Skipper Small Sailboat Course Bundle Description
This interactive and multimedia bundle of courses is designed to empower sailors of all levels, from beginners to experienced sailors, with the knowledge and theory required to competently sail, operate, and maneuver small sailboats (keelboats) up to approximately 25 feet in length in moderate conditions and inland waters.
Sailing small keelboats is popular due to their accessibility, performance, versatility, and low maintenance. They offer a fun sailing experience, whether for day sailing or racing. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sailors alike, providing the easy convenience of a small sailboat or the challenge of racing in sailing regattas. And, many small sailboats are designed as "pocket cruisers" equipped for overnight and extended sailing adventures, or even trailered and launched from a boat ramp.
Small keelboats are also an affordable way to sail, gain experience, and join the sailing community - whether you plan to buy your own boat, rent, or join a sailing club.
This course bundle includes the Skipper Small Keelboat Course with the Basic Sail Trim and Navigation Rules courses added for free. With this bundle, you'll gain the theory and knowledge in a wide range of small keelboat sailing aspects, including:
- Small Keelboats: Explore the anatomy of small keelboats, understanding the components, rigging, and systems that make these vessels unique. Gain insights into maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Sail Theory: The fundamental principles of sailing, including wind dynamics and sailboat physics. Understand how to harness the power of the wind and the physics of sailboat design to propel your vessel efficiently and effectively.
- Sailing Maneuvers & Techniques: Build your confidence by learning the various sailing maneuvers, from tacking and gybing to heaving to and more! Hone your sailing techniques to harness the wind's power effectively and sail with precision while safely helming the sailboat with confident control.
- Sail Trim: Discover the art of reading the wind and trimming the sails for optimal performance.
- Sailing Terminology & Communication: The language of unique terms used by sailors, which is essential for clear communication on a sailboat.
- Docking and Maneuvering Under Power: Learn how to dock and maneuver your sailboat under power, confidently docking and navigating marinas.
- Anchoring & Mooring: Learn the art of anchoring and mooring safely and securely to enjoy peaceful nights at anchor in picturesque locations.
- Boat Management & Systems: Learn about small boat management and systems (outboard engines, electrical, etc…) to ensure your vessel operates flawlessly throughout your journey.
- Navigation: Learn the art of navigation, chart reading, and GPS usage.
- Navigation Rules and Buoys: Learn international navigational markers and USCG rules of the road when sailing or under power.
- Coping with Emergencies: Prioritize safety with modules on safety equipment, procedures, and protocols for different sailing conditions, environments, and crew-overboard emergencies.
- Essential Knots: Specialized knots to reliably secure lines (ropes) to perform specific tasks in sailing and tame the hundreds of feet of line various lines on a sailboat.
- Weather: Develop a keen understanding of weather patterns, enabling you to make informed decisions for safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.
Additionally, if you're new to NauticEd, you’ll also receive a free eLogbook to record your sailing experience, and all of your experience and training are automatically updated in your free online Sailing Resume.
Skipper Small Keelboat Certification (Optional)
This course bundle, when combined with practical on-the-water training and assessment at any of our qualified NauticEd instructors, is officially approved as meeting the On-Water Recreational Boating Skills Standard - SAIL developed by the United States Coast Guard. It is the only course in the world approved to this high standard.
![American National Standards approved sailing course badge](https://www.nauticed.org/l-mobile/images/about-us/USCG-NASBLA-Approval.png)
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Remember that sailing is both an art and a science, and it's a skill that grows with experience. Don't rush the learning process, and always prioritize safety and responsible seamanship.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
![Instructor Grant Headifen](https://www.nauticed.org/images/faculty/grh.jpg)
Grant Headifen
NauticEd Global Director of Education