Sailing the Nautilus III

The Nautilus III is now moored in the Port Ludlow Marina and some of the staff had the opportunity to experience an evening on the water with Captain Karen MacDonald – and what a wonderful time it was. 

The Nautilus III is a beautiful wooden hull sailboat that was built in 1948. The boat was recently donated to the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend by a woman who could no longer take care of the boat but wanted to ensure that the Nautilus III would be well cared for and enjoyed by many. 

Our group boarded the Nautilus III at 5:30pm and sailed off into Ludlow Bay. The beauty of the 67 year old boat, the water, and the views of The Resort and its surroundings evoked a feeling of serenity. The two hour sail was peaceful and relaxing and the time flew by. It was such a beautiful evening we sat outside on the aft of the Nautilus III but inside the boat is equipped with a small kitchen, bathroom, and indoor seating.

Captain Karen has a background in educating people of all ages how to sail and has been sailing professionally for 13 years. Aboard the Nautilus III you have the choice to learn and help the Captain with tasks like raising the sails or you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Our group wanted to learn more about sailing so Captain Karen taught us a few tips and tricks. We enjoyed learning about how wind direction affects the speed of the boat, tacking, and more.

We had a blast exploring the boat and I couldn’t help myself from walking to the bow of the boat and snapping a few pictures. It was the perfect summer activity and I am already longing to be back aboard the Nautilus III. We moored in the Port Ludlow Marina at 7:30 and I couldn’t believe it had been two hours already. 

If you have the chance this summer to sail on the Nautilus III, I couldn’t recommend it more. Whether it is for a leisurely cruise or as a team building activity, you will enjoy your time on the boat and on the water.

The six person sailboat is available for charter for a two hour sail on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 5:30 pm in addition to Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm. The Nautilus III can be privately chartered upon request. 

Select wines and food are available for purchase at the Fireside Restaurant to take out on the boat. Contact the Fireside Restaurant before your sailing time to arrange at 360-437-7412.

For more information about chartered sails aboard the Nautilus III please contact The Port Ludlow Resort at 360-437-7000.