Our sailing classes run four consecutive weekdays from Monday through Thursday, two consecutive weekends or as scheduled for private classes. Classes generally start in April and go through October, please contact us for availability.
Classes meet at the Port Angeles Yacht Club, 1305 Marine Drive, Port Angeles, WA (360-457-4132).
Time is divided between “classroom” and “on the water” instruction. All instructors are certified by the United States Sailing Association. In good weather, we sail. In poor weather, we are forced into the classroom. Bring your lunch. We will break for lunch but will want to get back on the water as soon as possible. Life vests are provided; however, you may bring your own, especially if you are a child. Bring a change of clothing — you may get wet. Weather in the Salish Sea is unpredictable so be sure to bring layers in case the weather cools. Also bring a hat that will stay on, along with sunscreen. We hope you enjoy your experience on the water and at the Port Angeles Yacht Club. You will find our club members friendly and helpful. If you have questions, please call.
Basic Keelboat Level 1 Learn parts of the boat, points of sail, sail theory, sailing windward and downwind, steering,and basic knots. Also included will be safety on the water and crew overboard practice drills. This four day class is the first step towards the Basic Keelboat Skipper program. (15 hours total instruction time) Non-Members:$275 per person Members: $200 per person
Keelboat Level 2 Learn advanced sail trim, tacking, gybing, rules of the road and basic navigation. Also included will be heavy weather sailing tactics, line handling, docking and basic diesel engine operation. (15 hours total instruction time) Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat “Crew”. Non-Members: $275 per person Members: $200 per person Basic Cruising This course continues on the knowledge gained in our keelboat courses. Students will continue to learn docking, mooring and anchoring techniques, heavy weather sailing (reefing), overboard rescue, and knowledge of basic boating systems. In addition, the students will plan an overnight trip, provisioning the boat and cooking aboard. This course exposes the student to a benefits of cruising this magnificent area in a safe and structured environment. Non-Members: $450 per person Members: $375 per person
What our students have to say...
Keelboat Level 1 Student
June
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2017
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Thank you for being so patient while I explored my limited sailing knowledge. I learned much more than I thought I would!
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June 2017
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
August
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2018
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Actually, the course far exceeded my expectations.
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August 2018
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
July
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2017
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It was amazing how calm he was even when students screwed up big time. It was also very nice that he shared his cell phone number with us, and HE CALLED US with the suggestion we might want to reschedule in order to experience different weather/wind conditions! That was great!
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
August
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2018
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Keith is very patient with the students learning of difficult concepts and ideas. I have quite a bit of experience but I did not get board. Keith never forgets one of the most important concepts of being out on the water is to have fun, while being safe of course.
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
July
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2020
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Keith is a great teacher: non-judgmental, clear, calm and deeply knowledgeable.
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July 2020
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
August
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2017
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Keith is a great teacher and gave us pleasant 4 days on the water. As a couple who had not cruised for over twenty years, we needed to refresh our knowledge of basic sailing principles and techniques. Keith tailored our course to meet our needs and gave us the confidence to get on the water again.
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
October
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2018
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This course far exceeded my expectations in regards to learning sailing fundamentals and safety. I greatly appreciated the the water time, hands-on approach, and the instructor's passion.
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Keelboat Level 1 Student
August
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2019
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I'm not quite ready to go on to the next course, but that is no reflection on the instructor's abilities. It's just my own acknowledgement that I need more tiller time and should probably retake the Keelboat 1 course before I'm ready to go on to the next level. Keith is an incredibly knowledgeable and talented instructor.