I am new to sailing but at some point would like to be able to cruise great lakes and do some bareboat chartering in the Carribean. I think the ASA certifications are appropriate because I have no other access to larger boats and qualified instructors. Are they a worthwhile investment? I am thinking of completing the "Coastal Navigation" course over the winter and then taking the "Basic Keelboat 101 and 103" courses in the summer - leading to the "Bareboat Chartering" in a couple years. Thanks - Ed
- Status
ASA
I belive that most "schools" require you to take 101 first. Then they will let you take the next courses. A lot of schools will let you combine some of the other courses, such as taking 103 and 104 together...it takes a longer class, and cost are higher(depending on how you look at it) but they generally let yo stay on the boat the whole time. I'll put a link to the school I went to, and you can see how they do it.
I belive that most "schools" require you to take 101 first. Then they will let you take the next courses. A lot of schools will let you combine some of the other courses, such as taking 103 and 104 together...it takes a longer class, and cost are higher(depending on how you look at it) but they generally let yo stay on the boat the whole time. I'll put a link to the school I went to, and you can see how they do it.
ASA
You will usually need keelboat first, but you can find combination courses and also you can usually get a discount if you have another person take the course with you. Bill
You will usually need keelboat first, but you can find combination courses and also you can usually get a discount if you have another person take the course with you. Bill
ASA
I tested out of 101. I have 30 years of sailing aced the test and took 103. Great class! We did it on a Hunter 310! Good Luck!
I tested out of 101. I have 30 years of sailing aced the test and took 103. Great class! We did it on a Hunter 310! Good Luck!
ASA & US Sailing?
How do ASA and US Sailing certifications differ. Is one more recognized than the other? I have taken the US Sailing basic keel boat course. Am I eleigle for advanced ASA courses? Thanks in advance.
How do ASA and US Sailing certifications differ. Is one more recognized than the other? I have taken the US Sailing basic keel boat course. Am I eleigle for advanced ASA courses? Thanks in advance.
Reasons drive solutions
Ed If you are taking the courses to just learn sailing skills, any of the schools would probably be acceptable. Whether ASA or US Sailing "accredited," or an independent. By law, all instructors taking paying students out on a boat must be USCG licensed -- most have the basic "six-pack" license (six passenger max on an uninspected vessel). ASA or US Sailing provides some degree of standardization regarding the course content and instructor training. And, because they represent de facto industry standards, their certificates are generally recognized throughout the charter industry. But, charter companies will recognize other paths to competency as well. Which gets to your intended use. If it is to bareboat charter in a particular area, then ask the various charter companies in that area what their minimum training/experience requirements are. If you are just planning to buy a boat & are getting prepared, almost any competent school will do. Whatever school you choose, affiliated or independent, compare the course content, the boat size used for training, the number of students in the class, the experience level of the captain/instructor, etc. The ASA or US Sailing course curricula are a good guide. The boat size used for the course should be appropriate for the type of sailing you expect to do -- if cruising, then at least something around 30 ft. The number of students will affect the amount of hands-on time you actually get. The USCG license says that the captain/instructor has a certain amount of sea-time & book knowledge, but verify whether the person is a racer, cruiser, blue-water sailor or whatever. Ask lots of questions -- be a pain-in-the-butt about asking too. If they tend to blow you off, then you can wonder if they'll do likewise out on the water while teaching. Not every good sailor is a good teacher. Many excellent sailors I know don't suffer fools/lubbers well. When I started some years back, I took the USCG Aux. basic sailing/seamanship course in the Winter, followed by a 20 hour basic on-the-water course (by a local, independent school on a Pearson 303) in the Spring. All that Spring/Summer, I rented boats locally for daysailing. I followed that with a USCG Aux. navigation/piloting course in the Winter. The next Spring I took the more advanced 