course de catamaran

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Cruising Catamaran Certification Course

Four days to learn to cruise on a catamaran! June 6th - 9th 2024

Quick Details

Clock   Duration: 4 days & 4 nights

Users   Group Size: This course is designed for 4 people (typically 2 sets of students)

Cruise Ship Boat Details: 38′ catamaran – Private cabin & shared living space

Food   Food/Drink: Provisions are coordinated by attendees

Learn to cruise on a catamaran!

The Cruising Catamaran Certification Course is a four-day sailing class designed to create confident, competent catamaran sailors. You’ll spend the first day learning the fundamentals of sailing while aboard a 33-39’ monohull. This is the perfect setting to learn terminology, sail trim and boating basics. Days 2-4 have you practicing and exhibiting those new skills aboard your catamaran classroom. From start to finish, you will get the feel for truly living aboard a catamaran from provisioning and cooking to cleaning. This is the perfect course for those that have always dreamed about sailing away on a catamaran or those who want to upgrade their skills.

This course is designed to train two sets of students at a time but can be set up as a private course for an additional fee. You should bring your own bedding and towels and plan to work with the other students to provide and prepare provisioning while on board the boat. You will spend one overnight at anchor with your instructor on board. The rest of the time, you can plan on living on the boat while in the marina.

Learn to cruise on catamarans! Book today!

• Chevron down When is the course?

We offer multiple course offerings throughout the sailing season!

June 6th – June 9th, 2024, with boarding available the evening of June 5th, 2024!

July 19th – July 22nd, 2024, with boarding available the evening of July 18th, 2024! – This Course is Currently Full.

Inquire about additional dates available. Custom trips also available.

• Chevron down How much does this cost?

The course is priced so that course has four students – taught in pairs, perfect for couples!

Double Occupancy Price – $3,052/couple + tax

Solo Sailor Price – $2,035/person + tax

• Chevron down What's included?
• Four days and four nights living aboard a catamaran – you will have your own private cabin, but shared living space – don’t forget to bring bedding, towels and provisioning supplies
• Boat is equipped with all safety gear required by USCG – rentals of inflatable life vests at no cost
• Course materials – two online training courses and training book
• Personalized training with a USCG Licensed Captain
• Insurance coverage for the training vessels
• Chevron down What's the schedule?

Arrival Day

Board the boat around 6 pm, meet the instructor, board the catamaran, stow gear and provisions – on your own for dinner

Day 1 8:30 am – Your instructor will meet you at your vessel – hands on instruction begins after completing paperwork with office staff. Grab gear and board your monohull training boat for the day. Learning terminology, sailing and maneuvering fundamentals.

4:30 – Arrive back in marina and dock training on boat, debrief, relax or study, dinner on your own – stay on-board the catamaran

  Day 2 8:00 am – Captain boards the catamaran for training session – quick intro to catamaran systems and practice maneuvers, sail handling, safety practices 5:00 –  Arrive back in marina and dock training on boat, debrief, relax or study, dinner on your own – stay on-board the catamaran

8:00 am – Captain boards the catamaran for training session – students implement their new skills, plotting a course for the day, learn anchoring and overnight procedures on boat – Captain stays on boat for overnight training while anchoring. Students can plan to cook and clean up as if you were bareboat chartering. Cooking aboard is part of the learning process.

8:00 am – Students sail on their own, for their practical testing back to the marina.

2:00 pm – Arrive back in marina and dock the boat. Students will clean the boat as required from all charter guests. After off-boarded, students will be awarded certificates of completion. Off-board no later than 3 pm.

Courses dates are set, if you would prefer a private course please let us know.

• Chevron down What will I learn?

The Cruising Catamaran Certification Course prepares you for catamaran cruising on your own, whether bareboat chartering (without a professional captain or crew aboard) or cruising on your own boat. You will learn not only the sailing and boat handling aspect, but how the vessel systems work, how to cook and live aboard, it is all part of the learning experience. Depending on the learning pace of all in your class (maximum four per boat per instructor unless you opt for a Private Course for two to six people), the following knowledge and skills will be learned and practiced during your live-aboard cruising course.

• Planning a cruise
• Familiarization with boat layout and sail plan
• Operation of engine, stove and head and preparation of meals
• Routine engine maintenance
• Use and conservation of battery and charging systems
• Water use and conservation
• Use and location of thru-hull fittings
• Maneuvering under power and sail with emphasis on windage considerations and close quarters – learning this on a monohull and catamaran
• Big boat docking and anchoring techniques
• Proper and safe handling of halyards and lines
• Proper and safe use of winches
• Apparent wind and sail selection
• Sail shape and trim
• Inter-crew communication when trimming sails, docking and anchoring
• Jib roller furling use
• Overboard recovery procedures
• Big boat heavy weather and reefing techniques for catamarans
• Boom preventer use
• Spring lines and dock line configurations
• More knots and their applications
• GPS navigation
• Rules of the Road
• Danger bearings
• Coast Guard requirements
• Courtesy using lights and sound signals
• Use of safety harness
• Emergency tiller use
• Distress signals

Sailing is a physical activity that people of all ages can participate in and appreciate, but being physically fit will increase sailing performance and safety. These trips are hands-on activities that require complete, unaided mobility getting on and off docks, boats, and dinghies.

Related Charters

• Clock 3 Days

Bareboat Sailor Certification Course

No previous sailing experience required! Our three-day Bareboat Sailor Certification Course is designed to prepare you to charter a sailboat on your own & give you hands-on experience at anchoring overnight in the Apostle Islands.

• Clock 2 Days

Intermediate Sailor Certification Course

Our Intermediate Sailing Certification is designed for those who have experience sailing but have not been in the role of a responsible skipper yet. This course qualifies you to charter up to a 33′ boat!

Catamaran Sailing Confidence | Online Course

Confidently catamaran: learn to sail catamarans.

Set sail with confidence on large catamarans by enrolling in our Catamaran Sailing Confidence online course. Whether you're planning a sailing vacation or considering purchasing a catamaran, this course equips you with the knowledge needed to sail and maneuver catamarans safely and efficiently.

This online course covers everything from understanding the unique characteristics of catamarans to mastering essential sailing techniques such as tacking and gybing. With helpful animations illustrating catamaran maneuvering, you'll gain a deeper understanding of these multi-hulled vessels.

Ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors, this course is essential for anyone looking to confidently sail a catamaran. Enroll now and set sail with confidence on your next adventure.

Estimated Time: 3 hours Price: $39   $27 You save $12.00 (31%)

Register for the Catamaran Sailing Confidence online course and learn how to sail large catamarans on your own or on sailing vacations. This course includes tips and tricks from the pros for chartering and sailing catamarans.

