FAQs

Absolutely. You do not need sailing experience to start with us. You just need to be curious and willing to try. Sailing a big boat might seem intimidating from the dock, but we will keep the pace low stress and make sure you feel comfortable at every step.

That is completely normal. We see many groups arrive with one excited person and one person who is unsure, or with a little voice saying, “Can I really do this?” Yes, you can. We build in time to let you ask questions and repeat skills at your own pace until you build confidence.

Both, on purpose. You will learn real skills and can earn ASA certifications, but you are also living aboard the way we do, eating delicious food, checking out local wildlife, and enjoy quiet evenigns at anchor.

No. Couples are a common fit because sailing together is a real partnership skill, but families, friends, and small private groups are all welcome.

No. All Sail Olympia courses are private. It will be your group, Beth, Ben, and our dog Obama, which lets us tailor the trip to your goals instead of teaching to a mixed classroom.

We typically limit private groups to four guests. Meritage has three cabins, one is used by Beth and Ben, while the other two are for your group.

Beth and Ben teach together. Having two instructors aboard is a big part of the unique Sail Olympia experience because one can coach the helm while the other works with lines, docking, and communication.

Very. You will steer, trim sails, handle lines, talk through navigation and conditions, practice docking and anchoring, and debrief what happened afterward.

We can offer ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, and 118. The most common path is ASA 101, 103, and 104, because those line up well with the skills and credentials needed bareboat chartering.

If you are brand new, we usually start with a trip combining ASA 101 and ASA 103.

Yes. While for most, certification is a great side affect of learning key sailing skills, others may want to spend time getting in skill repetition or rebuilding confidence after a long break. We are happy to shape the course around what you want to be able to do, regardless of certificaiton.

Our signature trip is five days and four nights, typically starting Wednesday evening and finishing midday Sunday. We’ve found that timing to be a sweet spot: long enough to get the right sailing conditions and gain tangible skills, but convenient for long-weekend travel.

Yes. The five-day course is our most common trip length, but other options can be available depending on what you want to learn, your dates, and which certifications or skills you are working toward.

We typically offer our courses from June through September because the long days give us plenty of time for sailing and make for enjoyable evenings on the boat.

Trips start and end at Swantown Marina in Olympia, Washington. The signature five-day trip usually starts Wednesday evening and wraps up around midday on Sunday.

We sail in the South Sound, stopping at a mixture of anchorages and small town marinas.

Summers in the South Sound are generally mild and most weather we encounter can be worked around. We can change the schedule around wind and currents so you practice the right skills at the right times, and five days gives us enough room to find the conditions we need. If it is rainy or cold, Meritage has a full canvas deck enclosure. In the case of extreme weather that prevents the trip, we will work with you to reschedule.

You will sleep aboard Meritage. There are two guest cabins for your group, with room for up to four guests total. Beth and Ben use the third cabin.

A typical itinerary includes breakfasts and lunches, plus dinners when we are at anchor. Two dinners are usually on your own in town at a restaurant of your choice.

The signature five-day, four-night experience starts at $2500 per person. That includes a private trip with teaching by two instructors, ASA certification fees, and the meals described in previous question.

Usually, yes. Obama is Beth and Ben’s Portuguese Water Dog and is often part of life aboard. If anyone has allergies, concerns, or would simply prefer a dog-free trip, he can stay ashore by request.