Basic Cruising Certification Class

US SAILING Basic Cruising Certification Competent Skipper Sailing Lessons

Building on the skills that you gained from Basic Keelboat or equivalent experience we’ll teach you to safely and confidently skipper mid-sized keelboats with complicated electrical, plumbing and propane systems. You’ll gain the knowledge and know-how to take day-trips around the bay. The boats are quite luxurious at this level most sleep 6 and we provide everything that you would need to enjoy a 1st class hotel like experience!

Cover of Basic Cruising Book

Description

This 4-day, 32-hour course takes you beyond the basics through all the skills and knowledge necessary to skipper mid-sized sailboats independently on San Francisco Bay, the Great Lakes, or most near-coastal waters around the country. For this course, we use substantial cruising auxiliary sailboats from 30′ to 32′, all with inboard diesel engines, wheel steering, and all the amenities that make cruising not only possible but fun! Graduates earn US SAILING’s Basic Cruising Certification, and qualify to skipper Club Nautique boats up to 35′.

Topics Covered Include

  • Cruising Auxiliary Boat Systems (Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical)
  • Navigation
    • Chart Reading
    • Taking Bearings
    • Course Plotting
  • Docking and Departures Using Wheel Steering
  • Use of Compass and Steering a Compass Course
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Heavy Weather Sailing
  • Use of VHF Marine Radio
  • Anchorages, Anchor Types, and Overnight Anchoring Techniques
  • Close Quarters Maneuvering Using Inboard Diesel Engine
  • Alternative Crew Overboard Maneuvers
  • Handling Emergency Situations
    • Fire Prevention and Fighting
    • Loss of Propulsion
    • Loss of Steering
    • Towing

Format

  • Four Days/ 32 Hours (0900 to 1700)
  • Alternating Classroom and Onboard Sessions
  • Offered Most Weekends and Selected Weekdays at Each Location
  • Offered Most Weekends and Selected Weekdays at Each Location
  • Taught on Substantial 30′ to 32′ Cruising Auxiliary Sailboats
  • Classes may be split between any of our locations.

Tuition

Regular price: $1500 per person
Click here to see any current specials!

Prerequisites

Basic Keelboat Certification (or equivalent skills) This class is guaranteed!

Textbook

Cover of Basic Cruising Book

Basic Cruising, US SAILING
Included in cost of class.

Regular Price: $1500

Cancellation Policy