If you're planning to sail or charter a sailing catamaran, this course will build upon your keelboat training and experience to give you the confidence to safely and efficiently sail a catamaran. From understanding the differences between catamarans and monohulls to mastering the techniques of tacking and gybing a catamaran, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle a catamaran with confidence.

Includes helpful animations to help you understand catamaran maneuvering - a key difference between monohulls and catamarans.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, this course is a must for anyone looking to competently sail a catamaran with confidence and skill. Enroll now and take the first step towards mastering the art of catamaran sailing.

This Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course is for you if...

• You're going to be sailing catamarans on a bareboat yacht charter vacation
• You've even considered catamaran charter
• You are thinking about buying a catamaran
• Or if you're just looking to upgrade your existing boat, you may want to investigate catamaran sailing

We guarantee both your satisfaction AND Lifetime access to any sailing course you buy from us

The Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course is presented in three modules in English and in French

• 1. Aboard your Catamaran
• docking a catamaran under power
• mooring and anchoring
• effective use of spring lines
• the sails and forces on them
• under sail on a catamaran
• tacking a catamaran
• gybing a catamaran
• reefing and heavy weather

More about the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Online Course

• Learn how to sail large catamarans on your own or on a sailing vacation
• View an excerpt from the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course
• Essential tips for sailing a large catamaran
• This Catamaran Sailing Course takes approximately 3 hours of total time to complete
• Take as long as you need to complete
• Return as many times as you like to review
• Take the online test as many times as you like
• Adds the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Endorsement to your Sailing Certificate
• Highly advised by charter companies for a Catamaran Charter Sailing Vacation
• A PDF version is available for offline reading after your investment
• Also Available on the iTunes App Store

Watch this video on the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Online Course

Why this Course?

Sailing a large catamaran is not really too much different from sailing a monohull but catamaran sailing has a few tricks and nuances that you ought to know first especially if you're going on a bareboat yacht charter with a catamaran.

You'll invest about 3 hours of your time to add this Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course to your NauticEd Sailing Resume. The cost of the sailing course is just $39 ( for a limited introductory period it is $27). Once you've finished the course you'll have complete confidence that you can transition your existing monohull sailing skills to sailing a catamaran . And if you're going on a bareboat yacht charter, yacht charter companies will be more inclined to accept your charter request with Catamaran sailing knowledge on your Sailing Resume and Certification.

You'll learn the tricks of sailing a catamaran and maneuvering a catamaran so that you'll know what to do in potentially dangerous situations. The information contained will make sailing a catamaran much more enjoyable and less stressful the first time out and you'll have the confidence that maneuvering a catamaran is now easily within your abilities.

As with all NauticEd sailing lessons, you can return as many times as you like to brush up on sailing a catamaran skills and if you're not completely satisfied, we'll happily refund your investment. Feel free to contact NauticEd Sailing School at any time.

The Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course was co-authored by several experts in sailing catamarans throughout the world: Nick Harvey of  Lagoon Catamarans and Captain Grant Headifen, 50 Ton USCG Master Mariner and Director of Education for NauticEd. Additional guidance and input were provided by George Day, Publisher of Blue Water Sailing Magazine and Multihull Quarterly Magazine.

View Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course excerpt

Student Reviews

It was very clear to understand

Excellent info to multi hull systems

Great course, good tips about safety

Great insight.

Pointing out the excellence and safety issues with cats. I had a 43-foot one for 8 years and miss it a lot.

I've chartered big cats twice but I didn't know the trick to get the bow to pass through the wind easily until I took this course. That alone was worth the price of the course. Very cool!

Good for understanding the basics!

Sailing a cat is definitely different from sailing a monohull. This course walks you through the differences and prepares you for your first experience with a cat. That being said, it is not a substitute for hands on and time on task. You have to get on a cat and practice to become proficient at handling a cat both under sail and power.

As an experienced monohull sailor, I found this to be right on point. The maneuvering session was extremely helpful and the simulations instructive. The information about sail loads and dangerous situations was new to me: I am very glad I got to go through this before my charter.

Very good testing approach

Veoma profesionalan i koristan kurs Very professional course

Excerpt from the course

And if there weren't enough advantages to sailing a catamaran here is another.

The mainsail traveler on a catamaran is significantly longer than on a cruising monohull. Thus you can take real advantage of this. The mainsail can now be adjusted in 2 different ways: using the traveler line or by adjusting the mainsheet.

When sailing close hauled on a catamaran in heavier air, move the traveler upwind (on the opposite side of the sail) and let off on the main sheet. This will allow the boom to rise a little and "twist out" the top of the sail. Twisting the sail out "deflates" the top of the sail and should be done in the case of slightly stronger winds. In light air, make sure that the top of the mainsail is not “losing air” meaning, keep the traveler close to the center and tighten the mainsheet to make sure the main cannot open up at the top.

As soon as the breeze kicks up, bring your traveler up a bit more and ease the mainsheet so that the boom does not come past the center point.

Once out sailing you'll be able to dispel one of the biggest "myths" surrounding catamarans because modern cats actually do point pretty well!!

The flatter the water, the better they will point and it'll be possible to sail in the high 30s degrees off the wind if your cat has the genoa tracks up on the coach roof, you will have a nice tight sheeting angle allowing you to go upwind comfortably.

As soon as you bear away from the wind slightly, you will want to bring the mainsail traveler down to leeward and start easing the mainsail (similar to a monohull).

Thinking about a bareboat yacht charter with a catamaran? Register now for the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Clinic . Money back Guarantee - if you don't like it - no questions just your money back.

Other sailing courses you might enjoy

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Sea talk testimonials

As a professional power boat captain and boating instructor, I was impressed with the level of detailed content and practical teaching information covered in the series of NauticEd courses Captain John Davis , Impressed

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Sailing Masterclass

The best preparation for any future skipper, the online catamaran masterclass offers a, fastrack to sailing success.

Learn at your own pace. Get the knowledge you need

Solid Foundation

Build the foundation that will provide the confidence you need to embark on your own sailing adventures

A Chance to Embark From Home

You'll be immersed in the experience of sailing from the comfort of your home

Costly Mistakes

Shattered Dreams

Gaps In Your Skills & Knowledge

WE HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Why Learn From Nautilus Sailing?

We've helped over 4,000 students successfully learn to sail

We are an award-winning American Sailing School

We are educators first and foremost, following the best education practices

Our instructors have won ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year awards

Our Sailing Basics Monohull series has collected over One Million views on YouTube

THE MASTERCLASS

INSTRUCTORS

Instructor Bio:

Tim Geisler

Lead Instructor

ONLINE SAILING MASTERCLASS

1 Year Limted Access

HOW TO START

Easy Three-Step Process

Click to Start!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Pricing options

Depending on how long you want access, lifetime or just one year. Choose the one that is best for your learning style.

Regular price

1 year access

3 months - Lifetime

20% Off Special - Lifetime

WHY IS THIS THE DEFINITIVE ONLINE CATAMARAN COURSE?

