Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 26, 2026
Puget Sound Sailing Institute respects your privacy and is committed to being transparent about how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains what information we may collect when you visit our website, contact us, register for sailing lessons, purchase services, join our Sailing Club, reserve a boat, or otherwise interact with our business. It also describes the technologies we use to understand website activity and the choices available to you regarding your information.
Our website is built and hosted using Squarespace and uses Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors interact with our content and services.
We encourage you to review this policy so you understand how your information is handled.
1. Who We Are
This Privacy Policy applies to Gentle Breeze, LLC, doing business as Puget Sound Sailing Institute ("Puget Sound Sailing Institute," "PSSI," "we," "us," or "our").
Business Name: Gentle Breeze, LLC, DBA Puget Sound Sailing Institute
Website: https://www.pugetsoundsailing.com
Business Address:
5632 Marine View Drive
Tacoma, Washington 98422
Email: info@pugetsoundsailing.com
Phone: 253-383-1774
Puget Sound Sailing Institute provides sailing education, American Sailing certification courses, private sailing instruction, sailing club memberships, boat leasing opportunities, excursions, and related sailing services throughout the Puget Sound region.
For purposes of this policy, our "Services" include our website, communications, registrations, reservations, and related business activities for which we determine how personal information is collected and used.
This policy does not replace the separate privacy policies of third-party platforms that may process information independently when you use their websites or services.
2. Information We Collect
The personal information we collect depends on how you interact with us.
Some information is provided directly by you, while other information is collected automatically through website technologies or received from service providers involved in delivering our services.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
When you contact us, request information, register for a course, or purchase a service, we may collect:
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Mailing or billing address
Course interests and preferred sailing locations
Sailing experience and certification history
Registration and reservation details
Sailing club membership information
Boat leasing or charter inquiries
Information included in messages, inquiries, or feedback
Other details you choose to provide when communicating with us
We use this information to answer questions, process requests, coordinate instruction, manage reservations, and provide the services you request.
You are not required to provide personal information simply to browse most areas of our website. However, certain information may be necessary to register for a class, complete a transaction, reserve a vessel, or participate in our programs.
Course Registration and Membership Information
When you register for sailing instruction, join our Sailing Club, or use related services, we may collect additional information necessary to administer your participation.
Depending on the service, this may include:
Course registration and completion records
American Sailing certification information
Sailing experience and qualifications
Membership status and account details
Boat checkout and qualification records
Reservation and participation history
Emergency contact information
Signed agreements, acknowledgments, and participation waivers
Information necessary to coordinate services or respond to safety concerns
This information may be used to verify eligibility, administer courses, maintain training records, manage club access, and meet applicable contractual or operational requirements.
Payment and Transaction Information
When you purchase sailing lessons, memberships, charters, or other services, payment information may be processed through third-party payment processing or reservation providers.
Depending on the transaction, we may receive:
Billing name and contact information
Billing address
Payment confirmation
Transaction amount and date
Invoice and receipt details
Payment status
Limited payment method information supplied by a processor
Refund or cancellation records
Payment information submitted directly to a third-party processor is handled through that provider's systems and is subject to its applicable security practices and privacy terms.
Our access to payment information depends on the payment platform and its configuration.
We do not need your complete payment card number to respond to a general inquiry. Please do not send credit card numbers or other sensitive financial information through ordinary website contact forms or email.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, Squarespace, Google Analytics, and other technologies supporting the website may collect information about your visit.
This may include:
Internet Protocol (IP) address
Browser type and version
Device type and operating system
Approximate geographic location derived from technical information
Pages visited
Time spent on pages
Website navigation and interactions
Referring websites or search sources
Dates and times of visits
General traffic and performance information
Cookie identifiers and similar technical information
This information helps us understand how the website is used, identify technical problems, improve navigation, and evaluate the effectiveness of our content and marketing efforts.
Some technical information may be considered personal information under applicable privacy laws even when it does not directly identify you by name.
Information From Communications
If you contact us by email, telephone, website form, or another communication channel, we may maintain records of the interaction.
These records may include your contact information, the date of the communication, the subject of your inquiry, and the information necessary to respond.
We may also retain communications relating to registrations, purchases, customer support, refunds, and other service-related matters.
Information From Other Sources
We may receive limited information from service providers, certification organizations, reservation systems, or other parties involved in services you request.
