What do the trips include?
A Coast Guard licensed captain, chef, a double berth cabin with private head (bathroom) aboard the boat, use of all equipment and amenities, all meals (except one dinner per week). Meals start with dinner on the day of your arrival and end with breakfast on the day of your departure. Beds are made up prior to your arrival with sheets, blankets, and comforters. Towels and wash cloths are also included. Trips do not include fishing or shellfish licenses, or any resort docking fees.
How much experience do I need?
NONE! We have structured our trips for people at any level. Many of our guests are sailing for the first time while others own their own boats back home.
We don't know anything about boating, can we learn?
You can always do as much or as little as you like! We are happy to teach and put you to work on the various aspects of sailing. We are not a "sailing school" (our routine is relaxed and learn as you go). While many of our guests are eager to learn about sailing there is an equal number of people who prefer to relax and let us do the work. It's your vacation so we invite and encourage you to do as you like.
What kind of shape do we need to be in?
You should be in good health and able to move about easily. You need to be capable of negotiating a few stairs. No great strength is required.
Is sailing in the islands safe?
No one has ever had a serious injury aboard our boats, as safety is our primary concern. Our captain monitors the marine weather forecast daily and in the unlikely event of a storm, the captain will move the boat to a secure location.
Will you be able to tell us about the local Flora and Fauna?
Both your captain and crew are familiar with most of the plants and animals that are found in the islands. They will be happy to answer your questions.
Will we be stuck on the boat all the time?
No. We generally stop at different islands each day and provide plenty of opportunity to get off and walk/hike and explore. There are many islands with wonderful trails with a variety of hiking difficulty. We have a sea kayak on board that you can use to explore the bays we visit. We also have equipment to crab or fish from our Zodiac-style inflatable. We always stop mid-week at Friday Harbor to re-provision. This gives you an opportunity to browse, visit the Whale Museum, shops and art galleries. On some islands you may swim in mountain lakes or enjoy resort pools, mineral springs & hot tubs, rent bicycles, mopeds, or even go scuba diving.
Will I be uncomfortable, cold, or wet?
NO. We have designed our boat with your comfort in mind. A large dodger or bimini with side curtains protects the cockpit from wet weather, wind or spray. In cooler weather we have a heating system that warms the entire boat. Even the marine toilets are user friendly - just push a foot pedal!
Will we be able to shower?
Yes. We have 400 gallons of water for dishes and showering but we also take on water about midway on your trip. Each head (bathroom) has its own shower area. Showers can be taken at the marina facilities ashore on some islands if you prefer.
What can I hope to get out of this trip?
We hope part of the reason you are joining us is to experience life aboard a sailboat. You will see some beautiful scenery and wildlife and get to know some new friends (those being us, your crew). Being aboard the boat is like having a moving sanctuary that supports all your needs. You will become aware of the winds, tides, and the natural rhythm of the islands. We guarantee this is a relaxing trip.
What kind of people sail with you?
eople of all ages and backgrounds have enjoyed our trips. Active, inquisitive, open minded, flexible, and those who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors are words that might best describe our typical guest.
Is there an established and set itinerary, or will we have input?
Our normal route through the islands highlights some of the finest anchorages and sights of the area. If your group is booking the entire boat, we can offer a custom itinerary to match your interests with your activities. Each day we offer you choices of different anchorages and activities based on the weather and our local knowledge, giving you the absolute best experience!
Will we be able to see Orca (killer) whales?
Three pods of Orca Whales call the San Juan Islands their home. The pods may have more than 20 whales in each group! We can certainly plan your trip to cruise through areas where we know the whales are often found. They tend to roam in search of their favorite food: salmon. Throughout our season we seem to see Orca Whales on the average of about 50% of the time. We are often visited by schools of Harbor or Dahl's porpoise who have great fun playing in our bow wake! We also encounter harbor seals, sea lions, otters, eagles, and other wildlife.
Is seasickness a problem for many people?
No. The San Juans are actually considered inland waters due to the protection of 250-mile long Vancouver Island -- so there is no ocean swell. We have had many clients who have been extremely concerned and have brought all sorts of medications (patches, pills, wrist bands, etc.), which they never used.
What if we don't have a group of six?
You can join a group (6 guests maximum) by booking a "stateroom only." This way you can meet other interesting people to share your adventure. Contact us for more information. We still encourage you to make up your own group of six for the best discount
Do you ever take single people?
Yes. The best option we have for people traveling alone is to have you join a group (6 guests maximum) by booking a your own private cabin and share the bathroom.