Want to watch two free videos.

NAUTILUS SAILING FEATURED IN:

READY TO EMBARK?

What our students say:.

Chyrl Mosley

“This has been a very professional and well put together course. The videos are amazing. the course is great. I love how things are explained so simply and everything is very practical. Cant wait to put it all to practical use on the boat in the Se...”

“This has been a very professional and well put together course. The videos are amazing. the course is great. I love how things are explained so simply and everything is very practical. Cant wait to put it all to practical use on the boat in the Sea of Cortez!! ”

Parker Vanderhoof

“Great refresher training and perfect for bringing new boat mates up speed on many of the aspects of sailing. I highly recommend these training videos for those bringing new crew members who are new to sailing on their charter. ”

Bill Fellows

“Excellent! I had great instruction from Tim J on my my course. This was a good refresher for me ! I fell confident as a boater , the Navigation was really good and that’s what I was after ! Just need to find my boat and get the next chapter starte...”

“Excellent! I had great instruction from Tim J on my my course. This was a good refresher for me ! I fell confident as a boater , the Navigation was really good and that’s what I was after ! Just need to find my boat and get the next chapter started . Thanks !”

Jonathan M Augelli

“This course was awesome. There were great videos that covered all the key aspects of sailing on a catamaran. Tons of super helpful tips that I will be using on my next trip too. The visualizations were top notch as well. Great course. I highly...”

“This course was awesome. There were great videos that covered all the key aspects of sailing on a catamaran. Tons of super helpful tips that I will be using on my next trip too. The visualizations were top notch as well. Great course. I highly recommend!”

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Outremer Academy: catamaran training

To fully support the preparation of your journey, we offer a wide range of catamaran training courses tailored to your unique needs. Learn from our experienced instructor – sailors.

Outremer Week

Follow a unique catamaran training program, created by Outremer for its community of passionate owners!

The Outremer Week is 5 days of intensive training, to help quickly gain or improve your skills.

Rendezvous under the sun of La Grande-Motte, France, only a few steps away from the Outremer shipyard, for a week combining training lessons on land and at sea, and moments of relaxation and conviviality to encourage exchanges between participants.

Led by qualified speakers

This week of catamaran training will teach you all you need to know about blue water cruising and allow you to prepare your sailing project, improve your theoretical and practical nautical knowledge, share your experience and your passion with other Outremer owners.

Adapt your schedule of courses

According to your needs, choose from the various training modules offered: weather routing, electronics, medical, port and sea maneuvers, and more. Benefit from our full support package to quickly set sail on your catamaran, safely, comfortably, and with complete peace of mind!

We offer two editions a year

Attend Outremer Week Spring and/or Outremer Week Fall, with courses in French and English to best cater to our international community.

Over 10 nationalities were represented during our recent edition 2022!

❝ What a great week! We really enjoyed being in La Grande Motte and learned so much during these days. But beside the content we really felt part of the family and really appreciated your warm, competent and very caring approach to all our wishes.❞

Bent and Andrea – Future owners of an Outremer 45 – Participants of Outremer Week Spring 2021

Year-round training courses

Mixed and Ladies Only, our courses are tailored to your unique needs to allow you to apprehend your Outremer and thus leave for your sailing adventure with complete peace of mind

Ladies Only (courses exclusively for women)

In a totally relaxed atmosphere, gain the necessary autonomy to sail your blue water catamaran with confidence, alone or with your partner, thanks to our training courses exclusively dedicated to women, called Ladies Only.

The instructor, in this case the yachtswoman Nikki Henderson, adapts to the different profiles and levels, although the content of the women’s catamaran training remains similar to that of the mixed courses.

As a group, learn to:

– Tack and gyb easily and safely – Hoist and trim the different sails – Reef, learn the range of use of the sails and optimize according to the crew – Manage sailing maneuvers

Mixed (courses addressed to both men and women)

Do you need a helping hand to improve your sailing skills on an Outremer? Several times a year, we offer mixed courses that take place over a weekend in La Grande-Motte, France.

Take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the boat. This will be an excellent foretaste, with complete immersion: you will be asked to handle the maneuvers yourself and spend the night on board, with meals included.

– Prepare the catamaran for sailing and anchoring – Practice maneuvering with the engine and under sail – Practice port entry and exit maneuvers – Anticipate winds and weather: use technical aids, VHF, forecasts, barometer – Use safety equipment and procedures – Maneuver in port

Individual Coaching

A tailor-made course

Progress quickly with Outremer personalized coaching, available upon request Example of topics addressed: maneuvers, optimizing sail trim, the basics of racing…

• Our Sailing Schools:
• Fort Lauderdale
• Virgin Islands
• St. Maarten
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ASA Certification Standards: ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

Home » Course Catalog » ASA Course Summaries » ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat (101) and Basic Coastal Cruising (103). The Bareboat Charter Standard (104) is also a prerequisite and can be attained either by itself prior to BBC Multihull (114) or in conjunction with BBC Multihull (114). In either case, all material in both standards (104 & 114) must be taught and tested before 114 can be awarded.

General Description: An advanced cruising standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper and crew of a 30 – 50 foot multihull sailboat by day in coastal waters. The standard includes those skills unique to a 30 – 50 foot multihull.

I. Sailing Knowledge

• Identify and describe the following hardware/terms:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to operating a multihull sailboat.
• Describe the weight carrying characteristics of 30 – 50 foot cruising multihulls and how weight distribution affects safety and performance.
• Describe the differences in performance between multihulls and monohulls of similar size.
• Describe the accommodations of a typical 30 – 50 foot multihull and how comfort and safety will differ from a monohull.
• Identify differences in ship’s systems between multihulls and monohulls.
• Describe shoal draft and its effect on planning ahead and sailing.
• Describe the danger of capsizing, how to recognize the danger and how to prevent it.
• Discuss the characteristics of a multihull which determine windage and the effects of windage on course and speed.
• Discuss how multihull design affects turning radius.
• Describe a typical center/daggerboard installation on a multihull and how they affect performance.
• Describe options for gear stowage and proper stowing procedures.
• Describe how and where a safety harness would attach to a multihull.
• Discuss the various sail combinations and how they affect balance of a multihull.
• Discuss the differences of multihull heavy weather sailing practices (advantages and disadvantages) including the following:

• Describe and discuss the methods of rafting multihulls and the limitations involved.
• Discuss the limitations of a multihull galley and methods of working safely in the galley.
• Discuss auxiliary power options on a multihull.
• Discuss engine placement on a multihull and its effect on performance and safety.
• Discuss common mechanical maintenance on a multihull.
• Discuss common mechanical repairs on a multihull.
• Describe and discuss what to do if on or both engines fail.
• Describe options for carrying and towing a dinghy.
• Describe the method of tying a multihull securely to a dock in areas of varying tidal range.

