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What's New
2007 was our Best and Biggest year ever.
Our First Mate is putting the finishing touches on our 2007 recap as we speak. Stay tuned.
| Our crew on our trip to Greece in September, 2006 aboard a Beneteau 50 that we rented from SunSail. We sailed the Ionian islands. |
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We anticipate our first trip to Greece this September ('06). You can learn more about this trip by visiting www.geeksandgoddesses.com. We are sailing with the Mountaineers this year, but will explore the Greek Islands with the expectation that we will take a group through Sailing-in-Seattle next year.
2006 has been a very gratifying year for us at Sailing in Seattle
Each year of Sailing-in-Seattle seems better than the year before! We enjoyed a windy sail with powerful music from the US Army Marching band, with a complimentary sail to some of the band's members. That was exciting, and inspirational. We shared another complimentary sail with a poet who shared some of her works with us, and are still moved by her words. One especially meaningful sail was with a 9 year old girl from Alaska, in treatment at Children's hospital for many months, who upon coming on board removed her pink cap, and said "look skipper, we are twins". We just love time on the water, time shared with each of you, and the blessings and beauty that surrounds us in the Northwest. Thank you for every moment. Please let us hear from you, even if you are not planning a sail.
Sailing in Seattle completes it's seventh year of
operation
Sailing in Seattle is happy to bring 2003 to a close.
This year we did a number of cruises with corporate clients, our usual evening
cruises, sailing instruction, and a nice variety of celebration cruises.
We were proud to donate cruises to a number of charity auctions too!
In 2004 we are contemplating adding a cruise to the Greek Islands in addition to continuing our existing program. We are adding a special cruise offer for those who put themselves at risk by serving our country. If you are a member of the armed forces, police, or fire departments, Sailing in Seattle offers you our sunset cruises at no cost.
Whoodat better equipped for cruising and comfort
We have been slowly but surely bringing Whoodat back to her cruising glory. All the original woodwork, removed to lighten her racing weight has been replaced and is being refinished. The hull topsides is being polished back to her original luster.
More favorable pricing for 2002
Last year we priced on a flat hourly rate which made it easy to figure out but somewhat dependent on the time under sail. This year we are using a fixed price based on the typical times that cruises and races take with some discounting for longer trips. Still easier to figure and not subject to the vagaries of sailing schedules.
Sailing in Seattle listed in Travel books
Over the years Sailing in
Seattle has been fortunate to receive mention in several boating and travel
related publications including Seattle's Best Places, Seattle Walking Tours,
Boatless in Seattle, and the Mountaineers Sailing program.
SIS
offered as retro-romance prize for local radio station
This last year local radio station Star 98.5 offered Sailing in Seattle sunset cruises as prizes for their retro romance getaway contest. Combining a two hour sunset cruise aboard Whoodat with dining at a local restaurant made a romantic, tasty and exciting experience for five lucky couples.
We have decided to stay with our 2000 prices for this year as our contribution to holding inflation down and providing a better value in face of the economic downturn.
Almost a year ago Whoodat was racing in a Tuesday evening Duck Dodge on Lake Union. The wind was perfect for us and our crew work was exceptional. We worked our way into first place in an unusual starboard rounding course. We had just rounded the last mark and were headed for the finish line. The second-place boat had still to make the downwind mark and was headed for a port rounding. At the last minute they realized that they needed to drop down to clear the mark. They abruptly changed course and ran head-on into Whoodat. We sustained considerable cosmetic damage, some damage to the bow pulpit and spent five months in the boatyard getting repairs.
Whoodat was in a fender-bender on Lake Union last year and spent about five months in the yard getting her health back and is being returned to her glory with new varnish, sails, rigging. Sporting a new hull paint job, we have decided to concentrate on cruising more this year. We will still take out die-hard racers if our arm is twisted really hard, but we have put all the interior back together and (due to the additional weight) are less competitive. She is definitely more comfortable as a cruiser and as a teaching platform.
