Learn Racing - the Windworks Way!
Our racing lessons aim to help you become a better sailor through skill-building, teamwork, and stress-free learning. This program serves as a gateway for members to transition from casual day-sailing to becoming competent crew for premier offshore and Puget Sound events like the Snowbird Racing Series on our flagship, Upbeat.
US Sailing Basic Cruising Certificate: Must be held prior to enrolling in advanced racing courses.
US Sailing & US Powerboating Lessons
Windworks is the only US Sailing & US Powerboating accredited school in the Pacific Northwest to offer these advanced certifications.
US Sailing Performance Sailing Course
Covers advanced sail trim, boat speed, body mechanics during maneuvers, and "white sails" performance.
US Sailing Spinnaker Performance Sailing Endorsement
Covers rigging, flying, jibing, and dousing both symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers.
Participate in Windworks Racing Events
Taking these courses makes you eligible for regional cruiser-racer events such as the Sloop Tavern Yacht Club and the Snowbird races. We are committed to taking Upbeat to events that are relevant to the cruising community, emphasizing technical excellence, learning and teamwork over "ultra-racing" extremes.
Find our more about our about our Recreational Racing events:
Not Ready for Racing?
US Sailing at Windworks offers education and instruction in distinct areas: Keelboat, Cruising, Powerboat, Racing. Whether you’re dreaming of cruising over the horizon or sailing in the local waters of Seattle, our team is here to guide you toward achieving your goals.
Meet Our Racing Instructors
Oliver Davis
Sail Instructor
Time With Windworks: Since 2008 | Licenses: 50 ton Coast Guard license
US Sailing Certifications: Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Racing
I got hooked on sailing when I was a kid at summer camp, and also helping family friends cruise their boats around the East Coast, especially Rhode Island and Long Island Sound. In 1986 I was backpacking through Spain and ended up jumping on a boat sailing from Gibraltar to the Bahamas! What an adventure. Later I spent about 15 years crewing on big boats in local and national aces. Best professional achievements would be winning three National Championships on Samba Pa Ti or teaching at the Naval Academy every summer, what an honor. Probably some of the most fun I ever had sailing was racing big boats in Seattle and making (talking) my way onto some fast boats, and I also have a vague memory of skimming across the water on a Sailfish off Cape Cod.
Margaret Pommert
Sail & Powerboat Instructor
Time With Windworks: Since 2010 | Licenses: USCG 100 Ton Masters License
US Sailing Certifications: Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation, Coastal Passagemaking, Performance Sailing, Cruising Catamaran, Night Cruising
A Puget Sound native, Margaret learned to sail here about 40 years ago. She’s enjoyed exploring many of the world’s top cruising destinations, and racing a variety of sailboats. Every summer, she helps lead a flotilla of recreational sail and power boats up the Inside Passage to Alaska. She also works locally to promote boating safety and women in boating.