February/March Coastal Navigation Course

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  The February/March 2017 Coastal Navigation Course is required for Sail Chicago members who intend to register for Bareboat Cruising Courses this summer. It is also open to other Sail Chicago members who have a desire to learn coastal navigation. Those who wish to enroll in the on-the-water Bareboat Cruising Course need to be Cruising skippers.  

WHAT IS TAUGHT:  In this course, students learn to identify chart symbols and their corresponding visual observations; define true and magnetic compass readings and application of variation and deviation; plot course and position; calculate time/speed/distance; take bearings and fixes; adjust for set and drift; and, plot danger fixes.  Students work in pairs at a table with charts, dividers and parallel rules.  The instructor will present a topic and students will complete exercises using the charts and plotting equipment at their tables and the assistance of experienced cruising coaches.  

Aids to navigation and rules of the road are covered in a pre-class assignment through a free on-line course, Nautical Know-How Basic Boating Safety Course at http://boatsafe.com.

WHEN:  Coastal Navigation is conducted on two half-days at an office in the loop on February 25 and March 4 from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on both days.  After class on the 25th, we will move to a local pub for refreshements and general discussions.

INSTRUCTION:  The instructor is Bob Lapin, who holds a U.S. Coast Guard OUPC Captain's License and is cerified in U.S. Sailing Basic and Bareboat Cruising. Experienced cruising coaches will be available to assist participants with the chart work.

REGISTRATION: Click on this link above to register.

What’s Included: U.S. Sailing's Coastal Navigation textbook and a binder containing all the overheads presented during the class.

Cost: $125.