II. Sailing Skills

Boat handling under power.

• Cast off and safely leave a dock with at least two different wind directions relative to the bow.
• Stop the bow of the boat within four feet of a marker while maneuvering under power. Perform the exercise upwind, downwind and with the wind across the beam.
• Maneuver the boat under power in a confined space, noting the effects of wind and current.
• Maneuver the boat within 2 feet of, and parallel to, a dock. Define and carry out a bail-out plan.
• Turn the boat in the tightest possible circle to determine its turning radius. Twin screw boats will perform the exercise with screws turning in opposite directions and again with screws turning in the same direction.
• Repeat the previous item while turning the boat in the opposite direction and compare the differences between both turns.
• Repeat the previous two items while making sternway.
• If the boat being used has twin engines, repeat the turning exercises using one engine and then the other.
• Steer a straight course of at least 10 boat lengths in reverse using moderate speed.
• Steer a multihull using an emergency steering device.

Person Overboard (Under Power)

• Demonstrate a skipper’s actions and commands while under power from the time a crew member falls overboard until crew is safely recovered.
• Describe at least two methods of getting a person out of the water and back on board a multihull.

Boat Handling Under Sail

• Function as helmsman and crew giving correct commands and proper responses while demonstrating the proper techniques of closehauled sailing, reaching (all three points), running, tacking and jibing, heading up, bearing away and luffing while noting the differences and likenesses of sailing a multihull vs. monohull.
• Sail and ordered compass course for 5 minutes without varying more than 10 degrees from the heading.
• Sail a figure 8 course between two buoys noting acceleration/deceleration times and momentum during turns.
• While sailing at full power, luff sails and observe how long it takes for a multihull to come to rest.
• Trim luffing sails noting how long it takes to accelerate to full power.

Person Overboard (Under Sail)

Demonstrate a skipper’s actions and commands while under sail from the time a crew member falls overboard until crew is safely recovered, use two different return techniques including the quick-stop method.

Heavy Weather

• Reduce sail by reefing and shake out a reef while keeping the vessel under control and on course.
• Heave-to and get underway again, noting the vessels motion at different angles to the wind.
• Sail with the mainsail only, then headsail only,noting performance characteristics and limitations.

Use proper anchoring techniques to anchor using the following methods:

• Two anchors off bow and stern (Bahamian moor)
• Single bow anchor and bridle
• Single bow anchor and stern to beach (Med style)
• Bow to a permanent mooring with bridle (if available)
• Beaching with consideration of daggerboard/centerboard, rudder and hull mounted electronics. (optional)

Making Fast and Snugging Down

• Secure a boat to various dock configurations so as to provide limited movement and set out fenders correctly.
• Take extra precautions to secure a vessel for the night at a dock and at a mooring.

← Return to course list

We actually went somewhere (Key Largo), rather than returning to the dock each evening. The course was made to be an adventure, as well as simply instructional. The weather was “made to order” — sun and gentle breeze Saturday through Wednesday, then Force 8 for our ‘foul weather instruction’ on Thursday.

I thought it was an excellent, challenging course. It definitely wasn’t a “cruise.” The instructor expected a lot from the students. I like that.

I have nothing but the utmost praise for your entire operation and the quality of the instruction that I received. Al Hatch is a consummate instructor and brings to this activity a love and a passion that is genuine and expansive. I hope to be able to return to Blue Water to experience some of the higher-level courses of instruction, and I certainly would have no trouble at all recommending your company to anyone.

Courses adapted to all levels!

• Sailing course

Learn to sail a catamaran on the French Riviera

• 5 days, 4 nights or 7 days, 6 nights
• Departure Hyères (France)

Would you like to learn to sail on a catamaran? With our 4 programs ( 5 day initiation course , 5 day development course , 7 day progress course and 7 day Chief of Watch course ) Improve your technical and practical knowledge of sailing to gain autonomy. Vast experience and professionalism means your trainer will adapt to your level and your expectations. Together, you will map your navigation area, according to your desires and weather conditions.

Cruise Highlights

• Learning alongside a trained professional
• Improve your sailing and motor manoeuvres
• Gaining confidence and autonomy
• 4 total cabins
• 8 people max
• 1 crew members

Sail the sea aboard a Lagoon 380, 11.5 metres long and 6.5 metres wide. It is the perfect vessel for a learning experience. Its versatility will guarantee comfort at sea and great performance under sail. The helm station is easily accessible from the cockpit and offers good visibility of the sea. Between manoeuvres, you can relax in the cockpit or lie down for a few minutes and sunbathe.

• Refrigerator
• Solar panels

The owner reserves the right to replace with a different boat model of the same quality and performance

During sailing courses, we limit the number of participants to 5 people maximum . Receive a 10% discount if a second person accompanies you in a shared cabin.

Itinerary of your cruise

We offer catamaran training according to levels. Whether completing a level 1 or level 4 course, your trainer will adapt to your expectations. On the program: manoeuvres, seamanship, sailing, docking, reefing, safety... The objective for you is to gain sailing autonomy!

For each level, you will learn 5 key skills: safety, piloting, sailing, life on board and maintenance. Navigate along the coast for about 100 miles between St Tropez and the Calanques, through the unmissable islands of Hyères, Porquerolles, Port Cros and the Presqu'île de Giens. Nights are spent at anchor, depending on the weather and a port stopover is possible during the training, depending on the weather conditions. On levels 3 & 4, it is possible to make a crossing to Corsica if weather conditions allow. Below is the content for each level:

∼ Level 1 - Initiation - 5 days ∼

• Safety : know how to equip and familiarise yourself with the equipment of the catamaran.
• Piloting : know how to read and locate areas on a map; perform the landscape/map link and learn how to follow a course.
• Sailing : know how to prepare for sailing, as well as prepare the engine and learn how to use the helm and sail when sailing.
• Life on board : respect the instructions of preservation of the environment; adopt the gestures of respect for the marine environment and know the rules of the route.
• Maintenance : learn how to make marine knots and know the elements of a catamaran.

∼ Level 2 - Development - 5 days ∼

• Safety : know the location of the equipment; know how to identify the elements that represent or prevent a hazard and know how to assess the strength of the wind and the state of the sea (Beaufort and Douglas Scales).
• Piloting : know the departure area.
• Sailing : know how to prepare for sailing, as well as prepare the engine, maintain a fixed trajectory, shock or border the sail at the right time, adapt the sail opening to the pace, know how to choose and adjust its trajectory, turn and impale without stopping.
• Life on board : identify natural species and apply the rules of the route.
• Maintenance : monitor the condition of the equipment.

