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N 48° 45.433' W 122° 30.280'
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P O W E R B O A T I N S T R U C T I O N
If you have dreamed of cruising the San Juan Islands in a luxurious yacht, we can help you make it happen! San Juan Yachting offers three options for powerboat instruction (see links to the left). If you have experience in smaller boats, or sailboats, and are looking to upgrade your skills to larger yachts (32 foot plus), or even if you have very little experience at all, we have a program tailored to meet your needs. WHY CHOOSE SAN JUAN YACHTING FOR YOUR POWERBOAT INSTRUCTION?
COURSE OPTIONS & INFORMATION Option 1: 3-HOUR MANEUVERING This course is designed for experienced boaters who would like to become competent maneuvering a larger yacht, maneuvering a different engine configuration (single or twin), or would like a refresher. Since operating a vessel in close quarters can be intimidating, your instructor will give you key tips and the added practice you need to get the "feel" and "touch" to comfortably maneuver a large yacht or trawler in harbors and marinas. We offer this course in both twin-screw motor yacht and single-screw trawler formats. Many of our charter guests choose to add this option to the first day of their charter in order to become more familiar with their chosen yacht, gain confidence in its maneuvering characteristics, and provide their crew with a refresher in docking teamwork. Tuition: $250 per person. No extra charge for docking crew training for a second person. Option 2: 3-DAY SEAMANSHIP CERTIFICATION Designed for those with limited boating experience, this course provides you with the essential skills to skipper a large twin-screw motor yacht or a single-screw trawler, and will prepare you for bareboat charter. These three days are a perfect combination of intense learning and fun - a fabulous introduction to cruising northwest style! Your course begins at 9am Saturday. After yacht systems orientation and training, you'll spend the majority of day one learning to maneuver in close quarters and how to use line handling techniques to your advantage while docking. Specific item of interest covered during the maneuvering portions of this course are: how to compensate for the effects of wind and current on your boat, maneuvering in tight quarters, and shorthanded docking. In addition day one will include a general overview of boat systems and an introduction to navigation. Lunch will be included. The night is free to spend as you choose. (There are several excellent restaurant choices in and near the marina.) You may sleep aboard at no extra cost or stay at any one of a number of local area hotels. Day two begins at 9am, after breakfast on your own. Begin with more hands-on maneuvering practice followed by navigation and cruise/fuel planning, then you're off on a scenic 18-nautical-mile cruise to beautiful Sucia Island. Lunch is provided onboard during your cruise, and your instructor will use the time en route to cover essential boating skills, navigation, chart plotter use, and answer any questions you may have regarding cruising. Your destination, Sucia, is considered the "Crown Jewel" of the San Juan Islands and offers several protected anchorages, miles of hiking trails and incredible scenery. Upon arrival you'll practice anchoring techniques and tying to mooring buoys, followed by a nature walk (optional) and a salmon BBQ aboard your yacht! Enjoy one of our spectacular San Juan Islands from the deck of your yacht, and spend the night aboard at anchor. Day three begins with breakfast aboard (provided) and preparation to cruise back to Bellingham. Time will be allowed for additional docking and mooring practice, as well as navigation preparation for the cruise home. Lunch will be included onboard. Upon return to Bellingham, finish off day three with additional docking practice. This is a day to wrap up any questions you may have and practice any skills that you would like to reinforce, so make sure to let your instructor know if there are any specific topics you would like to cover, or areas where you would like extra practice. The course concludes at 5pm on day three. Now you're ready for your first bareboat charter vacation! Tuition: $575/person, double occupancy, or $775/person, single occupancy for yachts under 44'. $725/person, double occupancy, or $925/person, single occupancy for yachts 45' and larger. Limited to four students. Yacht and fuel included. Course Preparation Checklist (click here)
Option 3: PRIVATE SEAMANSHIP CERTIFICATION & VACATION CRUISE Some people are simply more comfortable with private, individualized training. So if you have a group of friends who plan to charter in the near future or you're a family eager to step up to the yachting lifestyle, private lessons might be right for you. With a private instructor you have lots of options. You can tailor your experience to learn as much (or as little) as you choose. Just pick one of our motoryachts, charter the vessel at our normal rates and take along a skipper/instructor for 3 to 6 days. If your goal is to become a bareboat-charter-qualified skipper, you'll cover all the skills taught in our 3 and 6-day courses. Or you can just relax and learn the specific boat handling skills of most interest to you. You'll be welcome to participate in the operation of the vessel accordingly. This is our most flexible training/chartering option. It's a great vacation, and great learning opportunity! Skipper/Instructor: $250/day for up to four students, plus charter fee, actual fuel used, dock fees, and food for all aboard. (If your instructor qualifies you as "bareboat charter ready" prior to the end of your charter, you may arrange to ferry or fly your instructor back to Bellingham from the islands and continue on your vacation with you in command of your yacht!)
ALL WOMEN WEEKEND CRUISE Many women are drawn to yachting, but find either they cannot learn from their husband (no matter how wonderful he is!) or the demands of caring for their family or guests while on the water overshadow the enjoyment of their time aboard. This informal weekend is just for you! Develop your yachting skills and build your confidence as you explore the San Juan Islands with our top female instructors. Then unwind and spend Saturday evening indulging in a five-course dinner, including wine, dessert and lots of new friendships. Rate: $475, all meals included. No prior experience necessary. Dates: We schedule these weekends (9am Saturday through 5pm Sunday) in May and June, based on your convenience and instructor availability.
Click here for more information!
QUESTIONS? We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our boats, our program, or cruising the San Juan Islands. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-670-8089 or info@sanjuanyachting.com. We look forward to seeing at our docks!
San Juan Islands Power Boat Instruction | Pacific Northwest Yacht Charters | Pacific Northwest Motoryacht Charters |
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info@sanjuanyachting.com with questions
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