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Seahawk Sailing School Course List
Tuition and Enrollment Notes:
All Seahawk Sailing School instructors hold a US Coast Guard issued Merchant Marine Captains License and are certified by the American Sailing Association (ASA). Each instructor has met the criteria demanded by the American Sailing Association in the challenging and intense Instructor Qualification Clinics. Our boats are professionally maintained and specifically equipped for the safety and ease of teaching you to sail.
- Your tuition includes course textbook, ASA certification logbook, and a complementary one-year membership to the American Sailing Association.
- We proudly support our troops and offer military members a discount of 10% per individual (active duty, reserve, or retired w/ ID card).
- The rates given are per person unless otherwise stated.
- On-the-water classes are limited to three students per course with the exceptions of a small group or family who enroll together. Ideally we like to keep our instructor to student ratio at 1:3 for ASA 101 and 103, whereas a 1:4 ratio in ASA 104 and 106 does not adversely affect the training environment.
- Enroll in two or three classes at the same time as for additional savings. Contact us for a price quote and to arrange a combo package that meets your needs.
All Seahawk Sailing School instructors hold a US Coast Guard issued Merchant Marine Captains License and are certified by the American Sailing Association (ASA). Each instructor has met the criteria demanded by the American Sailing Association in the challenging and intense Instructor Qualification Clinics. Our boats are professionally maintained and specifically equipped for the safety and ease of teaching you to sail.
ASA Course 101; Basic Keelboat Sailing
This is our foundational beginning class specifically designed for those who have had little or no previous boating or sailing experience.
Course Content:
Sailing Terminology, Getting Underway, Rules of the road, Docking, Points of Sail, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Handling, Controlling Angle of Heel, Heaving to, Reefing, Basic Knots, Crew Overboard Recovery, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hour sessions as two full days or four half days
Tuition: 450.00 p/p
Sessions:BK-10: August 20 - 21, TWO SEATS REMAINING
--This class will be run out of our St. Clair Shores base onboard a Hunter 33.
This is our foundational beginning class specifically designed for those who have had little or no previous boating or sailing experience.
Course Content:
Sailing Terminology, Getting Underway, Rules of the road, Docking, Points of Sail, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Handling, Controlling Angle of Heel, Heaving to, Reefing, Basic Knots, Crew Overboard Recovery, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hour sessions as two full days or four half days
Tuition: 450.00 p/p
Sessions:BK-10: August 20 - 21, TWO SEATS REMAINING
--This class will be run out of our St. Clair Shores base onboard a Hunter 33.
ASA Course 103; Basic Coastal Cruising
Basic Coastal Cruising provides you with continued hands on experience with that which you learned in ASA 101. Here you will learn the fundamentals of large boat cruising in preparation for sailing on larger bodies of water.
Course Content:
Building upon what you learned in Basic Keelboat Sailing, we will explore additional content which will take you deeper into the specifics of Boat Systems and Boat Handling Skills. Topics to be covered include: Electrical & Engine, VHF Radio Usage, Safety Systems, Sound Signals, Forces Affecting Your Boat, Rules of the Road, Weather, Nav Aids & Lights, Anchoring, along with an introduction to Navigation, Marine Charts, and Chart Symbols. Then to tie it all together, the Written Exam.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat ASA 101
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 450.00 p/p
Sessions:
BC-8: TBD August
Basic Coastal Cruising provides you with continued hands on experience with that which you learned in ASA 101. Here you will learn the fundamentals of large boat cruising in preparation for sailing on larger bodies of water.
Course Content:
Building upon what you learned in Basic Keelboat Sailing, we will explore additional content which will take you deeper into the specifics of Boat Systems and Boat Handling Skills. Topics to be covered include: Electrical & Engine, VHF Radio Usage, Safety Systems, Sound Signals, Forces Affecting Your Boat, Rules of the Road, Weather, Nav Aids & Lights, Anchoring, along with an introduction to Navigation, Marine Charts, and Chart Symbols. Then to tie it all together, the Written Exam.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat ASA 101
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 450.00 p/p
Sessions:
BC-8: TBD August
ASA Course 104; Bareboat Chartering
Course Content:
The course is structured along the lines of an actual charter and you will leave the home waters of Port Sanilac planing your route and arrival at a new harbor for the evening. It leverages everything learned in ASA 101 and 103 plus additional new content which includes the areas of Provisioning, Meal Preparation, Boat Systems, Emergency Procedures, Safety, Anchoring, Navigation, Cruise Planning, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat ASA 101 & Basic Coastal Cruising ASA 103
* Passage to/from Canada requires all persons to posses a valid Passport.
Course Length:Two and a half days.
Tuition: 750.00 p/p
Sessions:BB-3: August 26 - 28, ONE SEAT REMAINING
--This class will be run out of our St. Clair Shores base onboard a Hunter 33.
