Schooner with a "bone" 

Full Day Destination Sails

We offer Full Day Destination Sails on both the Schooner Dirigo II and on the Cutter Iris.

Dirigo II

*This same itinerary (or similar) can be booked as a Private Charter (up to 6 persons).

*Leg 1 or Leg 2 can be booked individually as Full Day Destination Sails, or together as the Island Circumnavigation Cruise/Overnight Trip (which includes berth and breakfast).

Leg 1: After welcoming our guests aboard and a brief rundown of safety and systems, we shove off from our dock in Friday Harbor at 10:00 a.m.. We hoist the sails and tack down across Griffin Bay, thru Cattle Pass, and out into the Straights of Juan De Fuca, on the Southern end of San Juan Island. There is usually good wind out in the Straights for some fine sailing as we head up the West side of the Island, enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We will have lunch underway as we keep a "look out" for the Orca Whales which are often in this area during the "season". There will be lots of opportunity for sailing and/or relaxing as we revel in the experience of sailing aboard a beautiful schooner with Vancouver Island to our West and the Olympic Mountains Range to our South.

In the afternoon we'll drop anchor in Roche Harbor. After making sure the anchor is "set" and the sail covers are on, it's time to sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer and hors d'oeuvres in the cockpit with the sunset backlighting the islands.  Our shore boat will shuttle our guests to the dock at Roche in time to catch the Shuttle Bus back to Friday Harbor, or to check into their accomodations at the  Hotel DeHaro. Whatever your plans are for the evening, we hope you'll be able to share some good memories over dinner of your "day on the water", sailing aboard the Dirigo II!

                                                                                                     Roche Harbor Marina

* For our guests who are making this a Circumnavigation Voyage (and have made prior arrangements to spend the evening aboard), after dinner ashore, our shore boat will pick you up at the dock at a prearranged time (9:00 ish) and bring you back for a peaceful night and a snug berth aboard. Please remember, we offer a traditional schooner sailing envioroment, we are not a fancy yacht or a "party boat", so please enjoy your evening while respecting the boat, other guests, and the crew. And for any "rebel rousers", remember, it's not a "pretty sight" if the captain has to "call for the plank" with his morning coffee. For those still on board, (just kidding!) a hearty schooner brekfast will be served up at about 8:00 a.m. (Of course coffee is ready before that!) Following breakfast we prepare the boat for another beautiful day of sailing!

Leg 2:  Our shore boat will pick up guests at the dock in Roche Harbor at 9:30 a.m.. After a brief vessel orientation and safety briefing, we will weigh anchor, set sail, and head out into Haro Straight. We'll sail the "West Side" in the morning where there is always a good chance of spotting the Whales, before heading towards our lunch stop at Deer Harbor on Orcas Island. After droping anchor or tying up at the dock, guest are invited to either have lunch served aboard or be taken ashore for something at the delightful deli on the pier.

After lunch is completed and strolls ashore have been taken, we'll weigh anchor and set sail down thru San Juan Channel en route to Friday Harbor. Marine wildlife is abundant in the inner waterways of the island and seals, eagles, and porpises are commonly spotted while under way in the afternoon! We often cross paths with one of the many other local schooners; what a special sight! After dropping and securing sails, we'll come into our dock at the foot of Spring Street in Friday Harbor. Guest are welcome to relax for a bit and enjoy a refresment and some treats before disembarking. Whether you've joined us in Roche Harbor that morning or have been with us for the circumnavigation, you'll have some great memories to share and savor!                                 Deer Harbor Marina

Iris

 
Iris on Griffin Bay

The Cutter "Iris" is available for Full Day Destination Sails by private charter. You can plan a great days itenerary with the captain. We can sail to one of the Marine State Parks for exploration and a picnic, or plan on heading to one of the other islands for lunch and sightseeing. With lots of good sailing in between. The Iris is a stable and fine sailing classic Alden Cutter and a perfect vessel for a day in the islands for your small group our family (up to 6 persons). Check out pricing on the rate page. She also goes out on our daily Half Day Sails, so reserving your date in advance is advised.

Mt. Baker over the islands.

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