Once you've learned to sail and spent a few afternoons on the water, you may be eager to expand your sailing horizons. Our Coastal Cruising course puts you at the tiller for two days of exploring the Hudson River aboard 26'Pearsons. You will learn advanced techniques including:

Docking and Maneuvering Under Power: with emphasis placed on accuracy of speed and steering.

Selecting sails and making sail changes: proper commands, responses and techniques used to execute heaving to, getting under way again, reefing sails, and reducing heel on all points of sail.

Finding and Using Safe Anchorage: including anchoring in water at least 10 feet deep, and securing boat at a dock or mooring for lunch or overnight.

Reading navigational charts: depth, type of bottom, underwater hazards, buoys, lights, beacons, etc.

Operating VHF Radio/Sailing by Compass: how to do it without varying from the navigator's ordered heading, and taking bearings with a hand-held compass.

Emergency Procedures Including: action to be taken in the event of person overboard, leakage, steering or rigging failure, running aground, etc.

Duties of Skipper and Crew: interpretation of weather forecasts, checking the vessel prior to sailing. safety regulations and required gear will also be covered.

If you've completed Basic Hands-On Sailing and dream of staying out all day cruising the river or becoming a more confident Skipper, this is the course for you!