Sail the San Juans

This was an exceptional trip, from dock to dock! Nobody wanted to get off the boat. Can't say enough about the wildlife we saw, I was moved nearly to tears by the beautiful orca as they swam towards us ( and yes, John steered away, respectful of them). Eagles, seals, you name it. Hiking was wonderful, kayaking as well, anchorages very quiet and safe. You can sail or just sit on your butt, it is so comfy under the dodger or out in the wind. The food, though, its out of this world great. Jette is a great cook, its amazing and I felt a little sorry for her cooking the days away. ( But not really sorry enough to stop eating!!!) I didn't know the other people on the boat, but John and Jette are experienced at 'people' as well as sailing, and we ended up laughing, singing and sharing our stories without hesitation. everything about this trip was just above expectations, way above.nYou should take this trip, it may not be available forever.

We had a great time. This was our first sailing trip and we didn't know what to expect but the journey exceeded all of our expectations. The islands are beautiful and Jon and Jette's knowledge of the area is impressive. We never felt uncomfortable with Jon at the helm. The boat is comfortable and immaculately maintained. Jette's cooking is amazing. Crabbing, hiking, sailing and eating were all great. The entire trip was relaxing and peaceful. What Jon and Jette do, they do very well! We definitely felt we left with two new friends. We weren't sure what to expect with the covid pandemic ongoing but they were very careful with cleaning and using masks at all of the appropriate times. GREAT TRIP!!!

We will forever hold dear our memories of sailing with John and Jette and TailR on the Northwind. Each day was magical, filled with sightings of eagles, cormorants, herons, seals; crabbing; hikes; walks; exploring the trails on the islands; sitting on the bow with the wind in our hair and occasionally getting wet with salty sea spray; playing games in the salon; sleeping in pure comfort, wrapped in our cosy comforter and high-end sheets; eating the most exquisite gourmet meals; soaking in the beautiful scenery - and the sunsets!!; feeling complete peace that has lingered with us; listening to Jette read us chapters from her book (she is a remarkable author - so good!); loving on TailR; singing along to playlists selected just for us :) ... We felt spoiled and loved and comfortable from the moment we stepped on the beautiful and pristine Northwind. Every little detail, even down to the carefully-selected linens, and beautifully-plated meals and appetizers and fruit trays, our favorite sodas, and our own water bottles made us feel that we were completely pampered. We have the highest regard for John and Jette and consider them our friends. We are impressed at not only their high level of professionalism, but also their warm, welcoming hearts. Their expertise in every area made our trip one that we will always remember with fondness. We loved it!

There are so many reasons that our trip was amazing and so many great things I could say in this review about the beautiful islands, amazing sailing, hiking, wildlife, impeccably cared for boat, and more. The bottom line though is that this trip wouldn’t have been possible without the fact that the owners were able to offer me a completely gluten free menu. I have Celiac Disease and can’t have even the smallest amount of gluten. Eating out once a week is a risk, much less trusting someone with all of my food for the day. Not only was everything safe for me to eat but it was some of the best food I've ever had - every meal an exquisitely plated culinary delight! Their thoughtfulness in everything they do is inspiring as they try to ensure each guest on their boat has the best experience possible! I highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience something unique and magical in the capable hands of some wonderful people!

Two dear friends, my wife and I stepped aboard Northwind on a Sunday afternoon. We untied and immediately motored three hours west against the wind to our night's first anchorage in a protected island cove near the maritime Canadian border. Jette got busy in the galley preparing the first of many delicious appetizers and outstanding meals. For the remainder of the the week, we sailed, taking advantage of wind and tides. For me, the sailing experience is being consonant with my environment; constantly feeling the wind against my face and the boat being pushed and shoved by the currents, while quietly feeling their physical force move the sloop through the waters. Every day was a viewing treat. There were seals, otters, whales, and porpoises. Afternoons were spent hiking on remote islands, touring a busy harbor, or setting crab traps for dinner. Pulling the crabs through a sparkling, phosphorescent sea was one of the most magical moments of the trip. Jon and Jette Baker, co-captains, made every personal accommodation possible to all on board. The food was superb, the state rooms private and comfortable, the company friendly, knowledgeable, thoroughly professional and deeply experienced. If you are considering a sailing vacation in the Pacific Northwest, you should have no qualms whatsoever about booking a trip on the Northwind. It was a fabulous experience.