catamaran sailing courses

Catamaran Sailing Confidence | Online Course

Confidently catamaran: learn to sail catamarans.

Set sail with confidence on large catamarans by enrolling in our Catamaran Sailing Confidence online course. Whether you're planning a sailing vacation or considering purchasing a catamaran, this course equips you with the knowledge needed to sail and maneuver catamarans safely and efficiently.

This online course covers everything from understanding the unique characteristics of catamarans to mastering essential sailing techniques such as tacking and gybing. With helpful animations illustrating catamaran maneuvering, you'll gain a deeper understanding of these multi-hulled vessels.

Ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors, this course is essential for anyone looking to confidently sail a catamaran. Enroll now and set sail with confidence on your next adventure.

Estimated Time: 3 hours Price: $39   $27 You save $12.00 (31%)

Register for the Catamaran Sailing Confidence online course and learn how to sail large catamarans on your own or on sailing vacations. This course includes tips and tricks from the pros for chartering and sailing catamarans.

If you're planning to sail or charter a sailing catamaran, this course will build upon your keelboat training and experience to give you the confidence to safely and efficiently sail a catamaran. From understanding the differences between catamarans and monohulls to mastering the techniques of tacking and gybing a catamaran, this course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle a catamaran with confidence.

Includes helpful animations to help you understand catamaran maneuvering - a key difference between monohulls and catamarans.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, this course is a must for anyone looking to competently sail a catamaran with confidence and skill. Enroll now and take the first step towards mastering the art of catamaran sailing.

This Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course is for you if...

• You're going to be sailing catamarans on a bareboat yacht charter vacation
• You've even considered catamaran charter
• You are thinking about buying a catamaran
• Or if you're just looking to upgrade your existing boat, you may want to investigate catamaran sailing

We guarantee both your satisfaction AND Lifetime access to any sailing course you buy from us

The Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course is presented in three modules in English and in French

• 1. Aboard your Catamaran
• docking a catamaran under power
• mooring and anchoring
• effective use of spring lines
• the sails and forces on them
• under sail on a catamaran
• tacking a catamaran
• gybing a catamaran
• reefing and heavy weather

More about the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Online Course

• Learn how to sail large catamarans on your own or on a sailing vacation
• View an excerpt from the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course
• Essential tips for sailing a large catamaran
• This Catamaran Sailing Course takes approximately 3 hours of total time to complete
• Take as long as you need to complete
• Return as many times as you like to review
• Take the online test as many times as you like
• Adds the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Endorsement to your Sailing Certificate
• Highly advised by charter companies for a Catamaran Charter Sailing Vacation
• A PDF version is available for offline reading after your investment
• Also Available on the iTunes App Store

Watch this video on the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Online Course

Why this Course?

Sailing a large catamaran is not really too much different from sailing a monohull but catamaran sailing has a few tricks and nuances that you ought to know first especially if you're going on a bareboat yacht charter with a catamaran.

You'll invest about 3 hours of your time to add this Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course to your NauticEd Sailing Resume. The cost of the sailing course is just $39 ( for a limited introductory period it is $27). Once you've finished the course you'll have complete confidence that you can transition your existing monohull sailing skills to sailing a catamaran . And if you're going on a bareboat yacht charter, yacht charter companies will be more inclined to accept your charter request with Catamaran sailing knowledge on your Sailing Resume and Certification.

You'll learn the tricks of sailing a catamaran and maneuvering a catamaran so that you'll know what to do in potentially dangerous situations. The information contained will make sailing a catamaran much more enjoyable and less stressful the first time out and you'll have the confidence that maneuvering a catamaran is now easily within your abilities.

As with all NauticEd sailing lessons, you can return as many times as you like to brush up on sailing a catamaran skills and if you're not completely satisfied, we'll happily refund your investment. Feel free to contact NauticEd Sailing School at any time.

The Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course was co-authored by several experts in sailing catamarans throughout the world: Nick Harvey of  Lagoon Catamarans and Captain Grant Headifen, 50 Ton USCG Master Mariner and Director of Education for NauticEd. Additional guidance and input were provided by George Day, Publisher of Blue Water Sailing Magazine and Multihull Quarterly Magazine.

View Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course excerpt

Student Reviews

It was very clear to understand

Excellent info to multi hull systems

Great course, good tips about safety

Great insight.

Pointing out the excellence and safety issues with cats. I had a 43-foot one for 8 years and miss it a lot.

I've chartered big cats twice but I didn't know the trick to get the bow to pass through the wind easily until I took this course. That alone was worth the price of the course. Very cool!

Good for understanding the basics!

Sailing a cat is definitely different from sailing a monohull. This course walks you through the differences and prepares you for your first experience with a cat. That being said, it is not a substitute for hands on and time on task. You have to get on a cat and practice to become proficient at handling a cat both under sail and power.

As an experienced monohull sailor, I found this to be right on point. The maneuvering session was extremely helpful and the simulations instructive. The information about sail loads and dangerous situations was new to me: I am very glad I got to go through this before my charter.

Very good testing approach

Veoma profesionalan i koristan kurs Very professional course

Excerpt from the course

And if there weren't enough advantages to sailing a catamaran here is another.

The mainsail traveler on a catamaran is significantly longer than on a cruising monohull. Thus you can take real advantage of this. The mainsail can now be adjusted in 2 different ways: using the traveler line or by adjusting the mainsheet.

When sailing close hauled on a catamaran in heavier air, move the traveler upwind (on the opposite side of the sail) and let off on the main sheet. This will allow the boom to rise a little and "twist out" the top of the sail. Twisting the sail out "deflates" the top of the sail and should be done in the case of slightly stronger winds. In light air, make sure that the top of the mainsail is not “losing air” meaning, keep the traveler close to the center and tighten the mainsheet to make sure the main cannot open up at the top.

As soon as the breeze kicks up, bring your traveler up a bit more and ease the mainsheet so that the boom does not come past the center point.

Once out sailing you'll be able to dispel one of the biggest "myths" surrounding catamarans because modern cats actually do point pretty well!!

The flatter the water, the better they will point and it'll be possible to sail in the high 30s degrees off the wind if your cat has the genoa tracks up on the coach roof, you will have a nice tight sheeting angle allowing you to go upwind comfortably.

As soon as you bear away from the wind slightly, you will want to bring the mainsail traveler down to leeward and start easing the mainsail (similar to a monohull).

Thinking about a bareboat yacht charter with a catamaran? Register now for the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Clinic . Money back Guarantee - if you don't like it - no questions just your money back.

