SEATTLE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Shilshole Bay Refresher: Four Focused Hours of Docking and Tiller-Engine Practice
A concentrated, 4-hour clinic limited to three students that refreshes Basic Keelboat skills—docking, tiller-engine knowledge and personalized on‑water practice.
Shilshole Bay Refresher: Four Focused Hours of Docking and Tiller-Engine Practice.
On the protected water off Shilshole Bay Marina, Windworks’ Basic Keelboat Refresher pares instruction down to the essentials: a four-hour, hands‑on session for sailors who’ve already completed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat series. The clinic is intentionally small—three students per session—so time on the tiller and at the docks becomes individualized practice rather than a lecture.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Personalized instruction with a three-student cap
Limited to just three students, the clinic prioritizes one-on-one time with the instructor so you can drill maneuvers and rebuild confidence on the water.
Focused docking drills
A primary emphasis of the refresher is docking practice—rehearsing approaches, lines and situational judgement until the routine feels deliberate and controlled.
Tiller-engine knowledge
The clinic covers tiller engine familiarity—how the tiller controls interact with close-quarters maneuvering—paired with time to practice whatever skills you want to refresh.
What the day feels like
What the Clinic Feels Like
This is a compact, practical session: meet at the marina, board the keelboat, and spend four hours rotating through instructor-led drills and student-directed practice. Expect concentrated coaching on docking and tiller‑engine handling with ample time to rehearse specific scenarios you want to regain confidence in.
SMALL GROUP
Personalized instruction with a three-student cap
Limited to just three students, the clinic prioritizes one-on-one time with the instructor so you can drill maneuvers and rebuild confidence on the water.
BOAT HANDLING
Focused docking drills
A primary emphasis of the refresher is docking practice—rehearsing approaches, lines and situational judgement until the routine feels deliberate and controlled.
SYSTEMS
Tiller-engine knowledge
The clinic covers tiller engine familiarity—how the tiller controls interact with close-quarters maneuvering—paired with time to practice whatever skills you want to refresh.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this clinic suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a four-hour, on‑water clinic; check available dates with the operator and plan for a half‑day commitment.
No specific gear list is provided in the program summary; confirm required clothing and personal items with the operator before the session.
The meeting point is Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle, WA; arrive punctually for briefing and boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Basic Keelboat Refresher?
The clinic is a four-hour on‑the‑water session.
Where do participants meet?
Meet at Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle, WA.
How many students are in each session?
Classes are limited to three students.
Do I need any prerequisites?
Yes—the clinic is intended for sailors who have completed the US Sailing Basic Keelboat series.
What skills are covered?
The clinic mainly covers docking and tiller‑engine knowledge, plus time to practice specific skills students want to refresh.
Who operates the clinic?
The Basic Keelboat Refresher is offered by Windworks Sailing & Powerboating.