SAILING AND NAVIGATION SKILLS WORKSHOPS

Extend your sailing and navigation skills with small group workshops.  Every workshop is limited to no more than 4 people so you have the chance to really participate and learn.

These five workshops, led by an American Sailing Association certified instructor, focus on sail trim, navigation, and ocean sailing.  They provide additional “sea time” for those who want to improve their skills.  The workshops are also valuable  for students who have completed the Coastal Cruising or Bareboat Charter ASA courses.  Except for the night sailing, these workshops are limited to a maximum of 4 people, you’ll have a great chance for a real hands-on experience. They are intended as practical sessions in a relaxed environment.      

The workshops are offered on Symbiosis, a 45 foot Island Packet cruising sailboat.  Three-hour sailing, navigation and night sailing workshops are available either in Keyport, New Jersey or Jersey City, New Jersey.  There are also extended mini-cruise navigation workshops that involve a trip between Keyport and Jersey City and ocean sailing workshops departing from Keyport or Jersey City.  All workshops, except the min-cruise between Keyport and Jersey City, will be offered subject to a minimum of 3 people and will take place rain or shine subject to the captain’s discretion.

Navigation - Mini-Cruise Between Keyport, NJ. And Jersey City

This is a 25 mile cruise that will last up to 5 hours.  Cruise from Keyport, N.J. to Jersey City or Jersey City to Keyport.  Practice your navigation using basic charting skills, GPS, integrated chart plotter and radar.  Cross Raritan Bay, go under the Verrazano Bridge, sail on the Hudson and pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island  Calculate the effects of wind and current, use the radar and GPS to establish position and assess the effects of set and drift due to wind and current.  Use a hand bearing compass to establish position.  This includes all aspects of cruising from one location to another with the use of modern day electronics as well as paper charts and chart plotting tools. Because of the distance involved, portions of the trip may be under power or motor-sailing.  Public transportation on PATH and NJ Transit readily available for the return trip to the point of origination.

Sail Trim Workshop (3 hours)

Learn how to optimize sailing performance on a 45 foot cruising sail boat.  Optimum sail trim on all points of sail including the use of the staysail is covered.  Proper use of main sheet traveler and jib fair leads is also included.   Learn how to handle heavy and light winds to get the most out of your sailing experience.

Navigation Workshop (3 hours)

This is a 3 hour trip either in Raritan Bay or New York Harbor.  Calculate the effects of wind and current, use the radar and GPS to establish position and assess the effects of set and drift due to wind and current.  Use a hand bearing compass to establish position.  This includes all aspects of cruising from one location to another with the use of modern day electronics as well as paper charts and chart plotting tools.  Since the emphasis is on navigation, portions of the trip may be under power or motor-sailing.

Ocean Sailing (full day between Jersey City and Manasquan)

Enjoy the full experience of ocean sailing, starting with trip planning and moving on to getting underway, sailing on the ocean, and return to port.  Gain confidence in your ability to go cruising or chartering.  Practice navigation with charts and electronics. Become more comfortable with the Rules of the Road.  This workshop incorporates the practical aspects of the Coastal Cruising or Bareboat Charter courses. 

Night Sailing (3 hours at night)

 Sail in Raritan Bay or New York Harbor.  Experience and learn how to recognize the light characteristics of marine traffic at night.  This workshop combines both navigation and rules of the road in a challenging after-dark experience.  To the extent that conditions permit, this trip will be done under sail.