Sailing in Seattle is proud to announce a new addition to it's offering. Designed for corporations recruiting candidates into the Seattle area, Corporate Sails provides a unique, convenient and memorable opportunity to sell your candidate and their family on our beautiful area. This program offers many benefits and we have the flexibility to tailor it to your unique needs.
Mountaineers Crew Course Upgrade
Already on the Mountaineers crew roster? Sailing in Seattle is offering a course to members of the Seattle Mountaineers crew roster that will certify them to the American Sailing Association Basic Keelboat standard. This internationally recognized standard certifies that the holder is competent to skipper a keelboat of about 25 feet in length in familiar waters and moderate seas and winds. Building on Mountaineers crew skills, the course adds training in skipper/crew responsibilities, docking, sail trim, overboard techniques, collision avoidance, and heavy weather techniques.
1999 Summer Quarter Classes Open for Registration
Our ever-popular University of Washington Experimental College classes are now open for summer quarter registration.
We had a busy and fulfilling year during 1998 with approximately 200 trips including racing, cruising, and instruction. The interest and enthusiasm of all our guests was overwhelming at times and has added significantly to the momentum as we go into our next season. Thanks to all who made this possible!
Experimental College Courses Redesigned
The popular Expose Yourself to Sailing and Sailboat Racing for Non-Sailors courses taught through the University of Washington Experimental College have been combined to include the best of both courses in a more flexible format, appealing to those with both a cruising and/or racing interest. The new course is called Expose Yourself to Sailing These courses have filled in the past so if you're interested, signup when registration opens around March 29th.
Third Season Begins for Sailing in Seattle
Already 1999 is off to a great start. Our first "Gig" was on January 2nd and we have seen a steady increase over last year's interest. We have had a number of repeat customers, especially those who want to go on and acquire more sailing skills.
New Beetle Arrives at Sailing in Seattle
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On June 17th at 5:23 PM our New Beetle arrived at Sailing in Seattle. Complete with requisite flowers in the blumen-vase, DAISY sports a racing stripe reminiscent of Herbie the Lovebug and the Sailing in Seattle.com logo. Quite an attention getter, DAISY is aimed at raising the visibility of our program around Seattle. She can also be seen with an interchangeable Whoodat Race Team Equipment Vehicle sign. Whoodat plates complete her good looks. We are easily recognized, and love cruising around in her. We have met a lot of fun people, had great conversations, and stories told us because of her. The SPD has stopped us to talk about her and we have new sailing students who saw her first. Daisy is a great little car, and we are proud new owners. |
Whoodat Racing Team Back from Whidbey Island Race Week
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Sailing in Seattle is now back from Whidbey Island Race Week. We had a great time with wind and weather ranging from light and sunny to wet and strong breezes in the 20-25 knot range. Crew members this year included Heidi Belden, Kati Belden, George Cooper, Garianne Bingaman, Jim and Sharon Doub, and John Sheppard. Together we participated in seven races against 13 boats in our class (119 boats overall) finishing eighth place, a significant improvement over last year's performance. Our volleyball team made it to the semi-finals. |
Sailing in Seattle Heads for Whidbey Island
Sailing in Seattle will be participating in Whidbey Island Race Week from July 11th through July 17th. This regatta, with 150 boats and 1500 sailors, is ranked among the top ten in the United States.
Students and Crew Win at Duck Dodge
Sailboat Racing for Non-Sailors, our class at the UW Experimental College, is off to a fantastic start with two second-place finishes (out of about 30 boats) in the first four races. The crew, consisting of four or five regulars and two or three students, has perfomed well as a team during these fun, and sometimes challenging races.
Several corporate organizations have recently discovered that Sailing in Seattle outings are effective teambuilding tools. Working as a group to sail the boat and having uninterrupted time together has given these organizations an opportunity to grow closer with the challenge of sailing an effective metaphor for dealing effectively with daily business tasks.