Other sailing courses you might enjoy

Introductory Celestial Navigation Navigation Rules

Sea talk testimonials

I am impressed with my students and the way they came so prepared for a week-long charter, not knowing a thing about sailing prior to that. Kudo to this program. Jean-Loupe Dalle , The Toronto Sailing Coach

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Cruising Catamaran Certification Course

Four days to learn to cruise on a catamaran! June 6th - 9th 2024

Quick Details

Clock   Duration: 4 days & 4 nights

Users   Group Size: This course is designed for 4 people (typically 2 sets of students)

Cruise Ship Boat Details: 38′ catamaran – Private cabin & shared living space

Food   Food/Drink: Provisions are coordinated by attendees

Per Person + Taxes and Fees for Double Occupancy

Learn to cruise on a catamaran.

The Cruising Catamaran Certification Course is a four-day sailing class designed to create confident, competent catamaran sailors. You’ll spend the first day learning the fundamentals of sailing while aboard a 33-39’ monohull. This is the perfect setting to learn terminology, sail trim and boating basics. Days 2-4 have you practicing and exhibiting those new skills aboard your catamaran classroom. From start to finish, you will get the feel for truly living aboard a catamaran from provisioning and cooking to cleaning. This is the perfect course for those that have always dreamed about sailing away on a catamaran or those who want to upgrade their skills.

This course is designed to train two sets of students at a time but can be set up as a private course for an additional fee. You should bring your own bedding and towels and plan to work with the other students to provide and prepare provisioning while on board the boat. You will spend one overnight at anchor with your instructor on board. The rest of the time, you can plan on living on the boat while in the marina.

Learn to cruise on catamarans! Book today!

• Chevron down When is the course?

We offer multiple course offerings throughout the sailing season!

June 6th – June 9th, 2024, with boarding available the evening of June 5th, 2024!

July 19th – July 22nd, 2024, with boarding available the evening of July 18th, 2024! – This Course is Currently Full.

Inquire about additional dates available. Custom trips also available.

• Chevron down How much does this cost?

The course is priced so that course has four students – taught in pairs, perfect for couples!

Double Occupancy Price – $3,052/couple + tax

Solo Sailor Price – $2,035/person + tax

• Chevron down What's included?
• Four days and four nights living aboard a catamaran – you will have your own private cabin, but shared living space – don’t forget to bring bedding, towels and provisioning supplies
• Boat is equipped with all safety gear required by USCG – rentals of inflatable life vests at no cost
• Course materials – two online training courses and training book
• Personalized training with a USCG Licensed Captain
• Insurance coverage for the training vessels
• Chevron down What's the schedule?

Arrival Day

Board the boat around 6 pm, meet the instructor, board the catamaran, stow gear and provisions – on your own for dinner

Day 1 8:30 am – Your instructor will meet you at your vessel – hands on instruction begins after completing paperwork with office staff. Grab gear and board your monohull training boat for the day. Learning terminology, sailing and maneuvering fundamentals.

4:30 – Arrive back in marina and dock training on boat, debrief, relax or study, dinner on your own – stay on-board the catamaran

  Day 2 8:00 am – Captain boards the catamaran for training session – quick intro to catamaran systems and practice maneuvers, sail handling, safety practices 5:00 –  Arrive back in marina and dock training on boat, debrief, relax or study, dinner on your own – stay on-board the catamaran

8:00 am – Captain boards the catamaran for training session – students implement their new skills, plotting a course for the day, learn anchoring and overnight procedures on boat – Captain stays on boat for overnight training while anchoring. Students can plan to cook and clean up as if you were bareboat chartering. Cooking aboard is part of the learning process.

8:00 am – Students sail on their own, for their practical testing back to the marina.

2:00 pm – Arrive back in marina and dock the boat. Students will clean the boat as required from all charter guests. After off-boarded, students will be awarded certificates of completion. Off-board no later than 3 pm.

Courses dates are set, if you would prefer a private course please let us know.

• Chevron down What will I learn?

The Cruising Catamaran Certification Course prepares you for catamaran cruising on your own, whether bareboat chartering (without a professional captain or crew aboard) or cruising on your own boat. You will learn not only the sailing and boat handling aspect, but how the vessel systems work, how to cook and live aboard, it is all part of the learning experience. Depending on the learning pace of all in your class (maximum four per boat per instructor unless you opt for a Private Course for two to six people), the following knowledge and skills will be learned and practiced during your live-aboard cruising course.

• Planning a cruise
• Familiarization with boat layout and sail plan
• Operation of engine, stove and head and preparation of meals
• Routine engine maintenance
• Use and conservation of battery and charging systems
• Water use and conservation
• Use and location of thru-hull fittings
• Maneuvering under power and sail with emphasis on windage considerations and close quarters – learning this on a monohull and catamaran
• Big boat docking and anchoring techniques
• Proper and safe handling of halyards and lines
• Proper and safe use of winches
• Apparent wind and sail selection
• Sail shape and trim
• Inter-crew communication when trimming sails, docking and anchoring
• Jib roller furling use
• Overboard recovery procedures
• Big boat heavy weather and reefing techniques for catamarans
• Boom preventer use
• Spring lines and dock line configurations
• More knots and their applications
• GPS navigation
• Rules of the Road
• Danger bearings
• Coast Guard requirements
• Courtesy using lights and sound signals
• Use of safety harness
• Emergency tiller use
• Distress signals

Sailing is a physical activity that people of all ages can participate in and appreciate, but being physically fit will increase sailing performance and safety. These trips are hands-on activities that require complete, unaided mobility getting on and off docks, boats, and dinghies.

Related Charters

• Clock 3 Days

Bareboat Sailor Certification Course

No previous sailing experience required! Our three-day Bareboat Sailor Certification Course is designed to prepare you to charter a sailboat on your own & give you hands-on experience at anchoring overnight in the Apostle Islands.

• Clock 2 Days

Intermediate Sailor Certification Course

Our Intermediate Sailing Certification is designed for those who have experience sailing but have not been in the role of a responsible skipper yet. This course qualifies you to charter up to a 33′ boat!

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Welcome to Intelligent Sailing.

(left to right) - i.s 42 jeanneau - i.s 35 beneteau - i.s 32 jeanneau., bavaria, beneteau, jeanneau, lagoon, leopard, seawind, now in our 21st year. featuring monohulls and catamarans , we are a sailing school, a boat club & we offer captained charters., exclusive to the harborage marina with premium slips, offering brand new yachts - all yachts range from new to in service a few years.., i ntell i gent sa i l i ng offer i ng monohull & catamaran opt i ons to sa i l introducing the intelligent sailing fleet -, the i .s 38c - new 2023 seawind 1160 catamaran, the i .s 42c - new 2024 leopard 42 catamaran, & the following monohulls, i .s 32 new 2021, i .s 34 new 2023, i .s 35 new 2020, i .s 38 new 2022 go b i g, i .s 42 new 2021 go b i gger, i .s 51 new 2023 go bold, we continuously bring you brand new yachts, i .s 32 new 2021 jeanneau 319, i .s 34 new 2023 bavaria 34, i .s 35 new 2020 beneteau 35.1, i .s 38 new 2022 bavaria 38, i .s 42 new 2021 jeanneau 410, i .s 51 new 2023 jeanneau 490.

