Hello - we are the new owners of a 1988 Catalina 27 (yahoo!). Now we just need to learn to sail (minor detail). Seriously, we have some Lake Michigan power boating experience, but decided that sailing might be more of a team experience, and would be a great life skill for the kids to learn. We think we could benefit from classroom learning. I am wondering if anyone has taken the US Power Squadron Courses as a family? The website suggests that the Boat Smart class might be good for families. We have kids ages 8 and 11 that I think would benefit from a boating course - they learn so easily and hopefully can help us out! We then hope to get into a local sailing club to get the kids experience on smaller boats. Appreciate any suggestions. SailingMom
US Power Squadrons Courses
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take a class
Weather it is the Power Squadron or Coast Guard class, you'll always find something new if you are a beginning sailor, and your insurance company will most likely offer you a discount on your boat insurance. The classes are also a nice way to compare notes with other sailors. Just do it and have fun!
Weather it is the Power Squadron or Coast Guard class, you'll always find something new if you are a beginning sailor, and your insurance company will most likely offer you a discount on your boat insurance. The classes are also a nice way to compare notes with other sailors. Just do it and have fun!
Other Courses
If you really don't know how to sail I don't think you will find Power Squadron or The Coast Guard courses very hepful in learning to sail. Thoses courses are geared more toward general boat handling, at least the ones I have seen. Try to find a course designed toward learning to sail.
If you really don't know how to sail I don't think you will find Power Squadron or The Coast Guard courses very hepful in learning to sail. Thoses courses are geared more toward general boat handling, at least the ones I have seen. Try to find a course designed toward learning to sail.
Helpful info
The power squadron classes and CG classes mostly teach boating safety, navagation and knot tying skills. Plus you'll get an insurance discount and walk away with a few skills. Basic sailing will require time to learn. To start buy yourself a basic sailing book. Copy what other people are doing on the lake. If someone is going the same direction you want to go and they have their sails set a certain way match them . Just remember the closer you point the boat to the source of the wind the tighter you adjust the sails. The further you point the boat away from the source of the wind the looser you adjust the sails. Good luck and remember you alway have the motor if all else fails.
The power squadron classes and CG classes mostly teach boating safety, navagation and knot tying skills. Plus you'll get an insurance discount and walk away with a few skills. Basic sailing will require time to learn. To start buy yourself a basic sailing book. Copy what other people are doing on the lake. If someone is going the same direction you want to go and they have their sails set a certain way match them . Just remember the closer you point the boat to the source of the wind the tighter you adjust the sails. The further you point the boat away from the source of the wind the looser you adjust the sails. Good luck and remember you alway have the motor if all else fails.
Basic Sailing book and a course
I agree with everything that's been said re
ower Sqaudron classes, etc. I would add this. The wife and I hadn't sailed either. We picked up a copy of "Sailing for Dummies" and another basic sailing handbook (memory fails me on title). We learned as much as we could from those. Still unsure of our skills, and we find confidence has a lot to do with enjoying your time on the water, we then signed up for a local Basic Keelboat class. U.S. Sailing (http://www.sailingusa.info/) has information on their website about these classes. They aren't real cheap, but we thought it was a worthwhile investment in our long-term future of sailing. We didn't go through US Sailing class, but found a local one that was comparable. Boy, were we glad we did. It's one thing to read about and feel like you have a basic understanding on reefing your mainsailin 20 knot winds, but it's a whole other ballgame if you are actually doing it. We found having an instructor with us to be a tremendous confidence builder. The worst you could do (other than nothing...trial and error is an unforgiving teacher) is to read a basic sailing book or two and have a sailor-friend take you out for a couple of days ON YOUR BOAT so you can get the hang of it. And welcome to a grand sport! Hope your children enjoy it as much as ours do.
