

Learn and vacation at the same time on our liveaboard Power Learn-n-Cruise. This comprehensive course will take you out in the islands for a long stretch of yachting, exploring and learning, in a relaxing teaching environment. During your course you will cover the skills needed to charter or skipper a 29' - 42' powerboat, preparing you to cruise on your own! After yacht systems orientation and training, you’ll spend time learning to maneuver in close quarters and to use line handling techniques to your advantage while docking. You’ll practice anchoring and tying up to a mooring ball. Training will also include navigation (chart and GPS chart plotter as well as understanding tides and current), route planning, safety and emergency procedures, VHF use, diesel engine troubleshooting and clear understanding of all the boat’s systems. There will also be opportunities for free time, to go ashore and explore the islands and marinas and to enjoy being on the yacht overnight.
Single Engine- or Twin-Engine Bareboat Charter Certification is included in your course. The Power Learn-n-Cruise course is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces and for overall training to skipper a power boat. Successful completion of the Power Learn-n-Cruise indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a twin inboard or single inboard in close quarters in light wind and or currents and overall competence in managing the vessel.
Courses are limited to four students, allowing for plenty of time for individual instruction and hands-on learning. All meals included (everyone shares in meal preparation and clean up duties), with the exception of one dinner when you’ll enjoy local island dining ashore. All courses are "Non-Smoking/Non-Vaping". For the safety and learning of all aboard, alcoholic beverages are allowed only after instruction, when at dock or at anchor, with a 2-drink limit.
SPRING (3/15 – 6/5)
Single Engine:
$2840 per person (shared stateroom)
$3240 per person (private stateroom)
Twin Engine:
$2945 per person (shared stateroom)
$3345 per person (private stateroom)
SUMMER/FALL (6/6 – 10/15)
Single Engine:
$2995 per person (shared stateroom)
$3395 per person (private stateroom)
Twin Engine:
$3100 per person (shared stateroom)
$3500 per person (private stateroom)
Complete this course and receive up to $850 in coupons for future charters/instruction. Click here for details.
Tuition includes your RPBA certifications, linens, meal provisioning, fuel and moorage.
Pre-study of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, 69th Edition, and a desire to learn.
Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, 69th Edition
Order text online through Amazon or order through your local bookstore. Note that the page numbers provided in the curriculum correspond specifically to the 69th edition.
After you have completed this power course, you will become one of our Preferred Charter Guests and be eligible for 5% off on any weeklong charter. To begin planning your cruising vacation and view our power fleet, click here: Power Fleet
Please arrive at our office at 8:45 am on the first day of your course. We will introduce you to your instructor and you’ll begin loading your gear. At the end of your learning vacation your boat will return to the San Juan Yachting docks by 12pm on the last day. Please allow yourself about an additional hour to unload and debrief when planning your transportation home. All Power Learn-n-Cruise courses require a minimum of three students, maximum four students for confirmation.
Class size is limited, so please contact us at 360-671-8339 or by e-mail for course availability, to register or if you have additional questions. If none of the above dates fit your schedule, please contact us to explore alternate arrangements.
| Courses & Stateroom Bookings | Spring & Summer Guided Flotillas | Fall Guided Flotillas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Learn-n-Cruise | 10-Day Sunshine Coast | 7-Day Independence Celebration | 7-Day San Juan & Gulf Islands |
| Refresher & Maneuvering | 14-Day Desolation Sound | 7-Day San Juan Islands | 14-Day Desolation Sound |
| Private Courses | 10-Day End of Season Hoorah | ||