Private Sailing Lessons in Seattle, Tacoma, Des Moines & Anacortes
At Puget Sound Sailing Institute, our private instruction is built around you. Your skill level. Your boat. Your goals. Your schedule. Whether you're brand new to sailing, preparing for ASA certification, working toward bareboat chartering, or fine tuning docking and boat handling, we tailor each session to deliver measurable improvement.
Who Private Sailing Lessons Are For
Many students use private lessons to reinforce ASA 101 or 103 skills. Others schedule sessions before an international charter or after purchasing a new boat.
If you’re unsure where you stand, we’ll assess your experience and build a plan that makes sense.
Private training is ideal if:
You want accelerated progress beyond group classes
You’re nervous about docking or boat handling
You’re preparing for a charter or certification
You recently purchased a sailboat and want guidance
You prefer personalized instruction
You need help building confidence in windier conditions
What We Focus On
If there’s something specific you want to improve, tell us. We’ll structure the session around it.
Each private lesson is customized, but common areas include:
Coastal navigation and route planning
Crew communication and leadership
Heavy air boat handling
Preparing for ASA checkouts
Charter readiness
Docking in tight marinas
Anchoring techniques and harbor approaches
Sail trim refinement
Engine operation and troubleshooting
You recently purchased a sailboat and want guidance
You prefer personalized instruction
You need help building confidence in windier conditions
Instructor Credentials and Experience
Our private lessons are led by ASA certified instructors with extensive local sailing experience in Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, Tacoma Narrows, and surrounding coastal waters. Instruction emphasizes safety, situational awareness, and decision-making, not just mechanics.
For those who want direct training with ownership-level insight, Matthew Blair, owner of PSSI, is available for advanced coaching and high-level skill development.
You’re not just hiring someone to hold the helm. You’re working with professionals who understand seamanship in real Pacific Northwest conditions.
Why Private Lessons Convert Faster Results
Group classes are excellent for foundational certification. Private instruction is where precision and confidence are built.
With one on one coaching, we can:
Correct small errors immediately
Adjust difficulty based on conditions
Push your comfort zone safely
Address your specific blind spots
Repeat challenging maneuvers until they feel natural
Private Sailing Pricing
If you’re unsure how many hours you need, we’ll recommend a realistic training plan based on your goals.
PSSI INSTRUCTOR PRICING
1-2 Students: $120/Hour
3-4 Students:$145/Hour
MATTHEW BLAIR (OWNER) PRICING
1-2 Students: $150/Hour
3-4 Students: $185/Hour
BOAT FEE (FOR PSSI BOAT USE)
22'-27' Boats: $35/Hour
30'+ Boats: $50/Hour
Minimum of three hours
Ready to Get on the Water?
Marina Locations
Bell Harbor Marina
2203 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
Des Moines Marina
22307 Dock Avenue, Des Moines, WA 98198
Tacoma