Testimonials

Dear Ben,

Thank you for a truly unforgettable experience! This was the very definition of a perfect vacation for us - a learning adventure, confidence building for the kids and a great bonding opportunity for the entire family. Your ability to take a bunch of absolute novices and teach them the basics of sailing in an atmosphere of uninterrupted, relaxed fun is just remarkable - a lesser teacher and I can easily see the challenge of so many new situations turning into stress. You made these four days feel like a month-long voyage to a place we can't wait to revisit next year!

Hi Ben,

This is just a quick note to, once again, thank you for such a
wonderful time on your boat. It was such an amazing day on the
water, complete with your friendly expertise and guidance, that every
time I think of it, I smile. It was certainly one of the best summer
days that I've ever spent in Washington state. Katie and I thoroughly
enjoyed ourselves. Todd J., MT

"Orcas Island Sailing has great boats that are well maintained. A great
location for sailing and Ben has a professional and friendly attitude. If
you want to go sailing, talk to Ben!" Robin G., San Francisco

"Ben involves and engages everyone in the boat. He gives clear instruction and most importantly allows you to think and understand sailing. He is especially great with the safe and fun approach to sailing. He taught my daughters to sail on and off the dock! They love sailing!" Scott G. Portland, OR

"Thank you for running what is in our minds, the best rental outfit on Orcas. We'll be back...and when we're there, you know we'll be taking out one of your magnificent boats again!" Shari C. So. Cal.

"I don't like taking "lessons" of any kind. I normally learn on my own. But Orcas Island Sailing is all about hand-on learning. You're on the water almost immediately. On my second lesson, Captain Ben asked me to rig the boat for sailing without his help, and I was amazed to find that I remembered how. How did he know I could do that when I didn't know myself? The friendly intensity of the training was a perfect fit for me." James B. Orcas Is.

"It was my wife's first time sailing and she felt safe and secure in the protected cockpit (and knowing there was a reliable motor should her new husband turn out to be Captain Ron). Ben's attention to detail, safety, and continued desire and ability to introduce new sailors to the freedom of sailing make Orcas Island Sailing our first choice for sailing in the San Juan Islands." Matt G. Portland, OR

Sailing with Ben is a fantastic experience. As a sailor, he has years of experience on many different kinds of boats; I always trusted his expertise. As a teacher, he's patient, enthusiastic, and highly skilled at explaining things while still letting you "take the helm" and learn as you go. And as a person, he is one of the most genuine people I've ever met, and very passionate about what he does. Ben made me feel confident in both my ability to learn about sailing as well as my ability to actually sail. The time you'll spend with Ben on the water will be extremely educational but better yet extremely enjoyable - you'll have fun as you learn how to sail because he's there with you. I cannot say enough good things about him or his business, and the fact that he's located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world doesn't hurt either! Chelsea M., Olympia, WA

"Every bit of sailing with Ben is satisfying: he listens to our requests, teaches us about everything from the design of wings to how to sit in the boat, makes us laugh, makes us appreciate the joys of being out on the water." Peter F. Menlo Park. CA