I agree with everything that's been said re
ower Sqaudron classes, etc. I would add this. The wife and I hadn't sailed either. We picked up a copy of "Sailing for Dummies" and another basic sailing handbook (memory fails me on title). We learned as much as we could from those. Still unsure of our skills, and we find confidence has a lot to do with enjoying your time on the water, we then signed up for a local Basic Keelboat class. U.S. Sailing (http://www.sailingusa.info/) has information on their website about these classes. They aren't real cheap, but we thought it was a worthwhile investment in our long-term future of sailing. We didn't go through US Sailing class, but found a local one that was comparable. Boy, were we glad we did. It's one thing to read about and feel like you have a basic understanding on reefing your mainsailin 20 knot winds, but it's a whole other ballgame if you are actually doing it. We found having an instructor with us to be a tremendous confidence builder. The worst you could do (other than nothing...trial and error is an unforgiving teacher) is to read a basic sailing book or two and have a sailor-friend take you out for a couple of days ON YOUR BOAT so you can get the hang of it. And welcome to a grand sport! Hope your children enjoy it as much as ours do.absolutely!
My wife and I took the class after seceral years of boating and we still learned a lot. I can't predict how your kids will react, but it's worth a try.I applaud you for taking the initiative, more new boat owners should do the same.
My wife and I took the class after seceral years of boating and we still learned a lot. I can't predict how your kids will react, but it's worth a try.I applaud you for taking the initiative, more new boat owners should do the same.
Good winter time fun.
I have personally taken both Power Squadron and Coast Guard courses. My experience is they both are big on safty at sea, Rules of the Road, basic Navagation etc. I boat on the western basin of Lake Erie and Toledo is the largest city having both courses available. Like any other learning situation it depends on the teacher as to which is better. The Toledo Coast Guard does a super great job. They seem to make their classes fun and enjoyable to go to where the Power Squadron seemed to be too serious. For a family I'd choose the Coast Guard. Like any military branch of service they are very impressive with uniforms and glitter giving a sense of authority and respect for the law. But for the basic sailboat handling neither offers help..However young people shoud take either of the courses. Some of the Yacht Clubs have junior sailing groups complete with their own small boats to learn on. And of course there are the Sailing Clubs such as the Jolly Roger Sailing Club out of Toledo. I learned to sail a 12 ft. RayGreen "Nipper" at 10 years old riding my bike to class 5 days a week in the summer. I didn't know it at the time but was taught to sail by a famous coach from Bowling Green State University, Robert Whitaker. While my son was attending the school I found they have named a stadium after him. After years of stink boating while working 5 to 6 days a week I am also wanting to get back to my roots in dailing. Thanks to this web site and a person from here I've been staying in touch with,I'm learning what's new in sailboats after 55 years. Good luck with the sailboat it is good clean fun especially for a family. Hope you keep us posted as to your progress. pycharlie, ( some day I will reveal my true identity )
I have personally taken both Power Squadron and Coast Guard courses. My experience is they both are big on safty at sea, Rules of the Road, basic Navagation etc. I boat on the western basin of Lake Erie and Toledo is the largest city having both courses available. Like any other learning situation it depends on the teacher as to which is better. The Toledo Coast Guard does a super great job. They seem to make their classes fun and enjoyable to go to where the Power Squadron seemed to be too serious. For a family I'd choose the Coast Guard. Like any military branch of service they are very impressive with uniforms and glitter giving a sense of authority and respect for the law. But for the basic sailboat handling neither offers help..However young people shoud take either of the courses. Some of the Yacht Clubs have junior sailing groups complete with their own small boats to learn on. And of course there are the Sailing Clubs such as the Jolly Roger Sailing Club out of Toledo. I learned to sail a 12 ft. RayGreen "Nipper" at 10 years old riding my bike to class 5 days a week in the summer. I didn't know it at the time but was taught to sail by a famous coach from Bowling Green State University, Robert Whitaker. While my son was attending the school I found they have named a stadium after him. After years of stink boating while working 5 to 6 days a week I am also wanting to get back to my roots in dailing. Thanks to this web site and a person from here I've been staying in touch with,I'm learning what's new in sailboats after 55 years. Good luck with the sailboat it is good clean fun especially for a family. Hope you keep us posted as to your progress. pycharlie, ( some day I will reveal my true identity )
USPS is very good