20 hour cruising course, and more Spring/Summer daysailing. That Fall I did my first bareboat charter. Over the next two years I did two one-week coastal piloting/navigation/seamanship training cruises on the schooner "Ocean Star," collectively covering the entire New England coast from New York City to Mt Desert Island, ME. Plus much daysailing and other bareboat charters. "Ocean Star" isn't operating in that capacity anymore but here are various "offshore sailing schools" available to get that equivalent intense training. After a few years I felt that I had enough practical knowledge & insight into my capabilities/desires to actually select and buy a boat (Catalina 320). The point being that these schools are just the start on a long-term, lifetime process of education in seamanship. These forums, where we as a community of sailors share our knowledge, experience, and questions, are an integral part of that process. Good luck, --Ron
Ed If you are taking the courses to just learn sailing skills, any of the schools would probably be acceptable. Whether ASA or US Sailing "accredited," or an independent. By law, all instructors taking paying students out on a boat must be USCG licensed -- most have the basic "six-pack" license (six passenger max on an uninspected vessel). ASA or US Sailing provides some degree of standardization regarding the course content and instructor training. And, because they represent de facto industry standards, their certificates are generally recognized throughout the charter industry. But, charter companies will recognize other paths to competency as well. Which gets to your intended use. If it is to bareboat charter in a particular area, then ask the various charter companies in that area what their minimum training/experience requirements are. If you are just planning to buy a boat & are getting prepared, almost any competent school will do. Whatever school you choose, affiliated or independent, compare the course content, the boat size used for training, the number of students in the class, the experience level of the captain/instructor, etc. The ASA or US Sailing course curricula are a good guide. The boat size used for the course should be appropriate for the type of sailing you expect to do -- if cruising, then at least something around 30 ft. The number of students will affect the amount of hands-on time you actually get. The USCG license says that the captain/instructor has a certain amount of sea-time & book knowledge, but verify whether the person is a racer, cruiser, blue-water sailor or whatever. Ask lots of questions -- be a pain-in-the-butt about asking too. If they tend to blow you off, then you can wonder if they'll do likewise out on the water while teaching. Not every good sailor is a good teacher. Many excellent sailors I know don't suffer fools/lubbers well. When I started some years back, I took the USCG Aux. basic sailing/seamanship course in the Winter, followed by a 20 hour basic on-the-water course (by a local, independent school on a Pearson 303) in the Spring. All that Spring/Summer, I rented boats locally for daysailing. I followed that with a USCG Aux. navigation/piloting course in the Winter. The next Spring I took the more advanced 20 hour cruising course, and more Spring/Summer daysailing. That Fall I did my first bareboat charter. Over the next two years I did two one-week coastal piloting/navigation/seamanship training cruises on the schooner "Ocean Star," collectively covering the entire New England coast from New York City to Mt Desert Island, ME. Plus much daysailing and other bareboat charters. "Ocean Star" isn't operating in that capacity anymore but here are various "offshore sailing schools" available to get that equivalent intense training. After a few years I felt that I had enough practical knowledge & insight into my capabilities/desires to actually select and buy a boat (Catalina 320). The point being that these schools are just the start on a long-term, lifetime process of education in seamanship. These forums, where we as a community of sailors share our knowledge, experience, and questions, are an integral part of that process. Good luck, --Ron
just completed ASA 101-103
Those qualified me for bareboart hartering. i think you have to take those first. ASA 101 Basic Keelboat ASA 102 Basic Costal Cruising ASA 103 Intermediate Bareboat chartering I'm now qualified to charter from Moornings up to a 50'
Those qualified me for bareboart hartering. i think you have to take those first. ASA 101 Basic Keelboat ASA 102 Basic Costal Cruising ASA 103 Intermediate Bareboat chartering I'm now qualified to charter from Moornings up to a 50'
Ed...