Sailing Masterclass

The best preparation for any future skipper, the online catamaran masterclass offers a, fastrack to sailing success.

Learn at your own pace. Get the knowledge you need

Solid Foundation

Build the foundation that will provide the confidence you need to embark on your own sailing adventures

A Chance to Embark From Home

You'll be immersed in the experience of sailing from the comfort of your home

Costly Mistakes

Shattered Dreams

Gaps In Your Skills & Knowledge

WE HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Why Learn From Nautilus Sailing?

We've helped over 4,000 students successfully learn to sail

We are an award-winning American Sailing School

We are educators first and foremost, following the best education practices

Our instructors have won ASA Outstanding Instructor of the Year awards

Our Sailing Basics Monohull series has collected over One Million views on YouTube

THE MASTERCLASS

INSTRUCTORS

Instructor Bio:

Tim Geisler

Lead Instructor

ONLINE SAILING MASTERCLASS

1 Year Limted Access

HOW TO START

Easy Three-Step Process

Click to Start!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Pricing options

Depending on how long you want access, lifetime or just one year. Choose the one that is best for your learning style.

Regular price

1 year access

3 months - Lifetime

20% Off Special - Lifetime

WHY IS THIS THE DEFINITIVE ONLINE CATAMARAN COURSE?

Want to watch two free videos.

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What our students say:.

Chyrl Mosley

“This has been a very professional and well put together course. The videos are amazing. the course is great. I love how things are explained so simply and everything is very practical. Cant wait to put it all to practical use on the boat in the Se...”

“This has been a very professional and well put together course. The videos are amazing. the course is great. I love how things are explained so simply and everything is very practical. Cant wait to put it all to practical use on the boat in the Sea of Cortez!! ”

Parker Vanderhoof

“Great refresher training and perfect for bringing new boat mates up speed on many of the aspects of sailing. I highly recommend these training videos for those bringing new crew members who are new to sailing on their charter. ”

Bill Fellows

“Excellent! I had great instruction from Tim J on my my course. This was a good refresher for me ! I fell confident as a boater , the Navigation was really good and that’s what I was after ! Just need to find my boat and get the next chapter starte...”

“Excellent! I had great instruction from Tim J on my my course. This was a good refresher for me ! I fell confident as a boater , the Navigation was really good and that’s what I was after ! Just need to find my boat and get the next chapter started . Thanks !”

Jonathan M Augelli

“This course was awesome. There were great videos that covered all the key aspects of sailing on a catamaran. Tons of super helpful tips that I will be using on my next trip too. The visualizations were top notch as well. Great course. I highly...”

“This course was awesome. There were great videos that covered all the key aspects of sailing on a catamaran. Tons of super helpful tips that I will be using on my next trip too. The visualizations were top notch as well. Great course. I highly recommend!”

• Our Sailing Schools:
• Fort Lauderdale
• Virgin Islands
• St. Maarten
• Newport, RI

Blue Water Sailing School Courses

Blue Water Sailing School follows internationally accepted standards of the American Sailing Association ( ASA ). We offer basic, intermediate and advanced courses in sailing and navigation. Our week-long, live-aboard cruising course format provides the most immersive environment possible and a more thorough experience than being on the boat just a few hours a day. Sure, we have textbooks and required reading, but that’s to prepare you for “hands on” instruction and practice.

We not only teach sailing techniques, we prepare you for a sailor’s way of life.

Courses for All Experience Levels

All of our courses are summarized below. You can check availability and dates, inquire about a particular class, or even apply online by clicking the Enroll Now button. For full details about the ASA curriculum, see the ASA Course Summaries . Information about class times, procedures, policies, and equipment can be found in our FAQ and Travel Planning sections.

Course A: Bareboat Monohull Skipper

Our most popular course - learn to sail on a live-aboard cruise and become certified for bareboat chartering and big boat sailing. This course combines the Basic Sailing ( ASA 101), Basic Coastal Cruising ( ASA 103), and Bareboat Chartering ( ASA 104) levels of the ASA curriculum. No prior experience or certification is necessary for this course. If you’re completely new to sailing, however, it’s very important to study and prepare before the first day of class. You’ll receive course material in advance to help you do this.

Fort Lauderdale Newport, RI U.S. Virgin Islands

Course A+ Cat: Bareboat Catamaran Skipper

Learn how to sail and Bareboat Charter a cruising catamaran. A 7 day, 6 night live-aboard cruise entirely on a cruising catamaran. Includes everything from Course A: Bareboat Skipper (above), with additional catamaran training that meets the ASA Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114) certification standard.

For more details, see Catamaran Sailing .

Fort Lauderdale St. Maarten

Course B: Sailing Review (ASA 111)

If the course is taken on a catamaran the ASA 114: Cruising Catamaran certification is available to those who do not already have it.

Course N: Coastal Navigation

In conjunction with the Starpath School of Navigation, a home study program for Coastal Navigation - ASA 105. Cost includes textbooks, ebooks, additional study materials, software & online support, testing and certification fees. This course, or previous certification in ASA 105: (Coastal Navigation), is required for the Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) certification.

For more information and to register: Click here

Course C: Advanced Coastal Skipper

In this class for experienced coastal sailors you’ll learn advanced seamanship skills, maintenance, and troubleshooting of boat systems. Leaving from our Fort Lauderdale base, this course includes a Gulf Steam crossing to Bimini, Bahamas. After a few days cruising the Bimini Islands, you’ll make a return crossing of the Gulf Stream to Fort Lauderdale.

This course covers the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve the Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) certification, with practical application of the Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) material.

Requires previous certification in ASA 101, 103, and 104. These are earned as part of Course A+ - Bareboat Skipper (above). Also requires previous certification in ASA 105 - Coastal Navigation, or concurrent registration in Course N (above).

Fort Lauderdale U.S. Virgin Islands

Course C+ Cat: Advanced Catamaran Skipper

A class for experienced coastal sailors, in which you’ll apply the navigation theory of Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) on a passage to the Bahamas and back. Learn and practice advanced seamanship skills, onboard maintenance, and troubleshooting of boat systems.

This course covers the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve the Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) certification, with practical application of the Coastal Navigation (ASA 105) material. It also includes coursework and certification for ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran.

Students must have prior certification in ASA 101, 103, and 104 (earned in Course A - Bareboat Chartering, above). Also requires previous certification in ASA 105 - Coastal Navigation, or concurrent registration in Course N (above).

