Sail Cape Cod’s Certified Basic Keelboat Instructional Center
The Basic Keelboat Certification class is a 21 hour course taught over three consecutive days, Thursday through Saturday for the June and August class dates, or Friday through Sunday for the July and September class dates. Designed in collaboration with US Sailing to offer a comprehensive introductory level program to participants, providing them with the skills, confidence, knowledge, and overall competencies to successfully and safely sail Keel Boats.
Class Goals: To have fun on the water and to learn and/or build upon the basics of sailing. Students in this class will sail with a small group on our J/22 class boats under the direction of our US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certified Instructor. Typical Student to Instructor ratio is 4:1
Where: Students will meet & board at the Gateway Marina docks behind the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South St, Hyannis.
Course Details: Each day includes 2 hours in the classroom and 5 hours on the water, with both sessions taught by a US Sailing certified instructor. There is a practical and written test given at the end of the course. The course is designed to give you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to safely captain a 19’ to 26’ sailboat with auxiliary power during daylight hours in moderate up to heavy-air conditions. Each student receives a text book full of detailed diagrams and information on every part of the course. The $600 registration fee includes:
– The 3 day Adult Sailing Class
– US Sailing Keelboat Certification on completion
– One Year membership to US Sailing
– A log book to keep track of your sailing experience
Topics covered include:
– Boat, Rigging and Equipment
– Understanding the Wind and Weather
– Points of Sail
– Tacking, Jibing, Heaving-to and Reefing
– Sail Trim, Shape and Control
– Crew Overboard Procedure and Drills
– Rules of the Road
– Basic Navigation
– Outboard Motor Operation
– Line Handling and Essential Knots
More information can be found at https://www.ussailing.org/education/adult/certification-courses-endorsements/basic-keelboat/