We have always wanted to go sailing in the San Juans because we have heard it is one of the most technically challenging places in the United States to sail. It has been on our bucket list for a long time. As novice sailors we knew it was beyond our ability so we decided to charter Captain Greg and his Ketch the Na’walak for a 4 day sailing adventure.This trip far exceeded our expectations. On the first day we had 26 knot winds with 37 knot gusts. Captain Greg calls those conditions “spicy”. If we had been sailing we would have been on the rocks 5 minutes after leaving the dock. Captain Greg and First Mate/Chef Rowie definitely had their hands full but successfully sailed us out into the sound. Then it was game on for some spectacular sailing. We were hugely impressed with their skill and the boat. It was everything we hoped for and more.After seeing Rowie’s skills as a sailor we thought he was probably a sailor first and chef second. Boy were we wrong. Turns out he’s a highly trained chef who has worked in Michelin Starred restaurants that happens to live on his own sailboat. As good as Rowie is at sailing he’s a Chef first and foremost. The galley on Na’walak is very well equipped. The food was beyond excellent. Especially when we stopped at the oyster farm and Chef Rowie prepared oysters and clams for lunch that were harvested that morning. The best oysters we have ever tasted.Since we came for the sailing we didn’t really investigate the hiking opportunities. Fortunately we brought good hiking boots on board because we were able to hike a lot. We would typically sail for a few hours then find an anchorage at one of the beautiful San Juan islands. Once we were at anchor we would explore the island for a couple of hours while Rowie prepared our delicious evening meal and Captain Greg did maintenance on the boat. When we were finished we would call Greg on the marine walkie talkie and he would come pick us up in the inflatable tender. We love the electric motor because it is really quiet gliding through the bays. We saw quite a bit of wildlife but sadly no Orcas on this trip. Maybe next time.Four days were not enough. Next time we plan to book six days or a 12-14 day trip up the coast. It is a lot of money but when you consider the skills and experience of the crew, perfect condition of the boat and of course the quality of the food we think it is a great deal.

We went out for an overnight sail to Sucia Island to the north of Orcas Island. We left Deer Harbor of Orcas Island in the early afternoon, and it was great to be sailing with wind power. Captain Greg is knowledgeable about the ocean currents, everything nautical, and about what natural wonders there are to be experienced in the San Juan Islands. Chef Romello entertained and fueled us with amazing food. Both Greg and Romello have a joy about cruising that was fun to be a part of. We explored Sucia Island, which is a state park, with Greg in the evening on land and with a skiff from the water in the morning. Sucia is a magical place. We talked to Greg about returning with him to Sucia in October to hunt for mushrooms, while the temperatures are still comfortable. We hope to make that happen.

Six days aboard the vessel Na'walak with naturalist Captain Dave and joyful Chef Faith was an absolute delight. Whether sailing, motoring, hiking, kayaking or enjoying fine dining in the cozy pilot house, we were Five Happy Campers.If you're looking to be well looked after while on a sailing trip, climb aboard and head out of the harbor with Emerald Isle Sailing Charters--the Salish Sea's most interesting, informative and just plain fun adventure...

Our Day Sail w. Cpt. Dave was incredible.The boat is clean and comfy, his skills seasoned and demeanor calm, and we got to fully enjoy all that a sailing day should be-beautiful PNW summer weather, other beautiful boats and seaplanes, gorgeous views of the smaller San Juan islands (only seen via A private boat), and delicious snacks and drinks provided. We learned a bit about sailing, and helped our w.raising the sails and steering the boat . I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat For peace, beauty and adventure, treat yourself to a great sailing trip!

I just returned from an exceptional 6-day San Juans excursion with Captain Dave. I signed up for the sailing, hiking, kayaking, and great scenery…and the trip certainly delivered in those areas. But the real magic of this vacation is in Dave’s expansive knowledge (seamanship, the natural world, local history), the wonderful cuisine that our chef Faith thoughtfully prepared, the easygoing and serene coves we stayed in each night, and the great conversations with new friends. You can lose yourself in the scenery, solitude, and sailing…and emerge recharged from a truly unique experience!