Fort Lauderdale U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean

Course D: Celestial Navigation

In conjunction with the Starpath School of Navigation, a home study program for Celestial Navigation - ASA 107. Cost includes textbooks, ebooks, additional study materials, software & online support, testing and certification fees. This course, or previous certification in ASA 107: Celestial Navigation, is required for the Offshore Passagemaking: ASA 108 certification.

Course O: Offshore Passagemaking

The ultimate in sailing education and the highest level of ASA certification. Upon successfully completing this course you’ll be able to act as captain or crew on sailing yachts up to 50 feet, anywhere in the world, in any condition. An unforgettable experience of open ocean and faraway islands. Requires all previous ASA certifications, except Cruising Catamaran (ASA 114).

Learn more about the Offshore Passagemaking course .

Your next step will be to sail around the world on your own boat…

We actually went somewhere (Key Largo), rather than returning to the dock each evening. The course was made to be an adventure, as well as simply instructional. The weather was “made to order” — sun and gentle breeze Saturday through Wednesday, then Force 8 for our ‘foul weather instruction’ on Thursday.

I thought it was an excellent, challenging course. It definitely wasn’t a “cruise.” The instructor expected a lot from the students. I like that.

I have nothing but the utmost praise for your entire operation and the quality of the instruction that I received. Al Hatch is a consummate instructor and brings to this activity a love and a passion that is genuine and expansive. I hope to be able to return to Blue Water to experience some of the higher-level courses of instruction, and I certainly would have no trouble at all recommending your company to anyone.

How is Catamaran Sailing Different from Monohull Sailing?

Sailing a catamaran is very similar to sailing a monohull in most aspects. If you learn to sail on a monohull, most of the skills are easily transferable. However, there are a couple of subtle differences that one has to be aware of:

• When tacking, you must work hard to maintain your speed throughout the tack and often need to ease your mainsheet to prevent “windvaning”. Windvaning is when the larger mainsail on a catamaran tries to turn the boat back into the wind.
• When gybing on a monohull, you must be very careful of an accidental gybe, and so you gybe much more slowly. On a catamaran, you can use the increased speed to your advantage and maintain speed while gybing to help depower the main.
• On a monohull, as winds increase, the boat starts heeling which lets you know that you have too much sail up and it’s time to reef. On a catamaran, because they do not heel, you have to be very careful in terms of when to reef the massive main. Typically, you will throw in the first reef at 18-20 knots of wind speed (depending on the size of your vessel) and put in a second reef as the wind gets closer to 23-25 kts)

Most aspects of sailing a catamaran are very similar to a monohull, so making the transition to a sailing catamaran is usually not that challenging of a process!

Why are Catamarans Popular?

Catamarans have exploded in popularity in the last 5 years! There are many advantages to catamarans over monohulls.

• Much more space on a catamaran!
• Catamarans are far more stable than monohulls so they do not heel when sailing, and are less prone to rocking when at anchor. Making for a much more comfortable boat!
• Catamarans have a shallow draft which allows them to enter shallower areas. In the South Pacific, most lagoons are 6-8 feet deep. This is too shallow for monohulls to enter, but a catamaran can easily enter these lagoons.
• Speed: Often, especially downwind, catamarans are faster than monohulls
• More light and airy living area. On a catamaran, the living space is usually up in the middle of the boat, built on the bridge deck whereas in a monohull you go down into the hull where it is darker and feels less open.
• More storage space and room for extra systems like air conditioning, water makers, generators, larger fridges and freezers, etc… Again, having room for all these amenities makes for more comfortable living.

What is a Catamaran?

A catamaran is a sailboat with two hulls. These two hulls are connected by a bridge deck. Many people will be familiar with Hobie cats, small catamarans that are popular for sailing on lakes and in calmer waters. Cruising catamarans are based on this same principle but have large hulls that can fit many cabins inside, and house large structures on the bridge deck (like a galley, salon and living area).

Are catamarans safer than monohull sailboats?

Great question! Catamarans are much more stable than monohulls, and so people are less likely to fall overboard, which does make them safer in this aspect. They are larger, more stable boats, and so in most situations, this will make them a “safer” sailboat than a comparably sized monohull.

Catamarans also have the advantage of having 2 engines, which makes them “safer” when it comes to engine problems. On a monohull sailboat , if you have major engine problems you only have the option of sailing. On a catamaran, you always have a second motor ready to help out in an emergency!

Are catamarans easier to sail?

What makes monohulls harder to sail is heeling and more confined spaces. In stronger winds monohulls heel, making most tasks a little more difficult to manage. Whether you are going forward to reef, trying to winch in a sail or moving about the boat, sailing on a heeling boat is more challenging. Catamarans, however, because of their extra stability and room, allow for much easier movement around the boat as they do not heel. For this reason, catamarans are often considered “easier” to sail.

Can a catamaran cross the Atlantic?

Definitely! Early on many catamarans and trimarans were home-built from kits, and many of these boats gave catamarans a bad rap for offshore sailing. For decades now the major catamaran manufacturers have been improving these amazing vessels, and now catamarans are safe, stable and fast on offshore passages. In 2020 we completed an Atlantic crossing in our very own Never Say Never Lagoon 400S2 catamaran.

How fast does a catamaran sail?

Not all catamarans are created equal. Many of the production catamarans like Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Leopard are designed for cruising. This means that they are willing to sacrifice some performance in the interest of comfort for their owners and crew. These boats still are often faster than a monohull of comparable size when on a beam reach or downwind point of sail, often seeing speeds in the double digits. Upwind, catamarans do not usually have the same ability to point into the wind (as they have shorter, stubbier keels) and do not travel as quickly.

Some high-performance catamarans from manufacturers like Outremer, Gunboat and HH, make incredibly fast catamarans that can achieve speeds in the high teens and low 20s under ideal conditions.

Want to learn more?

Learning to sail a catamaran has it’s differences from monohulls. If you are planning on sailing catamarans, then it’s best to spend a week onboard one learning how to sail and operate these vessels. We offer catamaran sailing courses in the Grenadines (Caribbean), Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Mallorca (Spain) and Tahiti (South Pacific).

Our week-long live aboard courses truly are an incredible experience! You will spend the week learning over 100 different skills and learn to comfortably sail and operate the vessel. Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn ASA certification 101, 103, 104 and 114 (up to Cruising Catamaran certification) which allows you to charter catamarans internationally.

This intensive course will give you the knowledge, skills and experience to charter catamarans, or help you set sail on your vessel! All while having a blast, snorkelling, hiking and exploring exclusive bays.

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Catamaran Guru Sailing Academy

South florida live-aboard rya sailing school on a bali 4.2.

Our South Florida Catamaran Guru sailing school is one of a very small handful of sailing instruction facilities that offers the globally recognized RYA sailing courses and ICC Certification which we compared to ASA courses for you . RYA certifications are internationally recognized and are best for sailors who plan to explore international waters. And, our hands-on sailing instruction is offered aboard a 2021 Bali 4.2 or a Catana OC 50 performance catamaran ensuring the boat systems and electronics you learn on are state-of-the-art and similar to what most of our new boat owners will be buying and sailing. 