∼ Level 3 - Evolution (mid-shore) - 7 days ∼

• Safety : have more knowledge about the location and use of the equipment; know how to assess the requirements of a navigational situation; participate in the choice of a program or a navigation zone using your knowledge of the weather and local phenomena; and master safety manoeuvres in difficult conditions and in all positions.
• Piloting : know how to develop and follow a route; identify the presence and orientation of the current.
• Sailing : know how to rig and adapt the wing for different weather conditions; maintain balance at the sail and helm; know how to identify and manage its navigational speed; know how to perform manoeuvres in all positions and engine manoeuvres (out of port or in a port).
• Life on board : respect other users.
• Maintenance : know the fundamentals of seamanship for repair and monitor the condition of the vessel.

∼ Level 4 - Chief of Watch (Offshore) - 7 days ∼

• Safety : choose the right equipment for sea levels and conditions; organise safety on board and prepare the boat; determine the navigation zone according to weather information and possible hazards; know the alert and reporting procedures.
• Piloting : know how to locate on a map and on the water.
• Sailing : be able to coordinate the crew and perform departure/arrival manoeuvres; coordinate actions at the helm; adjust settings according to speed, wind and sea conditions; turn and impale with control of the angle on exit; be able to reach a point in the water without increasing the route (frame concept); be able to manage all positions in coordination with the crew; perform and coordinate all engine manoeuvres.
• Life on board : Participate in collective tasks; know the rules of access and preservation of natural sites.
• Maintenance : regularly monitor the condition of the vessel.
• Do not hesitate to contact us so that we can guide you to the course suitable for your level.

The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to technical or weather conditions. The photographs and visual products presented have no contractual value.

No date matches your requirements? Contact us!

Price includes

• Private cabin accommodation
• Trainer Services
• Guaranteed departure from 3 people

Price does not include

• Transport to the base
• Services package (mandatory): 395€*
• Fuel (depending on consumption, approx. 20€/person)
• Anchorage charges
• Welcome dinner in the restaurant on the first evening
• *The Service Package includes: safety equipment, refuelling (except restocking for the 7 day courses), onboard consumption (gas, batteries), complete bedding, end of course cleaning, FFV MMA insurance, ACM/FFV passport and parking space close to your catamaran.

Our customers' reviews of this boat

4,4 · 11 reviews

Un séjour qui transforme !

Voilà un stage qui m’a véritablement apporté. Les étapes d’apprentissages sont conscientisées, testées, éprouvées, on a le temps de se tromper et de recommencer. Quand on en sort on sent que c’est du solide! Sans compter l’ambiance, cool et efficace à la fois. N’hésitez pas!

Enrichissant

J’ai passé un stage de qualité franchement. Très bon formateur professionnel et cool , destination sympathique, bateau très bien merci encore à refaire pour le niveau 3 à bientôt

Super séjour

nous avons passé un super week-end qui a dépassé toutes nos espérances! nous avons eu la chance d’être « surclassé » au niveau du bateau car nous devions avoir un Lagoon 380 et finalement nous avons eu le privilège d’avoir un Lagoon 42 quasi neuf…!! le bateau, l’accueil, l’équipe et notre super formateur… tout était parfait!!! on est déjà en train de regarder les dates pour le prochain stage 😜

Catamaran sympa

Je donne l'avis de mon mari qui a fait le stage. Il a trouvé le skipper efficace et recommandable et le cata impeccable. Il est revenu heureux d'avoir vécu ces moments forts en mer.

Excellente formation à la voile

Skipper au top, à l'écoute et motivé pour transmettre sa passion. Je mettrai un bémol au bateau, un Lagoon 380 certes bien entretenu, mais qui après 20 années de bons et loyaux services affiche quand même un peu de vétusté et de manque de confort. Un Lagoon 40S2 serait plus approprié. Merci à une équipe géniale !

Tres bon moment passé à bord

Tres belle croisière avec un bord très sympathique et un skipper très bienveillant et pédagogique que j’ai beaucoup apprécié. Le catamaran était confortable et le fait d’avoir une chambre individuelle très apprécié

Frequently asked questions

How do i access the base and the boat, who are the skippers/instructors, how are meals organised on board, what equipment should i bring with me.

• Waxed or windproof jacket and trousers
• Closed shoes and/or boots (in winter)
• Fleece sweater
• Sun-cream (max index strongly recommended)
• Bath and beach towel (microfiber type)
• Toiletries (including earplugs in case there is a snorer)
• First-aid kit
• Fins, mask, snorkel (optional)
• Headlamp (levels 3 & 4)
• Gourd or personal bottle easily identifiable (with your name for example)
• Disposable tissues
• Correct outfit to go out in town
• Note pad and pen, as well as pre-printed educational content

What are the payments required to confirm my reservation?

To confirm your reservation, you must inform your GlobeSailor advisor who will put an option for you while your deposit is being collected. The reservation will only be considered final once we have received your deposit (by bank transfer, Paypal or credit card) of 50% of the reservation amount. A 100% deposit will be required for any reservation made within one month of departure. The balance must be paid at the latest 45 days before the date of embarkation.

What happens in case of cancellation?

Get your quote.

Get a detailed offer by filling out the form below:

If there will be children present, please indicate their age in the notes

Who should we sent the quote to?

The personal information collected by GlobeSailor will be used to manage your request and, in particular, to allow us to communicate with you. More information on our Privacy Policy and Personal Data Protection .

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ASA Sailing Courses: Cruise & Learn

Caribbean ASA Sailing Courses: Cruising Catamaran

Learn to safely charter your own cruising catamaran and become ASA certified during our Catamaran Course in the Caribbean.

Cruising catamarans are becoming more popular for Caribbean bareboat charters due to their speed, stability, and comfort.

Our Caribbean liveaboard catamaran sailing school includes: Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Bareboat Cruising Certification (ASA 104), and Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114).

Caribbean Catamaran Course Details

• Spend seven days exploring the beautiful islands of Grenada and the Grenadines while you learn along the way.
• Even better – extend your adventure! You'll cover the same material at a more relaxed pace with our ten-day Extended Cruise and Learn Catamaran Sailing School! This option is strongly recommended for this course due to a large amount of material to be covered.
• This Catamaran ASA sailing course covers navigation, maneuvering under sail and power, anchoring, and learning to skipper a cruising catamaran.
• All of our Cruising Catamaran Sailing School classes are taught aboard well-maintained catamarans in the 38- to 42-foot range.
• We limit our Caribbean sailing class size to no more than four students to ensure plenty of time for individual instruction and hands-on sailing.
• While sailing through the islands, your instructor will cover the curriculum for three levels of ASA certification: Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103), Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104), and Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114). ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing is a prerequisite for this class. Ask about our two-day class to get certified and ready for a Catamaran Cruise and Learn!
• Experience the local island flavor when we go ashore for at least three evening meals.
• Extend your Caribbean sailing course to 10 days and take some extra time to enjoy the islands and learn at a slightly more steady pace.