For example, a booking provider may transmit reservation details, or a certification organization may provide records needed to confirm completion or eligibility.
We use information received from other sources for legitimate business purposes consistent with this policy and applicable law.
3. How We Use Your Information
We collect and use personal information to operate our business, deliver requested services, maintain our website, and communicate with customers.
Specific purposes may include:
Providing sailing instruction and services. We use registration information to enroll students, coordinate sailing classes, provide course materials, maintain records, and communicate relevant course information.
Managing memberships and reservations. We use membership and reservation information to manage sailing club accounts, confirm qualifications, schedule boats, administer checkouts, and coordinate sailing activities.
Responding to inquiries. We use contact information to answer questions about courses, sailing experiences, boat leasing, availability, and other services.
Processing transactions. We use appropriate billing and transaction records to process payments, issue confirmations, manage refunds, and maintain financial records.
Communicating important updates. We may contact you about schedule changes, weather-related cancellations, reservation updates, safety information, or changes affecting services you have requested.
Improving our website. We analyze website traffic, visitor behavior, and technical performance to identify opportunities to improve content, navigation, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience.
Measuring marketing effectiveness. We may use analytics information to understand which website pages, search results, and marketing channels help visitors discover our services.
Providing customer support. We use relevant information to resolve questions, address problems, and maintain communication about ongoing services.
Maintaining safety and security. We may process information necessary to protect customers, instructors, staff, our vessels, and business systems.
Meeting legal obligations. We may retain or disclose information when reasonably necessary to comply with applicable laws, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, respond to lawful requests, or protect legal rights.
Sending marketing communications. Where permitted by law, we may use your contact information to provide updates about classes, sailing events, membership opportunities, or related services. You can opt out of promotional email communications as explained below.
We do not use personal information for purposes materially different from those described in this policy without providing additional notice or obtaining consent when required by law.
4. Website Hosting Through Squarespace
Our website is built and hosted using Squarespace.
Squarespace provides the technology necessary to display our website, support certain interactive features, maintain website functionality, and process information submitted through supported Squarespace services.
When you visit our website, Squarespace may collect technical and usage information such as your IP address, browser details, device information, referring website, and pages visited.
Squarespace may also use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, security, and analytics.
Information submitted through Squarespace forms or other Squarespace features may be processed and stored using Squarespace's infrastructure or connected services.
Squarespace may process certain information on our behalf and may independently process limited information for purposes described in its own policies.
For additional information, review:
5. Google Analytics and Website Performance Tracking
Our website uses Google Analytics, a website measurement service provided by Google.
Google Analytics helps us understand how visitors find and interact with our website. This information supports improvements to our sailing course pages, educational resources, navigation, and overall website performance.
Information Google Analytics May Collect
Depending on our configuration and your privacy choices, Google Analytics may collect:
Pages viewed and visit duration
Approximate geographic location
Device and browser characteristics
Traffic sources and referral information
Website navigation and engagement events
Interactions with certain website features
Cookie-based or other pseudonymous identifiers
Google Analytics 4 receives IP addresses during data collection for functions such as geographic reporting, but Google states that it does not log or store those IP addresses in Google Analytics.
We do not intentionally provide Google Analytics with personal information such as your name, email address, complete payment card number, or private messages.
How We Use Analytics Information
We use Google Analytics to understand:
Which website pages receive visits
How visitors discover our website
Which sailing courses and informational resources generate interest
How visitors navigate between pages
How effectively our website supports inquiries and registrations
Whether website changes improve usability and performance
Google Analytics may provide aggregated reports and estimates based on collected activity and the measurement settings in use.
We use this information to improve our website and understand the effectiveness of our online presence.
Managing Google Analytics
You can limit certain Google Analytics tracking through your browser settings, available website cookie controls, or Google's opt-out tools.
Google provides additional information about data collection and privacy at:
How Google Uses Information From Sites and Apps
Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-On
Blocking analytics cookies may reduce the accuracy of website measurement, but it should not prevent you from accessing the website's general informational content.
6. Cookies and Similar Technologies
Our website uses cookies and related technologies to support functionality, understand visitor activity, and provide a more useful experience.
Cookies are small files stored on your browser or device. They can help websites remember preferences, recognize returning browsers, and measure how visitors interact with content.