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• What to Expect

Catamaran Guru offers both ASA and RYA courses in different locations. However, the RYA courses are internationally recognized and is best if you want to sail abroad.

Our sailing school offers RYA sailing courses, catamaran orientation aboard your own boat, and blue-water cruising classes to the Bahamas and Florida Keys. A weeklong liveaboard sailing school is invaluable for anyone who plans to own their own boat, but especially those who plan to be full-time cruisers. During these hands-on sailing experiences, your seaschool instructor combines our real-life practical methods with the most up-to-date sailing theory lessons on board. These experiences led by Yacht Master and broker, Steele Greyling or Yacht Master, Matthew Joubert set you up to enjoy a stress-free cruising lifestyle. 

**Bali 4.2 Classes available NOW. See booking schedule below .  Schedule will be updated shortly. If you need info or want to place your name on the list CONTACT US!

Your RYA Instructors

Steele greyling.

Steele Greyling, a South African native, is an exceptionally experienced instructor providing catamaran sailing lessons, RYA sailing certification training, and ICC certificate exams. Steele, also, adeptly orients owners to their own catamarans teaching them boat systems and electronics aboard the very vessel they will cruise or liveaboard. In addition to living aboard  Jelly Blue , his family’s Island Spirit 40, since a young child, Steele’s yachting qualifications include:

• RYA Commercial Yachtmaster Ocean
• RYA Yachtmaster Instructor
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 Instructor
• SAS Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal for Power and Sail

Matthew Joubert

Matthew Joubert, a South African native, has wide interests include fitness, sailing, backpacking, SCUBA, fishing, and water sports of all kinds. His early career as a dive master led him to sailing when he joined a South Africa to Fort Lauderdale delivery. Soon he worked aboard crewed charter yachts working his way from dive master/spear-fishing guide to first mate and captain. Matthew’s certifications:

• RYA Yacht Master Offshore
• RYA Cruising Instructor Tender maneuvering
• STCW’ 95 Instructing
• RYA Power Boat Level ll Basic carpentry
• RYA Personal Watercraft Instructor
• PADI Dive Master Management

Check Out Our Amazing Testimonials

Sailing Courses & Owner Orientation Classes

Bali 4.2 sailing instruction.

• $3500 per person (master cabin)
• $3100 per person double stateroom, double occupancy
• $4,900 per person single occupancy.
• ICC (International Certificate of Competency) One-Day Exam @ $600 per person, minimum 4 people per day
• 3-day Boat Owner Orientation Course @ $500 per person per day, minimum 2 people
• $3100 per person double stateroom, double occupancy.

Catana 50 OC Sailing Orientation Classes

• $7,300 per person (master cabin)
• $6,700  per person double stateroom, double occupancy.
• $10,000 per person, single occupancy, minimum 2 people .

Book Your Sailing Course

Below these instructions are the courses the Sailing Academy is offering. See our course prices and descriptions here.

• For the course of interest (in picture gallery below – Competent Crew, Day Skipper or ICC Certifcation), click its “Book” button. 
• Once the calendar opens up, choose the month you prefer. Look for GREEN DATES as they are the start of AVAILABLE CLASS SLOTS .
• Click on the green date then choose your cabin type:  owner’s cabin, double cabin, or single occupant.
• Note that Bahamas courses are subject to favorable conditions. Typically the classes are done in Florida unless otherwise notified. Please discuss with us before you book if you have questions.

Sample Week-Long Sail Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary for our week-long Fort Lauderdale course. Your particular week may differ and be adjusted depending on weather and captain’s discretion. This itinerary is not guaranteed.  Read about some of our own adventures exploring the Florida Keys and Bimini Island, Hemingway’s islands in the stream .

SATURDAY, you will board your boat at 3pm and get started with orientation, provisioning, boat systems, and safety. You will stay at the marina Saturday evening, dinner is not included Saturday. 

SUNDAY morning, you will have a couple hours of academic instruction before starting sailing. Heading out from the marina you travel down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to Port Everglades and then on to the Atlantic Ocean. Traveling on the ICW will give you a practical demonstration and practice with Rules of the Road, Lights and Shapes, draw bridge procedures, and proper VHF radio operation. From Port Everglades the boat will head south, with this day’s destination of Miami/northern Biscayne Bay, typically somewhere in the Key Biscayne area. Anchor is down in the late afternoon and you are free to swim, study, read, or otherwise relax. One of the students will have chef’s duty with another on galley duty. This will change each day.

MONDAY , while having coffee and breakfast, you will check the weather, look at the chart, and plot the course for the day, noting any hazards to be aware of. After an engine check and some class time sailing will commence. Lots of sailing drills: tacking, jibbing, Crew Overboard maneuvers . Lunch will be either underway or dropped anchor for a short break.

This day’s destination is the Elliott Key area. Anchor down in mid to late afternoon, furl the sails and coil the lines, then swim before dinner.

TUESDAY  morning, after breakfast and morning routine, more sailing and drills, ending up in the southern Biscayne Bay/Card Sound/Barnes Sound area for the evening.

WEDNESDAY you will start to retrace your route, heading back to Noname Harbor and practice docking then on to northern Biscayne Bay anchoring off Key Biscayne Bay or Virginia Key.

THURSDAY  morning, you will head back onto the Atlantic Ocean for the sail back to Ft Lauderdale. Depending on the weather (as always) you may be able to get out into the Gulf Stream, picking up a couple knots of boat speed and making a quick sail up the coast. But if the wind is from the north the sail will stay close to shore as you make your way to windward. Pull back into our marina in Hollywood in the mid to late afternoon.

FRIDAY morning will be the final review and test, if applicable. The instructor will review your tests and sign your logbooks. Boat clean-up, showers, and you will be done in the early afternoon, usually noon – 1pm but no later than 3pm.

what to expect

The Catamaran Guru base is in Loggerhead Marina, 1400 Marina Drive, Hollywood, FL 33109. We are about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Arrival Arrangements : Boarding is at 3pm on your start date. The Sailing School catamaran is called “Akani” a Bali 4.2 on slip 401. If you have luggage to be stowed, you are welcome to leave it at our office while the boat is being cleaned and prepared for your school.

ONBOARD PROVISIONING

All meals provided from Sunday morning to Friday lunch. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated. Note that as part of your education, you will do the cooking. Catamaran Guru provisions the boat; you will stow it away. Adult beverages are not included. Please supply your own. No cocktails before the anchor goes down!

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

This is an all-inclusive sailing school. Accommodation, food, and course materials are included. No taxes, marinas fees, or cruising permits are included.

