Knot Workshop | Baja California

The Knot Workshop is an opportunity to learn with Windy about knots and her creative process. You will learn many of the knots that inspire Windy’s work, as well as the elegance and utility of knots used on boats. We will create both functional and artistic objects, with plenty of time to experiment, under Windy’s guidance, on your own projects while sailing. Those who have attended Windy’s workshops in the past will be delighted to learn new knots and have time to perfect the ones you’ve already mastered.

As Windy explains how a line’s journey creates strength and meaning in each knot, she will also detail her own creative journey — and guide you on yours. Windy takes every opportunity to share her in-depth knowledge of an art deeply intertwined with nautical culture. Throughout the journey, participants will get to know the itinerary through a sailor's eye and get to know knots through an artist's lens.

Each day there will be guided knotting, learning a knot or technique from Windy while we sail. There will also be plenty of time to relax and swim and explore your surroundings while we anchor each night at a new location.

The vast majority of the nearly four-thousand named and documented knots come from maritime culture: they are artifacts of human ingenuity, and each is a perfectly designed object. To the intersection of function, mathematics, and history where knots reside, Windy’s practice introduces aesthetics to illuminate what’s most fascinating about them: the journey of the line. 

Each Day

Windy will facilitate group knotting activities each day, usually while we sail from one island to another. This will typically start with the introduction of a new knot or technique after breakfast in a group setting and then plenty of time with the materials to practice. Lunch is served on-board the boat most days. Afternoons are spent sailing or swiming and each night we will be anchored in a new exciting anchorage and there will be time to explore ashore in places and swim and snorkel around the boat.

Group size

There are 4 double-occupancy cabins available and one single occupancy. This is a large comforable boat with plenty of space for everyone. If there is enough interest we may add a second boat to the journey with it's own captain and chef. On a two boat trip, workshop participants will gather together each day to learn from Windy on whichever boat is hosting class for the day.

Booking

This trip will fill up very quickly. Reserve your spot as soon as you are ready.

The Cabins

Each cabin has a bed about the size of a queen mattress with "porthole" windows for air circulation. There is often air conditioning aboard, but we will not be using it all the time. expect a room that is comfortable and compact. Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower.

The Sailing

We focus on safety and comfort above all else. If you are worried about seasickness we recommend bringing medications but we find that most guests do not end up needing any as we sleep each night in a calm anchorage where the motion of the boat is soothing and gentle.

What kind of traveler is a good fit for this journey? 

Someone comfortable in groups and excited to learn. Life on a sailboat is not physically demanding, but we do recommend the trip for people who would feel comfortable climbing up and down a small ladder (as a proxy for the kind of physical strength and dexterity required for daily life on a boat).

A culinary program with a focus on locally sourced sustainable foods

The Sailing Collective Travel Co. takes food to a new level. We believe by sourcing local ingredients from local friends we have made throughout our travels pushes us to experience where we are by being engulfed by the regional flavors.

Private chef creating customized menus to your taste and requirements

Each voyage, both group & private, has a private culinary artist aboard preparing some of the most unique, interesting, and thoughtful food you may ever enjoy in your life! From breakfast to dinner each day of the journey, we are blessed by beautiful meals by one of the most talented culinary teams in travel anywhere in the world.

What makes this departure unique?

The Sailing Collective Baja-California is different than any other SC itinerary because of its unique remoteness. The desert meets the sea and the sweeping vistas of where the earth split in two creating this magnificent body of water is omnipresent. We explore places where no humans have ever lived on islands where there is no water and limited life. If you're looking to 'get away' from all of it, this itinerary experience is a sanctuary for your soul where you can truly be isolated from the modern world.

What airport should I fly into?

La Paz Airport is the closest airport to the starting marina, just a 25 minute taxi. But flights to La Paz can be limited. There are more flights to both Cabo International Airports with direct flights from around the country. Cabo is roughly 1.5 hours from La Paz and will require a transfer. There is a regular bus from Cabo to La Paz, easy one-day rental cars where you can pick up the car from Cabo, drive to La Paz, and drop it off 10 minutes from the marina. Or we can arrange a private taxi and can coordinate with rest of your group to book a luxury van

What kind of travel is this journey ideal for?

Great questions - if you need lots of amenities, need to be connected with the outside world, feel uncomfortable fully disconnecting and being outside civilization, this trip is NOT for you. This trip IS for you if you are looking for a semi-spiritual experience, if you are looking to disconnect and be one with yourself, your fellow like-minded travelers, and your outstanding SC crew. This itinerary will offer lots of hiking and physical activities when exploring the uninhabited islands as well as the vast snorkeling opportunities.

Arrival Schedule

Boarding time is 9:00 am on Day 1 of the charter. There will be a mandatory orientation prior to departing. The exact meet up location will be shared with you by your crew and your crew will be in direct communication to ensure an easy and safe arrival.

End of Week Schedule

Charter returns to port on Friday night and the final night is spent at the home port before disembarkation at 9:00am on the final Saturday of the charter. Upon return, your captain must refuel the vessel before docking. Returning to port will take place between 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

What can I expect aboard?

We will be sailing a reliable and nice catamaran with a generator, air conditioning, and a watermaker. Bedding, towels, etc. will be provided but we recommend you bring an extra beach towel. You will be aboard with usually 6 travelers + your captain and your chef and you will be spending lots of time as a group. The crew is responsible for keeping your boat as clean as can be - your heads (bathrooms) will be cleaned, but what you do in your cabins is up to you as crew does not do full turn down services.

What are the cabins like?

There are 4 cabins aboard + 2 crew bunks. Your cabin has a bed slightly smaller than a queen bed and will fit two people, friends or a couple, very comfortable. Attached to your cabin is your private bathroom (head) which has a marine toilet, sink, and shower. Please note, your crew may use your toilet from time to time. There is a closet to stow your clothing. We recommend small collapsable luggage as we cannot always guarantee extra space for your luggage and you may have to keep it in your cabin.

Who are the crew?

They are the best. But seriously, they are. You will have a Sailing Collective Captain keep you safe all week planning your daily itinerary and keeping you in the loop so you know what the daily activities are and where you are during your itinerary. Your chef will create a personalized menu for the full group and will be feeding you some of the best food of your life! Just trust us on this. Unlike traditional yacht charters, Sailing Collective has a 'we're all friends' attitude so expect to hang out with your crew instead of them lurking in the shadows like