Ed...If you are looking for some big boat experience, you might want to look at the related link on this post. During Bayfield Race Week in the Apostile Islands, the bigger boats are always looking for crew. There will be postings looking for crew as time gets closer. Craig Steinkraus " Wings " C38 #280
Ed...If you are looking for some big boat experience, you might want to look at the related link on this post. During Bayfield Race Week in the Apostile Islands, the bigger boats are always looking for crew. There will be postings looking for crew as time gets closer. Craig Steinkraus " Wings " C38 #280
ASA certifications from two points of view
ASA certification indicates that you have satisfied minimum requirements for proficiency at a certain level. Each course covers a LOT of material in a very limited amount of time. This time also has to be shared with other students. In my opinion, a week is not enough to turn a rookie sailor loose on a 30-foot keelboat. If you have little or no sailing experience, I would highly recommend a basic small-boat sailing course such as Red Cross or other local community-based program. Most will run about 4 to 6 weeks and cost less than $60. This is far cheaper, much less intense and lots more fun than even the most basic ASA school. Sailing a small boat can be harder work than a keelboat (no winches or roller furling here!) but the experience is more intense. You'll find out pretty quickly whether or not sailing is for you. If it is, move up to a daysailer or dinghy, which are inexpensive to rent or own. Then sign up for a Basic keelboat school. It has been my repeated observation that people who've had some experience before Keelboat school were less overwhelmed, did consistently better and gained far more from the school than total rookies. Bareboat certification will get you a boat in most places, but is no guarantee that you will have it to yourself. As much as they'd like to get your money, charter companies are also concerned about the safety of their boats. In most places you will be asked to take a check ride when you arrive. The check ride is not just to make sure everything on board is working...the charter company is also checking you out. They may ask you to demonstrate basic skills like docking, anchoring and recovering a man overboard. If they're not convinced of your ability, you'll probably end up paying for a skipper, at $100 to $150 a day (and you'll have to feed him/her too). The best advice I ever got from a charter base manager was to keep a log book and bring it with you when you go to check in. He said that a log says a lot more than a fancy sailing resume ever will. Logs are also harder to fake. He emphasized the need for good basic skills. Finally, he concluded with a story about a man who had reserved a 50 ft Beneteau with no certifications whatsoever and had listed his sailing experience on the application as simply "Hobie cat". Of course, they were understandably skeptical when he arrived, but his check ride was so good that he was on his way to Guadeloupe before lunch, accompanied only by his very attractive female companion. Need I say more? Peter H23 "Raven"
ASA certification indicates that you have satisfied minimum requirements for proficiency at a certain level. Each course covers a LOT of material in a very limited amount of time. This time also has to be shared with other students. In my opinion, a week is not enough to turn a rookie sailor loose on a 30-foot keelboat. If you have little or no sailing experience, I would highly recommend a basic small-boat sailing course such as Red Cross or other local community-based program. Most will run about 4 to 6 weeks and cost less than $60. This is far cheaper, much less intense and lots more fun than even the most basic ASA school. Sailing a small boat can be harder work than a keelboat (no winches or roller furling here!) but the experience is more intense. You'll find out pretty quickly whether or not sailing is for you. If it is, move up to a daysailer or dinghy, which are inexpensive to rent or own. Then sign up for a Basic keelboat school. It has been my repeated observation that people who've had some experience before Keelboat school were less overwhelmed, did consistently better and gained far more from the school than total rookies. Bareboat certification will get you a boat in most places, but is no guarantee that you will have it to yourself. As much as they'd like to get your money, charter companies are also concerned about the safety of their boats. In most places you will be asked to take a check ride when you arrive. The check ride is not just to make sure everything on board is working...the charter company is also checking you out. They may ask you to demonstrate basic skills like docking, anchoring and recovering a man overboard. If they're not convinced of your ability, you'll probably end up paying for a skipper, at $100 to $150 a day (and you'll have to feed him/her too). The best advice I ever got from a charter base manager was to keep a log book and bring it with you when you go to check in. He said that a log says a lot more than a fancy sailing resume ever will. Logs are also harder to fake. He emphasized the need for good basic skills. Finally, he concluded with a story about a man who had reserved a 50 ft Beneteau with no certifications whatsoever and had listed his sailing experience on the application as simply "Hobie cat". Of course, they were understandably skeptical when he arrived, but his check ride was so good that he was on his way to Guadeloupe before lunch, accompanied only by his very attractive female companion. Need I say more? Peter H23 "Raven"
Am both a ASA and 100 Ton Skipper
I've been sailing for about 40 years and am certified as an ASA instructor but I also have my 100 Ton Coast Guard license. And I teach for the local Sailing and Power Squadron--mostly basic seamanship and the sailing, both beginners and advance. I've also taught keel boat sailing for a university. In my years of teaching, I find that any type of a standard curriculum where the student has to take a test is good. It puts the pressure on the instructor as well as the student. If I have a concern with any program it is that many curriculums (sic) do not keep up with the knowledge of present day sailing. For example, all the curriculums mandate that I teach the figure eight in retrieving a mob. That is OK if you have a full keel boat but if you have a fin keel, a guick stop and turn using the lifesling is better in most cases. Students should know both methods. Another area that is of concern to me is the use of the VHF. Heavy emphasis is on horn signals, however, in my area (Pacific Northwest), I think the use of the VHF to ask a commercial tanker or tow if I am in their way seems a lot more prudent. None of my curriculi have me teach VHF procedures. And none of the teaching programs that I am working with want me to teach GPS. My bosses always tell me, "what if the GPS breaks down?" I'm glad to teach plotting and chart work--that is fun. But the GPS tells the student more about where they are and how they are getting there. In one class that I had, there were six students and five GPSes, not counting the one on the boat or the one that I carry. The ASA curriculum and program was started by Charter company owners. They want their boats back in good condition, therefore, the curriculum is designed for that purpose. As an old research professor, I was interested in seeing if the ASA standard would hold. Friends of mine asked to charter a boat locally and had checkbook in hand, but didn't reveal that they had extensively sailed. Acting like beginners, they got their charter boat for a week....and were asked to come back. Interesting to say the least.