GRATUITIES FOR THE INSTRUCTORS ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

DAILY SCHEDULE

See suggested itinerary above. IMPORTANT PRIOR TO BOARDING: Prior to arrival, you are required to sign up and register with the RYA and complete the theory course online if applicable. Please check with your instructor what course you will sign up for and what is required for 

• Competent Crew course: The Competent Crew course introduces the complete beginner to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship to the level required to be a useful member of crew of a cruising yacht.
• Day Skipper Course: The Day Skipper course teaches pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling up to the required standard to skipper a small cruising yacht safely by day in tidal waters with which the student is familiar.

Please provide 1 x Color ID photo (with your name on the back of each photo).***Note that dates are subject to change due to weather**

GENERAL INFORMATION: What you need to bring with you

• Suitable clothing – layers are a good idea, T- Shirts, sun shirts / rashguards, swimsuit, shorts, windbreaker, warm jumper, trainers etc
• Sunscreen, hats/caps
• Weatherproof jacket
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Extra money for food & beverages for your off-boat dinner or lunch days
• If you prefer your own snorkel gear, please bring that along, otherwise we have some available onboard

Please read Catamaran Guru Sailing School Terms and Conditions .

Got Questions? Contact Steele Greyling

Didn't find the classes you need.

We partner with vetted sailing schools in other parts of the US and Bahamas that offer different class schedules.

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

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Home  Education  Adult Sailing  Sailing Certification Courses & Endorsements  Cruising Catamaran Endorsement

Sailing Certification Courses & Endorsements

Cruising catamaran endorsement.

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Recommended Equipment: The multihull endorsement course and examination shall be conducted on a catamaran of at least 34′, with wheel steering, twin engine auxiliary power, and adequate equipment inventory to complete all required certification outcomes.

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for the Catamaran Endorsement is a US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification. This endorsement may be taught concurrently with any certification from the Bareboat Cruising level or higher.

Certification Requirements: The Catamaran Endorsement requires the successful completion of the following knowledge and skill requirements. These requirements are expected to be performed safely with confident command of the boat with a wind of at least 10 knots.

Practical Skills

Maneuvering under power:.

• Demonstrate holding position, pivot turn around center and around each hull, starting, stopping and speed control.
• Demonstrate leaving and returning to a dock under power.
• Demonstrate making way and maneuvering upwind and crosswind in forward and reverse. Demonstrate maneuvering with one engine.

Sailing Skills:

• Demonstrate the trim cycle for a catamaran, including the proper use of the traveler and/or boom vang. Demonstrate the use of a barber hauler when sailing off the wind.
• Demonstrate the specialized skills of tacking a catamaran.
• Demonstrate jibing, including proper control of the mainsail.
• Demonstrate shortening sail to depower the boat.

Overboard Rescue:

• Properly demonstrate one of the overboard rescue methods under sail, taking into account the boat’s performance characteristics.
• Properly demonstrate one of the overboard rescue methods under power, taking into account the boat’s performance characteristics.

Anchoring Techniques:

• Demonstrate the proper use of an anchoring bridle, including its deployment, retrieval, and storage.
• Demonstrate the use of two anchors off the bow.
• Pick up and properly secure to a mooring from the bow.
• Pick up and properly secure to a mooring from the stern.

Catamaran Characteristics:

• Describe the features of catamaran design, handling, and sailing performance.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of typical catamaran accommodations.
• Understand the maneuvering differences between a single engine boat and a twin engine boat.
• Describe the different arrangements of engine installations and their effects on maneuvering.
• Understand the limitations of visibility from the helm station on various designs. Explain how this affects docking procedures, crew responsibilities, and boat positioning.
• Understand how to use twin engines to steer, pivot, and maneuver the boat in close quarters.
• Understand why maneuvering in reverse, in high winds, while in close quarters may be necessary.
• Understand the techniques needed to land at a dock with one engine inoperative.
• Understand the use of one engine while motor sailing or steaming.
• Explain the effect of apparent wind and how it leads to the need for repeated sail trim adjustments as the boat speed increases.
• Explain the importance of the use of the boom vang and/or traveler to maintain proper mainsail shape.
• Understand the techniques for tacking, including proper steering throughout the maneuver.
• Explain the differences in jibing, including proper control of the mainsail leech.
• Understand the lack of obvious cues for the need to reduce sail as the wind increases, and explain what cues are available.
• Explain various techniques for reducing sail area, including traditional and single line mainsail reefing.
• Explain vessel performance characteristics and how that affects overboard rescue maneuvers.
• Discuss person-in-water retrieval techniques.

Anchoring and Mooring Techniques:

• Understand the need for an anchor bridle while using a single anchor off the bow.
• Explain the two most common arrangements of anchor bridles.
• Describe the steps required to set two anchors off the bow.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of picking up a mooring from the bow versus stern.
• Explain the steps required to pick up a mooring from the bow and the stern.

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Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Betsy Alison Adult Director Email Betsy Alison 401-342-7914

Diana Emmanuelli Competition Manager Email Diana Emmanuelli 401-342-7912

Karen Davidson Adult Program Coordinator Email Karen Davidson (401) 342-7934

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Becoming ASA Certified is just the beginning…

We give you the knowledge and experience to be confident and safe on all your sailing adventures – whether you charter a boat from a local harbor, go on an exotic sailing vacation, or even buy your own boat.

Once you have achieved certification, practice, practice, practice! How your sailing ability will be evaluated depends on many things; when, where, and to what level you become ASA certified, and how much you have sailed since your certification. However, being ASA certified will be yours for life as a testament to your ability and commitment from the day your ASA instructor signs your Logbook.

ASA Certifications

Listed below are the summaries of all ASA’s Certifications. The detailed standards, including pre-requisites, for each certification may be found by clicking the title, they are also published in the ASA Official International Certification Logbook .

Each certification requires participants to fully satisfy both knowledge and skills standards, which will be verified through a written exam and an on-the-water practical exam. The standards are intended to be a minimum  set of requirements.  ASA affiliate sailing schools and instructors may choose to include additional requirements if they wish to emphasize knowledge or skills appropriate to local waters, conditions or practice vessels.

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Live Aboard Cruising Courses — OSS 103/104/114

Learn on a monohull cruising yacht or catamaran, monohull or catamaran.

If you do not have any sailing experience on large cruising yachts,  we recommend you gain your Bareboat Cruising Certification on one of our classy and fast 43′-47′ Jeanneau monohulls.  In the OSS 103/104 Monohull Live Aboard Course at our Florida campuses you quickly learn how to control and capture the wind on all points of sail, feeling the excitement of steering a large cruising yacht on all points of sail, far better than on a catamaran.

