Testimonials
“My family and I had the pleasure of an all-day sail with Ben aboard his beautiful sailboat True. I could write a million words about the amazing day we had, but in short, the boat was incredible, Ben’s expertise, company, and knowledge was top-notch, and the sailing exceeded all our expectations. We even got to fire a canon! I hope you all book a sail with Ben and get to experience all the joy and adventure of sailing on True like we did. Thank you Ben!”
“Husband, father, captain of the sailboat True, indie-folk musician, life enthusiast. Ben is pure joy and endless energy, plucking crab from the ocean one minute and regaling us with stories about his grandfather the next. You meet a lot of people in this life. Some of them are ships in the night. Some stick with you. Some you borrow a piece from to make your own little boat just a little bit better.”
“An AMAZING experience!!! If you’re looking for a special getaway, well- here it is. We spent the night aboard this classic vintage vessel in the middle of Eagle Harbor followed by a lovely 2 hour cruise the next morning. It was the PERFECT one night getaway! The beds, breakfast, and bean bags aboard deck were awesome. Ben and his deck hand Kenza were super hosts. There was bioluminescence in the water that evening that made the experience even more magical. My kids (17, 13, 11) will never forget this trip.”
“There is so much I can say about Sail Bainbridge. Ben is a one of a kind human being and captain, and our trips on the beautiful SV True have been so important and memorable for us. Thanks Ben for all the memories and here’s many many more!”
“My family and I had a special time on True. It was our sons birthday. Sailing to Blake Island was the perfect family adventure: a private, beautiful island park. Captain Ben handles everything beautifully, and is super friendly. True is a gorgeous, classic, spacious and comfortable boat in any weather. I loved the different trip options, we certainly will be booking again. Highly Recommend!”
“First, the entire experience was amazing from the process of making the reservation to the actual time on the water. The captain is an incredible person. I enjoyed getting to know him and sharing life stories. I originally thought I just wanted a couple hours of sailing but then the orcas appeared. It was amazing to watch two families of orcas begin hunting. So happy the captain was willing to change our plans. I would highly recommend Sail Bainbridge.”
“My sail and stay was an impulse decision and I was worried it wouldn’t be the same since I’m traveling solo, but it exceeded every single hope! The boat is gorgeous, impeccably clean, with the most comfortable bed I’ve slept in in a while and lush bean bags on the deck, yummy breakfast goodies and gorgeous views out of every window. I hated leaving it! I had the chance to sail with Ben and his daughter and couldn’t have asked for better company. The whole experience was bar none, five star, unforgettable in all the best ways! The only part I hated was disembarking. Do this!
“What an amazing experience! Beautiful boat, great captain, a wonderful opportunity to take breathtaking photos, and enjoy time with friends. Thanks Sail Bainbridge!”
“We had a fantastic sail with Ben aboard the beautiful TRUE! We loved sailing out past the island and saw Mt. Rainier, the Seattle Waterfront, etc. Honestly just being on the boat and out in the water itself is so magical. We loved the beanbags at the front to lounge out and taking in all the sights. Ben was very kind, accommodating, and we had great conversations. We loved our trip and we hope to be back again soon! :)”
“Great time sailing – went with Ben on three separate sailing excursion in June and July exploring adjacent Elliot bay and Blake Island. Got some good sailing in. Seal pups, eagles, bay porpoises. True (the 44′ sailboat) is wonderful, comfortable and roomy. Ben is awesome and a superb captain. Fun conversations and knowledgeable about history and nature/wild life of the Puget Sound. Great first mate in training – Aria! Highly recommend for a trip to Bainbridge. We are already planning a more extensive multiday overnight trip with Ben and True – can hardly wait :)”
“Great time! True is a fantastic boat with plenty of style. Ben is a fantastic captain and a delight to be around. I cannot recommend sailing with him enough. Thanks for the great trip man!”
“Such a fun weekend! It is always nice to get a night out in the city, but to arrive by boat made for even more of a treat. Even in early spring, we were fortunate to get plenty of sun and winds at our back heading in –and we could not believe how close we came to the pod of orcas sailing home! That was definitely a highlight of the trip.”
“This is truly the best way to experience the natural glory of Washington. Everything from start to finish is easy, relaxing, and special. Ben is clearly an expert at sailing, which is seen through his knowledge and passion. By the end of the trip you feel like you saw an old friend and enjoyed the best of Seattle’s magnificent views.”
