Sailing the San Juans with beer, of course.
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of islands in the northwest corner of Washington State. Reachable by Washington State Ferry (from Anacortes, WA), by small plane or private boat, the San Juans are a breathtaking place, with fir-covered islands lifting out of blue saltwater, teaming with seabirds and home to resident pods of orca whales. Small harbors are laced together by two-lane roads where locals always wave a greeting. Island hopping between harbors by boat allows you to be even more connected to nature, sunsets and wildlife.
Now: add a 160′ sailboat and a beer-themed cruise into the picture? Ahhhh. It sounds like a dream, but it’s happening on the Schooner Zodiac, which has now announced its schedule for the summer of 2015. The Bellingham-based tall ship recently announced two multi-day brewery tours during the 2015 sailing season.
The ship will embark on a 4-day brewery expedition of the San Juan Islands in July of 2015 and a 3-day transit from Bellingham to Seattle exploring the breweries in north Puget Sound in August.
Pictures courtesy of Schooner Zodiac
The 4-day Brewery Expedition in the San Juan Islands (July 9 through 12) includes beer tastings at Anacortes Brewery and Island Hoppin’ Brewery on Orcas Island. Passengers will also be taken to the Cask and Schooner Pub in Friday Harbor. The Brewery Cruise to Seattle (August 15 to 17) includes beer tasting at Anacortes Brewery, Diamond Knot Brewery in Mukilteo, and Fremont Brewing in Seattle.
Pictures courtesy of Schooner Zodiac
Passage on both cruises includes all meals prepared by a professional chef in the ship’s galley. Passengers on the Zodiac have the option of participating in the sailing of the ship as well as learning to navigate, stand watch and steer the vessel. More information can be found at schoonerzodiac.com and reservations can be made by calling (206) 719-7622. The Zodiac is a classic, 160-foot U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel, operated by a licensed captain and experienced team of volunteer crewmembers. She departs her Bellingham homeport for a variety of public and private charters, as well as day and evening sails from spring through fall, exploring the pristine anchorages of the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands. Zodiac also is an ideal setting for company events, wedding receptions and gatherings of family and friends.
Pictures courtesy of Schooner Zodiac
