Everything you will need during the course, except your personal items, is included in the cost. You’ll be provided a bunk, bedding, food, instruction, lively camaraderie and an adventure! The price does not cover your transportation to and from the program, or your personal items. We will send a full information packet which includes details on travel, packing, etc.
Each crew member is expected to take part in all the daily responsibilities aboard including steering, navigating, standing watch, cooking, and anchoring, to name a few. And despite a full curriculum of daily lessons, practical skills training, and drills, we often find time for a dip in the chilly waters or a quick hike to stretch our legs. Ice cream is good too.
Some of What We’ll Practice (conditions permitting):
- Traditional & Electronic Navigation
- Sail Plan Strategy
- Leadership
- Knots
- Line Handling
- Anchor Techniques
- Limited Visibility Sailing
- Monitor Windvane Steering
- Heavy Weather Techniques
- Rules of the Road
- VHF Communication
- Weather
- Route Planning
- Tides & Currents
- Engine & System Safety
- Seamanship
- Boat Handling
- Docking
- Radar Navigation & Collision Avoidance
- Collision Avoidance
- Safety Strategies (MOB, Fire, Abandon Ship)
- Crew Management
- Offshore Passagemaking
- Emergency Planning
- Decision Making
Our Expeditions:
Our courses are ideal for people of all levels who want to prepare for anything from liveaboard weekend trips to bareboat chartering to long term offshore cruising. Many students see the word “Bay” or “Coast” and feel they are too advanced for that course, or want ocean sailing experience. Every one of our expeditions is a challenging program no matter what route. Remember the coast is where all the action is: heavy commercial traffic, wind shifts, rocks, tides and currents! We have chosen some of the most difficult areas to sail in the US, and on days when the weather doesn’t challenge you, we will “stir the pot” with a few drills and scenarios.
Many sailors stay in the harbor when the weather is tough. However, we do not shy away from rain, wind, night travel, or fog. We don’t just sail on the fair days, but we aren’t fools either. If dangerous weather is approaching, such as a hurricane or a squall, we will (if possible) seek a secure anchorage – which will give you the opportunity to stand anchor watch in a crazy storm! But don’t let that discourage you either. Mid and higher latitude weather is so varied that we expect each course to be a mix of fair sunny days, fog, rain, strong wind, and light air.