Course Content:
The course is structured along the lines of an actual charter and you will leave the home waters of Port Sanilac planing your route and arrival at a new harbor for the evening. It leverages everything learned in ASA 101 and 103 plus additional new content which includes the areas of Provisioning, Meal Preparation, Boat Systems, Emergency Procedures, Safety, Anchoring, Navigation, Cruise Planning, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat ASA 101 & Basic Coastal Cruising ASA 103
* Passage to/from Canada requires all persons to posses a valid Passport.
Course Length:Two and a half days.
Tuition: 750.00 p/p
Sessions:BB-3: August 26 - 28, ONE SEAT REMAINING
--This class will be run out of our St. Clair Shores base onboard a Hunter 33.
ASA Course 105; Coastal Navigation
This is primarily an academic classroom course in which you will learn and demonstrate the navigational theory and skills required to safely navigate a sailing (or power) vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no sailing/on-the-water skills part to this standard and practical application of this course applies equally to both sailors and power boaters.
This course is offered in several different formats to best fit the needs and experience levels of our students.
Home Study allows the student to work at their own pace, schedule, and location. There is no time restriction on completion, but we encourage students to complete the course past experience indicates that you should set aside one evening a week to work on the course and plan on completion in no more than 2-3 months to retain the knowledge and maintain momentum.
Web Enabled is an instructor assisted version of home study. Students are guided though each topic using various electronic media and communication to aid you as you move though the course. Although regular lessons and assignments are provided, each student is allowed to progress at his/her own pace.
Classroom provides a structured academic experience where the instructor will provide lectures and guided hands-on practice for each topic and classroom session. These are offered primary in the winter months in once a week sessions and run over a six-week period.
Course Content:
Students learn the navigation theory and practical skills required to safely pilot a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters with a focus on real world, practical navigation. Students progress from dead reckoning to more complicated piloting incorporating current, leeway, and the integration of electronic navigation. Students learn to use tide and current tables, light lists, Chart No. 1, Notice to Mariners, and other tools.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length:Six 4-hour class periods, or self-paced.
Tuition: Classroom 450.00 p/p; Web Enabled 325.00 p/p; Home study 225.00 p/p
Textbook and workbook are included. Basic Nav tools are required and may be purchased from your local marine supply, from your instructor, or Seahawk Sailing School.
This is primarily an academic classroom course in which you will learn and demonstrate the navigational theory and skills required to safely navigate a sailing (or power) vessel in coastal or inland waters. There is no sailing/on-the-water skills part to this standard and practical application of this course applies equally to both sailors and power boaters.
This course is offered in several different formats to best fit the needs and experience levels of our students.
Home Study allows the student to work at their own pace, schedule, and location. There is no time restriction on completion, but we encourage students to complete the course past experience indicates that you should set aside one evening a week to work on the course and plan on completion in no more than 2-3 months to retain the knowledge and maintain momentum.
Web Enabled is an instructor assisted version of home study. Students are guided though each topic using various electronic media and communication to aid you as you move though the course. Although regular lessons and assignments are provided, each student is allowed to progress at his/her own pace.
Classroom provides a structured academic experience where the instructor will provide lectures and guided hands-on practice for each topic and classroom session. These are offered primary in the winter months in once a week sessions and run over a six-week period.
Course Content:
Students learn the navigation theory and practical skills required to safely pilot a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters with a focus on real world, practical navigation. Students progress from dead reckoning to more complicated piloting incorporating current, leeway, and the integration of electronic navigation. Students learn to use tide and current tables, light lists, Chart No. 1, Notice to Mariners, and other tools.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length:Six 4-hour class periods, or self-paced.
Tuition: Classroom 450.00 p/p; Web Enabled 325.00 p/p; Home study 225.00 p/p
Textbook and workbook are included. Basic Nav tools are required and may be purchased from your local marine supply, from your instructor, or Seahawk Sailing School.
ASA Course 106; Advanced Coastal Cruising
Instructor and students sail across Lake Huron from our home port of Port Sanilac to Bayfield, Ontario or up the Michigan Shoreline to Tawas City and then back. This is typically a three day, two night live-aboard course; boarding the first day at 6:00 pm, staying on the boat two nights, and going to 5:00 P.M. on the last day. You may also elect to complete this course in a longer timeframe of five to seven days and complete the course in conjunction with 104 or 105 and enjoy a longer cruise into the North Channel or Mackinac Strait Area.
Course Content:
Proper selection of sails, local weather in relation to thermal winds, “heaving to”, towing and using a dinghy, understanding boat limitations, emergency preparedness, nautical customs and courtesies, nighttime man-overboard drills, and a written exam.
Prerequisite: Bareboat Chartering ASA 104 and Coastal Navigation ASA 105
* Passage to/from Canada requires all persons to posses a valid Passport.
Course Length: Three days up to seven days.
Tuition: 950.00 to 2350.00 p/p
Sessions:
AC-1: July 26 - 28, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., FULL
AC-2: TBD August, FULL
Instructor and students sail across Lake Huron from our home port of Port Sanilac to Bayfield, Ontario or up the Michigan Shoreline to Tawas City and then back. This is typically a three day, two night live-aboard course; boarding the first day at 6:00 pm, staying on the boat two nights, and going to 5:00 P.M. on the last day. You may also elect to complete this course in a longer timeframe of five to seven days and complete the course in conjunction with 104 or 105 and enjoy a longer cruise into the North Channel or Mackinac Strait Area.
