San Juan Sailing & Yachting

My wife and I just finished a one-week charter on the 37ft tug Osprey. Having been bareboat chartering in the Caribbean, we weren’t sure what to expect as this was our first trip to the San Juans. There is no comparison. San Juan Sailing & Yachting is by far the most professional, competent and customer oriented operation anywhere that I’ve experienced. The equipment at SJS is meticulously maintained, clean and comfortable. The San Juans are a wonderland for cruising. We can’t wait to get back.

We’ve chartered from SJS for two summers now, two weeks each, and this is a first-class operation. It doesn’t matter if you are chartering a brand new boat or a 20-year-old boat, the maintenance condition is impeccable and everything works. If you are used to charters where it’s normal for things not to work like the autopilot, the water maker, a freezer out of commission, powered winches are for decoration only, the washer and dryer are inoperable— none of that exists here. Plus the customer service is a 10 out of 10! Our only wish is for Southwest Airlines or another major carrier to restart service to Bellingham airport. That certainly made it easier than flying into Seattle from California.

110% will be coming back. This was our 15th charter and first time with a flotilla up to Chatterbox Falls (Bellingham, Poet's Cove, Nanaimo, Back Eddy, Chatterbox (2), Madeira Bay, Montague Harbor, Roche Harbor, Rosario Marina, then back to Bellingham) over 10 days. It was awesome - we all had a blast and the Princess Louisa Inlet - in a world overrun by superlatives, is hard to give justice to. Spectacular, God's cathedral, mind blowing. We chartered Obelix, a Garcia Exploration 45, because I have read a million articles on them and thought it would be awesome to actually sail one. She did not disappoint. 6 adults and a 6 month old - we didnt keel haul anyone. Super enjoyed the entire experience. The weather was 110% perfect...cool in AM, but warm in afternoon and no rain, though wind was lacking so we motored bit more than we'd like, but such is life. Only minor complaint was some of the legs were extremely long (35-50 nm), but it was what was necessary to get up to Chatterbox in the time limit, but it meant some EARLY (several off the dock by 6 am) and long days, but this varies by charter. It was worth it, but make sure you have some good conversationalists on board! I got tons of docking experience and evaluating tides and avoiding PNW logs. San Juan Sailing was awesome to work with and very thorough. Already thinking of returning next summer to explore more of the San Juans and Gulf Islands. You can see the photos. Trip we will remember. Thanks to Laura, Pam, Tim, Aaron and all the San Juan folks on the trip. Pam was the first person I talked to on the phone and she ended up on the trip!

To say I had a fantastic time on my sailing course would be an understatement. I booked the basic to bareboat learn n’ cruise 7 day course in late September ‘22. The communication from San Juan Sailing leading up to my departure was amazing! The staff made a concerted effort to make sure I would be ready for the course and that they had enough information about me so that I’d be comfortable during the week. I have a dairy allergy as well as an egg intolerance, so I was a little worried about what I’d find in the way of provisioning when I got on board, but I was blown away with the amount of care that was taken in selecting items that I could eat. Our instructor Sam was, pardon the language, a bona fide badass—years of practical sailing experience, laid back, but extremely professional. His hands-on learning style was a great match for myself as well as the rest of the crew. He was great about staying flexible with plans to make sure we all got to have the experience we were looking for. Sailing is a lifestyle, and Sam did a great job of showing us the best of what this lifestyle offers while still providing us with a comprehensive instruction of sailing skills which left the crew feeling confident to sail and charter on our own. There are few people I would say this about, but if you’re out on a boat with Sam and you’re not having a good time, you should duck into the head, take a look in the mirror, and you’ll most likely find the source of your problems. Seriously. All in all, 10/10. Would highly recommend and will definitely be coming back for the advanced courses.

My two adult sons and future daughter in law and I just completed a one week ASA 101-104 Sail and Learn with San Juan Sailing. I can't recommend the experience highly enough! From beginning to end, the communication and experience were absolutely exemplary. The boat was excellent, and the setting could not be more spectacular. An excellent experience all around!

We had SO much fun on our 2-day, 101 course with Terry. He was patient, thorough, and just fun to be around. We plan on booking another weekend soon to get our next certification.

Just had an LNC 101, 103, 104; 7 day course here. It was very insightful and educational; the only downside is now I know how little I know. My skipper was Richard; he is knowledgeable, forthcoming, and very professional; was always available for questions and encouraged hands on learning. I can't compare this organization to their competition but I set out with the goal of learning to sail and the business/Richard far exceeded my expectations. There are no Cape of Good Hope or Roaring 40's solo voyages in my near future but this foundational introduction has definitely put me on the right path. Great food, wonderful customer service, amazing views, informed/competent skippers/captains; easy 10/10.