Price and Availability

7- or 10-day ASA Sailing courses available. Check our Availability Calendar  for course openings! Class size is limited, so please call or e-mail today for availability! Call us at (206) 549-9191 or contact us here !

*All Caribbean Cruise and Learn courses require a minimum of two students for confirmation.

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ASA Sailing School for Catamaran Cruisers & Liveaboards

Build sailing techniques & prepare for the sailing lifestyle.

ASA sailing school & Live-Aboard Instructors

A catamaran sailing school was unheard of years ago. In the early days of Catamaran Guru, catamaran experts, Stephen & Estelle Cockcroft kept their cruising kitty going by teaching American Sailing Association courses and offered liveaboard orientation experiences aboard their monohull and later their catamarans. They know by experience that a liveaboard seaschool is the best way to learn to sail.

Though no longer offering instruction or liveaboard orientation experiences themselves, their passion to help others follow their nautical dreams of yacht ownership has kept them involved in sail training and hands-on cruising lifestyle experiences.

Why catamaran sailing school is important

The ASA sail training courses provide a good grounding for all new sailors and advanced courses increase competency and confidence. While learning to sail monohulls will provide many useful basics of sailing knowledge, instruction aboard a catamaran, and even better aboard your catamaran or a similar model is the best possible scenario.

Getting yacht insurance , especially a policy you can afford, requires proven related boating experience. The only way to get that experience safely is with a catamaran sailing school that offers liveaboard hands-on experiences.

Another vital role sea school plays for cruisers is getting the enthusiasm and confidence of the first mate up. While not always the case, often one partner in a sailing duo is the driving force of the cruising life dream while the other is often reluctant. Here are our tips on overcoming the reluctance of a catamaran cruising partner .

The top tip is to participate in a liveaboard experience with a seaschool even before you buy a boat. 

Weeklong liveaboard sailing school is invaluable for anyone who plans to own their own boat, but especially those who plan to be full-time cruisers. During these hands-on sailing experiences, your seaschool instructor combines our real-life practical methods with the most up-to-date sailing theory courses. These experiences set you up to enjoy a stress-free cruising lifestyle. Especially when you can train aboard your own boat, you can become comfortable with your equipment and configurations for operation and safety.

You not only learn how to be a team as you sail, anchor, trim sails, and navigate safely from point A to point B, you also get your questions answered by experienced liveaboard sailors about how to downsize, provision for long cruises, and mostly, how to enjoy watching the sunset in a gorgeous anchorage with your favorite beverage in hand.

CATAMARAN SAILING SCHOOLS & LIVEABOARD EXPERIENCES

Sail with us to learn.

Week-Long Liveaboard Courses Rare RYA Classes & Certifications

Catamaran Guru’s real-life practical methods combined with up-to-date sailing theory in lessons aboard recent model catamarans…or your own boat! 

Prepare for certifications or take the first step aboard to embark on your dream life of boat ownership or cruising

Classes in S Florida and the Bahamas.

Our Seaschool Students Excel As Sailors & Cruisers

We are very proud of our former seaschool students. Most of them have embraced yachting, sailing, and cruising in some way or another. Many of our graduates have successfully own their own boats. Some are long-term cruisers or charter boat owners and some have even done successful circumnavigations. Others have done long-term sabbaticals and several liveaboard school graduates have even moved on to successful careers in the marine industry as yacht brokers, charter yacht operators, and charter management.

got questions? contact us!

Estelle Cockcroft

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For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

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Sailing School

Sail Away Catamarans Sales and Charters offers a large and diverse fleet of catamaran makes and models available for your ASA training courses! Our charter fleet offers three and four-cabin models depending on your group size, and lengths varying from 38-48’. We offer customized live aboard sail training courses in the  Bahamas , Key West , or on the  Chesapeake Bay  with ASA Certified Instructors all of whom are US Coast Guard Licensed Instructors with years of Cruising, Racing, and Chartering experience.

We truly love our jobs, but we take our sailing seriously so you will be safe on the water. Our teaching philosophy is simple, fun, entertaining, and engaging, focused on safety, and providing the knowledge to set you confidently on your path for sailing.

The American Sailing Association (ASA) program has structured levels of sailing standards, which are examined at progressive certification levels at our sailing schools. Students who learn to sail with Sail Away Catamarans receive a Logbook that lists the standards, certification, and records of sailing experience. All courses and examinations are run by ASA-qualified instructors. When a certification level is successfully completed, your logbook is signed and stamped so that any charter or rental fleet operator can see your level of competency.

Whether you add ASA courses to your charter or desire to take classes as a part of a group of students, Sail Away Sailing School has you covered.

We are passionate about sailing, catamarans, and the care of our pristine local waters. It is our pleasure to give you a top-notch education aboard immaculate vessels while cruising these coveted waters and having a great time!

ASA Sailing Certification Courses Offered

Asa 101, basic keelboat sailling.

Learn to skipper a 20′ – 27′ sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.

ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising

Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25′-35′ keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety, and seamanship.

ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising

Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30′-45′ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran

Learn to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30-45′ feet in length during a multi-day live aboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.

captain rates are $500/day for ASA instruction

Sailing Seminars / Live-Aboard Lessons

Catamarans are the boat of choice for many as they offer spaciousness, comfort, and they don’t heel over. If you are new to catamarans or have never been on one, we offer 6 hour sailing seminars. These seminars are taught completely on the water aboard one of our sailing catamarans. The seminars provide an open forum that introduces you to terminology and hardware specific to cats, and identifies the differences between anchoring and docking a catamaran. You will also have ample opportunity to hoist the sails or take the wheel if you like. If you are considering living aboard, we will also discuss lessons learned and handy tips discovered by our staff while living aboard as well as discussion on how to find the right boat for you if you want to live the cruising lifestyle. These seminars are scheduled several times a sailing season and are generally held with no more than 10 “students” – contact us for available dates . These seminars cost $400/person - feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.

Blue Water Sailing Opportunities

We also offer opportunities to take blue water sailing / life afloat lessons between the east coast of the US and locations such as the Bahamas, USVIs and BVIs. If you have never sailed on the open ocean, these sailing excursions will expose you to an extraordinary sailing experience! Contact us to schedule these special open water excursions!

Get in Touch

Contact us to learn more about sailing courses offered at Sail Away.

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Call: (888) 454-7015.

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Live Aboard Cruising Courses — OSS 103/104/114

Learn on a monohull cruising yacht or catamaran, monohull or catamaran.

If you do not have any sailing experience on large cruising yachts,  we recommend you gain your Bareboat Cruising Certification on one of our classy and fast 43′-47′ Jeanneau monohulls.  In the OSS 103/104 Monohull Live Aboard Course at our Florida campuses you quickly learn how to control and capture the wind on all points of sail, feeling the excitement of steering a large cruising yacht on all points of sail, far better than on a catamaran.

