Day Sails
Departing Destinations
We typically board people from two locations for day sails: Shilshole Bay Marina (our home dock) or Andrew’s Bay in Lake Washington
Shilshole Bay Marina | Puget Sound
Address: 7001 Seaview Ave NW #100, Seattle, WA 98117
Parking: Park in the lot just north of the main marina building. The back row (closest to the street) is guest parking. Ignore the signs that say “permit parking only”. If all guest parking is full, there is ample street parking.
Getting to the boat: We are located on J dock. There are big yellow letters above each dock entrance. Look for the sign that says “J” and “K”. It’s the first door just north of the main marina building. Call your host upon arrival to gain access.
Andrew’s Bay | Lake Washington
Address: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
Parking: The park has two parking lots. On busy days, parking can be limited in the park. Though, parking is typically ample in the neighborhood streets around the park entrance.
Getting to the boat: At Andrew’s Bay you must take a brief dinghy ride to the boat. There are two pick up locations: Rock Point (preferred) and Princess Landing. Communicate with your host ahead of arrival to determine pick up location.
Preparing for Your Sail
What to Wear
What to wear highly depends upon the weather and season. Pack a jacket and maybe some pants. Its always colder on the water, especially after sunset! For example - it was 90 today and I’m wearing sweatpants and a hoodie at 11pm. If we are on lake Washington or Lake Union, bring swimwear! Here are a few things you definitely shouldn’t wear:
High heels, other impractical shoes, or shoes that leave marks. I normally go barefoot
Super flowy clothing - it can easily get caught on a line or other rigging
Perfume, cologne, or other smelly products (it’s a small confined space)
What to Bring
Always bring a flexible and fun attitude! The water is supposed to be relaxing and calming! Besides that, it depends upon what we are doing. Things to consider bringing:
Food & Beverages to share - see the list
Games (We love a good board game)
Floating tubes, SUP’s, and platforms
A book / music to keep you entertained during down times
Binoculars to see things at a distance
Definitely do not bring spray sunscreens (they leave yellow stains on the white fiberglass)!
Food & Bevvy
It’s always courteous to bring food and beverages to share. Upper Left has a fully operational galley (kitchen). Here are some all time hits and favorites aboard:
La Croix - Beach Plum, Tangerine, Pasteque (Watermelon), Pamplemousse, or the favs
Wine and hard spirits (we don’t have ice though)
Carrots, hummus, chips, salsa, guac, cheese, crackers, and other dips
Anything to grill, to make a sandwich, a salad, and sides
Ask if anyone onboard is veggie or vegan (don’t hate)
Intro Sailing Terms
Bow
The front of the boat that comes to a “V” shape
Stern
The back end of the boat that is a boxy rectangle shape
Port
The left side of the boat when facing forward (with a red light)
Starboard
The right side of the boat when facing forward (with a green light)
Mast
The giant vertical structure to which the mainsail is attached
Boom
The giant horizontal structure that is attached to the mast and mainsail
Mainsail
The largest sail that is attached to the mast and boom (the aft (back) sail)
Jib
The sail in front of the mainsail. It attaches to the bow and the mast
Tack
Turning the boat with the wind across the bow of the boat
Captain
The person in charge of the boat & your safety. If they ask you to do something, do it
Crew
Everyone on the boat that isn’t the Captain. This is you!
Line
A line is a rope that does something, like lift the mainsail
Your Safety
More than having fun (which we really care about), your safety is paramount. When you board the boat we’ll conduct a safety briefing to prep you for the journey. If you remember nothing, remember these 2 things: 1. Life jackets are recommended above deck and mandatory out of the cockpit, 2. When moving about, maintain 3 points of contact with the boat.
What to Expect
Preparing to Cast Off
Getting ready to sail is exciting! Upon arrival, we’ll load the boat, get acquainted with all the systems, conduct a safety briefing, and cast off! Wanna know more? Read on.
Arrival: 30 minutes prior to sail time.
Loading the boat: Load personal items onto the beds (not the walkways). Don’t worry about putting everything away - we’ll organize while underway. There are dock carts to move things from the car and boat.
Safety: Once we are situated, we’ll conduct a safety briefing. This will acquaint you with the boat’s systems and how to keep yourself safe.
Prep: Disconnect shore power, check vital systems (like standing rigging), and attach dinghy to boat.
Engine: Check engine coolant, oil level, sea strainer, and belt tension. Turn on the engine battery and start the engine.
Casting off: The Captain will plan how to cast off and assign individual tasks. Once the Captain gives the commands, we’re off!
While Under Sail
There are two ways to move Upper Left: Wind and motor power. It’s likely throughout our trip we will use both (wind isn’t that reliable). Here’s what to expect:
General rule: Before moving the boat, close all hatches (windows).
Motor sailing: This is pretty straightforward. You turn on the engine, set a direction, and off you go! This is generally the calmest way to move Upper Left. It’s a great time to read, relax, and bring out the snacks!
We will always motor sail in and out of port (unless there is something majorly wrong).
Wind sailing: Once there is a enough wind to sail we’ll hoist the sails. This always seems a bit chaotic the first few times. But, it’s pretty straightforward. We’ll pull some lines, set the sails, and ride the wind.
Helping: If you are interested in helping, let us know! If you just want to relax and watch, that’s great! This is a no judgement zone.
Heeling: Heeling is when the boat is slanted to one side (the leeward side). It feels extreme @ times - it’s really not and no we won’t tip over. Just sit on the windward (highest point) of the boat and enjoy the experience.
Returning to Port
All good things come to an end. Returning to port is mostly the reverse of casting off, with some exceptions:
Prepare: 30 minutes before arrival, start packing personal belongings, collect trash, & clean boat.
Pump Out & fuel: We’ll make a pit stop to refuel and dispose of human bio waste.
Docking: The Captain will plan how to dock and assign individual tasks. Once back at the dock, the Captain will give commands.
Washing: Wash and scrub down the boat with fresh water (saltwater sucks)! Don’t forget to close all the hatches (windows)!
Reconnecting Systems: Reconnect shore power and attach dinghy to the dock.
Unload the Boat: Remove all personal belongings, trash, and other things. There are dock carts available to move things between the boat and car.
Before leaving: Turn off the engine battery, turn off all electrical switches, and ensure the auto bilge pump is on!
Locking up: Lock the companionway and say goodbye.
