Start Cruising^sm is offered in an intensive 2-day format.  We stay local and return each night.  The idea is to get valuable repetition in boat handling and piloting skills and be comfortable on a somewhat larger boat - not just to sail it in a straight line!  As well as plenty of docking, mooring and anchoring practice, we do a trip involving piloting and navigation as well.
 

(Comfortable closthing makes for happy Start Cruising students.)

Prerequisites: ASA or US Sailing basic keelboat sailing certification, or comparable experience.  Non-certified sailors are welcome to take the course, but cannot be certified unless they first earn basic keelboat certification by taking the course or "challenging" the standard.
 

Certification: ASA Basic Coastal Cruising (level 103)

Tuition: $595; special trips are sometimes more.  Contact us.
Discounts: 2 or more enrolled together take $50 off per person.

Curriculum: enough to require a separate page!

What do we teach you on?  The staple vessel in our stable for Basic Cruising is our Seafarer 26.  "Beat of Sea" is lively and responsive for her size, and is tiller steered which helps refine student's fundamental sailing skills.  She has a Yanmar diesel engine, CDI roller furling with both jib and genoa, and is an excellent choice for stepping up to long day sails, overnights, and short distance cruising (such as weekend getaways).

Occasionally, we also use other boats as part of the course or for the duration, depending on the aggregate skill level of the group being taught, the weather, etc.  These can include our Pearson 26 with 4-stroke outboard, Pearson 31 with diesel, and our recently acquired C&C 33!

If you're on one of our instructional sailing vacations, you'll be aboard something more significant with more living accommodations - typically something between 39 and 45 feet..