Testimonials
"Captain Jon is an extremely competent seaman. He keeps everything calm and under control. He is very friendly with people as well as helpful. I would trust him in any situation."
Clint Hanna Fort Collins, Co Electrical Contractor
"I have had the opportunity to be with Captain Jon as a passenger on a number of sailing boats, chartered or owned. In all my boating experiences with Captain Jon, he has shown exceptional knowledge and judgment in the manner in which the boat was operated. On a number of sailing trips with Captain Jon, he has assisted both my wife and me in increasing our understanding of sail boat operation and safety. Under stressful conditions, Captain Jon always maintains his composure and carefully considers the best method by which to resolve problems. In cases in which others have been in command of the vessel during an adverse condition or event, Captain Jon has allowed others to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. In the event that resolution was not occurring in a timely or safe manner, Captain Jon has quickly taken command in a calm, non-confrontational manner well in advance of the crew or vessel being in danger.
My wife and I continue to look forward to further sailing trips with Captain Jon."
James McGlennen Eden Prairie, Minnesota
"From the time we booked the sailing cruise with Island Passages Sailing, we felt we had made the right choice. Upon embarking on our cruise, Brenda and Jon shared their beautiful sailboat the Finnessa with us and made us feel like we were welcome company. They served us wonderful meals suited for queens, including fresh caught crab right out of the pot. They even arranged for us to have the use of kayaks during our cruise. The entire experience was just fabulous. I can't thank Brenda and Jon enough for making our sailing cruise through the San Juan Islands such a special and memorable time."
Nancy Dayton-Matheson Novato, CA
"My sister and I spent a wonderful week on the sailboat Finnessa…stopping in secluded harbors as well as the popular Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor. We hiked, kayaked and saw lots of wildlife. Jon was a very experienced sailor and let me have a hand at steering the boat. Brenda cooked the most amazing meals, and she taught me how to make crepes.
I would highly recommend this relaxing yet exciting cruise to anyone who wants to have a great experience exploring the San Juan Islands by sailboat. Jon and Brenda couldn't be better hosts, guides, cooks, or sailors in one of the most unique island settings in the world!"
Karen Dolan Tacoma, WA
"Thank you for making us feel so very welcomed. Your boat is lovely, the food was fabulous, … This has been a wonderful way to end our 10 day honeymoon trip to the San Juan Islands."
Carol and Hal Bayley West Linn, OR
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"In August of 2011 my friend and I spent a week with Jon and Brenda aboard the Finnessa. We took several courses under the auspices of the American Sailing Association. I have never stepped foot on a sail boat before boarding the Finnessa. It's been several weeks now since our adventure and I still have difficulty formulating in words how amazing the week was. As any adventure of this kind, our charter wasn't cheap. I remember turning to my friend half way through the week and saying that I didn't miss a cent. In fact, I could have paid thousands more and it would have been worth it! From welcome to send off, Jon and Brenda were exceptionally warm, pleasant, helpful and kind. Too kind. By the time we sat down for supper the first night, total strangers seemed like long time friends. Brenda's culinary talents are out of this world. Every meal was a treat. Gourmet restaurants will have a hard time competing with what Brenda served us. And on a boat at that! A delicious smoked salmon salad was for lunch as we hove to in the Haro Straight. Every supper was accompanied by homemade dessert.
Jon is a gifted instructor. He is a mariner through and through.
The accommodations were very comfortable. I had some of the best sleep in many years aboard the Finnessa.
The San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest are a sight to behold. Whether learning to sail or chartering with Jon and Brenda for a relaxing holiday, you can't go wrong!
I have the fondest of memories from our time aboard the Finnessa. Time and finances permitting I would join them again in a heart beat!"
Dmitri Malakhov Hamilton, Ontario
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"Relaxed atmosphere, gracious hosts, and of course the gorgeous setting."
"…for sailors, can do as much participatory sailing as you want; for non sailors- sit back and enjoy it–you are in solicitous and skilled hands,"
The food was "way above expectations– imaginative and wonderfully prepared."
"We had the pleasure of the palatial main suite…Boat is beautifully appointed and cared for."
The itinerary was "completely flexible and with good suggestions…Pace excellent and good mix of aboard and island-walk leg stretching. This was such an enjoyable trip in every respect. Thanks for making it so easy for this landlubber-at-heart to have such a wonderful week!"
Ann Ramos Mukilteo, WA
"We should have scheduled two weeks. Very comfortable and seaworthy boat; relaxed and flexible route scheduling allowed for lots of individual inputs; GREAT food; pleasant company, Jon and Brenda quickly became like old pals. …The hors d' oeuvres were always interesting and original as well. …The master stateroom was worthy of a boat twice the size. …Thanks for scheduling such perfect weather!"
Al Ramos Mukilteo, WA
"The flexibility of the itinerary, whether it was a 'sailing' day or not there was always an activity or outing to do. …It was laid back and flexible with its schedule perfect for twenty-somethings looking to get an 'insider's' tour of the islands. Considering the fact that no dislikes or particular preferences were put down(on the food preference sheet), the variety and nutrition of each meal was a wonderful surprise. …I liked that Jon would always ask for our goals or any desired destinations, but could/would lay out a good course for the day. Most of the moorages and itinerary were dependent on the wind so if we hadn't gotten a good blow the last couple days I would have wanted to fit a bit more kayaking in. I thought there was a good balance of island time and boat time, especially since the wind wasn't as cooperative the first couple days. I really enjoyed the evening games, since they were all unfamiliar to me. It provided a nice group activity without taking up all our evening 'individual' time. Lots of fun!"
Katherine Ramos Seattle, WA
"I love the free form nature of the trip and the Finnessa is perfect for tall travelers."
"While the bunk bed room is cozy, it was surprisingly comfortable."
"The pace of the trip was quite good, especially given the varied wind."
Garret Blue Seattle, WA