I've been sailing for about 40 years and am certified as an ASA instructor but I also have my 100 Ton Coast Guard license. And I teach for the local Sailing and Power Squadron--mostly basic seamanship and the sailing, both beginners and advance. I've also taught keel boat sailing for a university. In my years of teaching, I find that any type of a standard curriculum where the student has to take a test is good. It puts the pressure on the instructor as well as the student. If I have a concern with any program it is that many curriculums (sic) do not keep up with the knowledge of present day sailing. For example, all the curriculums mandate that I teach the figure eight in retrieving a mob. That is OK if you have a full keel boat but if you have a fin keel, a guick stop and turn using the lifesling is better in most cases. Students should know both methods. Another area that is of concern to me is the use of the VHF. Heavy emphasis is on horn signals, however, in my area (Pacific Northwest), I think the use of the VHF to ask a commercial tanker or tow if I am in their way seems a lot more prudent. None of my curriculi have me teach VHF procedures. And none of the teaching programs that I am working with want me to teach GPS. My bosses always tell me, "what if the GPS breaks down?" I'm glad to teach plotting and chart work--that is fun. But the GPS tells the student more about where they are and how they are getting there. In one class that I had, there were six students and five GPSes, not counting the one on the boat or the one that I carry. The ASA curriculum and program was started by Charter company owners. They want their boats back in good condition, therefore, the curriculum is designed for that purpose. As an old research professor, I was interested in seeing if the ASA standard would hold. Friends of mine asked to charter a boat locally and had checkbook in hand, but didn't reveal that they had extensively sailed. Acting like beginners, they got their charter boat for a week....and were asked to come back. Interesting to say the least.
Volunteering as crew?
Thanks for all of your replies. I am going to follow up on Craig's advice of checking if anyone needs crew. I am also going to post a note (email??) at the local yacht club to offer to crew for non-racing trips also eg. if someones wants to take their boat out day sailing but doesn't have anyone to go with them as crew that particular day. I would crew as well as offer to split the day's expenses. Would this sound like a reasonable request to a short-handed boat owner?? I am in complete understanding that courses alone with no experience will not qualify me as a competant sailor, and I have no intention of passing myself of as one out of respect for boat owners and safety. However, it seems that the ASA offerings are worth the investment. Thanks again for all the input. As a novice sailor it is encouraging to find the sailing community so supportive and willing to help out. I am also thrilled to find that the forums are such a great resource. I am looking forward to "hearing" from you all again. Ed Boswell
Thanks for all of your replies. I am going to follow up on Craig's advice of checking if anyone needs crew. I am also going to post a note (email??) at the local yacht club to offer to crew for non-racing trips also eg. if someones wants to take their boat out day sailing but doesn't have anyone to go with them as crew that particular day. I would crew as well as offer to split the day's expenses. Would this sound like a reasonable request to a short-handed boat owner?? I am in complete understanding that courses alone with no experience will not qualify me as a competant sailor, and I have no intention of passing myself of as one out of respect for boat owners and safety. However, it seems that the ASA offerings are worth the investment. Thanks again for all the input. As a novice sailor it is encouraging to find the sailing community so supportive and willing to help out. I am also thrilled to find that the forums are such a great resource. I am looking forward to "hearing" from you all again. Ed Boswell
Want to crew?
