The idea of going cruising has been germinating with us for years – even before we bought Bella Star, sold our condo, moved aboard and broke the news of our adventure to our parents (hi, mom!).
Since being a cruiser is a little like being a Girl Scout, we try to live by the motto “Be Prepared.” (Yes, I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. And I think Aaron must be an honorary Scout based on the number of those addictive Samoa cookies he’s eaten over the years!)
In addition to reading a ton of books, doing our online research and chatting with other sailors, we’ve tried to prepare by taking classes and attending seminars. I know we’ve mentioned some of these classes before, but a question came up recently about exactly which classes we’ve taken, so here’s the list all in one place:
WEATHER
Discusses the fundamentals of weather, forecasting and interpreting weather forecasts (no, not the ones on the evening news); also covers the unique weather patterns we experience in the Northwest.
Recommended? Yes
Duration: ~3 months; 1 evening per week (2 hours per class)
Offered through: Seattle Sail and Power Squadron
MARINE DIESEL ENGINES
Covers theory, operation, troubleshooting and repair of inboard diesel engines. Also includes hands-on time with a variety of engines in the lab.
Recommended? Yes, but…
This class could be amazing, but it’s lacking organization and a logical flow (from the basic concepts to advanced topics). What makes it worthwhile is the lab – being able to tear apart an engine that isn’t yours is priceless!
If you have NO diesel engine knowledge, I’d strongly recommend taking a primer class through Washington Sea Grant first.
Duration: ~2 months; 2 evenings per week (3 hours per class)
Offered through: Seattle Maritime Academy
MARINE ELECTRICITY FOR SMALL BOATS
Focuses on concepts of basic electricity and how they apply to the boater; includes discussion of batteries, alternators, charging systems and wire sizing.
Recommended? Yes, but…
While it was useful, I think there was too much theory (remember Ohm’s Law from high school physics?) and not enough practical application for the do-it yourself boater.
Duration: ~2 months; 2 evenings per week (3 hours per class)
Offered through: Seattle Maritime Academy
SAIL REPAIR SEMINAR
Covers everything from inspecting, repairing, maintaining and upgrading your sail inventory through intensive hands-on training.
Recommended? Yes
Duration: One full weekend
Offered through: Port Townsend Sails
WOMEN’S BOATING SEMINAR (for the ladies)
Brings local women together for a day of talks and workshops on a wide range of topics including: navigating at night, radar, docking, offshore provisioning and knot tying.
Recommended? Yes
Duration: One full day; held annually
Offered through: Latitude Sailing Association
RIG YOUR BOAT WORKSHOP
Delves into the particulars of rigging, working aloft, splicing and inspecting & maintaining your boat’s rig.
Recommended? We’ll let you know! Aaron is taking this class later this month.
Duration: One full weekend
Offered through: Brion Toss Yacht Riggers
OTHER CLASSES
We’ve taken a number of fundamental boating classes over the years, like Basic Keelboat, Coastal Navigation and Celestial Navigation (Aaron). There are lots of good schools out there, but we enjoyed our experience with Mike Rice at Puget Sound Sailing.
OTHER SEMINARS
We’ve had good luck attending seminars from West Marine and local yacht clubs, like the Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle and the Everett Yacht Club. Topics have included weather, radar, outfitting your boat and cruising the Haida Gwaii. Best of all, these seminars are usually free!
*Updated 3/13/11*
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Provides the basic skills for tending and treating sprains, fractures, head injuries, heat illness, wounds and more when in remote areas away from definitive medical care.
Recommended? We’ll let you know! We’re taking this in a few weeks.
Duration: One full weekend
Offered through: Remote Medical International
While maybe not directly relevant, it might be better than a generic diesel engine course - I would recommend at least checking out Bob Senter's Northern Lights / Lugger diesel course. I've never heard a bad thing about it. There's often a waiting list to get in...
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I meant to comment on your previous post but lost track of time so, CONGRATS on your unemployment!!! :)
I also just added you to the blogroll at Yacht Blogs so more readers can follow your travels.
Keep us updated :)
Jacob
Love the GS Cookies!! Since we are taking off about the same time as you...I bought two cases and have stached them all over the boat for later indulgments....
ReplyDeleteGreat list of classes, most of which we too have taken in one form or another. The only other class that we took is the Off Shore Instruction that John and Amanda Neal teach. Many people find this to be a very helpfull day of instruction.
@Jacob: Thanks for adding us to Yachtblogs -- and for the well wishes!
ReplyDelete@Tom: Eating a Thin Mint as I type this. :) We've also squirreled away a few boxes for the trip north (although I have a feeling we'll break into them before we hit Kingston).
Jacob & Tom bring up great points... if anyone else has recommendations for other useful boating classes, please share!
-Nicole
I started reading this thinking Aaron was writing, and still can't get the image of him in a green Girl Scout skirt out of my head. Please make it stop.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you will be well educated when you leave, but I was a little disappointed you didn't mention the spectacular Inside Passage Cruising seminar you attended last year.
Oh yeah, I think I remember that seminar... something about a race to Alaska and back. And don't worry about seeing me in the Girl Scout skirt. I outgrew that years ago.
ReplyDelete