This month marked the first full year of our member Aaron M. joining Carefree Seattle! He went on a three day overnight trip to Bainbridge Island with his girlfriend and was kind enough to share some of his photos and story with us.

All Carefree Boat Club members can go on overnight trips after completing their complimentary saltwater training. Aaron is a Platinum club member which means he has the option of larger boats to choose from for overnight trips! They decided to take our 2018 Ranger Tug, which has been a favorite of staff and members since we added it to the fleet this year.

“We enjoy the Ranger Tug in the colder months because it really provides a cozy experience with shelter from the elements. The amenities on the boat provide the comfort needed when cruising, and when plugged into shore power the ability to charge phones and use heated blankets is great,” Aaron said in an email updating us on the trip.

On the way to the island, our Ranger Tug raced the ferry and brought them into the port of Winslow, the “downtown” of Bainbridge. They unwound at Eleven, a tasting room featuring start to finish local wines by the namesake brand, whose vineyards can be found on the north end of the island. The tasting room regularly hosts live jazz music and charity events, their long term plan “is to become a philanthropic vinification organization.” Good wine for a good purpose? We’re in!

“We have many favorite memories from our overnight on Bainbridge. The journey getting there and back is always filled with amazing views of the sound, and the town of Winslow really provides that relaxing island getaway feel. There are plenty of wineries, restaurants, and shops to fill the day and night. Eleven Winery and the Harbor Public House were two of our favorites,” Aaron told us.

Bainbridge, like many of the island escapes on the Sound, has free public moorage! They made the docks their hotel for the trip. Members don’t pay anything extra to go on overnights, just their own fuel. Aaron has taken advantage of this Carefree perk, “We have done 6 overnights in Carefree boats including Bainbridge, Elliott Bay Marina, Bell Harbor Marina, and a couple times in Poulsbo!”

To many more boating adventures for Aaron, and you, reader, as well!