My wife and I took the USCGA basic boating safety and were very disappointed in the quality of instruction. For some reason they thought that using a different instructor every week would be "fun". They were wrong. Since then we joined the USPS and have passed everything up through advanced piloting. We had the same instructor through 3 courses and they were taught consecutively starting where the previous one left off. I think the USPS has more flexibility when creating courses which is an advantage to the student. Remember "Knowledge is good" Tim R.(AP)
My wife and I took the USCGA basic boating safety and were very disappointed in the quality of instruction. For some reason they thought that using a different instructor every week would be "fun". They were wrong. Since then we joined the USPS and have passed everything up through advanced piloting. We had the same instructor through 3 courses and they were taught consecutively starting where the previous one left off. I think the USPS has more flexibility when creating courses which is an advantage to the student. Remember "Knowledge is good" Tim R.(AP)
Power Squadron Courses
Phil is correct in that the majority of the Power Squadron courses do not specifically teach you how to sail. This is completely true of the public courses like Boat Smart. It is also true that the Coast Guard Aux teaches courses of high quality. However, I believe that the USPS courses are second to none for getting an excellent education in boating safety, coastal and blue water piloting, navigation (including celestial, both practice and theory if you want it), as well as courses in weather, engine maintenance, marine electronics, and more. There is also a two-part course that teaches all about sail. Of course it is a classroom course, but some squadrons combine it wih some on-the-water training. To be fair it is not the same as a dedicated 2-3 day sailing course on the water. All of these courses I have mentioned are for members only. The public courses like Boat Smart are meant to teach boating safety. Introduction to the advantages of membership is a goal of the public classes and many people choose to join in order to further their boating education and skill sets, as well as for the social functions of the squadrons. For more information and to find a squadron near you see the attached link. Rich Stidger Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron Member 18 years, currently Past Commander, Editor of the squadron newsletter, holder of a Full Certificate (taken all USPS courses)
Phil is correct in that the majority of the Power Squadron courses do not specifically teach you how to sail. This is completely true of the public courses like Boat Smart. It is also true that the Coast Guard Aux teaches courses of high quality. However, I believe that the USPS courses are second to none for getting an excellent education in boating safety, coastal and blue water piloting, navigation (including celestial, both practice and theory if you want it), as well as courses in weather, engine maintenance, marine electronics, and more. There is also a two-part course that teaches all about sail. Of course it is a classroom course, but some squadrons combine it wih some on-the-water training. To be fair it is not the same as a dedicated 2-3 day sailing course on the water. All of these courses I have mentioned are for members only. The public courses like Boat Smart are meant to teach boating safety. Introduction to the advantages of membership is a goal of the public classes and many people choose to join in order to further their boating education and skill sets, as well as for the social functions of the squadrons. For more information and to find a squadron near you see the attached link. Rich Stidger Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron Member 18 years, currently Past Commander, Editor of the squadron newsletter, holder of a Full Certificate (taken all USPS courses)
Learning Style
It depends upon your learning style but the basics of sailing are pretty easy to learn. The finer points take practice. Unless you just enjoy the classroom you may be better off reading a good book on the subject. The Annapolis book is excellent. I mention style of learning because I learn stuff better by reading and by doing. I have met people that get very little by reading and they learn best by being shown. My first boat was a Sunfish. When I bought the boat there was a 10-15 page pamphlet that I picked up at the dealers showroom. That was all I needed to start sailing. Sailing is a fantastic sport in that it is very easy to get started and takes a lifetime to master. Tom
It depends upon your learning style but the basics of sailing are pretty easy to learn. The finer points take practice. Unless you just enjoy the classroom you may be better off reading a good book on the subject. The Annapolis book is excellent. I mention style of learning because I learn stuff better by reading and by doing. I have met people that get very little by reading and they learn best by being shown. My first boat was a Sunfish. When I bought the boat there was a 10-15 page pamphlet that I picked up at the dealers showroom. That was all I needed to start sailing. Sailing is a fantastic sport in that it is very easy to get started and takes a lifetime to master. Tom
Take the course.
