Sail In The San Juan Islands!

Captain Greg and Chef Romello made our four-day tour of the San Juans into the perfect family vacation! They made the handsome 55-foot ketch Náwalak into a home with their warm hospitality, professional management of the boat, and stellar cuisine. This trip was in June 2024.Captain Greg invited our participation in planning the itinerary as we navigated winds and currents to connect a constellation of scenic destinations, hikes, paddling opportunities, and fresh seafood. In only four days we sailed and motored between Orcas, Sucia, Patos, Stuart, and San Juan Islands. Each night we anchored or tied to a mooring ball in time for dinner, and thanks to the midsummer light, we even had the chance to take the kayaks out one night after dinner! Mornings typically included a trip to shore with a hike suggested specifically in response to our interests and capacity. I was thoroughly impressed with Greg’s creativity and flexibility in adapting plans to our desires and the changing circumstances. His unflappably calm leadership gave us space to be ourselves, relax, and spend time connecting with each other.Chef Romello upgraded the trip from an adventure to a luxury cruise. He presented us with a series of culinary masterpieces that made us consistently look forward to mealtime. He also showed admirable responsiveness to our group’s tastes, even when they conflicted with each other! What’s more, his charismatic descriptions of his planning and cooking process involved us in the playful drama of making these fine meals. Romello’s enthusiasm, curiosity, deep understanding of the chemistry of cooking, and broad experience at fine restaurants shone through as he affectionately described how each meal came to be. These stories added a surprising and delightful dimension to the cruise, sharing his joy and improvisation with us. He even incorporated the banana bread we brought along into a gourmet custard parfait!For all these incredible contributions, and for their consistently gracious and professional presence onboard, we feel incredibly lucky to have spent these few short days with Chef Romello and Captain Greg.

If I could give more stars I would. Excellent, skilled, and professional care and service were given to my husband and I and the other couples on this trip by Captain Greg and First Mate Rowie. The amazing sail and island experiences were met with equal quality by the meals and comradery aboard the ship.

Capt Greg was not only an excellent sailor but also a great educator on the local ecology. Roeh was an excellent chef as well, we were so sated with each meal. Both were fantastic company and a joy to be around. They were the defining factor in having an incredible trip.

I went on this tour for four days and had an absolutely incredible time. The captain and cook (Greg and Roeh) were both fun and extremely good at their jobs! Our group was 6 people, including pregnant friend, and they did an amazing job of showing us the beauty and interesting spots of the orcas island waters. I would recommend this to anybody!

Sailing with Emerald Isle was such a wonderful and fun experience. Greg is an amazing captain who knows everything about everything-makes you feel very safe and taken care of. Rohe spoils you like crazy with the best meals and desserts every day. Both are easy to talk and connect with. This was truly an awesome time-highly highly recommend.

We had six had a group of six and had so much fun! Capt Greg was adaptable and fun and had great ideas for secret and less visited places but always put our safety first. He and Roeh made the trip so great. I couldn’t have asked for more.

I’ve been reflecting on this trip since returning home, and it was truly transformative for my husband and I. Pre-trip we were hoping for a few days to disconnect and enjoy some beautiful views and good food, and we certainly got that and a lot more.The Nawalak is a beautiful, comfortable boat. The care taken and thoughtfulness around the guest experience is very apparent. There’s really no bad place to bunk, and the sleeping arrangements are cozy and lovely. At meals, anywhere you sit you’ll have great views of the seascape / landscape.Captain Greg knows everything about the San Juan Islands, and learning so much more about the history of the place and the ecology will really enhance what a special place it is. Captain Greg is thoughtful about what activities the guests may enjoy and gives helpful suggestions. My husband and I did several hikes on trails suggested by Captain Greg as well as kayaking and tide pooling. We loved every minute of it. Activities are also very easily tailored to your fitness level and / or enjoyment level.The food is also a major highlight of the experience. Chef Roeh made us feel extremely welcome and special with his fantastic meals. All meals are made fresh and are healthy but extremely flavorful. For illustrative purposes, a favorite meal of mine was beautifully cooked salmon with brussel sprouts and roasted fingerling potatoes— chocolate mousse for dessert! It’s fantastic.I’d do this trip again in a heart beat and hopefully will be able to go out for longer next time. Captain Greg and Chef Roeh are two of the nicest, most down to earth guys you’ll meet, and we felt very taken care of and safe with them. If you have the opportunity to do a sailing trip with Emerald Isle, go!

We have always wanted to go sailing in the San Juans because we have heard it is one of the most technically challenging places in the United States to sail. It has been on our bucket list for a long time. As novice sailors we knew it was beyond our ability so we decided to charter Captain Greg and his Ketch the Na’walak for a 4 day sailing adventure. This trip far exceeded our expectations. On the first day we had 26 knot winds with 37 knot gusts. Captain Greg calls those conditions “spicy”. If we had been sailing we would have been on the rocks 5 minutes after leaving the dock. Captain Greg and First Mate/Chef Rowie definitely had their hands full but successfully sailed us out into the sound. Then it was game on for some spectacular sailing. We were hugely impressed with their skill and the boat. It was everything we hoped for and more. After seeing Rowie’s skills as a sailor we thought he was probably a sailor first and chef second. Boy were we wrong. Turns out he’s a highly trained chef who has worked in Michelin Starred restaurants that happens to live on his own sailboat. As good as Rowie is at sailing he’s a Chef first and foremost. The galley on Na’walak is very well equipped. The food was beyond excellent. Especially when we stopped at the oyster farm and Chef Rowie prepared oysters and clams for lunch that were harvested that morning. The best oysters we have ever tasted. Since we came for the sailing we didn’t really investigate the hiking opportunities. Fortunately we brought good hiking boots on board because we were able to hike a lot. We would typically sail for a few hours then find an anchorage at one of the beautiful San Juan islands. Once we were at anchor we would explore the island for a couple of hours while Rowie prepared our delicious evening meal and Captain Greg did maintenance on the boat. When we were finished we would call Greg on the marine walkie talkie and he would come pick us up in the inflatable tender. We love the electric motor because it is really quiet gliding through the bays. We saw quite a bit of wildlife but sadly no Orcas on this trip. Maybe next time. Four days were not enough. Next time we plan to book six days or a 12-14 day trip up the coast. It is a lot of money but when you consider the skills and experience of the crew, perfect condition of the boat and of course the quality of the food we think it is a great deal.

