Specialties
We focus on private ASA sailing instruction, couples sailing courses, small-crew cruising skills, docking, anchoring, sail handling, calm onboard communication, and preparation for bareboat chartering or boat ownership. Our signature five-day course combines hands-on instruction, ASA certification, meals, quiet anchorages, South Puget Sound cruising, and comfortable life aboard.
Sail Olympia is not a large group sailing school, hourly lesson provider, or bareboat rental company. Our courses are private, all-inclusive, and tailored to each crew’s goals.
History
Established in 2021.
Sail Olympia was created by Beth and Ben to offer a more personal, private alternative to standard sailing-school courses. We wanted to teach sailing the way couples and small crews actually need to learn: aboard a capable cruising boat, in real conditions, with the boat and instructors to themselves, and enough time to practice, ask questions, make decisions, and build confidence together.
Every course is taught aboard Meritage, the Dufour 382 Grand Large we own, cruise, maintain, and continually refine for both comfort and instruction. Over time, Sail Olympia has become focused on private liveaboard courses for 2–4 people, combining American Sailing certification, practical cruising skills, South Puget Sound anchorages, meals, and life aboard.
We keep the business intentionally small so Beth and Ben can personally teach every course.
Meet the Business Owner: Beth and Ben D.
We are passionate about taking the fear out of sailing. Many people are drawn to cruising, but the reality can feel intimidating: docking in close quarters, anchoring, handling wind and current, making decisions, and communicating clearly when the boat is moving and everyone is under pressure.
There is a reason sailors joke, “I’m sorry for what I said while docking.” Stress on a boat can spill quickly into a relationship. Our goal is to replace that stress with skills, systems, calm communication, and shared confidence.
We love helping couples and small crews move from nervous passengers to capable partners aboard. When people learn how to talk through maneuvers, divide roles, recover from mistakes, and make good decisions together, sailing becomes safer, calmer, and much more fun.
