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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

49.0. "Navigation courses" by LATOUR::RDF () Tue Aug 14 1984 10:53

We are in the process of upgrading from an 18' day sailer to a larger (28'
to 30') boat.   A few years of sailing this has given us a good feel for 
handling lines, sails, and the basics.  Now we get to deal with such items
as RDF (no pun...), fathometers, ship-to shore...etc 

Are there any courses which go over navigation, charts, electronics, and
safety regulations?  The Coast Guard course we both took in the past was
basically for small boats and did not go much beyond buoys, and ducking the
boom.

Rick
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
49.1BANZAI::WALKERTue Aug 14 1984 11:285
You should talk to your local Power Squadron.  They teach detailed courses
in navigation as well as many other aspects of sailing and cruising.

- Derek
49.2FRSBEE::CORKUMTue Aug 14 1984 12:1129
I have taken a number of courses from the Power Squadron. I belong to
the Charles River Squadron, but there are many others in the area. They
offer not only the free BASIC BOATING course but also SEAMANSHIP/PILOTING,
ADVANCED PILOTING (that's were they go into detail on developing
navigational techniques including the use of RDF), JUNIOR NAVIGATION
(which is basically a celestial navigation course), and NAVIGATION. They
also offer miscellaneous coursess in engine maintenance, electronics,
etc. The only requirement to PS courses is that you must join up as a member
and pass the SEAMANSHIP/PILOTING exam before you can take on any of the 
advanced courses. My squadron is in the process of setting up course
offerings to start in September. I can forward an address and a tel. no.
if you need more info.

	There also is a number of courses conducted by the Community
Boating group. Yes, the same ones that conduct sailing lessons on
the Charles River by the Hatch Shell. I haven't taken any there myself
but I know others that have (eg. celestial navigation) and have given
it good marks.

	One more to look into is the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I believe
they offer more than the basic intro. type course, but you'll have
to check into that yourself.

When in doubt, ALWAYS look into Chapman's for general information
on almost any subject related to boating. Alot of courses refer
to this book as required reading.

			'NUFF SAID?     Bill Corkum
49.3Navigational CoursesPOCUS::HAMELKen HamelMon Jan 27 1992 11:0413
    I'm becoming more interested in navigational courses and have been
    scouting about for what might given the best value and most
    information.  Is there experience out there with ASA (American Sailing
    Association) courses versus Power Squadron?  Is one preferable over the
    other?
    
    My principle interest (which you've probably gleaned) is sailing ...
    coastal, with boats in the 30-35' range.
    
    Any help would be appreciated.
    
    KH
49.4Ya pays yer money and takes yer choiceMILKWY::WAGNERScottTue Jan 28 1992 10:3917
    
    	Power Squadron is more of a progression thing. They want you to
    know that chart intimately, set, drift, et al. It will be a few years
    before you need a sextant. I've gone thru it and recommend it.
    	However, if your cruise starts in 6 months, better to check out
    something like that class Brian described.
    	Power Squadrons are all over the place. If you're in Mass, I can
    tell you where the class is. Otherwise, Boat-US has a number,
    1-800-336-BOAT. They should know. The Coast Guard Auxiliary also 
    provides a lot of coverage, tho I don't know the progression of
    subjects.
    	Either way, that's one of the best ways to blow away these cold
    winter evenings, if you can't be sailing in warmer waters...
    
    	And the prices are not too tough to take- maybe $20- 30 per.
    
    	P/C Scott Wagner, Quincy Bay PS