Catamaran sailing classes are beneficial not just to sailing rookies but also to those who already know how to sail a catamaran sailboat. These classes ready sailors and help build confidence when it comes to racing, help sailors improve their safety on the water and teach about catamarans and about sailing for pleasure. Catamaran sailing classes are ideal for those interested in crewing, in buying a new boat or in learning new social activities.
Catamaran Sailing School Locations
Catamaran sailing is taught at three California schools: at the Marina Aquatic Center at the University of California Los Angeles, at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center at the University of California San Diego/San Diego State University and at Santa Barbara Sailing School. California State University Long Beach also offers classes to students and faculty already attending classes at the school. These schools provide boats, lockers, showers, wetsuits, life jackets and harnesses, so all you need to do is just attend the classes.
Class Information
Attending catamaran sailing classes means that you are part of a community program and are required to complete the set of classes. As of 2010, these classes cost from $145 to $185 per class, with an additional one-time fee for membership in the program. Students and faculty who already attend the schools that offer these classes might be eligible for a discount. A series of catamaran sailing classes usually includes two to six classes, each about 4 to 7 hours long, and are usually offered on the weekends or late afternoons. A basic sailing class might be required as a prerequisite and are offered at the same schools.
Benefits
Many benefits come with attending catamaran sailing schools whether or not you already know how to sail. Besides learning the basics and becoming prepared for racing, you will also have a chance to meet fellow sailors and make contacts. These sailing schools are also a great place to meet new crew and new skippers or to find volunteer organizers for your planned events. Sometimes, a sailor at the school is searching for a new catamaran starter, and this might be you.
What You'll Learn
At catamaran sailing schools, you will first learn the basics of catamaran sailing, which is similar to standard sailing but more difficult because a catamaran has two hulls. From learning to identify parts of the catamaran sailboat such as the hull and stern to learning the functions of parts of the catamaran, these classes educate you to be a successful catamaran sailor. Other skills you learn include navigation rules, safety rules and how to handle certain situations related to catamaran sailing. You are placed in classes according to an evaluation on your boating knowledge. Classes range from introductions to sailing to advanced sailing classes.
Chartering Catamaran Sailboats
Once you complete a catamaran sailing school, you will be able to charter your own catamaran sailboat and bring your own crew. Sailing experience is required, which is why catamaran sailing school certificates come in handy when filling out a sailing resume. Hands-on experience is extremely important as well, and if your skills are questioned, you may need to go with a captain to test your abilities on a catamaran. Catamaran boats are great for vacations with friends and families--they are spacious, comfortable, yet also speedy and with a shallow draft, meaning that the vessel's keel is not far below the waterline, which allows you to access private beaches.
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