Ed, I wish you the best of luck with your courses this winter. My wife and I sail our 27 Catalina Tall Rig out of McKinley Marina in Milwaukee during the warmer months. If you have any free time this coming summer of (03) and would like to join us or (me) when she has to work, to do some sailing on Lake Michigan. We normally just do day sailing, have taken a number of trips to Racine and one to Port Washington. If interested, contact me thru e-mail and we can keep in touch while everyone waits for the upcoming sailing season. Richard Weaver "Only Child 2" rweaver@firstweber.com
Ed, I wish you the best of luck with your courses this winter. My wife and I sail our 27 Catalina Tall Rig out of McKinley Marina in Milwaukee during the warmer months. If you have any free time this coming summer of (03) and would like to join us or (me) when she has to work, to do some sailing on Lake Michigan. We normally just do day sailing, have taken a number of trips to Racine and one to Port Washington. If interested, contact me thru e-mail and we can keep in touch while everyone waits for the upcoming sailing season. Richard Weaver "Only Child 2" rweaver@firstweber.com
One used to be able to "challenge" the ASA tests
and save a ton of money, e.g. if you have quite a bit of practical experience but no credible sailing resume and therefore want the ASA certificates to facilitate bareboat chartering. In the summers of 1990 and 1991 we lived and sailed for a total of 6 months on a Hunter Legend 33.5 (which we had been lucky to charter from a friend) in Chesapeake Bay. In combination with on-and-off sailing experience in The Netherlands since we were teenagers, this gave us a fair number of sailing hours and miles under the keel but no credible sailing resume to charter from a regular company. So, I hit the ASA manuals and the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and signed up with Olympic Circle in Berkeley, California to challenge the first three tests (basic keelboat through bareboat, I believe). Those exams only cost about US $ 125 total, or so; i.e. a heck of a lot less than the actual ASA courses (which probably would have added up to about US 2,000). Directly before the exam I remember taking a 1-hour private lesson from one of the examiners so he could show me "the ropes" on their O'Day 30 on windy San Francisco Bay. The additional US $ 75 for the lesson probably paid off as they no longer looked at me as a wise guy who was trying to make an endrun around the system. Well I passed. The funny thing is, however, that we never chartered another vessel at all because Nelleke and I fell in love with our Hunter Legend 43 and bought her that same year. And as everyone knows, in the USA the owner of a recreational vessel -- whether 15 or 150 foot long -- can just take the ignition key and blast out of the dealer's dock without any kind of certificate or license....! I still think it was a very useful course, though. At any rate a lot more practical than the USCG captain's license course which is purely theoretical and is highly recommended for the safety aspects. However, it won't teach you much about boat handling or sailing. Have fun! Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II"
and save a ton of money, e.g. if you have quite a bit of practical experience but no credible sailing resume and therefore want the ASA certificates to facilitate bareboat chartering. In the summers of 1990 and 1991 we lived and sailed for a total of 6 months on a Hunter Legend 33.5 (which we had been lucky to charter from a friend) in Chesapeake Bay. In combination with on-and-off sailing experience in The Netherlands since we were teenagers, this gave us a fair number of sailing hours and miles under the keel but no credible sailing resume to charter from a regular company. So, I hit the ASA manuals and the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and signed up with Olympic Circle in Berkeley, California to challenge the first three tests (basic keelboat through bareboat, I believe). Those exams only cost about US $ 125 total, or so; i.e. a heck of a lot less than the actual ASA courses (which probably would have added up to about US 2,000). Directly before the exam I remember taking a 1-hour private lesson from one of the examiners so he could show me "the ropes" on their O'Day 30 on windy San Francisco Bay. The additional US $ 75 for the lesson probably paid off as they no longer looked at me as a wise guy who was trying to make an endrun around the system. Well I passed. The funny thing is, however, that we never chartered another vessel at all because Nelleke and I fell in love with our Hunter Legend 43 and bought her that same year. And as everyone knows, in the USA the owner of a recreational vessel -- whether 15 or 150 foot long -- can just take the ignition key and blast out of the dealer's dock without any kind of certificate or license....! I still think it was a very useful course, though. At any rate a lot more practical than the USCG captain's license course which is purely theoretical and is highly recommended for the safety aspects. However, it won't teach you much about boat handling or sailing. Have fun! Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II"
Challenging ASA
Apparently, one can challenge the courses. The ASA school I spoke with offers 101 and 103 concurrently and calls the course "basic cruising I" cost:$750.00 (approx 25hrs on-water instruction). The instructor I spoke to felt that, given my experience, I would be able to pass the written portions of keel boat 101 over the winter and then "test out" of the sailing skills portion of 101 during the summer. Then take the full 103 portions. However, the instructor did not think that I could get a break in cost from ASA for testing out of 101 and would still have to pay the full amount for "basic cruising I". So I'm not sure that if by combining the classes the individual school can charge the full amount regardless of your challenging. I will check with ASA directly on this matter and ask if, as you say, I could pass the tests and not pay the full amount. I will post my findings. Thanks again - Ed