We have always wanted to go sailing in the San Juans because we have heard it is one of the most technically challenging places in the United States to sail. It has been on our bucket list for a long time. As novice sailors we knew it was beyond our ability so we decided to charter Captain Greg and his Ketch the Na’walak for a 4 day sailing adventure.This trip far exceeded our expectations. On the first day we had 26 knot winds with 37 knot gusts. Captain Greg calls those conditions “spicy”. If we had been sailing we would have been on the rocks 5 minutes after leaving the dock. Captain Greg and First Mate/Chef Rowie definitely had their hands full but successfully sailed us out into the sound. Then it was game on for some spectacular sailing. We were hugely impressed with their skill and the boat. It was everything we hoped for and more.After seeing Rowie’s skills as a sailor we thought he was probably a sailor first and chef second. Boy were we wrong. Turns out he’s a highly trained chef who has worked in Michelin Starred restaurants that happens to live on his own sailboat. As good as Rowie is at sailing he’s a Chef first and foremost. The galley on Na’walak is very well equipped. The food was beyond excellent. Especially when we stopped at the oyster farm and Chef Rowie prepared oysters and clams for lunch that were harvested that morning. The best oysters we have ever tasted.Since we came for the sailing we didn’t really investigate the hiking opportunities. Fortunately we brought good hiking boots on board because we were able to hike a lot. We would typically sail for a few hours then find an anchorage at one of the beautiful San Juan islands. Once we were at anchor we would explore the island for a couple of hours while Rowie prepared our delicious evening meal and Captain Greg did maintenance on the boat.When we were finished we would call Greg on the marine walkie talkie and he would come pick us up in the inflatable tender. We love the electric motor because it is really quiet gliding through the bays. We saw quite a bit of wildlife but sadly no Orcas on this trip. Maybe next time.Four days were not enough. Next time we plan to book six days or a 12-14 day trip up the coast. It is a lot of money but when you consider the skills and experience of the crew, perfect condition of the boat and of course the quality of the food we think it is a great deal.

Last week we had the great fortune to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a 4-day sailing trip in the San Juan Islands with Captain Greg & First Mate/Chef Roeh. We stayed off Sucia, Matia, & Cypress Islands… & had the best weather (sunshine & still waters!). Each day & night were so memorable — from the gourmet meals that adhered to our dietary requests/ requirements, to the hiking/ kayaking/ hanging out in utter peace every day. Captain Greg & First Mate Chef Roeh have got it DOWN with respect to providing a professional, congenial, delicious, relaxing, & fun experience. We feel so fortunate to have sailed with these guys & would absolutely recommend them to you as well! Thank you Greg & Roeh 💝

Captain Greg and Chef Romello made our four-day tour of the San Juans into the perfect family vacation! They made the handsome 55-foot ketch Náwalak into a home with their warm hospitality, professional management of the boat, and stellar cuisine. This trip was in June 2024.Captain Greg invited our participation in planning the itinerary as we navigated winds and currents to connect a constellation of scenic destinations, hikes, paddling opportunities, and fresh seafood. In only four days we sailed and motored between Orcas, Sucia, Patos, Stuart, and San Juan Islands. Each night we anchored or tied to a mooring ball in time for dinner, and thanks to the midsummer light, we even had the chance to take the kayaks out one night after dinner! Mornings typically included a trip to shore with a hike suggested specifically in response to our interests and capacity. I was thoroughly impressed with Greg’s creativity and flexibility in adapting plans to our desires and the changing circumstances. His unflappably calm leadership gave us space to be ourselves, relax, and spend time connecting with each other.Chef Romello upgraded the trip from an adventure to a luxury cruise. He presented us with a series of culinary masterpieces that made us consistently look forward to mealtime. He also showed admirable responsiveness to our group’s tastes, even when they conflicted with each other! What’s more, his charismatic descriptions of his planning and cooking process involved us in the playful drama of making these fine meals. Romello’s enthusiasm, curiosity, deep understanding of the chemistry of cooking, and broad experience at fine restaurants shone through as he affectionately described how each meal came to be. These stories added a surprising and delightful dimension to the cruise, sharing his joy and improvisation with us. He even incorporated the banana bread we brought along into a gourmet custard parfait!For all these incredible contributions, and for their consistently gracious and professional presence onboard, we feel incredibly lucky to have spent these few short days with Chef Romello and Captain Greg.

If I could give more stars I would. Excellent, skilled, and professional care and service were given to my husband and I and the other couples on this trip by Captain Greg and First Mate Rowie. The amazing sail and island experiences were met with equal quality by the meals and comradery aboard the ship.