Elective Courses and Seminars

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Study course material included with all classroom courses.

Fundamentals of Weather
Prerequisite: none
	This course covers many aspects of the formation and behavior of the weather around us. Meteorology is quite technical in nature, whereas Fundamentals of Weather is presented in a clear, straightforward manner that eliminates much of the jargon. The study of weather is both fascinating and satisfying. The skills you will develop from this course will serve you for a lifetime. With practice, you will be able to make short term forecasts - challenge the professionals as to who better predicts the weather in your local area. With Fundamentals of Weather, you will forecast the weather beyond 'red sky at night'.   Top
Global Weather
Prerequisite: none
	Global Weather expands on concepts introduced in the Fundamentals of Weather. In this course you will study topics like El Nino, summer monsoons, or lake effect snows. Work with measurements such as air pressure, temperature, dew point and wind direction/speed to sharpen your forecasting skills. Appreciate the inner workings of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) and chinooks. Develop skills in offshore sailing and advance planning including the use of weather services and interpreting data. Study the weather in all its moods.   Top
Extended Cruising
Prerequisite: none
	To roam upon the seas has long been a dream of many adventurous sailors. In today's fast paced life, the sea remains one of the few places where one can explore our planet while making a personal journey as well. To make port successfully after a long sea voyage using your own boat and skills is a great accomplishment, especially as offshore sailors must be able to fill the roles of helmsperson, navigator, plumber, meteorologist, shipwright, radio operator, cook, doctor, sailmaker, mechanic and diplomat. The Extended Cruising course helps establish the skills required for you to seek distant shores.   Top
Sailing
Prerequisite: none
	The new Sail Course, adopted from the USPS Sail 2009 course, provides the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely. It will acquaint the beginner sailor with day-sailing in protected waters, while allowing experienced sailors to sharpen their skills. The course has 4 main sections: The Sailboat (Rigs and Plans; Design; Standing and Running Rigging; Sail types and cuts); The Forces (Stability; Balance; Wind...); Techniques of Sailing (Tuning; Up and Downwind sailing; Spinnaker handling; Heavy weather sailing...); and Boat Operation (Docking and Anchoring; Safety; Navigation rules...) Whether you are a sailboat skipper, a seasoned or new crew member, or even just contemplating buying a sailboat, this a course not to be missed!   Top
Boat & Engine Maintenance
Prerequisite: none
	This course is designed to familiarize all boat owners, both power and sail, with the various systems on board, and it will expand the average boat-owner's knowledge of vessel maintenance --a prudent safety feature as well as a cost-saver. Students will gain a basic understanding of gas and diesel, two and four stroke, inboard, and inboard/outboard engines as well as a broad range of maintenance issues. The subject matter covers seasonal maintenance and repairs to wooden, fiberglass and metal hulls. Sections are devoted to maintenance for electrical and mechanical systems; spars, rigging and ground tackle; fire and safety protection; moorings and berths; trailers; tools and fittings. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about your own boat and you will learn valuable tips which will save time and money in the pursuit of your hobby. By participating in this course you may not become a mechanic, a shipwright, or an electrician, but you will certainly be better equipped to deal with small issues before they become major problems!   Top