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Basic Sailing & Coastal Cruising in Detroit

Location(s): Traverse City, MI

Basic Sailing & Coastal Cruising

Set sail for the high seas and become the captain you've always wanted to be!
  • In your 4 day course, you will learn basic sailing skills and expand on them to build increased confidence on the water
  • Learn from an American Sailing Association (ASA) Certified instructor
  • Students are welcome to stay-aboard your vessel at night, dockside in scenic Traverse City
  • No prior sailing experience necessary
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Description:
Taught on cruising boats 27'-30' in length, this course is designed to give you confidence. You'll learn all the basic skills covered in a ASA 101 course, plus dive deeper into anchoring, expanded terminology, heavy weather tactics, harbor handling and docking, person-over-board responses, general seamanship and weather.

You'll also be exposed to a wide variety of gear and hardware found on sailing vessels designed for more than day sailing.

Students are welcome to stay aboard each night at no additional cost! At the end of each day, you'll be back dockside in our marina and free to browse the beautiful town of Traverse City.

Experience the thrill of living aboard a sailboat while you grow your sailing skills.

Availability:
May - September; Classes held Saturday through Tuesday.

Location(s):
Traverse City, MI

Essential Information:
No prior experience necessary. Price includes the ASA "Sailing Fundamentals" text book and log book.

All Captains are USCG Licensed and ASA Certified Sailing Instructors.

Duration:
4 full days

Maximum Participants:
Up to 4

Spectators:
Only enrolled students are allowed to participate.

Weather Dependent:
This experience is weather dependent. Always contact the Experience provider with any questions regarding weather conditions.

What to Wear:
Wear layered clothing, bring rain gear, and wear light soled shoes. In addition, it is recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and sailing gloves.

Booking Information:
For this experience, it is recommended to request bookings at least 14 days in advance.

Cancellation Policy:
Once you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rebooking are allowed up to 30 days prior to the Experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and reschedule at least 30 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.

Experience ID:
WAT-DET-0013

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  1. Why should I attend a Sailing School?
    It's the best way to learn. Consider learning to sail like learning to drive a car. You should not "learn" from your friend or brother. The best method is from a certified sailing school with experienced and licensed instructors. Learning with your family or peers is going to give you the best return on your time spent wanting to learn to sail. Additionally, attending a sailing school is the only way to find out if sailing is for you without having a bad experience caused by bad judgment or inclement weather. 
  2. What if I already now how to sail?
    Most people have been on a sailboat of some kind. Whether a beach cat at your parent's summer cottage, a sunfish at your friends or a bigger boat you were a guest on. There is more to sailing than just "sailing".  All of your experiences are good to have. But taking it to the next level and learning navigation, rules of the road, sail plan theory, safety at sea are just a few of the skills and information that make you a competent and confident sailor and skipper. 
  3. What is included with the cost of the class?
    Everything. The only thing you will be responsible for is your food. Provisioning is easily done at our facility with ample stores and specialty stores very close by. Lodging is never an issue because you stay on the boat.  We have shore side facilities for showering and a number of great restaurants very close by for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  4. Who is ASA and what does the certification mean to me?

    The American Sailing Association (ASA) has been in existence since 1983. We feel ASA offers the best all around learn to sail program available. Here are a few facts regarding ASA.

    1.) Over 270 professional sailing schools use the ASA system worldwide.

    2.) ASA has certified over 7,000 professional sailing instructors.

    3.) ASA has certified over 300,000 students.

    4.) ASA has had a functioning, nationwide keelboat program since 1983.

    5.) ASA certification is recognized by major charter boat companies as well as other ASA facilities around the world.

  5. What physical requirements are required for the classes?
    Mobility and range of motion are two key physical attributes to have. During your classes, you will be moving around, getting on and off of the boat, reaching for and stepping over gear and lines. Its a sailboat. There is more to it than a powerboat. It's difficult for us to judge what will and will not be ideal for you to have a good time and learn how to sail at the same time. The physical attributes have in the past made it a challenge for some people. If you have questions as to your physical capabilities, please call Cloud 9 so we can discuss it with you personally.