Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We’re here to answer them.

Are you open?

Yes! We are open year round at our South Lake Union Campus and have seasonal hours at our Cama Beach State Park location.

Exhibit and Livery Hours For Both Locations Can Be Found Here.

Are you still running Sunday Public Sail?

Public Sail has returned! We will be holding one Public Sail per month starting on Free Boating Day April 8th! Here are the 2023 Public Sail dates:

May 28 | June 25 | July 30 | August 27 | September 23 (Spectator Boat Rides for our WOOD Regatta) | October 29th (Halloween Bash) | November 26 (Tenative date, weather permitting).

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?

Currently no. Our Cama Beach Livery rents boats only during the summer season. We do offer a Toy Boat Building activity for children year-round (Saturdays 11am-3pm at the Boathouse; suggested $5 donation), as well as rent our Boatman’s Cabin year-round to CWB members.

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-12pm the second Saturday of every month.

How do I rent the Boatman’s Cabin?

Make reservations online here. Reservations for multiple nights can be made by booking each night separately. NOTE: You must be a CWB Member to reserve the cabin; become a member here.

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 inquiry form and someone from our Event Rentals Team will respond to you.

Which should I sign up for, SailNow! or Private Sailing Lessons?

Both 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 CLC’s. Check out all we have to offer HERE!

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 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 not 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.

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 wooden 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. Therefore, we don’t supply replacement membership cards for Household, Individual, Senior, or Student levels. When you renew your membership, you will then receive a new card.

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 2 – 3 weeks. 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 Enewsletter specifically, contact communications@cwb.org.

I like the new wooden membership cards! How do I get one?

When you become a new member or renew your membership at any level, you’ll get one of the new wooden CWB membership cards by mail. CWB will honor your CWB member benefits with or without a membership card in hand by simply looking you up in our system.

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.