The Schooner Martha Foundation offers sail training vacations for families, as well as adults and youth 12 years and older. No experience is necessary! We sail in and around the San Juan Islands, the Puget Sound, and Canadian waters. You will learn about local history and wildlife of the Northwest, and the Captain and crew will share knowledge of yachting and restoration.
Martha’s sail-training program is unique in many ways. First off she only carries 6 students. On a vessel of Martha’s size you are involved in all the workings of the ship. You will rise to the morning listening to the VHF radio weather report to help decide the destination for the day. Our program will show you what it is like to live and work on board a vessel. Meals are served family style around the large main saloon mahogany table.
Martha’s accommodations are basic but comfortable. Come ready to participate and jump in to learn and become part of the crew. We have a full galley and everyone takes a turn at helping with both cooking and clean up. No experience is required, only a willing attitude and energy. You will have a chance to experience sailing on an historic vessel of yacht quality and learn a variety of seamanship skills for safe and fun adventures. You can sleep out under the stars on deck or even in the bow netting!
Sailing on a 1907 built wooden schooner is not only a privilege, but a fun and exciting learning experience. Those who have sailed on board have had some of the best sailing times of their life.
One student wrote after a trip: “One moment that stood out to me in particular on the trip was when we were at anchor and saw an incredible double rainbow. It was especially unique to be able to experience this from the Martha, knowing that we had gotten there simply by harnessing the wind. In that moment, I felt extremely in touch with nature and with myself.”
Our trips are geared towards those who want to experience the finesse of making a classic racing yacht perform to her highest ability. We hold each participant to a high standard and we find that they proudly rise to that standard. You will be expected to conduct yourself as a professional mariner.
Participants must be physically fit and agile as well as competent swimmers to take part in the sailing program. Once you reserve a berth aboard Martha, you will be sent a health form and info form outlining what to bring, arrival information, as well as many other details. No sailing experience is necessary.
Trip Descriptions
Premium Events: Swiftsure Race, Classic Mariners’ Regatta
Join the racing crew aboard Martha for a hands-on, full participation sailing/racing experience aboard a classic yacht. Learn to sail and race a 84-foot classic schooner in one of the areas classic yacht regattas.
Participants become part of the crew as they raise the sails, haul on lines, steer, help with ship’s duties and learn traditional seamanship. You will board the vessel before the races and prepare for sail training. Enjoy the camaraderie of classic yacht racing and the award ceremony with the crew.
Overnight Sail Training & Voyaging
Board in Point Hudson Marina, meet the crew, and other students. Get to know the vessel and have an orientation before getting under way. Each day consists of learning about the responsibilities and skills of being crew on board a classic vessel—sail handling, steering, safety, piloting, reading charts, anchoring, trip planning, and more. With a 5 day trip we can venture around the San Juan Island in a fashion that we as a crew choose, depending on tides, weather and crew complexion.
*Youth scholarships are available.
CRISR: Captain Raynaud’s International Schooner Race
The Captain Raynaud International Schooner Race is an annual event with multiple days of destination racing with a fleet of other schooners. Students make up a large part of the crew on this event and become very involved with the daily functions of the vessel, learning racing skills as crew on a classic racing yacht. Experience is not required but helpful.
The CRISR event is always special and we look forward to participating in 2023. The race alternated between United States San Juan Island Waters and Canadian Gulf Island Waters.
* Youth scholarships are available.