Successfully completing the Bareboat Cruising course with OSA will provide you with the skills and knowledge that will help you qualify to charter cruisers anywhere you go

 

Bareboat Cruising

Students live aboard a modern cruising vessel during 3 days of instruction as the class explores offshore and inshore sailing grounds, experiencing both anchorages and marinas for evening layovers. Come away with the knowledge and skill necessary to enjoy extended Bareboat charters with family and friends.

"Having taken the bareboating class in the early wacky-weather Charleston spring PREPARED ME well for the mild summer in my native New England. Twenty-five knot sustained winds gusting up to 35 is A GREAT WAY TO BUILD CONFIDENCE in my ability to MANAGE WHATEVER THE SEA BRINGS in unfamiliar waters, a typical bareboating scenario for me. Great course, great instructor." -- Cathy L., Boston, MA

Prerequisite: Basic Cruising skill and knowledge required.

Certification: US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification available.

 

Skills covered include:

• Sail Planning: Weather forecasting for a charter and creating a charter plan accordingly.
  
  
• Safety Checks: Performing checks and preparation required for safety equipment, engine fluids and parts, bilge systems, fresh water systems, electrical systems, head systems, hatches, ports, tools and spare parts. Proper inventory of sails, charts, guides and provisioning supplies. Students develop a provisioning list on the first day of class in accordance with individual needs.
  
  
• Navigation and Piloting: Proper use of electronic fixing devices for charting and plotting positions. The use of sight bearings to confirm electronic fixing information. Fine-tuning skills and knowledge surrounding inland/international navigation rules, practical VHF communication and making landfall in unfamiliar waters.
  
  
• Heavy Weather Sailing: Executing reefing procedures with proper crew coordination as well as preferred storm tactics for foul weather events.
  
  
• Overboard Recovery Methods: Single-handed recovery skills and proper decision-making processes for recovery under severe weather conditions.
  
  
• Anchoring Technique: Advanced anchoring in a variety of environments including overnight stays on anchor with multiple current and wind direction changes.