“What we lack in intelligence, we more than make up for in velocity. Our goal is simple: have fun!” – Cap’n Fatty Goodlander
What is a Cruise?
For many in the South Sound, sailing means only one thing — cruising! SSSS sailors enjoy some of the most beautiful waters of Puget Sound. Quiet coves, secluded anchorages, as well as charming waterfront towns and quays provide year-round destinations.
Cruising is an important part of South Sound Sailing Society’s program. Cruises provide a great opportunity for people to meet up in wonderful South Sound destinations, share food and camaraderie with other like-minded sailors, and slip away from the hectic pace of life, if only for a night or two.
For those relatively new to the cruising experience, SSSS Cruises provide a quasi-structured and secure way to learn the better points of anchoring, docking, and rafting up with plenty of seasoned and friendly support from other sailors. This can provide the essential first experiences from which confidence builds to explore further and further horizons.
And there is plenty to explore! South Sound sailors roam the northwest’s inland sea, from charming Port Townsend to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia’s spectacular waters. Many keep going, on to Alaska, or turning left where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific for destinations in Mexico, the South Pacific, or further. SSSS sailors have been all over the world. Some have returned and others are still out there cruising.
Let SSSS Cruises be your jumping off point, either for a quiet weekend away from the maddening world or as a stepping stone to a vast horizon. See the South Sound Cruise calendar below for dates and locations.
How to go on a cruise
Most months, the SSSS has a Cruise to a South Sound destination. Some of the Cruises can be reached by land as well as by water, while other destinations can only be reached by boat.
A potluck dinner is held at the destination at 1800 hours, either on shore, or on a boat ,or raft up. Bring what you want to eat and share, unless the Ship-to-Shore article specifically suggests a theme or assignment of dishes. Remember to bring your own plates, cups and eating utensils. If you don’t have a dingy, look for boats flying the SSSS burgee. Hail them, and make them aware that you need a ride to dinner.
Most Cruises are hosted, and the Cruise hosts will bring a cooler with various beverages, and provide for recycling and garbage disposal. If the Cruise does not have a designated host, be creative and go anyway. You may find other adventuresome sailors enjoying time on the water. Some of the most enjoyable evenings are these spontaneous connections. Cruisers should always be prepared to be self-sufficient, just in case you find yourselves on your own.
The important thing is to get out on your boat. Scheduling a Cruise on your calendar often makes the difference in helping you leave the dock. See you on the water!
Help the club craft future cruises
Cruising and socializing are a large part of why many joined this club. Obtaining a more nuanced understanding of what we, as cruisers, enjoy will allow our club to tailor the events and make each cruise more memorable. There is a short survey under the drop-down under CRUISING. Submitting a survey will help provide insight about what YOU specifically want to see in your cruising experience.
Email responses to . Thanks in advance.