The Ultimate Learn to Cruise Experience

Catamarans are the choice of many new cruising sailors because they have more room, and will not heel (lean over).  If you opt for the Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising experience, OSS 114 is added to your certifications for handling a twin-hulled cruising boat with two engines under sail and power.  Learn more about some of the yachts in the Offshore Sailing School fleet .  The choice is yours, of course. We teach a maximum of four students per week, so don’t wait to sign up to reserve a spot on one of our cruising sailboats!

How the Live Aboard Course Works

During the six-day live aboard sailing lessons program, you gain incredible confidence, knowledge and skills that qualify you for chartering and sailing big cruising boats without a hired captain or mate. You learn the mechanics of running a big yacht under sail and power; how to maneuver, dock, anchor and pick up moorings in crowded marinas and harbors. You learn how to act quickly in heavy weather and reduce sail area for comfortable sailing in big seas.  Among the many drills and techniques you experience, is the fun of cooking and dining aboard – preparing meals and cleaning up with your crewmates, just like you would if you were bareboat chartering (skippering the boat without hired crew). Offshore provisions your yacht with breakfast and lunch items, as well as food for most dinners aboard. You and your crewmates do the meal preps as learning to cook aboard is part of the Live Aboard Cruising course experience.

Bring the Family or a Friend and Stay a Day or Two Longer

All Live Aboard Cruising Courses are based at great vacation and sailing destinations . If you would like to relax ashore a day or two before the course starts or after it ends, we can happily make those arrangements for you. We also offer packages for live aboard family sailing! Get in touch to learn more about our monohull yacht and catamaran sailing lessons.

“The Live Aboard Cruising Course gave us exactly what we needed – big boat training and experience. We are pumped and plan to get into cruising within a year. The instruction was outstanding!” O. Thomas Mueller – St. Petersburg, FL Read more testimonials here

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my  LIFE! My dream to sail only started about 6 months ago and as a goal orientated person (US Air Force for 26 years) I knew there would be no better way to move forward than to take a sailing course. Sure it was challenging, it was tough, but it was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to sail, or to anyone wanting to check off a bucket list item. Both of our instructors were excellent. They had incredible knowledge, patience and solid teaching techniques. Both boats were in impeccable condition. I had a lot riding on this course as if my wife didn’t like it, my dream to live aboard someday would have been crushed. Thank you, thank you! Aaron Maynard – Myrtle Beach, SC Fast Track to Cruising Course – July 2018 Read more testimonials here

A Cruising Course for Sailors Who Want to Own or Charter Cruising Yachts

The Live Aboard Cruising course assumes you already have US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification and are ready to learn the techniques and skills for handling larger sailboats and bareboat cruising (chartering without a hired skipper). If you do not have US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification but do have equivalent experience on sailboats of at least 26 feet with skippering and crewing experience. you must take the US Sailing Basic Keelboat test (additional fee to added to your package when you sign up) prior to taking the US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising tests during the course.

I have taken all US Sailing courses with Offshore Sailing School. Just finished the Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising Course (that’s me in the yellow shirt on the right).  It’s been an awesome adventure and experience. Instructors are awesome!! Lots of knowledge and experience where you can’t find anywhere in books. Our instructor had so much knowledge  I thought I was a brand new student, talking to Jedi Master YODA!! Sam Hahn – New York, NY

Maximum Four Cabins Available Per Week

Because of the popularity of our live aboard sailing courses, and because we teach a maximum of four per week per cruising boat availability, please have several dates in mind when you contact us to book this cruising course. If you are interested in “Buy the Boat” live aboard family sailing packages, you can add up to 2 more family members. See the Course Schedules tab below for more details.

“My husband and I have traveled the world and this was by far one of our best adventures. An amazing vacation that ended with an acquired skill that will last us our lifetime. I am a teacher. My husband and I run our own Test Prep School and thought I knew everything. My teacher at Offshore taught me the importance of patience and independence. He guided but never coddled. The outcome: I learned more than I could ever have imagined. I am a new person!” Ariana (and Khalid) Khashoggi – Highland Park, NJ Read more testimonials here 

“I did this course with my 16 year old son. Now he has a gift he can use and enjoy for the rest of his life. And I have both a gift and a memory that will remain forever.” Russ McCallian – Aurora, CO Read more testimonials here 

Exclusive Sailing School for The Moorings

Offshore Sailing School has been the exclusive sailing school for  The Moorings , the most prominent charter company in the world since 1988. Offshore Sailing School cruising course graduates are “Captains” in The Moorings preferred charter program and enjoy discounts up to 15% when booking a charter. If you take this course in the British Virgin Islands with family or friends, why not continue your cruising adventure with a bareboat charter vacation right after you graduate?

“Offshore made it easy to learn! From easing us through the many tactical details related to arrival and expectations with extensive email communications, to the excellent books to the truly remarkable instructor who made learning a joy – the result was one of the best weeks ever. Great memories, excellent skills development. What more could one ask for?” Mark Waltz – Muskego, WI Read more testimonials here

International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for Chartering Overseas

If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification credentials and an IPC, International Proficiency Certificate. US Sailing, the governing body of sailing in the United States, will issue this certificate for a nominal fee for U.S. citizens who have achieved US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and  Bareboat Cruising Certifications. For more information, click here .

A Note About Night Sailing

Most charter agencies do not allow night sailing and require that you are anchored, docked or on a mooring before sunset. Night sailing is not covered in this course, but is covered in  Passage Making courses , the next step in your learning process.

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A Live Aboard Cruising Course or Stay Ashore Bareboat Charter Cruising Course – whether on a monohull or catamaran – prepares you for charter cruising on your own, without professional captain and crew aboard (called Bareboat Cruising by charter companies). Depending on weather conditions and the learning pace of all in your class (maximum four per boat per instructor unless you opt for a Private Family Course), the following will be learned and practiced.

• Planning a cruise
• Familiarization with boat layout and sail plan
• Operation of engine, generator if available, stove, toilets
• Routine engine maintenance
• Fueling techniques
• Use and conservation of battery and charging systems
• Water use and conservation
• Use and location of thru-hull fittings
• Maneuvering under power and sail with emphasis on windage considerations and close quarters
• Big boat docking, mooring, and anchoring techniques
• Proper and safe handling of halyards and lines
• Proper and safe use of winches
• Apparent wind, wind instruments, sail trim and set
• Inter-crew communication when trimming sails, docking, mooring, anchoring
• Genoa roller furling use
• Overboard recovery procedures
• Big boat heavy weather and reefing techniques
• Sailing wing and wing on bigger boats
• Use of jennaker if available
• Boom preventer use
• More knots and their applications
• Log procedures
• Piloting techniques including set, drift and leeway calculations
• GPS navigation
• Rules of the Road
• Danger bearings
• Coast Guard requirements
• Courtesy using lights and sound signals
• Use of safety harness
• Emergency tiller use
• Distress signals
• Operating a dinghy

If you are learning on a catamaran, your training also includes:

• Multiple scenarios related to wind direction and current while docking, mooring, and anchoring
• Close quarters maneuvering on a catamaran versus a monohull
• Windage considerations
• Spring lines and other dock lines configurations for catamarans
• Reefing by wind strength

Pre-requisite for Live Aboard Cruising Courses : US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification

Certifications : US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications are tested for and included in the cost of this course. You receive a logbook from your instructor at the end of the course and US Sailing certification stickers for your logbook, are sent to you after verifying successful completing of the written tests.