Apparently, one can challenge the courses. The ASA school I spoke with offers 101 and 103 concurrently and calls the course "basic cruising I" cost:$750.00 (approx 25hrs on-water instruction). The instructor I spoke to felt that, given my experience, I would be able to pass the written portions of keel boat 101 over the winter and then "test out" of the sailing skills portion of 101 during the summer. Then take the full 103 portions. However, the instructor did not think that I could get a break in cost from ASA for testing out of 101 and would still have to pay the full amount for "basic cruising I". So I'm not sure that if by combining the classes the individual school can charge the full amount regardless of your challenging. I will check with ASA directly on this matter and ask if, as you say, I could pass the tests and not pay the full amount. I will post my findings. Thanks again - Ed
ASA Testing
Most of the cost of these schools is for the instructor and boat time. Most schools don't advertise this (natch) but I'm pretty sure you can do just the test (and maybe a quick check ride for them to evaluate your hands-on skills) for a substantially reduced fee. I think you're doing the right thing by checking with ASA directly. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Most of the cost of these schools is for the instructor and boat time. Most schools don't advertise this (natch) but I'm pretty sure you can do just the test (and maybe a quick check ride for them to evaluate your hands-on skills) for a substantially reduced fee. I think you're doing the right thing by checking with ASA directly. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
Sailboats Inc
I took a 3 day course from Sailboats Inc that allows you to charter from their fleet on Lake Michigan and Lake Superiour. It's a way to get some good instruction and the chance to charter to gain some experience under your belt. The have locations in Manitowac, Chicago and someplace in Northern Wisconsin.
I took a 3 day course from Sailboats Inc that allows you to charter from their fleet on Lake Michigan and Lake Superiour. It's a way to get some good instruction and the chance to charter to gain some experience under your belt. The have locations in Manitowac, Chicago and someplace in Northern Wisconsin.
Checked with ASA
Thanks for all of the replies. I checked with ASA re: challenging 101 or 103 (as part of a combined course) and getting a reduced fee. ASA said that the fee is up to the school in question. I will look for a school that teaches the classes individaully and see if there is any price break there. Thanks again for all of the advice. - Ed
Thanks for all of the replies. I checked with ASA re: challenging 101 or 103 (as part of a combined course) and getting a reduced fee. ASA said that the fee is up to the school in question. I will look for a school that teaches the classes individaully and see if there is any price break there. Thanks again for all of the advice. - Ed
You're on the right track
My wife and I did exactly what you are planning, and it worked very well. We took a package of three classes (basic, coastal and bareboat) through Tradewinds Sailing Club in San Francisco Bay. Got good instruction, good rates and access to a fleet for practice at reasonable rates. (We took a night sailing class at OCSC, and are currently working on ASA Navigation class at home.) After the classes we chartered twice (San Juans and Florida), and then last year bought our own 37 foot boat. We are no longer members of the club, but have a lot of friends there and certainly recommend that approach. We feel confident that our skills are growing, we got good instruction, and it was absolutely worthwhile. Check it out Sanders LaMont s/v Good News Sacramento
My wife and I did exactly what you are planning, and it worked very well. We took a package of three classes (basic, coastal and bareboat) through Tradewinds Sailing Club in San Francisco Bay. Got good instruction, good rates and access to a fleet for practice at reasonable rates. (We took a night sailing class at OCSC, and are currently working on ASA Navigation class at home.) After the classes we chartered twice (San Juans and Florida), and then last year bought our own 37 foot boat. We are no longer members of the club, but have a lot of friends there and certainly recommend that approach. We feel confident that our skills are growing, we got good instruction, and it was absolutely worthwhile. Check it out Sanders LaMont s/v Good News Sacramento
hobby of lifetime
check out royal yachting association through yahoo uk/ireland. also find united kingdom sailing academy same way - awesome in what they offer. an american i have been in touch with said there was nothing like it in the states. boss sailing academy in the u.k. is another. quals. and hence tuition much more comprehensive than here. quals and courses good for here for coast guard six pack and further excepting inland waterway navigation which is easy. inland rules of the road different in u.s. after all a short time and expense if you can afford will set you up for life very quickly.
check out royal yachting association through yahoo uk/ireland. also find united kingdom sailing academy same way - awesome in what they offer. an american i have been in touch with said there was nothing like it in the states. boss sailing academy in the u.k. is another. quals. and hence tuition much more comprehensive than here. quals and courses good for here for coast guard six pack and further excepting inland waterway navigation which is easy. inland rules of the road different in u.s. after all a short time and expense if you can afford will set you up for life very quickly.
- Status