“Captain Ben and the special guest Nell (the boat dog) created the most amazing experience for my dads surprise 60th birthday! Everything was even better than expected. Arriving at the boat was easy with great directions and extra tips, the ride was smooth and exciting for all ages, and we had great conversation with Ben. We brought some snacks for the ride (highly suggested) and enjoyed a couple of hours of just relaxing on the water. I HIGHLY recommend booking this trip! It is worth every penny. :)”
“We decided to try a sunset sail with Ben. It was awesome. My boys, 13 and 15, my husband and I had a phenomenal time. The weather was clear and we had full sails. Such a great experience. Ben really knows what he’s doing and answered questions and kept everything interesting. It was beautiful and enjoyable – what better family time could you think of?”
“Initially, this was supposed to be a surprise birthday gift for my husband who has always wanted to sail. Ben, Kenza, the boat, and the sail were all precious to the point where I was even surprised as the experience was extremely phenomenal. I highly encourage others to sail and to stay on the boat. If I knew better, I would have booked a longer sail as time goes by quick when you are having fun! The sunset was incredible and the surrounding community was so pleasant. We saw wildlife and enjoyed being anchored with the slight movements of the water against the boat. Ben got us vegan doughnuts which was absolutely appreciated, they were wonderful. Also we had some rose tea that Ben provided in the kitchen and it was amazing way to enjoy the night. Ben is super knowledgeable and is very friendly (as so is Kenza). This experience solidified our hopes to sail on our own one day with our own boat. Also, the boat (True) is absolutely a stunning beauty. We got some compliments when fellow kayakers passed by when we were anchored 🙂 It was a very comfy stay and we appreciated all the fine details during our stay. It was truly special. We will certainly be back! Thanks for everything and making sailing awesome!”
“We had a great time sailing and staying aboard the sailboat, True. Ben was an exceptional host; friendly, informative, engaging and attentive yet giving us our space when appropriate. Pre-visit communication was phenomenal. Very laid back and accommodating which led to an overall great experience. Ben even grabbed a bucket of ice upon receiving my last-minute request to make sure the champagne would chill quickly. Oh yes, the mattress was much more comfortable than I expected to find on a boat.I’d highly recommend staying with Bainbridge Sail as a ‘bucket list’ experience. Waking up on a sail boat with a hot cup of coffee is not to be missed.”
“Excellent communication prior to arrival: Detailed instruction and advise, professional and welcoming. Ben made every effort to ensure a smooth stay. One night felt like a weeks holiday in terms of relaxation. The boat is in great shape and it felt like a floating home from home. We took a 2 hour sail before being dropped off for dinner in a local restraunt. Following the meal Ben ferried us out to the boat and then returned as arranged at 10am the next day to pick us up. Sunset and sunrise on the water in a calm and quiet harbour with a view of the Seattle skyline, just perfect! A great experience for the kids too; our 9 and 10 year olds even took turns stearing the boat while under sail and are still talking about it a week later. A great change from a hotel or house stay, I would recommend to anyone. ”
“The boat was very clean and spacious for the 4 us in our party. Excellent views or the city and surrounding landscape. The water always has a very calming affect and it was nice to be on it and breath the fresh air. The ferry rides to Bainbridge and from the city was a bonus.”
“We have been fortunate to sail with Ben since 2018. In fact, our vacation is not complete without our annual sailing with Ben. There is nothing like a sail on Elliot’s Bay whether it’s sunny or rainy. The views are magnificent and with Ben at the helm you will be informed, have fun, and wished you had booked a longer sail. His boat is immaculate and his piloting is professional. We have done afternoon sails, sunset sails and four hour sails and always come away feeling like we just spent time with a friend gazing at the most beautiful scenery in the PNW. Thank you Ben and see you next summer!!!”
“Wowee let’s just start with the boat. The most beautiful sailboat you ever did see. It was strong and steady, we felt safe and no where near seasick. The host/skipper was everything and more. He was super cool and friendly, and also very knowledgeable about the area and sailing. Our group had such an awesome, memorable experience we will definitely be back again!!”
“A magical evening sail our delightful host/captain Ben, followed by mother nature’s full evening “program” including a beautiful sun set, ferry lights on the water, sounds of fish jumping, the city skyline lights coming up as darkness fell, and much more. An unforgettable Airbnb experience!”
“We took an overnight trip for my wife’s birthday. Ben was an amazing captain and True is a great boat. Our sail, from Bainbridge to Gig Harbor where we spent the night, was amazing. We had views of Seattle, Tacoma, and four of Washington’s five volcanic peaks. Ben was more than flexible in keeping the element of surprise leading up to our whole trip, including a happy hour with friends at the dock after our arrival. We also loved Nellie the dog, she was a great sailing companion.”
“Ben was the perfect host. Engaging, funny, knowledgeable, generous and extremely easy to get along with, but just as adept at knowing when to give us space to enjoy the experience. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. ”
“We had a great time sailing on True with a big family group. They knew a great place for lunch and had paddle boards for us to play with when we rafted up with the other two boats in our fleet. 10/10 would recommend sailing with Ben!