The specific cookies placed on your device may vary depending on your browser settings, the website features you use, and the third-party services involved.
Essential Cookies
Essential cookies support core website operations, security, and other functions necessary for the site to work properly.
These may include cookies used for:
Website security
Session management
Remembering privacy preferences
Supporting forms or account features
Providing essential website functionality
Some essential technologies may operate without optional cookie consent because they are needed to provide requested functionality.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand website traffic and visitor interactions.
Squarespace and Google Analytics may use these technologies to distinguish visits, understand session activity, measure website engagement, and generate usage reports.
Where consent is required by applicable law, nonessential analytics technologies should operate according to the visitor's applicable consent choices.
Functional Cookies
Certain website features and third-party integrations may use cookies or similar technologies to remember preferences or provide additional functionality.
These may include embedded content, account features, reservations, accessibility tools, or other interactive services.
Cookies From Third-Party Services
Third-party tools and embedded content may place their own cookies or collect technical information when you interact with them.
Examples may include reservation systems, video platforms, social media content, and services that support accessibility or other website features.
Their information handling practices are governed by the applicable provider's privacy policy.
Managing Cookie Preferences
You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings.
If our website displays a cookie banner or cookie preference controls, you can also use those controls to manage the available cookie categories.
Depending on your browser, you may be able to block third-party cookies, delete stored cookies, or receive notifications when websites attempt to store them.
Disabling certain cookies may affect features that depend on those technologies.
Browser privacy settings, cookie controls, and available opt-out mechanisms may not affect all technologies or prevent information from being collected by services necessary to operate the website.
7. Sailing Classes, Reservations, and Third-Party Booking Systems
Some registrations, reservations, membership activities, and related transactions may be managed through separate booking or account systems.
Our website includes access to a member reservation portal at:
https://reservations.pugetsoundsailing.com
When you use a booking or reservation service, the system may collect information necessary to administer your request.
Depending on the service, this may include your name, contact details, account credentials, membership information, reservation history, transaction records, and other information relevant to your booking.
We may receive or access information from these systems to confirm reservations, verify eligibility, coordinate services, and respond to customer inquiries.
Third-party reservation providers may maintain their own privacy notices and security practices.
We encourage you to review any additional privacy information provided when registering, purchasing, or signing into an external reservation system.
8. American Sailing Certification Information
Puget Sound Sailing Institute provides courses leading to certifications established by American Sailing.
When you register for or complete an applicable certification course, certain information may need to be provided to American Sailing or related certification systems.
This may include your name, contact information, course information, certification level, and completion status.
The purpose of this information sharing is to administer certifications, maintain training records, verify qualifications, and provide certification-related services.
American Sailing may maintain its own records and process information according to its policies.
For additional information, visit American Sailing.
9. Email Communications and Marketing
We may send emails related to your inquiries, registrations, memberships, reservations, or purchases.
These communications may include:
Registration confirmations
Course reminders
Schedule updates
Weather-related cancellations
Membership or reservation information
Payment and transaction notices
Important service announcements
Responses to questions or support requests
We may also send promotional emails about sailing classes, educational resources, events, and other services when permitted by applicable law.
Unsubscribing From Marketing Emails
You can unsubscribe from promotional emails by using the unsubscribe link provided in the message, when available.
You may also request removal from our promotional mailing list by contacting:
We will process opt-out requests in accordance with applicable law.
Unsubscribing from promotional communications does not necessarily prevent us from sending essential messages related to an active booking, transaction, membership, or legal obligation.
Email Engagement Information
Email marketing services may provide information about message delivery, opens, and link interactions.
When such features are used, this information helps us understand whether communications are reaching recipients and which content is useful.
Email engagement tracking may be affected by device settings, privacy protections, and email software.
10. How We Share Personal Information
We do not sell or rent customer contact lists for money.
We may share personal information with service providers and other parties when reasonably necessary to operate our business, provide requested services, comply with legal requirements, or protect legitimate interests.
Depending on the service, recipients may include the following categories.
Website Hosting and Technology Providers
We may provide information to Squarespace and other technology providers that support website hosting, security, forms, communications, and website functionality.
Analytics Providers
We share website usage and technical information with Google Analytics and Squarespace analytics, subject to the technologies and privacy settings in use.
