Sailing Courses / Sailing Lessons / Sailing Terms

Pre-Departure Checklist for Sailboats

Pre-Departure Checklist for Sailboats Before Setting Sail: Weather Forecast: Check the weather conditions for your intended boating area and time frame. Vessel Inspection: Steering and Throttle: Ensure they operate smoothly. Lights: Verify all lights are functioning correctly. Fuel System: Inspect for leaks in the tank, lines, and carburetor. Engine Compartment: Check for oil leaks. Hoses: Examine for leaks, cracks, and tight clamps. Bilge: Drain water and secure the plug. Fuel Supply: Confirm sufficient fuel or know where to refuel. Battery and Extinguishers: Ensure they are fully charged and functional. ECOS and Lanyard: If equipped, check their condition. PFDs: Verify you have the required number and that they are in good condition. Float Plan:…

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October 14, 2024
Sailing Classes

ASA 111 Sailing Review Certification

ASA 111: Your Personalized Sailing Review Are you ready to take your sailing skills to the next level? If you’ve already completed ASA 101, 103, or 104, but feel like you could benefit from a refresher course, ASA 111 is the perfect class for you. This personalized review course is designed to help you solidify your understanding of essential sailing concepts and improve your practical skills. What to Expect from ASA 111: Tailored Instruction: Our experienced instructors will work closely with you to identify areas where you need additional support. Comprehensive Review: We’ll cover key topics from ASA 101, 103, and 104, including boat handling, navigation, weather, and safety. Hands-On Practice: Spend plenty…

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September 6, 2024
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Sailing Classes

ASA 104 Intermediate Coastal Cruising (Bareboat Charter)

ASA 104 Intermediate Coastal Cruising (Bareboat Charter)  Cruise Planning  1. Describe appropriate clothing and personal gear to pack for safety and  comfort during a one-week cruise. 2. Describe the required documents and procedures for customs and  immigration when cruising to a foreign port of entry.  3. Plan a menu and create a provisioning list for a one-week cruise.  4. Describe the symptoms and first aid treatments for hypothermia and heat  exhaustion / heat stroke.  5. Describe the causes, prevention and treatments for seasickness.  6. Describe the tools and spare parts that should be on board for a one-week  cruise.  7. Describe variables that affect fuel consumption and cruising range under  power, and calculate…

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August 10, 2024
Sailing Classes

ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising

ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising  Sailboat Terminology  What will you learn in ASA 103 Identify and describe the following cruising sailboat parts, areas, or systems  and their functions: • Turnbuckle Chainplate Stemhead Fitting Rudder Post Transom Compass Binnacle  Cockpit Locker Emergency Tiller Saloon Companionway Galley V-berth Auxiliary  Engine Bilge Bilge Pump Seacock Ground Tackle Windlass Hatch Through-hull  Fitting Self-bailing Cockpit  Safety Equipment & Procedures  List the federally required equipment for a 33-foot recreational vessel  equipped with an inboard diesel engine.  Describe the characteristics and benefits of Personal Flotation Devices  (PFD’s), both Wearable (Life Jackets) and Throwable.  List the ASA recommended safety equipment for a recreational sailing vessel.  Describe ways to keep gear and…

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August 10, 2024
Sailing Classes

ASA 101 Sailing Made Easy Basic Sailing Terminology

What you will learn in ASA 101 Sailing Made Easy 1. Describe and identify the following sailboat parts and their functions:  • Hull Deck Transom Keel Mast Boom Gooseneck Bow Stern Helm / Tiller /Wheel  Rudder Cockpit Cabin Standing Rigging Shroud Spreader Chainplate Headstay /  Forestay Backstay Stanchion Lifeline Pulpit Winch Cleat Block Fairlead Fender  Docklines  2. Identify and describe the functions of the following sails, sail parts and sail  controls:  • Mainsail Jib / Genoa Head Tack Clew Foot Luff Leech Downhaul / Cunningham  Batten Batten Pocket Bolt Rope Hank Running Rigging Halyard Mainsheet  Jibsheets Boom Topping Lift Boom Vang Telltale Outhaul Traveler Shackle Roller  Furler  3. Define the following terms:  •…

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August 10, 2024
Sailing Lessons

Steering Your Boat in Reverse Using a Wheel

Steering Your Boat in Reverse Using a Wheel If you prefer to stand on the opposite side of the boat, facing the stern, remember this simple rule: Turn the wheel right: The stern moves right. Turn the wheel left: The stern moves left.

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August 10, 2024
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Sailing Lessons

Understanding Points of Sail

Understanding the points of sail is fundamental to sailing. This refers to the boat's orientation relative to the wind direction. The Basics Tack: The side of the boat where the wind is coming from. A boat is either on a port tack (wind from the left) or a starboard tack (wind from the right). No-Go Zone: A sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind. This is known as the "no-go zone." Trying to do so will cause the sails to flap and the boat to lose momentum. Close-Hauled: Sailing as close to the wind as possible. This is challenging and requires precise sail trim. Beam Reach: Sailing with the wind coming directly from…

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August 1, 2024
Sailing Lessons

Lake St. Clair Tides

Great Lakes: Tiny Tides, Big Changes Do the Great Lakes have tides? Technically, yes, but they're so small they're hardly noticeable. The gravitational pull of the sun and moon does create tiny, twice-daily changes in water level, but these are less than five centimeters at their peak. What really drives water level changes in the Great Lakes is weather. Wind and barometric pressure can significantly alter lake levels, making these much larger fluctuations seem like tides. Additionally, long-term weather patterns, seasonal changes, and even short-term storms can impact water levels. Another factor often mistaken for tides is a seiche, a large wave caused by wind pushing water to one end of a lake.…

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May 29, 2024
Sailing Lessons

Spring Sailboat Commissioning: Don’t Forget Your Rigging!

Spring Sailboat Commissioning Spring is here, and it's time to get your boat ready for the season! While tasks like sanding, painting, and checking the fuel system are important, don't forget about your rigging. Here are some key maintenance tips to ensure your boat's stability and safety: Annual Rigging Maintenance: Inspect Connections: Carefully examine swage fittings for cracks and heavy rust (a little discoloration is okay). Look for "fishhooks" (bent strands) and rust on wire halyards and running backstays. Lubricate Turnbuckles: Remove tape from turnbuckles, then lubricate the threads with a Teflon-based product. Replace old tape with fresh, ensuring water can drain freely. Check Chainplates: If you suspect moisture around a chainplate, remove…

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May 1, 2024
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Sailing Lessons

Your Guide to Nautical Flags

Nautical Flags: Understanding the Language of the Seas Ever wondered what those colorful flags on boats mean? Well, they're not just decorations! Nautical flags are a vital way for boaters to communicate with each other and with authorities. This guide will teach you the basics of nautical flags, including: The Flag Alphabet: Did you know there's a whole flag code? We'll break down the 26 flags, each representing a letter, to get you started. Color Coordination: Spotting a nautical flag is easy thanks to the limited color palette of blue, yellow, white, black, and red. Weather Warnings: Stay informed on the water with the four weather flags that use red and/or black to…

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April 30, 2024
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