Our classic 1948 wooden sloop “Aura” sails from Deer Harbor on Orcas Island from May through October.

HANDS-ON SAILING! | YOU CAN STEER AND WORK SAILS! | SAILING INSTRUCTION INCLUDED!

Below are just some of our many reviews!

Classic Daysailing
5.0
Based on 23 reviews
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Alice MomeneeAlice Momenee
18:08 14 Sep 22
Incredible sailing experience! Highly recommend and Ward was so helpful in teaching us about how to sail the boat as well. Definitely worth the $ for a very memorable afternoon.
Ananda CoolAnanda Cool
02:54 12 Sep 22
Captain Ward is the real deal. A classic sailor totally in tune with the local waters and his classic boat. We had such a delightful sunset sail with him and the Aura. Highly recommended San Juan Islands experience.
Larissa RanzLarissa Ranz
02:42 21 Jun 22
We had a great sailing trip! Capt. Ward was great. We (even the kids) got to steer the boat and manage the sails, it was a lot of fun!
amy gadsdenamy gadsden
02:08 01 Jun 22
We had a blast with Captain Ward! He was great with my kids and letting them help do things. It was a total stress free awesome experience. I can’t wait to go again!
Jacqueline DiRubboJacqueline DiRubbo
05:21 12 Jul 21
We had a great time on our first sailing experience with our infant son as a gift for my first Mother’s Day! Our captain, Ward, was skilled, knowledgeable, friendly, and had a good sense of humor! Highly recommend. 😀
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  •   We had a fantastic adventure with Captain Ward. We were traveling with our two children and the memories he helped make will last a life time. The journey begins in Deer Harbor and is relatively easy to find. We parked near the post office and made our way down the dock. There is a place to grab food and bathroom facilities on the dock. Just passed the gift shop on the left was Captain Ward's nostalgic boat. He had life vest ready for our kiddos which was a blessing. He allowed the kiddos to steer the boat, provided amazing insight to the geographical area, and sailing knowledge. One of our children has special needs and we are truly grateful for Captain Ward's patience and guidance. He taught us the different parts of the boat, terminology, and allowed us to assist with the sails and different parts of the boat. We didn't feel rushed. The atmosphere was very peaceful and welcoming. We saw lots of adult and baby seals, birds, a porpoise, and a jellyfish. It was a very relaxing trip. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to embark on a less touristy experience with a laid back local.

    thumb Ocean Aurora R.
    8/22/2022

      My family (of 6) used Ward for a sail when we were on the island for our dads 65th birthday. It was, hands down, the highlight of our trip! Ward was kind and generous and took the time to learn everyone's name and really got those of us who were interested involved in the sailing process. This experience is worth so much more than the price and I HIGHLY recommend.

    thumb Ariana L.
    6/30/2023

      This was a terrific day sailing trip on a classic wooden boat. Captain Ward takes you around the Wasp Islands and the channel between Orcas and San Juan (depending on wind). He identifies the islands for you and even tells a few stories. Best of all, he has you help sail the boat, both steering the tiller and hauling rope for sails (if you have delicate hands, bring gloves). Just a great trip.

    thumb Josh B.
    9/14/2021
  •   We had a very pleasant morning sailing with Ward. He was a gracious host and went out of his way to include us (even my young children) in the operation of his boat. We saw some great spots, lots of wildlife, and all around had a very memorable time. Highly recommended!

    thumb Daniel C.
    8/31/2021

      My seven-year-old son and I had a great evening of sailing with Cap't Ward. I told Ward that my son wanted to learn about sailing. Ward taught him more in three hours than he would have learned at a week of sailing camp. Ward let my son start the motor, back the boat out of the marina, use the tiller, and adjust the sails. He was patient and informative. I couldn't have asked for more. My son wanted to participate in sailing the boat. Had we just wanted to hang out and relax, that would have been fine too. We had a lovely evening sailing around the San Juan's. I would recommend booking this trip in a heartbeat. It was really nice and very reasonably priced.

    thumb Shari H.
    8/12/2023

      Could not have had a better day
    Sunny, warm and just the right amount of wind. A true blessing for the first weekend in Oct
    Ward was very calm and polite
    Let you do as much or as little as you wanted. Ask the question and he shares openly, instructs and gives pointers in recognizing wind, current, other boat traffic
    Pointing out landmarks, history flora and fauna
    Would sail again with Ward any day

    thumb Holly W.
    10/01/2022
  •   We had a great time sailing with Captain Ward on his beautiful sailboat, Aura. He was knowledgeable, skilled, fun, and easy to talk to. I went with my partner and our infant son, and felt safe and happy the entire time. It was a great new experience, and the Captain was accommodating and also let us participate and learn as we went!

    thumb Jacqueline D.
    7/11/2021

      Wonderful sailing around the San Juan Islands with Captain Ward! He allows you to help in the sailing and patiently answers all questions. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

    thumb Jesica J.
    8/16/2021

      What a fun afternoon on the water! Captain Ward was educational and funny. We sailed around islands for which he knew all the names and history. Great time and even flew the spinnaker. Highly recommended this wonderful experience!

    thumb Beverly R.
    9/24/2024
  •   Ward was a great captain. Our group had a wonderful time sailing. I would highly recommend adding this to your vacation to do list.

    thumb Michelle S.
    7/13/2023