How many passengers can the boat handle?
"Northwind" is a roomy 50' Catalina sloop rigged sailboat with four double berth staterooms, each with its own private bathroom. We can very comfortably accommodate six guests and two crew with room to spare! We never take more than six guests to avoid crowding.
Will you take families with young children?
Can we get a discount for the kids?Younger folks (only 6 years and older please) usually have a great time aboard the boat: fishing, crabbing, and exploring the islands. Although if your children are easily restless or need to be constantly entertained, then a boat vacation may be too confining for them. We do not offer any discount for families, as kids require more attention than adults.
We are experienced boaters and would prefer bareboating.
We ourselves would choose a crewed or skippered charter if sailing in unknown waters, to have the very best and relaxed vacation possible. With us all you have to do is show up with your toothbrush and away we go! No tedious boat check-out that can take hours, no having to go through every system on the boat hoping you don't have to actually remember it, no having to do the menu planning and shopping, no cooking the meals and doing the dishes, no stress over being in unfamiliar waters with a large damage deposit hanging over your head. When the trip is over you pack your bags and walk away -- no having to clean the boat and again go through a tedious check-in procedure. When it comes to the fun of sailing -- you can do as much as you like with more time to relax and enjoy!
How much sailing will we do?
Typically the winds for sailing are best in the Spring or Fall (10-20 knots) and lighter in the Summer (5-15 knots). However we have had great sailing at all times of the year. Strong tidal currents result in a great diversity of marine life. If we are bucking a current we often have to use our engine to make headway. A typical week is a combination of sailing when we have wind and motoring the remaining time--we will always do as much sailing as possible given the prevailing conditions.
Can we fish or crab? What time of year is best for salmon fishing?
You may always bottom fish, go crabbing and even clamming. We have all the gear on board. Crabbing is year round and with your help we can generally catch enough crab for a dinner feast! You need to purchase the proper licenses before departure. Normally you can fish for salmon but the regulations are changing to protect wild salmon stocks. The largest salmon run is Coho/Silver in September, and early October. We will let you know if salmon fishing is available when you arrive at the marina.
Can we talk with someone who has been on a trip with you?
Yes! Just let us know and we will put you in touch with someone who lives in your general area. We have had people come to sail with us from all over the country.
What do I need to bring?
We provide bedding and towels, so just bring your personal items. We will send you packing information and other details about the boat prior to your arrival.
When do we need to be there?
ll trips begin at 2:00 PM on Sunday of the first day of your charter. You should eat lunch before boarding as dinner is often late the first night. There will be a brief orientation to help familiarize you with the boat and your cabin before departure.
What is the best way to get to Bellingham?
See our Travel page.
When is the best time of year to come?
That depends on what kind of trip your looking for, read on...
- Spring & Fall - (Our Favorite): Peace, solitude and nearly empty anchorages are some of the reasons we love sailing in the Spring and Fall. During Spring the islands are fresh and green with renewed growth and wildflowers abound. Due to the rain shadow formed by the Olympic Mountains we are often rewarded with suprisingly good weather. We also have more eagle sightings in the Spring then any other time of the year! June offers wonderfully long days with daylight lingering to 10:00 PM. September through early October is another favorite time for us to be in the islands because the weather is usually very nice and the trees are starting to change color. The Spring and Fall also offer excellent value as we discount our trips at these times of the year.
- Summer - (Most Popular): Typically July, August and early September tend to be the warmest and driest months (you should book these times well in advance). Summer's wonderfully warm days cool off to perfect sleeping temperatures at night. In early summer, lingering daylight creates time for plenty of activities or an afternoon nap. Resorts are in full operation, so pools and amenities will be available. In August, meteor showers put on a terrific show for stargazers from Northwind's deck.
How far in advance should we book a charter?
Call us as soon as possible as we tend to book up early! You never know until you contact us if the week you want is available.
How do we book our charter? What is your cancellation policy?
Contact us to see if the week you want is available. Do have a backup time just in case! We will hold your reservation for 7 days awaiting your deposit. To secure your charter we need a $500 deposit per person. The balance is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. You may cancel up to 90 days in advance of your charter and still receive a full refund. Cancellation after 90 days but prior to 60 days in advance of departure will result in a forfeit of the deposit. Cancellation after 60 days prior to scheduled departure will result in no refund. Trip cancellation/travel insurance is available at an additional cost to cover your losses if you cancel for an approved reason, and offers other benefits.
