By the end of the online class, you’ll have a confident, accessible understanding of what makes the Pacific Northwest some of the best cruising on the planet. You’ll leave with practical tips you can use immediately, a sense of which destinations best fit your cruising style, and a realistic picture of what to expect on the water. Most importantly, you’ll be better equipped to plan a safe, memorable, and deeply rewarding adventure in one of the world’s great cruising grounds.

This series is designed for:

• Out-of-area sailors curious about cruising the Pacific Northwest
• Local boaters looking to expand their range beyond familiar waters
• Cruisers planning a summer in the San Juans or Gulf Islands
• Adventurers dreaming of an Inside Passage trip to Southeast Alaska

The Pacific Northwest is a tapestry of inland seas, narrow channels, island archipelagos, and open waterways that all behave differently. We break down how the geography shapes your sailing experience, how conditions shift as you move north, and the defining characteristics of each major cruising area, from the relaxed rhythm of the San Juans to the wild, cathedral-like coastlines leading into Southeast Alaska.

Many first-time visitors are surprised by what matters most in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s often different from what they’re used to. We’ll talk through the realities of local weather, how sailors work with tides and currents, and how to set realistic expectations for provisioning, distances, and services. You’ll get familiar with wildlife etiquette, fishing culture, and the practical considerations of cruising through remote coastal wilderness. The insider context that makes planning and exploring far easier, and far more fun.

Beyond the practicalities, this onine class gives you a curated look at the best the region has to offer. We’ll share favorite anchorages, island groups worth lingering in, unforgettable town stops, and natural wonders that make the journey north so compelling. Whether you're after secluded coves, hikes through old-growth forest, glacier viewing, or culturally rich coastal communities, you’ll come away with a sense of what not to miss and how to shape a rewarding route.

The Inside Passage rewards savvy seamanship more than brute force. We’ll talk about choosing anchorages in steep-sided bays, navigating narrow waterways with confidence, and recognizing the everyday realities that define PNW cruising: logs, kelp beds, inflows, bears(!) and the quiet intensity of fog.

Finally, we share the insights that most visitors only gain after a season here. You’ll learn how to pace your travel to avoid feeling rushed, the biggest surprises for out-of-area sailors, how weather delays typically unfold, and why staying flexible makes all the difference. We’ll also highlight the mindset shifts that lead to the best memories: slowing down, exploring side channels, and allowing space for the unexpected magic of the region.