“What a great experience it was for all of us. Ben is not only very knowledgeable about sailing but also quite passionate about it. He’s very well-traveled, quite witty and have a great sense of humor and he’s a talented singer as well! What I really like about him is that he treated us with respect and genuinely engaged in our talks, some of which were funny and at times, revolving around difficult topics. Towards the first half of our trip, we felt like we have known Ben forever. What a great guy! I highly recommend you go out sailing with him. We plan/dream on sailing to the San Juan Islands with Ben hopefully next year!”
“Ben was very accommodating. Our entire group enjoyed the sail trip and the overnight stay on the boat. It was a fun activity to do during these times when social distancing is so important. Our small group was able to enjoy the sights while feeling safe. The instructions were clear, not only the ones on how to get to the marina and what to expect from the sail, but also how to “work” the boat (kitchen, bathroom, sleeping accommodations etc.). I would definitely recommend this experience.”
“I can’t say enough about how lovely this little getaway was. Coordinating with Ben to iron out the details of the reservation and get set up with a tour through Sail Bainbridge was a breeze. Ben was incredibly helpful, responsive and accommodating. The boat is beautiful, and exceeded my expectations. The bed alone was nearly more comfortable than my own! Waking up anchored at harbor was a new experience for me, and it couldn’t have been more idyllic. Our Sunday morning sail was the best way to cap the day and Sail Bainbridge made it especially enjoyable and easy. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for everything, Ben!”
“It was perfect. We’ll never forget our amazing stay on Ben’s gorgeous sailboat. He was an amazing host, extremely accommodating and helpful. The sailboat had everything we needed for a super-comfortable overnight stay. I proposed to my now-fiancée on the anchored-out boat at dusk and it was the perfect romantic experience. It couldn’t have gone better. I feel so lucky to have been able to work with Ben on the perfect romantic excursion. We’ll definitely be back.”
“Staying on Ben and Deb’s boat, the True, we had a wonderful stay, making our first night as a married couple amazing! Ben, incredibly flexible in taking us out after the wedding, and provided everything we needed to make us feel comfortable aboard. The True itself is amazing and very well equipped. The ship has beautiful wood dinning and seating areas, with a functional kitchen. One can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning with great views from in the cabin, or on deck on two comfortable beanbag chairs. The bed is fantastically comfortable, and after a long day, we were quickly lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the ship. I could imagine spending several days there comfortably, though alas we only had the one night. We definitely would recommend the experience!”
“Our group of six had a fun and memorable trip with Captain Ben!! He is very conversational, knowledgeable and fun!! Highly recommend!! Plus…. WE SAW ORCAS!!”
“Captain Ben is our new BFF! He and Nel the Sea Dog were the highlight of our trip. 10/10 would recommend boarding the True.”
“If you want to experience the best of Bainbridge Island, you really can’t do any better than booking an adventure with Sail Bainbridge. A local business run by a wonderful, hard working and committed family, you’ll make memories for a lifetime. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the Puget Sound’s orcas.”
“Perfect outing of sailing to Blake Island to explore and do a fun hike! We got to see the sea lions and porpoises while sailing! Our children said it was one of the best days of their lives! Doesn’t get any better than making memories like this!”
“Ben, thank you for an amazing afternoon of sailing! Your boat is a gem, and you made us all feel so comfortable and relaxed. Best way to see the Sound!”
“Words fail me. We took our 13 year old daughter on a sunset sail and a night on board, and it was even better than we imagined. It was an unforgettable experience. Ben is fun and easy to be around, like spending time with an old friend you haven’t seen in forever! We didn’t want to leave.”
“Planned a trip around a half day sail with Ben. My family and got to celebrate two milestone birthdays on a beautiful boat in Puget Sound. Ben was gracious, humorous, and of course an excellent captain. Quit wasting time reading this review and book yourself a trip, you’ll remember it forever!”
“Celebrating 22 years of marriage… The 2 hour Sunset Sail on True with Ben & overnight at anchor was truly an amazing experience. Peaceful, calming & altogether relaxing. It was a PERFECT way to honor love & bonding. Definitely would love to do it again with family &/or friends. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
“My sisters and I spent a lovely evening exploring/sailing around Bainbridge with Ben for the Sunset tour. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”
“My son and I really enjoyed our trip. Captain Ben was professional and welcoming. The temperature and winds were perfect, allowing us the relax and take in all the scenery. We hope to return with the rest of our family to again sail abroad the beautiful yacht, True. What a relaxing way to enjoy a beautiful day! We would highly recommend Sail Bainbridge.”
“Ben is a professional and well formed in his craft. You will leave his tour, ready to be a Mariner. Cheers”
“Really great experience! Ben is a great captain, very personable with lots of great stories. The boat is beautiful, comfortable and with cozy inside spaces if you get chilly. Highly recommend!
