Weekend Aweigh Cruises
San Juan Islands Sailing Staycations
3 and 4 Day Weekend Sailing Adventures that Fit Your Busy Schedules
You want a break. You deserve a break. You need a break! But your busy schedule won’t allow you to take a much deserved vacation. A sailing staycation yacht charter might be just what the doctor ordered! Ask your employer to let you slip away for a mental health day or two. Add a Friday and/or a Monday and voila, you have a three or four day weekend! Even an overnight cruise would be like a breath of fresh air.
Enjoy a weekend Private Sailing Yacht Charter for your party of four aboard Diminuendo! Prefer a romantic get away for just the two of you? We’re happy to oblige. More friends or family want to join the fun? We can accommodate up to six guests. Care to meet new friends? Consider sharing the charter with another couple on a Share-a-Cruise charter. Share-a-Cruise option suspended due to Covid-19. Visit our rates page for details.
The Islands are a great place to enjoy the holidays away from the crowds. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day offer some great opportunities to get away from the daily grind. Friday Harbor is by far the best place to spend the July 4th holiday. From our vantage point in the anchorage, the fireworks fill the sky! Visit our Holiday and Special Occasion cruises page for details.
Call or text (541)350-4787 or email scott@nwsailing.com now for details and availability
Also available: Week Aweigh Cruises Or Weekdays Aweigh Cruises
Four Day Charters
Over the years our four-day charters have proven to be the most popular! A four-day charter is the perfect length for families or groups of friends who want to schedule time together but might not have an entire week to plan around. Our usual four-day route takes you to Sucia and Stewart Island – two islands only accessible by private boat, and Friday Harbor, the county seat of the Islands.
Typical Four Day Sailing Adventure Itinerary
Day One: Your adventure begins in Bellingham, about two hours north of Seattle or three hours from Sea Tac International Airport. We set sail in the early afternoon, usually between 1:00 and 2:00 pm (right after lunch).
Your destination for today is Sucia Island. You’ll arrive at Sucia after a delightful four to six hour sail, depending on the winds, currents, and route chosen. You’re likely to see porpoises, seals and sea lions along the way. This will whet your appetite for what is to come!
Your first night will be spent in one of Sucia’s seven beautiful anchorages after enjoying a gourmet dinner served aboard. While there, you’ll enjoy examining the island’s distinctive sandstone formations up close, hiking, paddling, or a bit of beachcombing in Sucia Island State Park.
Day Two: Your second day starts with coffee and breakfast. We’ll then weigh anchor and set sail for today’s destination, pastoral Stuart Island. Your route will be determined by the prevailing conditions, but you’ll want to keep a sharp look-out for whales. Orcas, humpback, and minke whales are often seen in this area. Your route may carry you past the Patos Island lighthouse and the Turn Point Light Station, which present epic phot opportunities.
A visit to Stuart Island is like going back in time! Many of the families that live there are descendants of the pioneers who settled the island. The island is off the grid, so those who require electricity must make their own.
While there, you may choose to walk to the Light Station. You may tour the restored light keeper’s quarters and the museum or simply sit on the huge verandah and put your feet up.
Along the way, you’ll see yaks (yes, yaks!) grazing at Ericksen Farm, which has been in operation for over a hundred years.
Another point of interest is the one-room school house which was in operation until just a few years ago.
You can also buy a locally designed souvenir from one of the treasure chests found around the island which offer their wares on the honor system. Simply take what you want and pay when you get home. Prevost Harbor is another great place to paddle.
Day Three: Today you’ll set sail for beautiful Friday Harbor, the county seat and hub of island activity. Here Diminuendo will tie up dockside overnight. There are many art galleries, museums, scooter rentals, and tours on offer just a short walk from the marina. You’ll dine out in one of the town’s fine restaurants and have a night on the town. With Diminuendo moored in the marina, you’re free to come and go as you please.
Day Four: Relax and enjoy your cruise back to the dock in Bellingham. We’ll pass through the heart of the islands and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll see on your cruise. Snow-capped Mount Baker provides a wonderful backdrop for your photos.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. We trust that your time aboard Diminuendo has created lasting memories. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Fair winds!
Three Day Charters
For those desiring a well rounded look at all the islands have to offer, the Town and Country is perfect for you!
Typical 3-Day “Town and Country” Itinerary
Day One: Your adventure begins in Bellingham. We set sail in the late morning, usually between 10:00 and 11:00 am.
Your destination for today is Sucia Island. You’ll arrive at Sucia after a delightful four to six hour sail. Lunch is served under way. The islands will beckon you on as you leave civilization behind.
Your first night will be spent in one of Sucia’s seven beautiful anchorages after enjoying a gourmet dinner served aboard. While there, you’ll enjoy examining the island’s distinctive sandstone formations up close, hiking, paddling, or a bit of beachcombing in Sucia Island State Park.
Day Two: Today’s destination is Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. It is a delightful place to visit, offering a unique view of life in the islands. If you’ve been here before, you know that it is worth another visit. If not, you really owe it to yourself to see it. There we will secure a slip in the marina, right in the heart of town. You’ll dine out in one of the fine eateries on offer, followed by an evening stroll for an after dinner cocktail or ice cream cone.
Day Three: We’ll set sail for Bellingham right after breakfast. Today’s route will carry you through panorama after panorama of breathtaking scenery. Today’s voyage is about five or six hours. We usually arrive in port between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.
Now it’s time to start planning your next voyage aboard Diminuendo!
Typical 3-day “Off the Beaten Path” Itinerary
For those whose interest lies more in sailing and enjoying the views from the boat vs. on shore activities, this might be the perfect choice.
Day One: Your Off the Beaten Path three day adventure begins in Bellingham. We’ll welcome you aboard in the between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Lunch is served under way.
Our usual destination for the first day aboard is Stuart Island. This is a six to eight hour sail through the heart of the islands. This will treat you to views of nearly all of the major islands of the San Juan archipelago. A gourmet dinner is served aboard upon arrival.
Stuart Island is completely off the grid. It evokes the feeling less of being on an island and more of pastoral farmland. Hike to the historic one-room school house and teacherage museum and/or the Turn Point Light Station.
But as you make your way through the islands, many other destinations will present themselves. Those with a particularly adventurous nature may enjoy this option. The islands offer many choices, and your captain knows most of them!
Day Two: After coffee and breakfast, we’ll set sail for Sucia Island. Your route will be determined by the prevailing winds and currents or possibly by the presence of whales. Orcas, humpback, and minke whales are regularly encountered in this area.
Sucia Island is a Washington State Marine Park, accessible only by private boat. It boasts no less than seven secure anchorages. There are many miles of hiking trails and beaches as well as sheltered waters for a paddle in Diminuendo’s kayaks.
Day Three: We set sail for Bellingham. Again, your route will be determined by the wind and current. Today’s sail is four to six hours and we usually arrive at home port between 1:00 and 3:00. Please let your captain know if you have any time constraints.
Be forewarned! Three days will leave you wanting for more. But not to worry, return guests are always welcome. We’ll see you aboard again soon, shipmates!
Please refer to our Islands page for more information and details about things to do and see in the San Juan Islands.