The Ultimate Learn to Cruise Experience

Catamarans are the choice of many new cruising sailors because they have more room, and will not heel (lean over).  If you opt for the Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising experience, OSS 114 is added to your certifications for handling a twin-hulled cruising boat with two engines under sail and power.  Learn more about some of the yachts in the Offshore Sailing School fleet .  The choice is yours, of course. We teach a maximum of four students per week, so don’t wait to sign up to reserve a spot on one of our cruising sailboats!

How the Live Aboard Course Works

During the six-day live aboard sailing lessons program, you gain incredible confidence, knowledge and skills that qualify you for chartering and sailing big cruising boats without a hired captain or mate. You learn the mechanics of running a big yacht under sail and power; how to maneuver, dock, anchor and pick up moorings in crowded marinas and harbors. You learn how to act quickly in heavy weather and reduce sail area for comfortable sailing in big seas.  Among the many drills and techniques you experience, is the fun of cooking and dining aboard – preparing meals and cleaning up with your crewmates, just like you would if you were bareboat chartering (skippering the boat without hired crew). Offshore provisions your yacht with breakfast and lunch items, as well as food for most dinners aboard. You and your crewmates do the meal preps as learning to cook aboard is part of the Live Aboard Cruising course experience.

Bring the Family or a Friend and Stay a Day or Two Longer

All Live Aboard Cruising Courses are based at great vacation and sailing destinations . If you would like to relax ashore a day or two before the course starts or after it ends, we can happily make those arrangements for you. We also offer packages for live aboard family sailing! Get in touch to learn more about our monohull yacht and catamaran sailing lessons.

“The Live Aboard Cruising Course gave us exactly what we needed – big boat training and experience. We are pumped and plan to get into cruising within a year. The instruction was outstanding!” O. Thomas Mueller – St. Petersburg, FL Read more testimonials here

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my  LIFE! My dream to sail only started about 6 months ago and as a goal orientated person (US Air Force for 26 years) I knew there would be no better way to move forward than to take a sailing course. Sure it was challenging, it was tough, but it was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to sail, or to anyone wanting to check off a bucket list item. Both of our instructors were excellent. They had incredible knowledge, patience and solid teaching techniques. Both boats were in impeccable condition. I had a lot riding on this course as if my wife didn’t like it, my dream to live aboard someday would have been crushed. Thank you, thank you! Aaron Maynard – Myrtle Beach, SC Fast Track to Cruising Course – July 2018 Read more testimonials here

A Cruising Course for Sailors Who Want to Own or Charter Cruising Yachts

The Live Aboard Cruising course assumes you already have US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification and are ready to learn the techniques and skills for handling larger sailboats and bareboat cruising (chartering without a hired skipper). If you do not have US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification but do have equivalent experience on sailboats of at least 26 feet with skippering and crewing experience. you must take the US Sailing Basic Keelboat test (additional fee to added to your package when you sign up) prior to taking the US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising tests during the course.

I have taken all US Sailing courses with Offshore Sailing School. Just finished the Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising Course (that’s me in the yellow shirt on the right).  It’s been an awesome adventure and experience. Instructors are awesome!! Lots of knowledge and experience where you can’t find anywhere in books. Our instructor had so much knowledge  I thought I was a brand new student, talking to Jedi Master YODA!! Sam Hahn – New York, NY

Maximum Four Cabins Available Per Week

Because of the popularity of our live aboard sailing courses, and because we teach a maximum of four per week per cruising boat availability, please have several dates in mind when you contact us to book this cruising course. If you are interested in “Buy the Boat” live aboard family sailing packages, you can add up to 2 more family members. See the Course Schedules tab below for more details.

“My husband and I have traveled the world and this was by far one of our best adventures. An amazing vacation that ended with an acquired skill that will last us our lifetime. I am a teacher. My husband and I run our own Test Prep School and thought I knew everything. My teacher at Offshore taught me the importance of patience and independence. He guided but never coddled. The outcome: I learned more than I could ever have imagined. I am a new person!” Ariana (and Khalid) Khashoggi – Highland Park, NJ Read more testimonials here 

“I did this course with my 16 year old son. Now he has a gift he can use and enjoy for the rest of his life. And I have both a gift and a memory that will remain forever.” Russ McCallian – Aurora, CO Read more testimonials here 

Exclusive Sailing School for The Moorings

Offshore Sailing School has been the exclusive sailing school for  The Moorings , the most prominent charter company in the world since 1988. Offshore Sailing School cruising course graduates are “Captains” in The Moorings preferred charter program and enjoy discounts up to 15% when booking a charter. If you take this course in the British Virgin Islands with family or friends, why not continue your cruising adventure with a bareboat charter vacation right after you graduate?

“Offshore made it easy to learn! From easing us through the many tactical details related to arrival and expectations with extensive email communications, to the excellent books to the truly remarkable instructor who made learning a joy – the result was one of the best weeks ever. Great memories, excellent skills development. What more could one ask for?” Mark Waltz – Muskego, WI Read more testimonials here

International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) for Chartering Overseas

If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification credentials and an IPC, International Proficiency Certificate. US Sailing, the governing body of sailing in the United States, will issue this certificate for a nominal fee for U.S. citizens who have achieved US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and  Bareboat Cruising Certifications. For more information, click here .

A Note About Night Sailing

Most charter agencies do not allow night sailing and require that you are anchored, docked or on a mooring before sunset. Night sailing is not covered in this course, but is covered in  Passage Making courses , the next step in your learning process.

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A Live Aboard Cruising Course or Stay Ashore Bareboat Charter Cruising Course – whether on a monohull or catamaran – prepares you for charter cruising on your own, without professional captain and crew aboard (called Bareboat Cruising by charter companies). Depending on weather conditions and the learning pace of all in your class (maximum four per boat per instructor unless you opt for a Private Family Course), the following will be learned and practiced.

• Planning a cruise
• Familiarization with boat layout and sail plan
• Operation of engine, generator if available, stove, toilets
• Routine engine maintenance
• Fueling techniques
• Use and conservation of battery and charging systems
• Water use and conservation
• Use and location of thru-hull fittings
• Maneuvering under power and sail with emphasis on windage considerations and close quarters
• Big boat docking, mooring, and anchoring techniques
• Proper and safe handling of halyards and lines
• Proper and safe use of winches
• Apparent wind, wind instruments, sail trim and set
• Inter-crew communication when trimming sails, docking, mooring, anchoring
• Genoa roller furling use
• Overboard recovery procedures
• Big boat heavy weather and reefing techniques
• Sailing wing and wing on bigger boats
• Use of jennaker if available
• Boom preventer use
• More knots and their applications
• Log procedures
• Piloting techniques including set, drift and leeway calculations
• GPS navigation
• Rules of the Road
• Danger bearings
• Coast Guard requirements
• Courtesy using lights and sound signals
• Use of safety harness
• Emergency tiller use
• Distress signals
• Operating a dinghy

If you are learning on a catamaran, your training also includes:

• Multiple scenarios related to wind direction and current while docking, mooring, and anchoring
• Close quarters maneuvering on a catamaran versus a monohull
• Windage considerations
• Spring lines and other dock lines configurations for catamarans
• Reefing by wind strength

Pre-requisite for Live Aboard Cruising Courses : US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification

Certifications : US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications are tested for and included in the cost of this course. You receive a logbook from your instructor at the end of the course and US Sailing certification stickers for your logbook, are sent to you after verifying successful completing of the written tests.