“No better way to spend the afternoon! My family enjoyed the most relaxing, laughter filled afternoon on True. Ben is a terrific Captain who knows well his boat and the seas he sails. His stories are delightful, and he made us feel like old friends immediately. Thank you Ben!”
“Ben was an amazing captain. We saw a rainbow, harbor seal, porpoise and a giant starfish. Such a fun experience on a stellar boat. Ben was super personable and took extra care to make our experience special. Highly recommend!”
“Ben took my family and me out for a cruise on the beautiful True to deliver our parents’ ashes to their final resting place in Puget Sound. The experience could not have been more perfect. We are left with really special memories.”
“Perfect afternoon sail! My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Captain Ben on his lovely “True” sailboat. Ben was personable, professional and highly proficient at his craft. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! If you are considering a sailing excursion out of Bainbridge, do yourself a favor and go with Sail Bainbridge. You will not be disappointed.”
“We had the most incredible time out on the water with Ben. This was such a fun and special way to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday, get out on the water, and have a local getaway. Ben was extremely accommodating, knowledgeable, and had the most amazing stories. We felt so welcomed and well taken care of. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thank you so much Ben! We can’t wait to get back out there with you again!”
“My family and I had a lovely time with Ben and Nell (the dog). The yacht was beautiful, the water was calm, and Ben was easy going and knowledgeable. He was a pleasure to talk to. The town was super cute as well and we enjoyed a local bottle of wine and baguette from downtown while sailing.”
“We had an incredible time to say the least! My wife and I stayed on the boat for our honeymoon and it was perfect. They had drinks and snacks ready for us when we arrived. The cabin was spotless. Ben was so accommodating from start to finish. The sunset sail was also insanely fun and Ben was very knowledgeable and made great conversation. Definitely worth every penny. Would recommend to any adventurous couple or group.”
“Visiting Bainbridge Island with my husband , granddaughter and her boyfriend. Spur of the moment decision, the weather was beautiful, we were not interested in more shopping, so we booked a cruise with Ben , the captain of True, lucky for us, he was available and off we went . The sail boat was very nice, we sat in front for the whole time, Ben was friendly and very personable. It was a great experience, would do it again in a heartbeat.”
“We had a fantastic time with Captain Ben and went out with our family (including a one-year-old and five-year-old) and inlaws visiting from Vermont! Ben is a fantastic sailor, gracious host and quick to share helpful information about the island, sailing, etc. We highly recommend booking a tour with Sail Bainbridge.”
“The day was crisp, the snow peaked mountains surrounded us in a glimmering sea. Charismatic Captain Ben sailed us around Bainbridge to explore the sights. We were greeted by many doe-eyed seals on our voyage and will never forget this adventure. True was a gorgeous and classy boat, comfortable and spacious. My friends and I will be making this trip again!!”
“Our sail to Blake Island was magical. Even with the city skyline in view, it felt like a whole different world. Because of Ben, we were able to relax, enjoy the trip and focus on the beauty around us. We were so thrilled when one of the kids shouted “whale!” Just off the boat spouted a humpback. We stopped to watch it a while, before heading off to anchor off Blake Island – a little green gem of a place, criscrossed with trails to wander and shores to explore. It was an amazing adventure. Thank you Ben and Sail Bainbridge! We’ll be back aboard soon.”
“From the moment you walk onto True you feel like you are stepping back in time to a place where everyday life just drifts away. This boating experience does not compare to many others. True is full of character that is beautifully enhanced by the enthusiasm and experience of the captain, Ben, who is happy to share his knowledge.
It would be an understatement to say that this boat is very comfortable. From a dining area with spectacular views to a relaxing lounge, True has everything you need to get away from it all. The galley along with a large bedroom and bathroom with fresh smelling hand lotion, are just some of the creature comforts onboard. Then you step outside onto the spacious deck and see nothing but the beauty that surrounds you. To be sailing on the Puget sound in a boat such as True can only be described as a wonderful experience.”
“My happy place – sailing with Captain Ben at the helm. Even on a wild and wintry day I love being wrapped up in one of the on-board fluffy blankets with my hat and gloves and scarf, curled up in a comfy corner of the cockpit watching the world go by. All those people on the huge Seattle Bainbridge ferry slipping past us must wish they could swap places even for a few moments. The boat is so stable and Ben such a terrific captain that it’s easy to get lost in my own world quite oblivious to all the activity going on around me as we tack back and forth across the Sound, Mt Baker in one direction, Mt Rainier the other. And if the chill gets a bit much then below decks in a comfy chair beside the big upper level windows is a great place to hang out. Now I just can’t wait for the summer to lay about on the forward deck sipping a cool drink and dreaming my life away.”
