About Us

Messenger Sailing Adventures was founded in 2005 to ply the waters of the Columbia River and the Oregon and Washington coasts. We range from the western gorge above Bonneville Dam to Cape Disappointment and out upon the Pacific Ocean. These are incredibly diverse waters and we are continually fascinated and challenged by them.

Our primary vessel is Messenger, a fine sailing craft and excellent example of a well-found coastal cruiser, and, having two heads and two-plus cabins, she is well-suited to mixed company. Messenger is described more fully on the FAQ page.

Our primary skipper is Clifford Mason, born in 1953, a teacher at Portland Sailing Center since 1995 and a U.S. Coast Guard licensed master since 2002. Cliff is all about safety, his first and foremost concern at all times. Hot-dogging and such are never part of his program — good, basic sailing is amply exciting. As a veteran instructor Cliff is pretty good at mixing input with free reign so his crews get a real sense of what it takes to do what we do.

Both Messenger and our back-up vessel are well-maintained, fully equipped, and properly licensed for Oregon Inland and Ocean Charter service. Our captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed masters. Proof of insurance and other documention are available aboard the vessels and/or upon request.