Puget Sound Sailing Institute
Tacoma, Washington
| 253-383-1774 | pugetsoundsailing.com

Excellence in teaching sailing is our main goal at Puget Sound Sailing Institute (PSSI). We achieve this through

EXPERIENCE – Owner Mike Rice has sailed over 100,000 nautical miles including 7 Pacific crossings and has instructed over 10,000 students. He founded PSSI 30 years ago and personally selects and trains his instructors, who are seasoned sailors in their own right. Mike has been awarded the prestigious ASA Outstanding Instructor eight times, solely based on anonymous evaluations from students! There are also 3 other instructors at PSSI who have been recognized by ASA as Outstanding Instructors.

ORGANIZATION –Mike has personally designed the curriculum for each course. PSSI doesn’t take any short cuts. Textbook, 4 hour lecture with notebook (most courses) and adequate hours on the water on size appropriate boats are included to give you the skill AND confidence to achieve your sailing goals.

COMMITMENT – Mike and his experienced staff are dedicated to each student. We take the certification process seriously and guarantee your complete satisfaction with your class!

IN SHORT, WE DO IT RIGHT!

PSSI has one of the most complete and varied programs in the country. Besides the standard Basic Keelboat to Bareboat Cruising classes, PSSI offers Coastal and Celestial Navigation, Cruising Multihull and Offshore Passagemaking.
Classes can be taken in challenging Puget Sound or on one of our Exotic Sailing Vacations in the Caribbean, Sea of Cortez, South Pacific or Greek Islands!

Why are our programs better? Testimonies from thousands of students, ASA awards for Outstanding Instructor, great curriculum on great boats in great locations! Classes are taught out of Tacoma, Seattle, Gig Harbor, Bremerton and Anacortes.

American Sailing Certifications Offered

ASA 101, Keelboat 1
ASA 101, Keelboat 1
Learn to skipper a 20' - 27' sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising
Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25'-35' keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45' sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.
ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising
ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising
Learn to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.
ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking
ASA 108, Offshore Passagemaking
Learn to skipper a sailing vessel on extended offshore passages requiring celestial navigation. Knowledge of long-term passage planning, offshore vessel selection, sail repair, offshore first aid, watch-keeping, emergency procedures, abandon ship protocols, safety and seamanship.
ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran
ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran
Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30-45' feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.
ASA 118, Docking Endorsement
ASA 118, Docking Endorsement
Learn basic docking skills for boats with single inboard or outboard engines. Discover the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner and without damage or injury.

Other Services Available

  • Women Only Courses
  • Private Courses
  • Weekday Courses
  • Weekend Courses
  • Corporate Team Building Courses
  • ASA 'Challenges'
  • Day Sail Charters (public)
  • Day Sail Charters (member-only)
  • Vacation Charters
  • Sunset Cruises
  • Racing Courses
  • Sail Trim Courses

Sailing School Reviews / Testimonials

  • Mike (Rice) lived up to his reputation. He handled the group well and taught to each person's level expertly.

    2016 Student - Puget Sound Sailing Institute

  • Great, patient instructors (Arthur and Mike J). [They] made a scared student a calm, confident one. Thank you!

    2016 Student - Puget Sound Sailing Institute

  • Steve (Klump) was everything you could hope for in an instructor. He was extremely patient, and explained everything we needed to know. He was also very personable and helpful. My wife and I came away feeling confident in our abilities to take a boat

    2016 Student - Puget Sound Sailing Institute

Contact Information

Puget Sound Sailing Institute

Address 5632 Marine View DriveTacomaWA98422United States
Phone 253-383-1774
Website pugetsoundsailing.com
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