Package rates vary by season and location, and include all the elements listed below. Not included are meals ashore, travel and other expenses you may incur. Please call 888-454-7015 for a quote.

At all locations, your Live Aboard Cruising Course includes :

• Live Aboard Cruising Course tuition
• US Sailing textbooks
• Six days living aboard in a shared or private cabin
• One or more nights accommodation ashore (including resort fee and taxes on both)*
• All breakfasts, lunches, snacks and three dinners aboard
• 24-hour practice test mini-cruise at course end, with or without instructor aboard
• US Sailing Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising Certifications when tests are passed
• Colgate Logbook (or page for logbook if you have our logbook from a previous course)
• US Sailing Course Certification stickers for your logbook
• Course diploma
• Eligibility to participate in Colgate Sailing Adventures® Flotilla Cruises
• Exclusive subscription benefit from Cruising World or Sailing World magazines
• Discount charter benefits from The Moorings
• *Accommodations are NOT included in Key West. Students must make their own arrangements

If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification certificates and an International Proficiency Certificate. US Sailing, the governing body of sailing in the United States, will issue this certificate for a nominal fee for U.S. citizens who have achieved US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification. For more details, view the  IPC page  on US Sailing’s website or go to  https://www.ussailing.org  and search IPC.

Sample course schedules are sent upon enrollment with other confirmation materials and information.

• ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, Captiva Island, FL
• Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Petersburg, FL
• Key West, FL
• Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

Offshore Sailing School knows we cannot thrive without great employees and products. All graduates are asked to fill out an evaluation at the end of the course. The following testimonials come from those evaluations and individual correspondence with recent graduates of the Living Aboard Cruising Course. Many are happy to correspond by email or phone with you. If you would like us to put you in touch with anyone below, please call 888-454-7015 or email [email protected].

Here’s what our Live Aboard Cruising graduates have to say :

This was my first experience with a catamaran and I am impressed with how much we all were able to learn on a compressed time schedule. I am very pleased to feel confident about handling a cruise in a 14 ton cat!

Laurent Mets – Chicago, IL

My experience was worth every penny. Jim was everything I would want from a sailing instructor and leader. I have done a fair amount of outdoor schooling and he ranks very high in my book. I would recommend the course without hesitation.

Christopher Moore – St. Petersburg, FL

Neil has been the most terrific instructor I have met in my sailing experience. (I was a sailing instructor for small boats as well and I can definitively judge this aspect.) The course was incredibly fun and well-structured. His level of knowledge is incredible and he was able to share his experiences and taught us the practical skills. Everything about my live aboard cruising course exceeded my expectations. Great sailing, the navigation and itinerary between islands were very well prepared, outstanding course content and sailing practice.

Vincent Schmitt – Hillsborough, NJ

My wife and I really enjoyed our Offshore Sailing experience. It did, indeed, exceed our expectations. The BVI is a beautiful place to learn. Our two fellow onboard students were pleasant to be with. Importantly, Amanda, our instructor, made learning fun. She was delightful, an excellent instructor, and we learned a lot from her.

Michael Leonhardt – Chicago, IL

Neil was amazing – knowledgeable, great teacher, we had a blast. Over all experience: Terrific course – I’m now ready to take a boat out on my own!

Brad Richards – Philadelphia, PA

We have taken Offshore courses and sailed the BVIs with 6 captains. Our entire family, kids included, said that Dutch (Neil) was the best captain, instructor and companion ever! We learned a lot and had a terrific experience.

James and Blanche Williams – New York, NY

The course exceeded my expectations. I have some experience as sailing crew and was nervous that I would slow the class down. I learned a lot and am now more confident. I would recommend this course enthusiastically.

Ann Hobbs – East Setauket, NY

We had an amazing six days on our live aboard! Would highly recommend this course! We learned so much and had fun at the same time. Simply amazing.

Lissa Uhlenhop – Las Vegas, NV

Amazing experience! Garren was excellent. He put my wife at ease as it was her first time on a live aboard. His technical knowledge and practical application of it is fantastic. A great week was had by all!

Eric Uhlenhop – Las Vegas, NV

Our family did the Live Aboard for our 13 year old son’s spring break. We wanted to learn how to sail the bigger boats so that we could cruise as a family. The live-aboard course allowed us to really learn and understand what it is like to bareboat. A 50 ft. sailboat is daunting but now we know we can handle it. We look forward to cruising in the BVI as a family.

Cathy, David and Will Madairy – Charlotte, NC

Jim was great. The weather was rough the first couple of days (20-25 knots gusting to 35) and he helped us make the best of it. If you can dock in that weather, you can do it in lots of situations. The rest of the week went very well. Hard work but worth it. My wife and I learned a lot. The feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment after taking the boat out and back on the last day was the perfect end to the week.

George Matook – Farmingham, MA

When I began I never handled a boat (sail or power) and by the end of the week I was sailing and maneuvering a 40’ boat out of a dock. Great learning experience! I could never imagine how much I would learn in such a short period of time.

Jennifer Eubanks – Marietta, CT

We were amazed at the end of the week by how much we had learned. Excellent experience. Looking forward to taking another class.

Dave Shanklin – Indianapolis, IN

Outstanding instruction, quality sailboat, and great winds in the BVI. We learned a great deal and had loads of fun!

Dan Riordan – McLean, VA

Our instructor was fantastic! Lots of knowledge, experience and patience! He definitely made the catamaran sailing course really fun and interesting. I highly recommend anyone interested in sailing to learn in the British Virgin Islands at Offshore Sailing School. Fantastic time!

Kent Killion – Prospect, NY

Just came back from the British Virgin Islands on our maiden voyage after taking the Fast Track to Catamaran Cruising course!! Took two of our 3 boys and one of the girlfriends. Very proud of our accomplishment. Thanks for all the great training!!

Dan Barzel – Cordova – TN

A terrific experience. I look forward to opportunities to continue sailing both through the Offshore Sailing Club and other activities, flotillas or future classes.

Kevin O’Neill – Hawthorne, NJ

Offshore is a great school to take you from no sailing experience to a competent live-aboard sailor in a week!

Markus Beissinger – Randolph, NJ

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