Puget Sound Voyaging
30 Years of Free Youth Sailing Programs
Puget Sound Voyaging
Puget Sound Voyagers is a high school and young adult program focused on leadership training, personal development, and maritime skills. Meeting weekly throughout the school year, students practice a wide range of maritime skills, including navigation, knot tying, and boat handling. They engage in teamwork and leadership activities through engine-less rowing and sailing, supported by experienced mentor captains.
The program fosters empowerment and personal growth, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and develop inner strength. Participants learn valuable life skills such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. The year concludes with a week-long journey, where students explore the Salish Sea, testing their skills and self-reliance through unique, life-changing experiences.
Maritime Skills for Real-World Success
Program Elements
Maritime Skills
Leadership and Teamwork
Empowerment and Personal Development
Life Skills
Through weekly practice on our boats and in our classroom, students learn essential maritime skills. From knot tying to charting, navigation, predicting tides, reading waters, sailing, and boat handling—everything needed for safe cruising or a maritime career.
Our engine-less longdories require teamwork, problem-solving, and fun teambuilding games. Rotating leadership and supportive feedback help Voyagers step up and discover their inner leader, with mentor captains providing a safety net.
With rotating leadership, guided reflections, and strong group bonds, Voyagers are encouraged to stretch their boundaries in a supportive environment. Mistakes are valuable lessons, and the sea guides them to inner strength. Each Voyager has endless opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
In the Voyaging program, students learn to interpret weather forecasts, plan meals, solve problems, and gather information. They gain communication and time management skills essential for any workplace. Daily habits of organization, planning, teamwork, and awareness are instilled and valuable everywhere.
