SEATTLE SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days to Command: US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification out of Shilshole Marina
A three-day US Sailing Basic Keelboat course for beginners that teaches core skills, leads to certification, and includes a post-certification day sail opportunity.
Three Days to Command: US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification out of Shilshole Marina.
Set against the docks of Seattle at Shilshole Marina Bay, the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Series is a focused, three-day course designed to take novices from first knot to confidently skimming the water as a tiller‑steered keelboat skipper. Certified instructors walk students through classroom and on‑water fundamentals so graduates can skipper keelboats up to about 27 feet in familiar conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Foundations first: textbook, terminology, and safety
The course expects students to read the Basic Keelboat textbook before class (textbooks are available at the Windworks office; members receive them free, non‑members must purchase). Classroom time covers boat terminology, navigation aids, tides and currents, emergency procedures and VHF radio usage.
On-water skills: sail handling, docking and safety drills
Students practice raising the mainsail, steering a tiller, tacking and jibing, reefing, docking, crew‑overboard drills and stopping at fixed objects — the core maneuvers you need to skipper a keelboat in 5–15 knot conditions.
Certification and a bonus day sail for members
On successful completion students earn US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification; members who graduate can receive a free 8‑hour Catalina Capri 22 day sail as a follow‑up experience.
What the day feels like
What three immersive days feel like
Across three consecutive days you move from classroom briefing and textbook review to hands‑on boat handling and finally to assessment and certification. Instruction is stepwise and instructor‑led: you learn knots and terminology, then practice raising sails, steering and maneuvers under the guidance of certified instructors until you can safely handle a tiller‑steered keelboat in the course’s typical wind range.
THE CLASSROOM
Foundations first: textbook, terminology, and safety
The course expects students to read the Basic Keelboat textbook before class (textbooks are available at the Windworks office; members receive them free, non‑members must purchase). Classroom time covers boat terminology, navigation aids, tides and currents, emergency procedures and VHF radio usage.
THE HANDS-ON DRILLS
On-water skills: sail handling, docking and safety drills
Students practice raising the mainsail, steering a tiller, tacking and jibing, reefing, docking, crew‑overboard drills and stopping at fixed objects — the core maneuvers you need to skipper a keelboat in 5–15 knot conditions.
THE PAYOFF
Certification and a bonus day sail for members
On successful completion students earn US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification; members who graduate can receive a free 8‑hour Catalina Capri 22 day sail as a follow‑up experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is built for — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a three‑day course. Sessions run 9:00 AM–5:00 PM on the scheduled course days; offerings include Basic Keelboat 1 (Saturday), Basic Keelboat 2 (Sunday) and Basic Keelboat 3 (the following Saturday) as listed in course materials.
Bring the Basic Keelboat textbook (available at the Windworks office; members free, non‑members must purchase) and any recommended personal gear outlined in course materials. Safety gear and specific equipment needs will be discussed in class.
All courses meet at Shilshole Marina Bay in Seattle, WA.
If you join the Windworks Membership Club by the last day of class, the difference between non‑member and member pricing will be deducted from the initiation fee (offer valid for seven days after your BK class).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Basic Keelboat course?
The course is a three‑day program with daily sessions typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Where do we meet for the course?
Meet at Shilshole Marina Bay in Seattle, WA.
Do I need to buy the textbook?
You should read the Basic Keelboat textbook before class; textbooks are available at the Windworks office—free for members, non‑members must purchase separately.
Am I guaranteed to pass and receive certification?
Passing is not guaranteed; if an instructor determines you need more time, you will be rescheduled into a Basic Keelboat makeup class, which carries an additional cost.
Is there a follow‑up sail after certification?
Graduates can enjoy a complimentary day sail upon certification; members receive a free 8‑hour Catalina Capri 22 day sail as detailed in course materials.
Are there any age requirements?
Participants must be 18 years or older to take this class.
Is tipping customary?
Tipping your instructor is customary within the boating industry and is greatly valued and appreciated.