Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’re here to answer them.
OPERATIONS
Are you open?
Yes! We are open year round at our South Lake Union Campus.
Are you still running Sunday Public Sail?
We will be holding one Public Sail per month starting on Free Boating Day, April 27th! Here are the 2025 Public Sail dates:
May 25 | June 29 | July 27 | August 31 | September 28 | October 26 (Halloween Bash)
Can I just look at the boats?
Yes you can! Our docks are open to the public, and we never charge admission. A section of our docks will be closed when youth programs are taking place.
Can I use the restroom?
Restrooms at the Wagner Education Center are open during regular business hours. Restrooms at the Boathouse are available during business hours when the building is not being used for a private event.
Is your Cama Beach location open?
No, the lower portion of Cama Beach State Park is closed. See information in KING5.
Are you accepting volunteers?
Yes! After filling out the online application you will begin receiving invitations to our volunteer orientation. An orientation is mandatory before you can begin volunteering and runs from 10am-11am on the second Saturday of every month.
Can I buy something in the Gift Shop?
Yes! Visit our gift shop in the Wagner Education Center anytime during regular business hours. CWB members receive a 20% discount* in our store! (*some exclusions apply)
Is there parking?
CWB does not have any parking of our own, but there is a city lot directly South of us on Valley Street. There are also parking options along Westlake Avenue, and many public transport options. If you have a disability parking pass, use the call box to contact MOHAI about raising the arm and parking in their ADA spaces down the fire lane near the docks.
Are you renting out facilities currently?
We are! See this page on the website for the options we offer. For further inquiry, fill out the form and our Event Rentals Team will respond to you.
PROGRAMS
Which should I sign up for, SailNOW!, Basic Keelboat, or Private Sailing Lessons?
All are a means to the same end–learning how to sail! Read more about each option here and go with what feels right for you and your schedule, learning style, experience level, and budget. If you’re leaning towards Private Lessons, don’t forget to check out the Private Lesson Package deal!
I see you are offering CLC Boatbuilding classes. Are these still proceeding?
Yes! We have several woodworking and boatbuilding classes available including the Chesapeake Light Crafts. Check out all we have to offer HERE!
LIVERY
Does someone drive the boat?
If you are looking to cruise with a captain, check out our Charter Program.
Renters are fully responsible for safe handling of rental boats, and are unaccompanied by a CWB staff person. To rent a sailboat, you need to have passed our sailing checkout (a test of sailing proficiency) ahead of time, and by appointment only. There are no prerequisites to rent a human powered vessel such as a rowboat, canoe, or kayak.
Can I just do a checkout really quick before my rental?
This is unfortunately not an option. Checkouts need to be scheduled online ahead of time because an instructor is required to perform the checkout. If you arrive for a sailing rental without a current sailing checkout, we will offer you one of our human powered vessels instead. Please note that only 1 member of your rental party needs to have a current sailing checkout.
Do you have life jackets?
Yes! We provide life jackets for everyone, infants and up, included in your rental. You are required to keep your lifejacket on securely for the duration of your rental. If you would like to bring your own coast guard approved life jacket, you are welcome to do so.
Can I bring my child on board?
There are no age restrictions to our human powered rentals, as long as anybody under the age of 16 is accompanied by an adult. Please note that the docks and boats can be inherently difficult for those with mobility issues. Call in advance if you have concerns, we are happy to help.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Our docks, boats, and buildings are dog friendly. Please keep your dog on leash and understand that staff has the right to revoke this privilege if your dog is out of control or otherwise behaving dangerously. Additionally, just like their humans, all dogs must remain on board for the duration of your rental–no swimming. We do have doggie life jackets!
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes! You are welcome to eat and drink on our boats during your rental. Please pack out what you pack in and be mindful that no drugs or alcohol are permitted.
MEMBERSHIP
How can I verify that my membership is current?
Email membership@cwb.org or call our front desk at 206-382-2628 and we can check your membership expiration date.
I lost my CWB Membership card. Can I get a replacement?
You don’t need to show your CWB Membership card to take advantage of your membership benefits at CWB – you only need to show a valid ID and we can verify your membership status in our system. When you renew your membership each year, you will receive a new card. If necessary to take advantage of partner deals, email membership@cwb.org.
If you are a Contributing or Captain’s Circle member, which come with CAMM and ROAM reciprocal membership benefits, you must show a physical membership card to utilize those reciprocal benefits at other museums. Therefore, we will provide one replacement card prior to renewal for Contributing or Captain’s Circle members upon request. Email membership@cwb.org to initiate that replacement, and note that turnaround time for a replacement card is 7 - 10 days. We cannot replace your membership card while you wait.
I’ve moved! Who do I update at CWB?
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date! Email membership@cwb.org or call our front desk at 206-382-2628 with your new mailing address, email, or phone # and we will update our records. To update your email address for our E-Newsletter specifically, contact communications@cwb.org.
I’m a Contributing or Captain’s Circle member, and I lost my CAMM card (Council of American Maritime Museums Admission Privilege Card). Can I get a replacement?
We will be happy to provide one replacement CAMM card to qualifying members upon request. Email membership@cwb.org to request your replacement card. Turnaround time is 7 – 10 days.
What does CAMM and ROAM mean? What are reciprocal membership benefits, and how do I take advantage of them?
Through reciprocal membership programs, CWB members at the Contributing and Captain’s Circle levels receive basic membership privileges (like free admission and in some cases, museum store discounts) at over 500 other museums nationwide and abroad! If you’re a frequent museum-goer, paying just a little more for this level of CWB membership can save you a lot of money in admission costs over the course of a year. Both member levels cover 2 adults and up to 4 children at a single mailing address.
CAMM stands for the Council of American Maritime Museums, and their reciprocal membership program grants CWB members at the Contributing and Captain’s Circle levels free admission to nearly 100 maritime museums across the U.S. If you are a current Contributing or Captain’s Level member of CWB, take your wooden CWB membership card and your separate CAMM card to participating museums for free admission. Browse a full list of CAMM participating museums here.
ROAM stands for the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums, and their reciprocal membership program grants CWB members at the Contributing and Captain’s Circle levels free admission (and in many cases, museum store discounts) to over 400 museums of all types across the U.S. (even a few museums abroad)! If you are a Contributing or Captain’s Circle level member of CWB, show the ROAM sticker on your CWB wooden membership card to gain free entry at participating museums. See a full list of ROAM participating museums here.