Updated 1/1/26

Charter Policies (Day Sails & Overnights)

Please be mindful of the below rules and restrictions when using Club boats. For some folks, these are reminders after not sailing for a while, for others, these might be new. All-in-all, the purpose of these rules are to keep you, your crew, and the boats safe. Failure to comply with the below may result in termination of membership.

Reservation Policies (ALL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS)

Members must check in with the office before every sail; except when the sail begins after 5:00 pm.
Each Membership is allowed 1 future day sail reservation, 1 future overnight charter on a Standard Fleet boat, 1 future overnight charter on an Elite Fleet boat (Cemre, Colibri), and 1 future overnight charter to the San Juan Islands in the reservation calendar at a time.
Members must book the boat for the exact duration they intend to use it. Reserving a boat solely to ‘hold’ it is not permitted.
NW Club members certified at up to the ASA 104 level, are welcome to use the 30’+ fleet at the Olympic Club rates.
Unlimited same-day reservations (booked day-of).
Half day sails are any 4-hour block of time.
Full day sails are any reservations that are more than 4 hours of sailing.
Arriving Late to a Reservation: The end-time of the reservation will remain the same regardless of the time the member picks up the boat. Reservations will only be held 30 minutes past the scheduled pick up time; if you are running late please give us a call or update your reservation in Club Manager.
Before/After-hours Reservations: If your booking begins while we are closed, please call to ensure the boat is prepped for your sail. During extended daylight hours, our dock staff is available to assist members with docking, departure, queries, and more. Each staff member carries a VHF radio; contact the office during business hours for the current monitoring channel.
Late Return of a Boat and/or Return after Sunset: The Club must be notified immediately of a late return. Returns arriving 30 minutes or more after the end time or after sunset will result in a $150 Late Return Fee.

USAGE REPORTS (PRE-SAIL & POST-SAIL CHECKLIST)

Pre-sail and post-sail usage reports are required to be submitted immediately before leaving the dock and after your sail. All issues should be reported directly to the Club upon return and noted in the usage report. Take and send photos to info@seattlesailing.com.
A QR code linked to the Pre-Sail and Post-Sail checklists (usage reports) are posted on the bulkhead or in the cabin of every boat. Both sections are required.
Failure to submit usage reports will result in the suspension of member privileges. After 2 written reminders to submit a report (2 different sails), the Club will charge $25 per unsubmitted report.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

Day Sail Cancellations: Cancel online using Club Manager or contact the Club. There is no fee for day sail cancellations.
Overnight Charter Cancellations: Cancellations must be made by calling or emailing the Club.
- Shilshole Bay Marina Cancellation Policy
  - Up to 14 days before the charter: Full refund of the 25% deposit
  - Within 14 days of the charter: Non-refundable or transferable
Holiday Charters Cancellation Policy (Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July, & Labor Day Weekend)
- Up to 30 days (60 days out of Anacortes) before the charter: Full refund of the 25% deposit
- Within 30 days (60 days out of Anacortes) of the charter: Non-refundable or transferable

OVERNIGHT CHARTER POLICIES

Overnight Charters

Requirements for Charter:

With an ASA 103 certification, you may Overnight Charter between Kingston-Edmonds to the north and Blake Island to the south.
Charter begins at 9:00am the first day and must return by 5:00pm the last day to avoid a $150 late return fee.
Pre-boarding for Overnight Charters (available after 5pm the evening before the first day of charter). Please arrange this with the Club at least 48-hours before your departure. Availability is not guaranteed. Additional fees apply.
- Unlimited day sail Members – $110 + tax
- Olympic Club Members – $230 + tax
Complete the Overnight Charter Pre and Post Sail Checklist.
Members are responsible for pumping out and refueling after the charter, with an expectation of returning vessels clean for the next member’s use. (See Non-Compliance Fees)

Pre-Charter Guidelines

Create a reservation online or over the phone.
- Dinghies ($25) and BBQs ($15) are available to reserve with your overnight charter by emailing the Club. Note: there are a limited number of dinghies and BBQs available.
An e-sign Overnight Charter Agreement will be emailed to you within 3-4 days of making the reservation. Please note; reservations are not considered final until the contract has been received and the 25% deposit paid.
You will be automatically charged for the balance with the card on file 7-days before the charter.