This supports website measurement, troubleshooting, and performance improvement.
Payment Processing and Reservation Providers
Payment processors, reservation platforms, and related vendors may receive information necessary to process transactions, administer bookings, or provide account functionality.
Sailing Certification Organizations
American Sailing and applicable certification-related services may receive information necessary to administer and verify course completion and certification records.
Instructors and Authorized Personnel
Our instructors, staff, and authorized representatives may access information necessary to provide instruction, manage participants, administer reservations, and address operational or safety matters.
Access should be limited to information relevant to their responsibilities.
Professional Service Providers
We may share relevant information with accountants, legal advisers, technology support providers, and other professionals assisting with legitimate business functions.
Legal and Safety Disclosures
We may disclose information when necessary to comply with applicable law, respond to lawful legal process, enforce agreements, investigate fraud, protect rights or property, or address a situation involving safety or security.
Business Transfers
If our business undergoes a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or transfer of assets, relevant information may be transferred as part of the transaction, subject to applicable legal requirements.
We do not authorize service providers to use information they process on our behalf for unrelated purposes except as permitted by applicable agreements and law.
Some third parties may independently determine how they process information collected through their own services. Their privacy policies may apply to that processing.
11. Sensitive Personal Information and Participant Safety
Certain sailing activities may involve safety considerations or participation requirements.
For example, a participant may need to discuss an accessibility accommodation, emergency contact, or other information relevant to safely participating in an activity.
We ask that you avoid submitting sensitive medical information, diagnoses, or detailed health histories through ordinary website contact forms unless we specifically request that information through an appropriate process.
If we request health-related information, we will explain the purpose of the request and provide any additional notices, consents, or procedures required by applicable law.
We seek to limit access to sensitive information to authorized individuals who need it for the relevant purpose.
Washington's My Health My Data Act may impose additional requirements on certain health-related information, including separate disclosures and rights. Where the Act applies, applicable statutory requirements and any required separate Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy govern that information.
12. How Long We Retain Personal Information
We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, including providing services, maintaining business records, resolving disputes, and complying with applicable legal requirements.
Retention periods may vary based on the type of information and how it is used.
For example:
Inquiry records: We may retain communications while responding to your request and for a reasonable period afterward to support follow-up and recordkeeping.
Course and certification records: We may retain training records as needed to verify participation, maintain certification documentation, support future instruction, and meet applicable requirements.
Membership and reservation records: We may retain information necessary to administer memberships, document reservations, and address account or contractual matters.
Transaction records: We may retain financial and payment-related records as required for accounting, tax, legal, and business purposes.
Analytics information: Website measurement information is retained according to the settings and policies of the applicable analytics provider.
Marketing information: We may retain contact and preference records necessary to manage subscriptions and honor unsubscribe requests.
When information is no longer reasonably needed, we may delete, anonymize, or securely archive it, subject to legal obligations and practical limitations such as backup retention.
We review retention practices periodically and seek to avoid keeping personal information longer than necessary.
13. How We Protect Your Information
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures intended to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or loss.
These measures may include:
Secure website connections using HTTPS
Access controls for business accounts and systems
Account authentication and administrative permissions
Use of reputable website hosting and service providers
Restricted access to information based on business responsibilities
Appropriate security practices for payment and reservation services
Periodic review of systems and operational procedures
Our website uses Squarespace's hosting infrastructure and its associated website security technologies.
Third-party service providers are responsible for implementing appropriate safeguards for information they process within their systems.
No website, electronic transmission, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
If you believe information associated with our services has been accessed or used without authorization, contact us promptly at info@pugetsoundsailing.com.
If a security incident triggers a legal notification requirement, we will provide the notices required by applicable law.
14. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
You may have certain rights regarding your personal information, depending on your state or country of residence, the type of information involved, and applicable law.
You may contact us to request that we:
Explain what personal information we maintain about you
Provide access to eligible personal information
Correct inaccurate or outdated information
Delete eligible personal information
Update communication preferences
Stop sending promotional emails
Address concerns about certain uses or disclosures of your information
We will evaluate requests and respond in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Some information may need to be retained to complete transactions, maintain required records, protect security, enforce agreements, or meet other legal obligations.
How to Submit a Privacy Request
Send your request to:
Include enough information for us to identify the relevant records and understand your request.
