Master ocean cruising in a dynamic learning environment on a focused training expedition in the wildest places on the planet

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2026 SAN JUAN ISLANDS, SALISH SEA & OPEN PACIFIC EXPEDITIONS

Rugged, remote, and teeming with serene beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cruising grounds, the Salish Sea, 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 the lovely town of Bellingham, WA. Don’t hesitate to ask about the waitlist if the expedition you’re keen on is full, as we do get cancellations.

Leg 1: July 10-17, 2026

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | Available

Island hop through the San Juans before heading out to the Pacific Ocean on an extended overnight passage. Navigate the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca and experience the rolling open ocean swell while applying your new offshore seamanship skills and advanced routing techniques. Explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and practice maneuvering in powerful currents and huge tides. Point the bow toward the quintessential marine artisan town of Port Townsend for a private class at the world renowned Port Townsend Sails loft.

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Leg 2: July 17-24, 2026

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | Available

Sail to Sucia Island Marine Park, home to exceptional hiking and marine wildlife and a treasured Salish Sea destination. Learn best anchoring practices and cruise Lopez Island before heading out to the Pacific on an overnight passage where you'll get to feel the rolling swell and employ offshore seamanship tactics and advanced weather routing. Explore the remote reaches of the Olympic Peninsula and Salish Sea while learning to deal with strong winds, currents, and tides. We'll stop at the maritime town of Anacortes for a private class at the Marine Technology Center.

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Leg 3: July 24-31, 2026 filling fast

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | 3 berths left

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. Enjoy the best cruising that the Pacific Northwest has to offer while preparing to set sail on your own adventures.

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Leg 4: September 11-18, 2026

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | Available

Island hop through the San Juans before heading out to the Pacific Ocean on an extended overnight passage. Navigate the tempestuous Strait of Juan de Fuca and experience the rolling open ocean swell while applying your new offshore seamanship skills and advanced routing techniques. Explore coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula, dodge heavy vessel traffic, and practice maneuvering in powerful currents and huge tides. Point the bow toward the quintessential marine artisan town of Port Townsend for a private class at the world renowned Port Townsend Sails loft.

APPLY NOW →

Leg 5: September 18-25, 2026

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | Available

Sail to Sucia Island Marine Park, home to exceptional hiking and marine wildlife and a treasured Salish Sea destination. Learn best anchoring practices and cruise Lopez Island before heading out to the Pacific on an overnight passage where you'll get to feel the rolling swell and employ offshore seamanship tactics and advanced weather routing. Explore the remote reaches of the Olympic Peninsula and Salish Sea while learning to deal with strong winds, currents, and tides. We'll stop at the maritime town of Anacortes for a private class at the Marine Technology Center.

APPLY NOW →

Leg 6: September 26-October 3, 2026 filling fast

San Juan Islands & Open Pacific

5,000 USD | Available

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. Enjoy the best cruising that the Pacific Northwest has to offer while preparing to set sail on your own adventures.

APPLY NOW →

WHOLE BOAT BOOKINGS

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.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS

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.

2025-2026 ALUMNI-ONLY EXPEDITIONS

Each year we offer a select number of alumni-only expeditions for 2-3 intrepid crew aboard our Malӧ 39, Sea Fox. In order to be eligible to apply for an alumni-only expedition you must first successfully complete at least one training expedition with us.

Alumni Leg A: September 1-8, 2025

Victoria, BC to San Francisco, CA via Farallon Islands

FULL

Alumni Leg B: September 14-24, 2025

San Francisco, CA to Ensenada, Mexico via Channel Islands

FULL

Alumni Leg C: 2026

To be announced shortly

Alumni Leg D: 2026

To be announced shortly

2027 SAILING SCHEDULE COMING SOON

WHAT MAKES OUR EXPEDITIONS UNIQUE?

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.

READY TO SAIL?

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.

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