My wife, my three teenage girls & I all took the Power Squadron course two years ago to learn the rules of the water, safety but mostly because it was manditory to operate a jet ski we were buying. AAAAHHHH! It was a fun family experance that lasted 5 weeks. My wife made sure we would all study hard. The kids found it to be boring and would play tic tac toe or do there school homework during the lectures. I of coures would yell at them that they need to pay attention. In the end, they all got 100% on the final test & dad got a 98. They still remind me of that when they ask to take the boat out & I caution them about safety.
My wife, my three teenage girls & I all took the Power Squadron course two years ago to learn the rules of the water, safety but mostly because it was manditory to operate a jet ski we were buying. AAAAHHHH! It was a fun family experance that lasted 5 weeks. My wife made sure we would all study hard. The kids found it to be boring and would play tic tac toe or do there school homework during the lectures. I of coures would yell at them that they need to pay attention. In the end, they all got 100% on the final test & dad got a 98. They still remind me of that when they ask to take the boat out & I caution them about safety.
I've mentioned this before...
I have mentioned this before but the Public Library was a great resource for me, plenty of sailing books and dvd's {free}, also, Netflix, the on-line video store, has sailing instruction dvd's. Good luck and enjoy the Cat 27! Jack
I have mentioned this before but the Public Library was a great resource for me, plenty of sailing books and dvd's {free}, also, Netflix, the on-line video store, has sailing instruction dvd's. Good luck and enjoy the Cat 27! Jack
USPS's course is a general boating course.
The basic course offered by USPS is a general boating course. It has rule of the road, knot tying, general boat types, safety, etc. It is very thorough and your whole family should take it. They have a bunch of other courses for you once you get through the general boating course. As for the basics of sailing, you should take a look into your local parks district’s activities. They usually offer plenty of on-the-water time with lasers or laser IIs or other similar small boats. Our local park’s sailing course starts with a session at the local high school’s pool. They put a laser in the pool, and tie a line to the top of the mast. 2 people get in the boat, and they use the line to capsize the boat. The students then learn how to right the boat by putting their weight on the keel. It is all done in a safe environment, and warm water. This way you don't have to freeze your tail off. With a small boat like a laser, you will learn how the wind works, and it reacts much quicker than a larger boat. It is also much easier to stop if you need to.
The basic course offered by USPS is a general boating course. It has rule of the road, knot tying, general boat types, safety, etc. It is very thorough and your whole family should take it. They have a bunch of other courses for you once you get through the general boating course. As for the basics of sailing, you should take a look into your local parks district’s activities. They usually offer plenty of on-the-water time with lasers or laser IIs or other similar small boats. Our local park’s sailing course starts with a session at the local high school’s pool. They put a laser in the pool, and tie a line to the top of the mast. 2 people get in the boat, and they use the line to capsize the boat. The students then learn how to right the boat by putting their weight on the keel. It is all done in a safe environment, and warm water. This way you don't have to freeze your tail off. With a small boat like a laser, you will learn how the wind works, and it reacts much quicker than a larger boat. It is also much easier to stop if you need to.
Sailing School
I'd get instruction from a sailing school as top priority - while the power squad stuff is probably good as far as it goes, there are a lot of ways to get in trouble on a sailboat that are specific to sailboats. Will you know how to return to and recover a man overboard while under sail? Will you know how to deal with too much wind, to reef or heave too under sail? Safely Jibe without wiping out the mast? Will they teach how to dock - and teach power handling in a typically low powered sailboat? Prop walk, prop wash? Lots of ways to hit the dock! (Don't ask how I know) Either the US Sailing classes or the ASA series of courses will meet your needs and improve your safety 1000%. I provided a link to the ASA where you can search for schools, as others had already provided the US Sailing link. Best O' Luck, OldCat
I'd get instruction from a sailing school as top priority - while the power squad stuff is probably good as far as it goes, there are a lot of ways to get in trouble on a sailboat that are specific to sailboats. Will you know how to return to and recover a man overboard while under sail? Will you know how to deal with too much wind, to reef or heave too under sail? Safely Jibe without wiping out the mast? Will they teach how to dock - and teach power handling in a typically low powered sailboat? Prop walk, prop wash? Lots of ways to hit the dock! (Don't ask how I know) Either the US Sailing classes or the ASA series of courses will meet your needs and improve your safety 1000%. I provided a link to the ASA where you can search for schools, as others had already provided the US Sailing link. Best O' Luck, OldCat
Great responses!
