Local Notice to Nauticals

1. Curiosity

"I've always wanted to sail…”
”I'm not sure if I'd like it, but I'd like to give it a go…"

Beginners and Families For Sail is a great way to start.  This 2.5hr course puts you on the water with the basics.  It's a great way to also "test the water" with family or children to see if they'd like it before you take the plunge.  (Always good to have the home team involved).

What's it like to sail on a wooden boat?  This question is often asked by the more experienced sailors who have sailed exclusively on fiberglass boats. This year we can satisfy answers to those questions with two styles of wooden boats.

2. Prior Experience They Would Like to Formalize

"I sailed when I was younger (camp, school, college)…”
”I'd like to get back on the water and formalize my education in case I'd like to expand and own or charter a boat…" 

Depending on your experience, starting at the ASA101 - Basic Keelboat certification is a great way to start. From there you can continue down the ASA certification route as far as you would like to go.  If you have sufficient experience you can also "challenge" a level (test out of the written and on-water requirements with resources provided prior).

If the certification route is not for you, we offer fundamental courses.  You experience and learn everything you'd learn in the ASA Course, but don't have to test. 

3. Learning to be a Better Crew Memeber

"My partner/friends do it and I'd like to be a better crew member…"
”I want my family to learn, so we can safely sail together…”
"I like to know how to sail in case my spouse/partner falls overboard and I don't have the faintest idea of what to do to save them or get the boat back to the harbor…"

This is popular with couples and friends who have invited you to sail and you'd like to be a better crew member and further understand what's going on.  Here is where I'd recommend starting with the ASA101, which I call a language course — learning all the words for all the parts of the boats, its systems and sails.  Then when you're asked to do something, you actually understand.  This is also popular for families preparing for a vacation — the parents want to ensure the children, young or adult, are engaged, can enjoy the sport and are able to help when called upon.

4. Cruising

"My friend and I went on a cruise in the Mediterranean and it was great.  We hired a Captain or had another experienced crew member aboard.  Now I'd like to do the same with my family and friends."

You’re planning a vacation in warmer climates during the winter or exploring Europe.  You should start with ASA101 and follow through with the ASA103, ASA104, and ASA105.  This can be done over a season to prepare for next winter's sailing adventure.

5. Adventuresome

“I’d like to purchase a boat…”
”I’d like to retire on a boat…”
”I’d like to sail around the world…”

There are plenty of ways to help prepare for that adventure — knowing how to sail various craft, chartering various boats, helps prepare you to purchase your own.  You'll have a good idea of what you want. Unfortunately, boat buying is not like a car purchase where you can test drive various boats.  Research, expert advice, and experience will help. I'm here to help, counsel, and guide you through your purchase.

First and foremost, you need to know how to sail to better understand what you want.  Start at the beginning (ASA 101 & 103) and work your way through at least ASA104.  If you plan to distance sail, I recommend ASA105 and ASA106.  Attending these courses, especially the Advanced Coastal Cruising, will help you know if this is really for you.

Retiring on a boat is a different discussion. It’s best to have a conversation before embarking on the YouTube adventure you always imagined.  Education is always required.

Sailing around the world another topic entirely.  I can definitely help with what you'll need.  From there, it is at least a year of preparation — boat, skills, provisions, routes, education (weather, emergency, navigation, safety (medical and other skills)). All of this is covered in the ASA117 & 108.