Advanced Cruising & Seamanship

This series of four online classes will help you sail safely, regardless of weather or situation
Competence in seamanship is important for every sailor, no matter their experience. In this series of online classes, we'll cover weather, navigation, safety, mechanical knowledge, and interpersonal skills necessary to be a safe, confident, happy, proficient coastal cruiser.
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Bill Gladstone is a great instructor who explains everything clearly and gives practical examples. I learned a lot of new skills and strategies that I can apply to my sailing. Highly recommended!

I enjoyed this online course very much. Bill Gladstone is an experienced sailor and a wonderful teacher. He covers all the essential topics and also shares his own stories and tips from his cruising adventures. I feel more confident and prepared for my next cruising trip.

CRUISING & SEAMANSHIP - ONLINE CLASS

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ONLINE CLASS OVERVIEW

Cruising and Seamanship draws on a broad and ever changing mix of skills. Over time there have been changes and improvements in sails, boats, and gear; and of course a revolution in electronics and navigation. In this 4-part series, we'll teach you the latest seamanship skills you'll need to face the new and unique challenges each cruise presents.
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SESSION 1  |  TUE • Jun 6th, 2023

Upwind SAIL Trim

Upwind Trim TheoryMainsail TrimJib TrimHelming Moderate Air TrimLight Air TrimHeavy Air Trim Trim Solutions
Sailing efficiently upwind, against the force that drives us, is a marvel of modern design. In this session on upwind trim, you will learn the theory of upwind sailing and enjoy in-depth training on proper trim. You’ll learn how to sail fast and point high with balance and control in all conditions. We explain proper sail shape and use mainsail and jib controls to achieve optimum performance. You’ll learn techniques to improve performance in light, moderate, and heavy air conditions. We also look at trim tricks for better auto-helm performance and other short-handed techniques.
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SESSION 2  |  TUE • JUL 11th, 2023

Downwind Sail Trim

Reaching TrimRunning TrimGennakersSpinnakersWhisker PolesFurlers
Most of our cruising time is spent reaching. If not, it’s time to choose a new destination! In this session, we address the proper use and trim of gennakers, asymmetric spinnakers, and symmetric spinnakers when reaching and running. We also explain the proper use of whisker poles for jib and main sailing and look at Code sails and furling systems.
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SESSION 3  |  TUE • AUG 8TH, 2023

Marine Weather

The sources of weather information are expanding every day. Our special session with Marine Weather University founder Chris Bedford will help you select the best sources for your needs and teach you how to combine your own observations with forecast information to create a local forecast and plan your passages.

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SESSION 4  |  TUE • SEP 12th, 2023

Cruising & Seamanship

Cruising is sailing… and so much more - navigation, night sailing, tides and currents, wind shifts, engine care, heads, dinghies… The list goes on and on.

In this session, we look at some of the challenges you might encounter on your cruising adventures. We'll cover topics including safety, knots, anchoring & docking, how to deal with squalls and storms, reefing, heaving-to, and as many other topics as we can squeeze into the allotted time!

Lastly, we will offer solutions and an approach to problem-solving that will help ensure a successful cruise. And then we encourage you to go cruising, don't wait, just go!

COURSE MATERIALS

Advanced Cruising & Seamanship Textbook

Whether you are reading this book and taking the corresponding ASA 106 course or considering watching this online class – you take your sailing very seriously. Maybe you are studying to be able to venture out to find your own unspoiled cove in which to anchor or to lay back in an exotic port of call. You could be brushing up on an extended multi-day cruise with your family and friends or you might be thinking of making sailing your profession as an ASA Instructor. One thing is for sure, this book will give you a serious boost down the road to becoming a top-notch sailor and confident seaman; a rare and respected person in the world of yachting. You’ll find all this in the 150-page book from the American Association, the world’s leading sailing authority, in association with North U, the leader in performance sail education. A must-have book for all sailors!

The textbook is NOT included when you register for the online class but it is available in our online store - BUY NOW >

Bill Gladstone

YOUR HOSTS

Bill Gladstone

Bill Gladstone is the director of education at North U and author of the North U Trim, North U Tactics, and North U Cruising books. Bill has been teaching sailing for over 40 years. Graduates of his courses are sailing with confidence and winning races the world over.
Bill Gladstone

Chris Bedford

Chris Bedford’s career has spanned decades where he has provided his expertise to the best sailors in the world. America’s Cups, around the World Races, Olympics, oceanic Record attempts – Chris has done it all. He is a recognized leader in his industry and was the youngest person to ever receive the American Meteorological Society’s “Certified Consulting Meteorologist” status. His engaging teaching style and wry sense of humor make him a popular speaker in the field of weather.
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ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION

4 x Class Series

$129

ASA Member Price

$99

3 Class Bundle

$129

ASA Member Price

$99

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.

ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT

American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!
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