyaging prep at its finest. We'll spend a night in the maritime hub of Anacortes for a private class at the renowned Marine Technology Center (our alma mater!). Enjoy the finest cruising and offshore training the Pacific Northwest has to offer while preparing for your own bluewater adventures.
For those seeking the ultimate personalized experience: you can book the whole boat for your expedition and receive 10% off. Bring your crew of 2-6, focus on the skills you most want to master, and immerse yourself in a private voyage tailored entirely to your goals. Please contact us to inquire.
Don't see an expedition that meets your schedule or needs? We also offer private expeditions, trainings, and deliveries on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to inquire.
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Hands-On From Day One
You’ll take the helm, manage sail plans, troubleshoot systems, and plot our course. There are no spectators here, you are 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 and continues to be refined.
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 for you.
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.