Seattle’s majestic waters and picturesque skyline are best appreciated from the water. Whether you’re a seasoned yacht enthusiast or new to the world of cruising, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most breath-taking views and hidden gems you can only reach by boat. Sunseeker discuss all things boating with Steve Acord and Ben Johnson from Sun Country Marine Group in Seattle. From the must-visit locations and local events to local marinas and best times of year to yacht, Seattle truly offers an unforgettable yachting experience, fit for all the family.

 

What makes Seattle and the surrounding areas an ideal location for yachting?

Ben: There are very few areas in the world that have this kind of connection to the water. Whatever you are in search of for cruising fulfilment, there is something for everyone. Families enjoy quick week/weekend getaways, sportsmen love the fishing potential and retired cruisers love the ability to venture out for several months at a time all while cruising in protected waters!    

Steve: Seattle and its surrounding areas are so ideal due to its multiple navigational routes. Beyond the Puget Sound, Seattle offers access to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Inside Passage, and other coastal routes that offer various experiences for yacht owners. These waterways connect Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia, and beyond, allowing for both local cruising and longer, oceanic voyages. 

What is the best time of year for yachting in Seattle, and why?

Steve: Although some may argue that the best time of year for yachting in Seattle is typically from late spring to early fall, specifically from May to September. I find that our winter provides some spectacular cruising with less crowds. Dropping anchor inside a hidden bay on one of the many islands on a crisp sunny winter day is where I find peace.

 

What are the most popular marinas around Seattle?

Steve: The Seattle area hosts several great marinas that offer many amenities.

Shilshole Bay Marina is one of Seattle's largest and most well-known marinas. Offering over 1400 slips, it is a great jumping off point for fuel and provisions for those of us who have moorage on the fresh water side of Seattle before heading north to the San Juan Islands.

Lake Union Park and South Lake Union Marina are located in the heart of Seattle, Lake Union Park offers a prime location for yachts and boats, with easy access to both the lake and the Puget Sound via the Ballard Locks. The marina at Lake Union is perfect for those who want to be close to Seattle’s city center and attractions, including the Space Needle, Seattle Center, and the Museum of History & Industry and now home to Sun Country Marine Group Seattle Office.

Can you describe the general yachting culture in Seattle?

Ben: The culture here is one where everyone is on a level playing field and have purpose in a common hobby. Whether you’re cruising in on a 35ft express cruiser or an 80 ft motoryacht, anyone will gladly lend a grabbing a dock line or sharing their days crab catch over a cocktail. 

"The comradery is alive in this boating community and is evident with every visit to a local marina or destination!"

One of my favourite parts of my business is hearing the stories of how these owners made their way to become owners of these majestic vessels. I would say most are retired or close to retirement and have owned their business or have recently sold their business. We also have a growing sector that is early - mid 50's that are still working but remotely from their boats during the summer cruising months.   

Ben: There are several destination type marinas within an hour cruise from Seattle. Poulsbo is directly west of Seattle and is a quant Scandinavian town with several restaurants, shops and a large marina with guest moorage. A little south of that just west of Tacoma is Gig Harbor which is a lovely sea side town situated in a well-protected cove with a narrow sand spit entry makes it feel all the more exclusive and welcoming.  

 

Are there any noteworthy water related events that happen throughout the year in Seattle or nearby waters?

Steve: Seattle hosts a variety of yachting events, including the Seattle Yacht Club’s Opening Day Parade and the Seattle Boat Show. These events attract yachting enthusiasts and provide opportunities for networking, training, and showcasing new vessels. Many yacht organizations in the region host regular meetups and social events, fostering a strong boating community.

Ben: Seafair which is our annual Hydroplane races on Lake Washington is a hugely popular event that allows boats to come and stern tie into a long log boom float to watch the races on Lake Washington as well as the US Navy Blue Angles perform aerial stunts in between heats!  A truly original event that has been going since the 60's.

What are the best routes for a day trip on the water around Seattle and the surrounding islands?

Ben: I always enjoy going up to the San Juan Islands through an area called Deception Pass as its gives you much more to look at underway as you’re going through smaller island passages.  The alternative is to head straight up through the Strait of Juan De Fuca which is more direct but less scenic in my opinion.  Although the chances of seeing whales is generally higher going this latter more direct route.  

Steve: Here are just a few great day trip routes from Seattle.

• Seattle → Bainbridge Island 35 Min

Highlights: Walkable downtown Winslow, great restaurants, wine tasting, art museum, forest trails.
Perfect for: A relaxed mix of nature and small-town charm.
Pro tip: Grab ice cream at Mora Iced Creamery and check out the Bloedel Reserve

• Seattle → Bremerton 60 Min

Highlights: Naval history museums, waterfront parks, breweries.
Perfect for: History buffs or those wanting a longer cruise.

• Seattle → Paulsbo (a.k.a "Little Norway") 90 min

One of my personal favorite day trips my wife and I take if nothing more than to just go grab dinner by boat. It's one of the most charming waterfront towns on the Kitsap Peninsula. Super boat-friendly, too.

• Highlights: Home to many restaurants, bars and bakeries as well as home to Viking Fest every year.
• Perfect for: Those wanting to feel miles away without leaving home. Tucked inside Liberty Bay which provides a fully protected bay that's great for anchorage or get a slip inside the Port of Poulsbo. $10 gets you a slip for 4 hours to enjoy lunch or dinner.

What is the perfect weekend itinerary for the family?

Ben: With the cruising speed of a Sunseeker you could easily make it up to Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor (both on San Juan) or Deer Harbor on Orcas. These tend to be our family's most common spots up north within a 3-4 hr cruise distance.  

Steve: I've had the pleasure of piloting yachts from Seattle through Canada and into Alaska. The Inside Passage is truly a boater's paradise. I've put together a few itineraries from Seattle, perfect for weekend getaways or longer trips to Alaska. I've included a long weekend itinerary that I recently used with a charter family:

Being the faces of Sun Country Marine Group in Seattle, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Steve: I'm thrilled to represent Sun Country Marine Group and Sunseeker in the Pacific Northwest. As Sun Country's Director of Inventory and Customer Care, I am eager to share the wonders of this region with our clients. 

“Having served as a private yacht captain here for several years, I can confidently say that there's no finer destination for private yacht owners to explore”

Ben: I recently just started at the Seattle office last month in Yacht Sales but have been in the business for 21yrs now. I have boated in these waters since I was 6 years old. I was very happy at my last Yacht Sales job where I was for nearly 13 years but when this opportunity came along to work for such a well-run, family owned company, I knew I had to make the switch. For me having access to sell new Sunseekers was a huge bonus as I think this is a growing brand with huge potential here in the NW! 

Last, but not least, what is your favourite Sunseeker model and why?

Steve: Choosing my favorite Sunseeker right now is tough but I've become a big fan of the Sunseeker Manhattan 68. As a private yacht captain with experience chartering for families, I believe the Manhattan 68 offers everything a private yacht owner could desire, especially for family operation here in the Pacific Northwest.

Ben: I am really drawn looks wise to the Predator line but I am actually really excited about the Ocean 156 as there is so much potential with the layout options and volume of that hull seems impressive.  I think this model in particular will grow in this area as we really need more sky lounge options here in the NW! 

You can find Sun Country Marine Group Seattle at the upcoming Boats Afloat Show in South Lake Union from April 25-27 where they will be showcasing the all-new Predator 55 as well as opening their brand new office location located at 809 Fairview Place North.