Lake St. Clair Sailing School Blog

Marriage Proposal on a Sailboat

Planning the perfect proposal is all about creating a moment that's as unique and special as your love. Forget the cliche dinner-and-a-ring routine. This time, set sail on an adventure of the heart with a marrage proposal! Imagine this: The gentle caress of the wind as you glide across the sparkling expanse of Lake St. Clair. The sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your love story. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull, providing a natural soundtrack to your whispered promises. And in the midst of it all, you, down on one knee, gazing into your beloved's eyes, pouring your heart out with a proposal as unforgettable as the setting.…

Comments Off

January 6, 2024

Marriage Proposal on a Sailboat

Captain Lisense

USCG Forms

OUPV Checklist https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/checklists/mcp_fm_nmc5_31_web.pdf Application (CG-719B) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719B.pdf Physical Form (CG-719K) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719K.pdf Drug Testing Form (CG-719P) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719P.pdf Sea Service Form (CG-719S) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719s.pdf DUI Disclosure Form (CG-719C) https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719C.pdf

Comments Off

December 15, 2023

Captain Lisense / Sailing Classes

Captain’s Liscense School

GET YOUR CAPTAIN'S LICENSE! Online Classes Enroll Now! Maximize Your Knowledge, Minimize Your Costs!Need a fast and economical path to a captain’s license? Our courses provide expert knowledge and maximize your investment, all while getting you licensed and on the water quickly!We Keep It SimpleMariners offers transparent pricing and makes learning as simple as possible:Exam fees includedBundle savings available for add-ons and endorsements24/7 customer support included with every courseLower your insurance ratesCaptain with confidenceConvenient ProcessUse any device, online or offlineGo at your own pace with 12 months of accessPass the final exam onlineSave Money!Save by bundling our OUPV/Six-Pack Captain's License Bundle with any endorsements you might need.

Comments Off

December 15, 2023

Sailing Terms

True North and Magnetic North

There’s a North Pole, where Santa lives stuck in the ground and secondly, there’s a Magnetic North, where the magnets live our steering compasses, and our handheld compasses are magnetic devices, and they point towards magnetic north not True North. However, our charts are all orientated to True North. The resulting angle between magnetic north, and true north is what we call variation and it will change according to where you are on the planet. So why do we do this? Why don’t we just orient our magnet and be done with it orientated towards the North Pole? True North because it’s a fixed position on the globe and it doesn’t move. However,…

Comments Off

December 15, 2023

Sailing Terms

Magnetic North vs True North: Understanding Variation and Deviation in Navigation

True North and Magnetic North In the world of navigation, two terms often get tossed around: true north and magnetic north. While they sound similar, they're not exactly the same. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for accurate navigation, especially when relying on a compass. True North True north refers to the fixed point on Earth's axis around which the planet spins. It's like a giant bullseye at the top of the globe. Magnetic north, on the other hand, is the direction the compass needle points. It's not fixed and can vary depending on your location on Earth. This difference between true north and magnetic north is called variation. Maps and directions…

Comments Off

December 15, 2023

Magnetic North vs True North: Understanding Variation and Deviation in Navigation

Photoshoot

Sailboat Photo Shoots on Lake St. Clair

Sailboat Photoshoot Imagine this: the wind whispers through your hair, the sun paints the water with golden streaks, and you're laughing with loved ones as a classic sailboat glides effortlessly across the vast expanse of Lake St. Clair. Now, picture capturing that magic forever – with a photo shoot that's as unique and unforgettable as the moment itself. Escape the ordinary and embark on a photo adventure unlike any other. A sailboat photoshoot on Lake St. Clair isn't just about capturing stunning scenery; it's about capturing memories that will stay with you a lifetime. Here's why setting sail for your next photo shoot is the perfect choice: Unmatched Scenery: Lake St. Clair boasts…

Comments Off

December 14, 2023

Read more about the article Sailboat Photo Shoots on Lake St. Clair

Photo Shoot on a Yacht

Sailing Classes

ASA 103 Navigation & Weather

Define "small craft advisory" and "gale warning" and describe precautions to be taken for each. Although "small craft" is not officially defined, the recommendation is for sailors at the ASA 103 level to heed small craft advisories. These are issued by the National Weather Service and broadcasted by NOAA Weather Radio during hazardous wind and sea conditions. A gale warning is an alert for winds exceeding 34 knots, but under 47 knots. These winds should be considered very dangerous.. Describe how to prevent undue magnetic influence on a compass. A compass is simply a magnet that rotates on a low friction point so that it will point towards the Magnetic North Pole. Objects…

Comments Off

August 19, 2023

Sailing Classes

ASA 103 Safety Equipment & Procedures

As a boat skipper it will be your responsibility to keep your crew and passengers safe. Below is a list of safety knowledge you will be expected to know in order to pass the ASA 103 certification. List the federally required equipment for a 33-foot recreational vessel equipped with an inboard diesel engine. Documents: Boat Registration, Registration Numbers, Documentation, Navigation Rules, State Regulations Safety: Personal Flotation Devices, Visual Distress Signals, Fire Extinguishers, Sound-Producing Devices, Navigation Lights Other: Placards, Marine Sanitation Device List the ASA recommended safety equipment for a recreational sailing vessel. Navigation charts and equipment, VHF Radio, Softwood plugs, Bilge pump, Anchor, First aid kit, Tool kit with spare parts, Flashlight, Safety…

Comments Off

August 19, 2023

Online Sailing Classes / Sailing Classes

Online Sailing Courses

ASA-approved online courses available to all ASA 105Coastal Navigation ASA 107Celestial Navigation ASA 117Basic Celestial Endorsement ASA 119Marine Weather Endorsement ASA 120Radar EndorsementAll the courses allow students to study at their own pace and include opportunities to interact with instructors. At the end of the course all graduating students earn official ASA certifications. Register Now! Why? Why Take These Courses? In this time when you cannot get to the ocean or classes are not being held, the online alternative is ideal. Learn a few skills and get some certifications during this time while you are being asked to stay home. How? How Much are these classes? The courses cost $380 each and include…

Comments Off

August 8, 2023

Sailing Classes

Take ASA 105 Online

Learn ASA 105Coastal Navigation ONLINE aSA 105, COASTAL NAVIGATIONLearn practical navigation on inland and coastal waters, including chart reading, piloting, rules of the road, tides and currents, and more. Includes both echart and paper chart training. This course is a prerequisite for ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising. For PC or Mac computers. Registration KNOWLEDGE 1.Explain the chart symbols and conventions on U.S. nautical charts in accordance with the terminology of Chart #1.2.Identify a source of official U.S. Coast Guard navigation publications.3.List the publications required for prudent navigation in the local area including:Large scale charts of the area and Chart #1Federal Requirements for Recreational BoatsUSCG Navigation Rules and Regulations HandbookState small vessel regulationsLocal rules and…

Comments Off

August 8, 2023