Additional Charter Policies

Charter ends at 5:00pm on the last day.
Complete the Overnight Charter Pre and Post Sail Usage Reports found on a QR code located in the cabin of the boat. Report any issues directly to the Club representative.
Members are responsible for pumping out and refueling their vessel after an overnight charter. Neglecting to do so will result in a fee (see Fees; this information is also on the overnight charter contract).

Overnight Charters to the San Juan Islands

Requirements for Charter (SJIs)

Boat US Towing Membership
Completion of 1 overnight charter from Shilshole.
Completion of SJI Navigation Seminar.
Complete the float plan, provided via Google Sheet invite, at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of your charter.
ASA 104 certification or equivalent check-out
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation (preferred)

PROHIBITED ON EVERY CHARTER:

Crew Capacity. The capacities of the boats in our fleet vary, but it is imperative to note that the maximum capacity for all boats is strictly limited to 6 or 8 people (depending on boat size) on board simultaneously. This rule is non-negotiable and is specified in the fleet’s insurance policy. To safeguard your crew and uphold insurance coverage, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Under 30’ fleet: 6 max
- Over 30’ fleet: 8 max
Spray sunscreen. Chemicals within spray sunscreens can stain the gelcoat on boats.
Smoking/Vaping in the cabin. Smoking or vaping inside the cabin is strictly prohibited.
Alcohol & Drug Use. Anyone deemed intoxicated (alcohol or drugs) at the time of an accident will be fully responsible for all bodily injury or property damage as a result of that accident. This includes cannabis as it is illegal to use while on federally regulated waterways.
Animals. Only fully trained service animals are allowed on Club boats. A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Please note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals do not apply.
Towing. Towing other boats (excluding Club dinghies) is prohibited.

RESTRICTED SAILING/MOTORING CONDITIONS

High Winds (20-25 kts)
Low Visibility (fog, smoke, heavy snow). Boats remain docked in Shilshole until the outline of Bainbridge (from H-Dock to J-Dock) can be seen from the office.
Thunder or Lightning.
Between Sunset and Sunrise. Boats are to be docked/moored by sunset for day sail and overnight charters. (Late fee incurs)

RESTRICTED SAILING/MOTORING AREAS

Sailing is not permitted in the below areas.

Ballard Locks – in Lake Union or Lake Washington
Sailing further west than a line between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC – and no further north than Port Hardy, BC (top of Vancouver Island).
Club designated No-Go Zones

SPINNAKERS, SINGLE HANDING, & ENTERING CANADA

Spinnakers. Spinnaker use is allowed after the below are completed.
- Completion of Spinnaker Lesson or passing a 2-4 hour spinnaker check-out
Spinnaker Use Policies
- Spinnaker use is prohibited in winds gusting 15kts+.
- Members are liable for spinnaker damage; inspect your spinnaker before use.
Single Handing.
- Check-out: Prior to engaging in single-handing, members must complete a 2-3 hour checkout session with an instructor at the hourly private lesson rate.
- Sea Time: Members are required to have logged a minimum of 20 sails, with at least 10 logged as the skipper. These sails must have been completed within the last 5 years. Additionally, a minimum of 4 sails must be logged within the last year. Submission of a sailing resume, along with verification, is mandatory.
- Notification & Float Plan: Prior to departure, members must submit a comprehensive float plan detailing the intended route, estimated return time, and emergency contact information. Check-in and check-out procedures with a Club representative are obligatory. Vigilance will be maintained, and members not returning at the designated time will be closely monitored.
- Safety Equipment:
  - Required: Waterproof handheld VHF radio that we suggest you keep on your person at all times.
  - Required: Whistle
  - A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) equipped with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended to be worn at all times during single-handing.
- Single-Handing Restrictions: In addition to regular boat usage restrictions, single-handing is not permitted when wind conditions, including gusts, are 15 knots or more. Single-handing is also not permitted during adverse weather warnings or advisories. The use of a spinnaker during single-handing is strictly prohibited.
Sailing into Canada. If entering into Canada, it is the member’s responsibility to adhere to the current Canadian & U.S. policies and pay any necessary fees. The Club does not reimburse for any fees related to border crossings. For information about sailing into Canada, please visit, CBP DTOPS.