Coastal Navigation for Sailors Course

Become comfortable navigating a sailboat on the Salish Sea (within sight of land) for a day sail or overnight cruise. This course will build on the navigation skills learned in the Mountaineer's Basic Crewing Course and will consist of two classroom sessions plus one on-the-water day sail.

First classroom session - Saturday, May 25th, 9am - 3pm, Tacoma Program Center,  North 30th & Carr Streets, in Old Town Tacoma, upstairs classroom.

Second classroom session - Saturday, June 1st, 9am -3pm - same location.

Day sail - Either Saturday, June 8th or date agreed by class.

After completing the course, you will have learned:

• Tools of the Trade - paper charts, compass, difference between true and magnetic north, plotting aids, computer-based charts;
• Dead Reckoning - using speed, time traveled and distance traveled to plan a route;
• Piloting - Using known landmarks, chart information and currents to determine and track your position;
• Basics of Computer-based Navigation - Introduction to use of GPS and electronic charting software at home and onboard.