The Navigation & Piloting (N & P) graduate will have demonstrated the traditional, non-electronic knowledge aids to navigation (ATONs) and the art of traditional navigation techniques using hard copy navigational charts and tools such as tide and current tables, phases of the moon, compass, dividers, and parallel plotters.

This course is held in the classroom using local Puget Sound charts, tide, and current data.

Successful completion prepares you to:

Demonstrate

• how to determine latitude and longitude; interpret aids to navigation (ATONs), interpret navigation charts, estimate tide and current, determine course to steer and trip planning
• use of the plotting techniques and tools to plot and label, neatly and accurately, the following items:
  • Latitude and longitude of position.
  • a line of position (LOP)
  • a three point fix position
  • a Dead Reckoning (DR) position and course to steer.
  • a course to steer given the set and drift of a known current.
• measure distance on a chart without a bar scale

Determine

• soundings for depth of water to be used for anchoring and safe passage.
• the height of tide, direction and strength of current using tide and current tables, charts, the rule of twelfths and the rule of thirds
• speed, time and distance to a destination
• fuel consumption to a destination

Demonstrate

• your ability to select appropriate charts
• ability to use Chart #1

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite for Navigation & Piloting Certification (N & P). This course provides practical navigation skills using traditional techniques (no electronics) for our local Salish Seas. Therefore, It can be taken at any time before, after, or in conjunction with BK1-3 and BC1-2.

N&P class or Coastal Navigation is required prior to taking any Windworks vessels overnight (Club Policy).  N&P class is highly recommended to be taken prior to US Sailing Coastal Navigation.

The Coastal Navigation graduate will have demonstrated the art of traditional navigation techniques and the ability to integrate electronic navigation tools into the navigation plan.

Coastal Navigation Certification requires the successful completion of the following knowledge and skills, as demonstrated by passing a written examination. These requirements are expected to be performed with confidence and a high degree of accuracy.

Successful completion prepares you to:

• Understand relative bearings and how to convert them for plotting.
• Demonstrate the use of the true and magnetic compass roses and the correct application of variation and deviation.
• Demonstrate how to integrate electronic information with traditional navigation techniques.
• Demonstrate your ability to use a hand bearing compass.
• Demonstrate your ability to select appropriate charts from the chart catalog.
• Demonstrate your ability to update charts using the Local Notice to Mariners.
• Demonstrate your ability to use Chart #1.
• Demonstrate your ability to use a Coast Pilot and Cruising Guide.
• Demonstrate your ability to use a Light List.
• Determine the height of tide at any time or location.
• Determine the direction and strength of the current at any time or location.
• Measure distance on a chart with and without a bar scale.
• Determine the Latitude and Longitude of a position.
• Plot and label, neatly and accurately, the following items: a Dead Reckoning (DR) course; a course corrected for leeway; an after motion triangle to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of a known current; a before motion triangle to determine a course to steer given the set and drift of a known current; a running fix; a fix; a danger bearing; ranges.

Prerequisites

There is no prerequisite for Coastal Navigation Certification. Recommended Navigation and Piloting.

Pricing

• Members: $695
• Non-members: $1,195
• Please note:  Windworks highly recommends taking our in house Navigation and Piloting (N & P) class prior to taking US Sailing Coastal Navigation class.  US Sailing Coastal Navigation is very challenging.

You finally made it, gone through all the classes, had sufficient time on the water, and now you are ready to get through the next level. Sailing day after day, around the clock, to reach a destination.

You will learn, and practice, the skills required for safe coastal passages as a skipper or crew aboard an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during passages on coastal waters, in all weather conditions, including all levels of visibility and all hours of the day and night.

Successful completion prepares you to:

Preparation to Sail

• Prepare a plan for coastal passage of at least 50 nautical miles.
• Develop a comprehensive provisioning and galley meal plan.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive check of the vessel, her rig and equipment.

Crew Operations and Skills

• Develop a primary watch schedule and duty roster for the skipper, navigator, crew, galley and ship’s maintenance for the passage.
• Demonstrate a plan of advanced weather forecasting: high and low pressure systems, fronts, storms, squalls, gales and various fog conditions.
• Demonstrate competency in proper coastal navigation techniques.
• Maintain a continuous ship’s log in a timely manner to include significant events, navigation entries and weather records.

Boat Control In Open Water

• Demonstrate decision making and boat handling skills for boat control in any wind and sea conditions.

Heavy Weather Sailing

• Prepare the vessel for adverse conditions.
• Demonstrate boat control in adverse conditions.

Prerequisites

Bareboat Cruising (BBC)

US Coastal Navigation

Pricing

• WWSC Members: $2,995
• Non-members: $4,995

The Catamaran Endorsement Course is intended for students with a US Sailing Bareboat Cruising certification or equivalent skills. The course is taught aboard our brand Lagoon 400 Catamaran. Our Catamaran Endorsement course is designed for sailors looking to become competent and confident on larger cruising catamarans. You’ll practice all the skills you need for chartering this yacht, anywhere in the world, on the beautiful Puget Sound.

Successful completion prepares you to:

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.

Prerequisites

US Sailing Bareboat Cruising (BBC) Experienced Sailors can send resume to  Support@windworkssailing.com for consideration. Or call (206) 784 9386.

Pricing

• WWSC Members: $795
• Non-members: $1,495