You don't need to own a boat to learn sailing, navigation, and boat handling skills. There are sailing clubs, sailboat rentals, and boat sharing programs in your area that will get you on the water without the expense or maintenance of owning a boat. Private or group instruction and sailing lessons are available through these organizations that will teach you the skills necessary to handle a power or sailboat on your own. After you learn the basics you can choose to take advanced sailing lessons and earn additional sailing certification.
Start your journey by contacting one of the boating facilities or sailing clubs listed in your area. Most organizations offer some sort of introductory lessons to help you decide if boating is right for you. See you on the water!
A decade or two ago, one could learn to sail by climbing aboard a friends’ sailboat or by taking informal sailing lessons from a parent or relative who knew how. There was (and still are) no rules or laws requiring that one be competent before taking the helm in the USA.
As the sport grew exponentially in Europe, many countries adopted a boating license system, which required a lesson program. In 1983, the American Sailing Association (ASA) was formed to provide a certification system for various levels of sailing lessons in the United States, modeled after the existing Canadian Yachting Association. Continue reading →
Here is a great selection of videos and DVD’s that offer sailing tips and guidelines. Sailing is a lifetime of learning, and these videos are perfect for both the novice and experienced sailor.
Dredging activity in the Channel Islands Harbor continues. Please be aware that there will be continuous dredging operations of Channel Islands Harbor from until approximately January 21, 2011. The dredges HR MORRIS, dredge tenders PUP and CUB, and derrick barges FREYA and RENEGADE will be on site and monitoring VHF-FM Channels 13 and 67. Mariners are requested to use caution and contact the dredge HR MORRIS for passing instructions. If you need additional information on the current Channel Islands Harbor dredging schedule or operations please contact Frank Bechtolt at 562-762-5367, the Dredge Captain Fred Franks at 562-762-5396, or dredge HR MORRIS at 562-762-5259.
