Far Niente Sailing Charters

AMAZING EVENING!!!
I booked this charter to surprise my Mom for her birthday. It was FANTASTIC. Derek and his wife treated us like kings and queens while we enjoyed a wonderful sailing tour of the Puget Sound. I cannot say enough positive things about this experience. My Mom was beside herself with happiness and the rest of us were equally thrilled. This was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done in Seattle during the 13 years I’ve lived here.

Five of us booked a sunset cruise with Derek and his wife in April. They really do go above and beyond to make it the most enjoyable experience. Very sweet people, and a lovely experience.

Amazing evening with the nicest people ! We got married aboard the Far Niente and it was a very special evening. Judi and Derek are wonderful and made sure our evening was perfect and it was in every way. Great wine, food, music, conversation and a beautiful ceremony. A beautiful sailboat and an amazing evening we will never forget. Hugs to you both, Nancy and David

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! Can’t say enough what an amazing time my husband and I had on our charter. It was my husbands 40^th birthday and I surprised him with the cruise. Derek and Judi went above and beyond for our experience. The food was incredible and they made everything feel so welcoming. We will definitely be booking them again in the near future. It’s a great thing for celebrations, family in town or just a special just because day. One of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. Thank you Derek and Judi for making my husbands birthday incredible.

I surprised my partner with a private sunset dinner sail on the Far Niente for his birthday celebration over Memorial Day Weekend. The experience was AAA+++ fabulous!!! The wonderful hosts Derek and Judi carefully considered every detail to make sure our evening was special and enjoyable. We were greeted with a fresh lei when we boarded and started the sail with a champagne toast. The menu and wine was selected based on our preferences. We had several courses, all beautifully presented, fresh and delicious. We sailed from the Magnolia marina to a quiet inlet around Bainbridge Island where we stopped to take in the views and have birthday cake. We enjoyed meeting Derek and Judi and learning about their travels on the boat. They are kind, interesting people who are committed to ensuring their customers are very happy and comfortable. Highly recommend this venue if you want a customized, private sail in Seattle with great hosts and a beautiful sailboat.

8÷12÷2013. Wife 40^th birthday could not have been better. Derek and Judy worked diligently to make this the perfect trip. We sailed via Seattle water front to Alki and then to Blake Island for dinner on the boat. The good winds made it a great experience but the good company make it worth going back. I am looking forward to our next trip.

We were invited on a charter with Seaglass wines and had so much fun. It was a beautiful day, and we took the boat right in the heart of the Elliott Bay Sail Race and then veered off to Bainbridge Island. It was absolutely beautiful and Derek was a lot of fun and let us steer around the sound. I’d recommend this event to everyone, you’ll love it!

Derek and his wife Judi hosted a little bachelorette shindig for me and five of my closest girlfriends — it was a complete surprise! I still didn’t catch on until we got all the way down to the Bell Harbor Marina and onto the dock… couldn’t believe it. So awesome!!!
The whole evening was amazing. We sat above deck and enjoyed cocktails and gourmet snacks during the sail across Elliot Bay, soaking up the warm evening sunshine. Once we reached Bainbridge Island, we anchored in a quiet cove and enjoyed a delicious dinner (…more like feast!). We enjoyed the sunset views of downtown Seattle with dinner before sailing back across the water and ending the night at the Elliot Bay Marina. It was a spectacular night to be on the water, and the company and venue couldn’t have been better.
Derek and Judi have thought of every detail to make sure you are comfortable on the boat and attend to every need during your sail. Food was delicious (the appetizers from Palisade were mouth-​watering!). Their gorgeous sailboat is quite spacious, comfortable, and well-​maintained (and includes a nice little bathroom!). I do recommend bringing a sweater or jacket, as it gets breezy above deck when you’re moving along. There is always warm, sheltered seating in the cabin, of course, but the view of the illuminated downtown Seattle waterfront as we sailed home was not to be missed.
A wonderful idea for a special occasion, unique date night, entertaining out-​of-​towners, or just a fun evening out with friends! THANK YOU, Derek and Judi, for making my bachelorette such a special treat!!! =)

6÷8÷2013
Judy R.
What a wonderful four-​hour sunset sail we enjoyed this week! Derek and Judi were the perfect hosts, the weather was splendid, the scenery incredible, and the food and wine were top-​notch. We would recommend this to anyone who wants a private, romantic experience with great people at the helm. Considering all that’s included, it is quite a bargain as well. Far Niente is a fabulous sailboat, and our ride was smooth and just an amazing time.

I chartered Far Niente for my girlfriend and some friends. Derek was absolutely great. He was very flexible in terms of planning the trip, and went out of his way to make sure we had a good time. The boat was great, and of course, the scenery was amazing. Derek also provided delicious food and wine for the trip. We all had an amazing time. If you are looking for a charter, I would definitely recommend Derek and Far Niente.

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!! My boyfriend worked with Derek from Far Niente to coordinate the most incredible marriage proposal. In the morning Derek met us at the dock with fresh Hawaiian leis and a prosecco toast before we set sail. About an hour in, the boat paused in the most beautiful location overlooking the Seattle skyline and my bf popped the question! Afterward Derek congratulated us with sparkling rosé and chocolate covered strawberries. I was made to believe that we were going back to the dock to pick up lunch but to my shock, my best friends from out of town were waiting for us! After they joined us we sailed to Bainbridge Island, anchored in another gorgeous location, and had a beautifully presented meal. The whole experience was flawless. Derek is such wonderful, relaxed host and I was happy to share our very intimate and special day with him.
Thank you for an amazing, unforgettable engagement experience!

If you don’t own your own yacht or sailboat, this is THE way to see Elliott Bay. Derek and Judi are the perfect hosts for the evening. When we arrived on the boat, they greeted us with a lovely glass of prosecco for a toast before heading out on the water. They treated us to snacks and appetizers from Palisade that were the perfect amount and filled us up even though we hadn’t had dinner. You start your evening enjoying the breeze and view of the sound after a warm day and then on the way back have the lights of city as your backdrop after the sun set. Absolutely perfect way to spend an evening in Seattle. Thank you Derek and Judi!

My boyfriend and I decided to do a sailing charter for our 2 year anniversary and it was the most amazing evening!!! Not only did we enjoy getting to know Derek & Judy but the 42 ft. sailboat was absolutely beautiful. We did have a picture perfect evening as it was 85 degrees, clear and sunny in Seattle. We sailed for close to 4 hours, had delicious appetizers from Palisades restaurant, some great little desserts and got to enjoy the beautiful sunset. It was honestly the most perfect evening and the best way to celebrate 2 years with my love. Thanks Derek & Judy!