U.S. Sailing Classes - Basic Cruising & Bareboat Cruising
Gain the qualifications and
ability to bareboat charter a live-aboard cruising vessel for multi-day
charters without the aid of a hired captain. Includes sailing to a new destination every day and anchoring overnight.
Basic Cruising
This comprehensive 3-day sailing class introduces managing and operating a live-aboard cruising vessel for day sails within sight of land. Students train on heavier helm-steered vessels.
"Is Mark the guy with the Cat that taught my cruising course? He'd be
satisfied to know I've logged a couple of thousand miles cruising since
then, half of it offshore. The class really gave me confidence to move
forward and I'm still having a blast. I never got to take any classes
with you, Ned, although it was rumored that you are a terrific
instructor. OSA certainly got me well on my way to a lifetime of
cruising." - Chase Hubbard
OSA provides strong emphasis on close-quarters maneuvering and docking. We introduces the entire array of cruising systems and the skipper's responsibilities for systems' operation and management.
"I wanted to send you a short note letting you know how much the cruising course helped me on a recent trip. I FELT CONFIDENT in my planning, checking the boat out, handling it in a marine, calculating distance, speed and time. It made this short trip a lot of fun. I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY CRUISING ADVENTURES.' -- David F., Newport, N.C.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat 1 & 2 or equivalent
Certification: US Sailing Basic Cruising
Skills Covered: * Trip Planning: Advanced forecasting of the day's prevailing weather conditions and creating a sail plan accordingly. Executing the processes necessary to departure, and coordinating an inexperienced crew.
* Checks and Inspections: Identifying and inspecting all systems of a cruising vessel including safety equipment, auxiliary power, electrical systems, electronics, cooling fluids, bilge pump, head, fresh water, ventilation and anchoring. Thoroughly checking rigging and hull integrity. * Sailing operation and skills: Use of proper knots, sail controls and deck hardware for larger vessels.
* Close Quarters Boat Handling: Mastery of close-quarter boat handling under power with an inboard engine and a shaft-driven propeller within adverse current and wind conditions.
* Docking Under Sail: Emergency docking procedures and recovery methods.
* Anchoring: Proper anchoring and weighing anchor procedures.
* Navigation Skills: Identifying chart symbols, plotting course and position, proper use of a VHF radio and fine-tuning knowledge of inland/international navigation rules.
* Sail Reefing: Executing proper reefing procedure and mastering sailing skills within heavy weather.
* Overboard Recovery Methods: Determining and executing the best recovery procedures based on the situation and conditions.
* De-rigging: Securing the boat properly and shutting down all systems.
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.