Package rates vary by season and location, and include all the elements listed below. Not included are meals ashore, travel and other expenses you may incur. Please call 888-454-7015 for a quote.

At all locations, your Live Aboard Cruising Course includes :

• Live Aboard Cruising Course tuition
• US Sailing textbooks
• Six days living aboard in a shared or private cabin
• One or more nights accommodation ashore (including resort fee and taxes on both)*
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard
• 24-hour practice test mini-cruise at course end, with or without instructor aboard
• US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising Certifications when tests are passed
• Colgate Logbook (or page for logbook if you have our logbook from a previous course)
• US Sailing Course Certification stickers for your logbook
• Course diploma
• Eligibility to participate in Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruises
• Exclusive subscription benefit from Cruising World or Sailing World magazines
• Discount charter benefits from The Moorings
• *Accommodations are NOT included in Key West. Students must make their own arrangements

If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification certificates and an International Proficiency Certificate. US Sailing, the governing body of sailing in the United States, will issue this certificate for a nominal fee for U.S. citizens who have achieved US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification. For more details, view the  IPC page  on US Sailing’s website or go to  https://www.ussailing.org  and search IPC.

Sample course schedules are sent upon enrollment with other confirmation materials and information.

• ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva Island, FL
• Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Petersburg, FL
• Key West, FL
• Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

Offshore Sailing School knows we cannot thrive without great employees and products. All graduates are asked to fill out an evaluation at the end of the course. The following testimonials come from those evaluations and individual correspondence with recent graduates of the Living Aboard Cruising Course. Many are happy to correspond by email or phone with you. If you would like us to put you in touch with anyone below, please call 888-454-7015 or email [email protected].

Here’s what our Live Aboard Cruising graduates have to say :

This was my first experience with a catamaran and I am impressed with how much we all were able to learn on a compressed time schedule. I am very pleased to feel confident about handling a cruise in a 14 ton cat!

Laurent Mets – Chicago, IL

My experience was worth every penny. Jim was everything I would want from a sailing instructor and leader. I have done a fair amount of outdoor schooling and he ranks very high in my book. I would recommend the course without hesitation.

Christopher Moore – St. Petersburg, FL

Neil has been the most terrific instructor I have met in my sailing experience. (I was a sailing instructor for small boats as well and I can definitively judge this aspect.) The course was incredibly fun and well-structured. His level of knowledge is incredible and he was able to share his experiences and taught us the practical skills. Everything about my live aboard cruising course exceeded my expectations. Great sailing, the navigation and itinerary between islands were very well prepared, outstanding course content and sailing practice.

Vincent Schmitt – Hillsborough, NJ

My wife and I really enjoyed our Offshore Sailing experience. It did, indeed, exceed our expectations. The BVI is a beautiful place to learn. Our two fellow onboard students were pleasant to be with. Importantly, Amanda, our instructor, made learning fun. She was delightful, an excellent instructor, and we learned a lot from her.

Michael Leonhardt – Chicago, IL

Neil was amazing – knowledgeable, great teacher, we had a blast. Over all experience: Terrific course – I’m now ready to take a boat out on my own!

Brad Richards – Philadelphia, PA

We have taken Offshore courses and sailed the BVIs with 6 captains. Our entire family, kids included, said that Dutch (Neil) was the best captain, instructor and companion ever! We learned a lot and had a terrific experience.

James and Blanche Williams – New York, NY

The course exceeded my expectations. I have some experience as sailing crew and was nervous that I would slow the class down. I learned a lot and am now more confident. I would recommend this course enthusiastically.

Ann Hobbs – East Setauket, NY

We had an amazing six days on our live aboard! Would highly recommend this course! We learned so much and had fun at the same time. Simply amazing.

Lissa Uhlenhop – Las Vegas, NV

Amazing experience! Garren was excellent. He put my wife at ease as it was her first time on a live aboard. His technical knowledge and practical application of it is fantastic. A great week was had by all!

Eric Uhlenhop – Las Vegas, NV

Our family did the Live Aboard for our 13 year old son’s spring break. We wanted to learn how to sail the bigger boats so that we could cruise as a family. The live-aboard course allowed us to really learn and understand what it is like to bareboat. A 50 ft. sailboat is daunting but now we know we can handle it. We look forward to cruising in the BVI as a family.

Cathy, David and Will Madairy – Charlotte, NC

Jim was great. The weather was rough the first couple of days (20-25 knots gusting to 35) and he helped us make the best of it. If you can dock in that weather, you can do it in lots of situations. The rest of the week went very well. Hard work but worth it. My wife and I learned a lot. The feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment after taking the boat out and back on the last day was the perfect end to the week.

George Matook – Farmingham, MA

When I began I never handled a boat (sail or power) and by the end of the week I was sailing and maneuvering a 40’ boat out of a dock. Great learning experience! I could never imagine how much I would learn in such a short period of time.

Jennifer Eubanks – Marietta, CT

We were amazed at the end of the week by how much we had learned. Excellent experience. Looking forward to taking another class.

Dave Shanklin – Indianapolis, IN

Outstanding instruction, quality sailboat, and great winds in the BVI. We learned a great deal and had loads of fun!

Dan Riordan – McLean, VA

Our instructor was fantastic! Lots of knowledge, experience and patience! He definitely made the catamaran sailing course really fun and interesting. I highly recommend anyone interested in sailing to learn in the British Virgin Islands at Offshore Sailing School. Fantastic time!

Kent Killion – Prospect, NY

Just came back from the British Virgin Islands on our maiden voyage after taking the Fast Track to Catamaran Cruising course!! Took two of our 3 boys and one of the girlfriends. Very proud of our accomplishment. Thanks for all the great training!!

Dan Barzel – Cordova – TN

A terrific experience. I look forward to opportunities to continue sailing both through the Offshore Sailing Club and other activities, flotillas or future classes.

Kevin O’Neill – Hawthorne, NJ

Offshore is a great school to take you from no sailing experience to a competent live-aboard sailor in a week!

Markus Beissinger – Randolph, NJ

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