Coastal Navigation & Piloting Class

February 11 & 18, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 - 4:30 pm

Course Description

Over the ages navigation has been perceived as a mysterious art form, its inner workings purposely concealed from lowly crew members. Modern navigation, while relying upon the same timeless principles, is interesting and approachable by all. Not only is it essential to safe boating, navigation increases one’s enjoyment of the nautical world.

US Sailing’s Coastal Navigation coursework is the most comprehensive available. It is designed to teach all the essentials of navigation in a way that is both interesting and challenging, presenting all the technical skills needed to navigate anywhere in the world.

Chicago Sailing offers US Sailing’s Coastal Navigation in Basic Navigation and Piloting 501.

Basic Navigation and Piloting 501 is the heart and soul of navigating. In seven hours of classwork you will learn the fundamental concepts of navigation, skills necessary to confidently solve most coastal navigation situations. This course utilizes real-life navigational problems to reinforce the timeless concepts of chart reading, position finding, course plotting, basic rules of the road and the understanding of aids to navigation. Successful graduates will acquire the skills necessary to confidently pilot a vessel in coastal areas as well as other more advanced navigational techniques including an overview of electronic navigation. Certification examination is included, administered 2 weeks after the last session or by appointment.

Instructor for courses:   Alan  Veenstra, a USCG licensed master of 100 tons and owner of Chicago Sailing.  Mr. Veenstra has safely navigated vessels on the Great Lakes, Atlantic, Pacific and the Mediterranean.

Basic Navigation and Piloting 501 Cost: $395, plus $8 s/h for course book Includes US Sailing’s Coastal Navigation textbook, all course instruments and materials When: February 11 & 18, 2012 Morning Sessions: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm or Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 - 4:30 pm Where: Chicago Sailing 3161 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 - Click here for map and directions *Seating is limited so call 773.871.7245 today to reserve your class.

Equipment Required
**Participants who do not already have navigational instruments (dividers, time/distance computer and parallel rules) will be provided with all necessary equipment at the first class.

• These courses will teach the valuable concepts and skills necessary to pilot a small boat from point to point.
• Still, prudent navigation does not rely upon limited sources of information. Participants should not rely exclusively upon these skills before venturing offshore, beyond their skill level. 
• There is no substitute for practice and experience.