What makes you different from other companies?
Yes, all our staff are experienced boaters. And, yes, they are highly competent. But frankly so are those of some other companies. If I were to summarize our goals into one phrase, I'd say we have a passion to provide exceptional service. Whether it is imparting the joy of cruising through our school, providing a wonderful charter, or assisting in buying or selling a boat, our greatest joy comes from highly satisfied customers. We try to walk in their shoes. And frankly, it makes our "job" a joy.
How long have you been in business?
San Juan Sailing was founded in 1982!
What services do you offer?
Three. Instruction, charter and brokerage (used boats).
How much of your business is repeat customers?
Charter has gradually grown from 45% to now 55% being repeat charter guests. (One guest has chartered with us for 31 out of our 32 years.) Many of our charter guests (and a number of our boat owners) are Sailing or Power School grads, others come back for advanced training, and still others use our brokers to find their ideal boat. But it is difficult to calculate exact percentages on how many graduates do what with us. The same is true of our brokerage where many clients are either charter guests or have earlier purchased or sold a boat through our brokerage.
Boat maintenance is always an issue. What do you do about that?
Preventive maintenance is gospel around here, and affects all three divisions. Of course, charter boats have a very strict Preventive Maintenance Schedule. That also affects the Sailing School because we teach on our charter boats. For brokerage, we require all boats listed be pre-surveyed and deficiencies repaired so you can buy with confidence.
How easy is it to get to San Juan Sailing?
We're just off I-5 between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Lots of air connections into Bellingham International (10 minutes away) which is small enough to be enjoyable but just large enough to access multiple flights. There is daily Amtrak service, multiple rental car agencies and airporters to/from SeaTac and Vancouver, BC. Go here for details.
What is so special about the San Juan Islands?
Wow! What a question! For one thing, the San Juans are the number one charter destination in the continental US. And, because of the variety of conditions here—tides, currents, wind variety—they are an ideal classroom. And, coupled with the magnificent wildlife, from orca whales to bald eagles, the islands are simply spectacular, with hundreds of anchorages, coves, scenic wonders and lively community centers.
How is your access to the islands?
Our modern marina is the second largest in the state. More importantly, we are directly east of the San Juans (nearest anchorage 7NM) and the closest US charter departure point to the Canadian Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and the Broughton Islands.
When is your cruising season?
April through mid-October. It peaks from mid-July to the end of September, with a slight dip the last week of August. Most people don't know this, but our summers are generally dry, with 7-10 days of rain scattered throughout the summer months (winter is cloudy and rainy).
When is your favorite time to go cruising?
Shhhh! Our personal favorite times are May and June. The days are long (sunset as late as 9:30pm), fewer boats in the coves and the islands are fresh, green and sparkling. Plus, charter rates are lower, and for students, more of the summer is left to cement their boating skills.
I'm driving. How is parking?
It is free, with 24 hour surveillance (though this is a low crime area). Sorry, RVs need to park off-site.
