INSTRUCTOR BIO
Learn the secrets of the San Juan’s with CAPTAIN NATE HARMON. I started sailing in 1995 on San Francisco Bay and Catalina Island. I enjoy the excitement of racing, cruising and anchoring out in secluded coves to fish, do some crabbing & kayak, the challenge of always learning something new, and introducing newcomers to the sport. I started Sailing in Seattle early in 1999 with a vision to share my love and knowledge of sailing with others in a personalized, safe and fun environment providing relaxation and adventure. I work in the San Juan Islands during the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. I live in Hilo, Hawaii where I enjoy surfing, sailing, hiking or training for the Ironman Triathlon held in Kona, Hawaii. I look forward to teaching you to sail while you learn the secrets of the Islands! If you have specific questions you’d like me to answer please call me at 360-556-7085. Smooth Sailing! Captain Nate!
Bellhaven offers a broad range of sailing courses which emphasize practical, hands on experience on the water. All of our courses are designed so that students gain practical hands on experience through patient, professional instruction. It’s SAFETY FIRST - our instructor will train you in a controlled environment. As a beginner sailor we know you’ll make mistakes and we want you to be challenged in a controlled environment - knowing there is a trained professional to show you the correct way. While you’re out you will not only learn how to sail but Capt. Nate will share the “secrets of the San Juan’s” including where you can hike to get your “street legs” back, maybe drop a crab ring (if in season) and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see Orca whales! Capt. Nate calls it “a vacation with a mission.” You’ll work hard but come away with fantastic memories!
Courses are offered in three formats, with each intended to deliver maximum value and learning potential while meeting the individual goals and schedules of students. All formats are offered throughout the year on a scheduled basis.
COURSES
Private courses offer students the opportunity for personalized instruction in a specific area of interest to the student, or enhance a specific set of skills student already have. Enjoy total immersion into sailing while enjoying the majestic San Juan Islands.
Weekender courses are designed for people from all over the Northwest who want to cover various courses one step at a time. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday in the spring and fall, these courses will usually include an overnight at anchor someplace in the San Juan Islands - giving students practical anchoring and navigation practice. A great weekend getaway into the islands while gaining skills and local knowledge of the islands from instructors who have both been sailing over 20 years. If you have a group of four these weekends can be scheduled to your timetable.
Cruise N Learns (CNL) are the most popular format we offer - CNL not only does it offer a full week of on the water hands on experience, but also gives students an exciting week long “cruising lifestyle” experience. Students are able to earn their Bareboat Charter Certification during the week, giving them not just the ability to skipper their own boat, but the experience and local knowledge to do so safely in the future.
Power Boat Instruction providing private or group sessions with single or twin screw. Half-day docking instruction or RPBA Certification. Your boat or ours. Please call for information.
ASA COURSE CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE FROM BELLHAVEN
ASA CRUISE-N-LEARN: $1795/per person (ASA 101, 103 and 104 ) includes provisions, tax, 1 night moorage fee.
WEEKEND CLASSES: Weekend classes are one overnight. Start time is 9 AM and ends around 5 PM the next day. We can adjust days to fit your schedule as long as the boat is not out on charter and we can get our instructor. Please call Bellhaven to discuss week day options to fit your schedule.
ASA 101: Basic Keelboat Sailing - Course Fee: $425 per person
ASA 103 : Basic Coastal Cruising - Course Fee: $465 per person
ASA 104 : Bareboat Cruising - Course Fee: $525 per person - (Look for $250 off your first charter with Bellhaven!)
ADDITIONAL COURSES:
ASA 105 - Coastal Navigation - Course Info: 105 is primarily a “classroom” course. You will be required to purchase the ASA 105 textbook and video. You will be tested on the material while on the week long 106 course. The course fee is included in the 106 class below.
ASA 106 - Advanced Coastal Cruising - Course Fee: $1895 per person plus the $20 test fee for each course - 105 and 106.
NOTE: Cruise-N-Learn and ASA 101 weekend class: There is a one time fee of $49 - 1 year ASA membership and the 101 certification sticker, $15 for ASA Logbook and a $20 test fee for each course passed.
Registration Form and Costs
Contact Bellhaven Sailing School
As you can see, there are a wide variety of courses Bellhaven offers. If you are not sure which courses are the right ones for you, call us. We are happy to discuss any of your prior experience.
YOUR PERSONAL GUARANTEE FROM US
We understand there is more than one way to teach something. We also understand there is more than one school for you to choose from. While other schools may be teaching essentially the same things, how they teach usually is not. If you choose Bellhaven as your sailing school, our instructors will tailor their instruction to your learning style and goals. If you prepare prior to your course according to our recommended curriculum, you should successfully pass our courses. If for some reason you do not meet the criteria for passing, and you have prepared, we will encourage you to retake the course in a weekend class.