I really appreciate all the responses, and the skepticism of those who think we are nuts for purchasing before we learned how to sail. I agree with you by the way. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and before we knew it we were boat owners! I should have mentioned that I have purchased/borrowed and read several books on sailing - Sailing for Dummies and Basic Keelboat (I think this is the US Sailing one) to name 2 of them. Great idea on the videos, sometime "seeing" is much easier for me. We also have several sailor friends who have been coaching us through the purchase and are very willing to help us learn to sail...next summer. It's going to be a long 6 months!
I really appreciate all the responses, and the skepticism of those who think we are nuts for purchasing before we learned how to sail. I agree with you by the way. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and before we knew it we were boat owners! I should have mentioned that I have purchased/borrowed and read several books on sailing - Sailing for Dummies and Basic Keelboat (I think this is the US Sailing one) to name 2 of them. Great idea on the videos, sometime "seeing" is much easier for me. We also have several sailor friends who have been coaching us through the purchase and are very willing to help us learn to sail...next summer. It's going to be a long 6 months!
You're doing it backwards
Dear sailing mom Just humor me like I'm your uncle, and listen to some unwanted advice for a moment. When I first replied to your comments, I had thought that you'd had at least a LITTLE bit of sailing experience. I wish to take back my original reply about USPS or Coast Guard. What you NEED is SAILING LESSONS (not the rules of yachting) Most people don't buy the car then learn to drive, or buy the aircraft then learn to fly, or buy the skis and then learn to ski, and you don't normally buy the boat and then join the club AFTER you learn to sail. Go join a club NOW. THE MEMBERS WILL BE THERE TO HELP YOU LEARN TO SAIL. Sign yourself up for lessons with the kids in the smaller boats, and you will learn MUCH faster. The majority of the America's Cup skippers have all started out on small boats (El Toro, Lasers, Lidos, FJ's,420's, etc) and then moved up to bigger boats. Wishing you the best of luck with your new boat. Catch my wake.....
Dear sailing mom Just humor me like I'm your uncle, and listen to some unwanted advice for a moment. When I first replied to your comments, I had thought that you'd had at least a LITTLE bit of sailing experience. I wish to take back my original reply about USPS or Coast Guard. What you NEED is SAILING LESSONS (not the rules of yachting) Most people don't buy the car then learn to drive, or buy the aircraft then learn to fly, or buy the skis and then learn to ski, and you don't normally buy the boat and then join the club AFTER you learn to sail. Go join a club NOW. THE MEMBERS WILL BE THERE TO HELP YOU LEARN TO SAIL. Sign yourself up for lessons with the kids in the smaller boats, and you will learn MUCH faster. The majority of the America's Cup skippers have all started out on small boats (El Toro, Lasers, Lidos, FJ's,420's, etc) and then moved up to bigger boats. Wishing you the best of luck with your new boat. Catch my wake.....
Sailing School
I see you are in Milwaukee, WI. I was there for a week this summer and watched all the boats come in and go out of the harbor. They have a sailing school there. Beautiful place. Good Luck Dan Milwaukee Comm. Sailing Center 414-277-9094 . . . Fax: 414-277-9124 1450 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202 e-mail: sailors@execpc.com website: www.execpc.com/~sailors
I see you are in Milwaukee, WI. I was there for a week this summer and watched all the boats come in and go out of the harbor. They have a sailing school there. Beautiful place. Good Luck Dan Milwaukee Comm. Sailing Center 414-277-9094 . . . Fax: 414-277-9124 1450 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202 e-mail: sailors@execpc.com website: www.execpc.com/~sailors
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