For security purposes, we may need to verify your identity before providing, correcting, or deleting certain information.
We will not request unnecessary sensitive information merely to process a privacy request.
Washington State Privacy Rights
Washington residents have protections under applicable state privacy, consumer protection, and data security laws.
Certain information, including consumer health data covered by the Washington My Health My Data Act, may be subject to additional rights and requirements.
Where that law applies, eligible consumers may have rights to access, withdraw consent for certain collection or sharing, request deletion, and appeal certain decisions regarding their consumer health data.
These rights are subject to the requirements and exceptions established by law.
Residents of Other States
Residents of California and certain other states may have additional privacy rights when the relevant state law applies to our business and its processing activities.
Those rights may include access, correction, deletion, or certain opt-out choices, depending on the law and circumstances.
We will honor applicable rights and provide required notices and choices.
Cookie and Analytics Choices
You can manage cookies using available website privacy controls and browser settings.
You may also use Google's available tools to limit Google Analytics collection.
These controls operate separately from requests concerning information you have voluntarily provided, such as a course registration or membership account.
15. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly use our general website to collect personal information directly from children under 13 without any consent required by applicable law.
Some sailing programs or activities may involve participants under 18, subject to the school's eligibility and participation requirements.
When a parent or legal guardian registers a minor for an eligible activity, we may collect information reasonably necessary to administer that registration and provide the requested service.
Such information may include the participant's name, age, relevant registration details, and parent or guardian contact information.
Parents and guardians may contact us about information relating to their children.
If you believe a child under 13 has submitted personal information to us through the website without the required parental authorization, please contact info@pugetsoundsailing.com so we can review the matter and take appropriate action.
16. Links to Third-Party Websites and Services
Our website may include links to third-party websites, educational resources, reservation platforms, certification organizations, social media services, and other external content.
Examples include American Sailing, social media platforms, marine weather resources, and services involved in booking or administering sailing activities.
When you leave our website, the privacy policies and terms of the destination website may apply.
We do not control how independently operated third-party websites collect, use, or disclose information.
We encourage you to review the privacy notices of any external services you choose to use.
17. Accessibility Tools and Embedded Content
Our website may use third-party accessibility tools or embedded content to improve the website experience.
These tools may process certain technical information necessary to provide functionality, remember preferences, or support user interactions.
Some embedded content, including videos or social media features, may allow the relevant provider to collect information through its own technologies.
The amount and type of information collected depend on the provider and how the feature is configured.
We encourage visitors to review the privacy practices of third-party services when interacting with embedded features.
If you need assistance accessing our website or privacy information, contact us using the information at the end of this policy.
18. Data Processing and Storage Locations
Puget Sound Sailing Institute operates in Washington State, United States.
However, Squarespace, Google, reservation platforms, and other service providers may process or store information using systems located in other states or countries.
Information may therefore be processed in jurisdictions with privacy laws that differ from those in your place of residence.
Where applicable, we seek to use appropriate contractual, operational, or technical measures for information handled by third-party providers.
The privacy policies and data processing practices of those providers may contain additional information about storage locations and safeguards.
19. Automated Analytics and Decision-Making
We use website analytics to understand general visitor activity and improve our website.
Website measurement tools may automatically categorize visits, identify traffic sources, and generate statistics or estimates.
We do not use Google Analytics reports as the sole basis for decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning individual website visitors.
Eligibility for certain sailing activities, club access, boat reservations, and certifications may depend on safety requirements, demonstrated experience, course prerequisites, and other operational standards.
These decisions are separate from general website analytics.
20. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our services, website technologies, business practices, legal requirements, or information handling procedures.
When changes are made, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the beginning of this policy.
If an update materially changes how we handle personal information, we will provide additional notice when required by applicable law.
We encourage visitors to review this page periodically.
The current version will be available at:
https://www.pugetsoundsailing.com/privacy-policy
21. Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to update your information, or wish to submit a privacy-related request, please contact us.
Gentle Breeze, LLC
DBA Puget Sound Sailing Institute
5632 Marine View Drive
Tacoma, Washington 98422
Email: info@pugetsoundsailing.com
Phone: 253-383-1774
Website: www.pugetsoundsailing.com
We will review privacy-related inquiries and respond in accordance with applicable law.
Effective Date: October 26, 2026