Basic Cruising Class: 2 days

Come join us on the water for an immersive sailing experience designed to teach both the fundamentals and finer points of seamanship. This two-day course consists of 6-hour classes where participants will learn a wide range of skills, from basic sail dynamics such as balance, center of effort versus center of lateral resistance, and handling weather and lee helm, to navigation and buoyage, tides and currents, and general boat handling. You will also gain hands-on experience with essential knots including the bowline, cleat hitch, reef knot, sheet bend, rolling hitch, figure eight, and round turn with two half hitches. Additionally, the course covers electrical systems, engine operation, and the safe use of safety equipment, along with VHF radio procedures including Mayday, Pan Pan, and Sécurité calls.

Participants will also learn practical sailing maneuvers such as docking, prop-walk, backing up in a straight line, hoisting, reefing underway, sail trim, tacking and jibing, points of sail, and how to heave to. Special attention is given to safety protocols, including Crew Overboard (COB) drills, and proper reefing techniques. COVID-19 safety measures are in place, requiring participants to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks on the boat and in the marina at the captain’s discretion. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in sailing knowledge and practical skills, ready to confidently handle a sailboat in a variety of conditions while following all USCG requirements.