Coastal Navigation is an essential step to self-reliance at sea. This sailing class lasts six days and combines Coastal Navigation theory with practical application. Students sail the coastline exercising pinpoint navigation with and without the aid of electronic navigation devices.
"Coastal Nav was a great class. Steve worked closely with me to ensure
a firm grasp of all the concepts, even after the class sessions was
over. Having seen how others teach the US Sailing courses I have to say
that Ocean Sailing does it right; don't change a thing." - Rich Hoffman
The skills we teach here are imperative for the aspiring sea bound traveler who is blessed with the technology of GPS and radar yet aware of potential electronic malfunction. This course ensures that our students have the knowledge to get the vessel and crew home safely.
"Top
shelf. Steve is extremely knowledgeable and patient. I am learning this
course with a very comfortable understanding of navigation." - Graham
Houghten, Columbia SC
Prerequisite: Bareboat Cruising
Certification: US Sailing Coastal Navigation certification available.
Skills covered include:
* Knowledge and skill necessary to navigate with and without the aid of electronic devices.
* Advanced Navigation and Piloting: Operating a cruising sailboat in coastal waters while covering considerable distances.
* Understanding the Chart Types and Corrections
* Recognizing all Aids to Navigation
*A thorough understanding of Tides and Currents
* Skippering knowledge for prudent Passage Planning
* Maintaining a Dead Reckoning Log
* Sighting and Plotting Bearings
* Obtaining a Conventional Fix
* Utilizing Circular LOPs
* Cross Referencing Depth Contours
* Coastal Navigation Landfall and Departure Strategy
* Navigating in Poor Visibility
* Utilizing Clearing Bearings for Landfall and Departure
* Utilizing Natural Ranges in Conjunction with a Chart
* Creating a Vessel’s Deviation Card
* Understanding Radar Fixing Methods
* Acquiring a Running Fix
* Calculating Set and Drift for Estimated Positioning
* Practical Application: Sailing a diverted course line around multiple waypoints with varying current and wind effects while accurately determining positioning throughout.
The 6-day course is divided into two sections, both of which are usually taken back to back. However, for your convenience you may opt to take the 2-day lecture by itself or at some point prior to the 4-day live-aboard portion.
