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Advanced Sailing and Cruising

learn to sail

A 2 day class where you will refine and improve upon what you learned in the beginning and intermediate classes, as well as learn new skills necessary to skipper a boat on a multi-day cruise, such as provisioning, anchoring, mooring and advanced navigation.     $1,400 for 2 people

         ⚓ SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE GAINED

Boat Handling Under Sail and Power

  • Confidently skipper a 30–50 ft cruising sailboat.

  • Maneuvering in close quarters (docking, undocking, tight marinas).

  • Efficient tacking and jibing with a larger crew.

  • Sail trim for speed and comfort over long distances.

  • Reefing and unreefing underway.

  • Managing a boat in heavy wind and rough seas.

🧭 Advanced Coastal Navigation & Piloting

  • Advanced use of nautical charts, plotting, and dead reckoning.

  • Course plotting using bearing, speed, current, and leeway.

  • Fixing position using multiple techniques (landmarks, bearings).

  • Using GPS/chart plotters and depth sounders for safe navigation.

  • Intro to tide and current prediction.

  • Planning and executing a multi-day coastal route.

⚠️ Emergency and Safety Procedures

  • Advanced man-overboard recovery drills (under sail and power).

  • Emergency navigation and systems failure protocols.

  • Proper use of emergency gear (life raft, EPIRB, flares, first aid).

  • Procedures for handling fire, flooding, or crew injury at sea.

  • Night sailing basics and watch rotations.

⚙️ Boat Systems Operation

  • Understanding and managing:

    • Inboard diesel engine

    • Battery systems (charging, monitoring)

    • Freshwater and plumbing systems

    • Propane/electrical galley systems

    • Marine heads and holding tanks

Anchoring and Mooring

  • Setting and retrieving various types of anchors.

  • Choosing the right anchorage based on weather and bottom type.

  • Using scope correctly and checking holding.

  • Rafting with other boats and using dual anchors.

🧶 Sailboat Rigging and Maintenance

  • Inspecting and maintaining rigging underway.

  • Managing wear and tear on sails and equipment.

  • Troubleshooting problems (e.g., jammed halyard, fouled prop).

🧭 Charter Planning and Bareboat Skills

  • Planning a bareboat charter, including provisioning and crew management.

  • Understanding charter contracts and local regulations.

  • Working with a cruising checklist: weather, fuel, safety, systems check.

  • Coordinating meals, provisioning, and crew duties.

850-293-1434

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