Experimental College Classes Offered for Summer Quarter
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our spring quarter experimental college Latte Cruise to an Exotic Place and Sailboat Racing for Non-Sailors we have decided to offer these courses again during the summer quarter. Check with the Experimental College for registration information or check here on this website. We'll have up-to-the minute registration information here.
Duck Dodge Race Series Begins (5/18/98)
The first Duck Dodge race will be held Tuesday, May 19th on Lake Union. Look for WHOODAT out there in the second start. This race is the first committee appreciation night, where all participants pay tribute to the committee with goodies to insure favorable judging of race results.
Latte Cruise to Kirkland is Successful (5/18/98)
Judging by the response from our first few latte cruises to Kirkland, these will be a popular outing. Lots of sailing, beautiful sunsets, comraderie, and of course the energy of Kirkland. It has proven to be a great way to relax and meet new friends.
Gift Certificates Available (5/18/98)
Sailing in Seattle offers gift certificates for all our sailing activities. A great way to say thank you or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or graduation. Gift certificates may be ordered over the phone.
Visa and Mastercard Accepted (5/18/98)
Beginning May 1, 1998 Sailing in Seattle accepts Visa or Mastercard. Use your card to make telephone reservations, for payment at the time of the sailing event, or order a gift certificate.
Website for Two-Year-Old Sailing in Seattle Sailing in Seattle (3/31/98)
Welcome to our new "All New" website. At long last it is up and running with lots of good information about our sailing program. If you're interested in sailing here in the Puget sound area and don't know just how to go about it, check us out. We specialize in providing the kind of sailing experience you would expect from a friend; personalized, friendly, accommodating your special needs. Now in our second year of operation, you can read about what some of our customers have said about us. Any suggestions or input would be much appreciated.
Sailing in Seattle Bookstore Open 24 Hours a Day at Amazon (3/31/98)
Sailing in Seattle has joined with Amazon Online Books to bring you the most popular sailing books at the lowest possible cost. With convenient links setup for each recommended book, ordering is a snap. Check out the Bookstore Page
Sailing in Seattle to be in Opening Day Parade (3/31/98)
The crew at Sailing in Seattle is busy with preparations for the upcoming opening day parade and Windermere Cup Races. With the theme Sea Stories, the crew is doing a production of Walt Disney's The Little Mermaid. Festivities begin around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd. The action centers around the University of Washington and the Montlake Cut. Make sure you get there early to stake out your spot on the grass for this popular rite of spring. This is Sailing in Seattle's third year to participate in this event. Be sure to check it out!
Crew Training Underway on Lake Union (3/31/98)
The skipper and crew of Sailing in Seattle have been hard at work with pre-season training on Lake Union. Sailing and racing skill proficiency and teaching and coaching have been the focus for this effort. New this year, we have given Gariann Bingaman, our crew member who teaches junior high, the task of training our staff to be more effective trainers. This will translate into a more educationally productive experience for both our cruising and instructional customers.
Experimental College Courses Offered (3/31/98)
In conjunction with the University of Washington's Experimental College, Sailing in Seattle is offering two courses spring quarter Sailboat Racing for Non-Sailors and Sail to an Exotic Place for Lattes. Early signups indicate that these will be popular with both students and the general public. Plans are to follow the spring quarter courses again in the summer quarter.
Sailing in Seattle Joins Uncommon Tours (3/31/98)
Sailing in Seattle has joined forces with Uncommon Tours as of January 1, 1998. Uncommon Tours is a consortium of six personalized tour operators with complimentary product offerings and a common market. Members include Scenic Bound Tours with Dan Malmanger, Seattle Walking Tours with Duse McLean (author of A Pocket Guide to Seattle), Seattle Tours with Edwin Schlapfer, Seattle Seaplanes with Jim Chrysler, Discover Houseboating with Jeri Callahan, and Sailing in Seattle with Jim and Sharon Doub. In addition to sporting a new Uncommon Tour website, over 60,000 full color brochures have been distributed via literature racks and mailings through the King County Convention and Visitors Bureau.