Course Content:
Proper selection of sails, local weather in relation to thermal winds, “heaving to”, towing and using a dinghy, understanding boat limitations, emergency preparedness, nautical customs and courtesies, nighttime man-overboard drills, and a written exam.
Prerequisite: Bareboat Chartering ASA 104 and Coastal Navigation ASA 105
* Passage to/from Canada requires all persons to posses a valid Passport.
Course Length: Three days up to seven days.
Tuition: 950.00 to 2350.00 p/p
Sessions:
AC-1: July 26 - 28, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., FULL
AC-2: TBD August, FULL
ASA Course 110; Small Boat Sailing
Course Content:
Rigging the Boat, Getting Underway, Boat Balance, Docking, Points of Sail, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Trim, Heaving to, Reefing, Crew Overboard Drills, Righting a Capsized boat, Safety, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 425.00 p/p
Course Content:
Rigging the Boat, Getting Underway, Boat Balance, Docking, Points of Sail, Tacking & Jibing, Sail Trim, Heaving to, Reefing, Crew Overboard Drills, Righting a Capsized boat, Safety, and Written Exam.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 425.00 p/p
ASA Course 118; Docking Endorsement
This 1-day course is designed to teach docking skills. It covers the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner without damage or injury.
Course Content:
After reviewing study materials prior, students will spend an entire day on the boat practicing what they learn. Topics to be covered include forces that act on the boat, engine and rudder control, properly securing mooring lines, spring lines, safety, and crew responsibilities.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length:Two 4-hours sessions presented in one full day of classroom and hands-on instruction.
Tuition: 225.00 p/p
This 1-day course is designed to teach docking skills. It covers the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner without damage or injury.
Course Content:
After reviewing study materials prior, students will spend an entire day on the boat practicing what they learn. Topics to be covered include forces that act on the boat, engine and rudder control, properly securing mooring lines, spring lines, safety, and crew responsibilities.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length:Two 4-hours sessions presented in one full day of classroom and hands-on instruction.
Tuition: 225.00 p/p
ASA Course 119; Marine Weather Endorsement
Learn the role of marine weather as it applies to navigation and safety at sea. This will include how to plan the time and route of a voyage and once underway how to monitor changes in the weather that might affect previous and future decisions. We will cover the use of available weather resources along with time-honored traditional shipboard observations of barometer, wind, clouds, and sea state to judge the validity and progress of the forecasts you have received.
Course Content:
Prepare for unexpected or unavoidable circumstances. The course also covers the properties and behaviors of squalls, fronts, storms and hurricanes. To bind these elements of practical goals, students will learn about atmospheric pressure, clouds, fog, global wind patterns that lead to what we see in specific cases, and an in-depth understanding of the relation between wind and sea state including how to predict wave heights. An inevitable byproduct of the study will be a thorough knowledge of weather maps and how to use them.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hour sessions.
Tuition: 250.00 p/p
Learn the role of marine weather as it applies to navigation and safety at sea. This will include how to plan the time and route of a voyage and once underway how to monitor changes in the weather that might affect previous and future decisions. We will cover the use of available weather resources along with time-honored traditional shipboard observations of barometer, wind, clouds, and sea state to judge the validity and progress of the forecasts you have received.
Course Content:
Prepare for unexpected or unavoidable circumstances. The course also covers the properties and behaviors of squalls, fronts, storms and hurricanes. To bind these elements of practical goals, students will learn about atmospheric pressure, clouds, fog, global wind patterns that lead to what we see in specific cases, and an in-depth understanding of the relation between wind and sea state including how to predict wave heights. An inevitable byproduct of the study will be a thorough knowledge of weather maps and how to use them.
Prerequisite: None
Course Length: Four 4-hour sessions.
Tuition: 250.00 p/p
ASA Course 120; RADAR Endorsement
This class teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance. Curriculum includes theoretical and practical radar operation. A realistic PC based radar simulator is used in the course to illustrate radar measurements.
Course Content:
An overview of radar system components and operations. Also: interpretation of the radar screen, collision avoidance, use of radar in piloting, and navigational rules.
Prerequisite: ASA 105 or Instructor's approval.
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 250.00 p/p
This class teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance. Curriculum includes theoretical and practical radar operation. A realistic PC based radar simulator is used in the course to illustrate radar measurements.
Course Content:
An overview of radar system components and operations. Also: interpretation of the radar screen, collision avoidance, use of radar in piloting, and navigational rules.
Prerequisite: ASA 105 or Instructor's approval.
Course Length: Four 4-hours sessions as two full days or four half days.
Tuition: 250.00 p/p
Challenge Course
This option is only for experienced sailors who wish to attain ASA certification and the worldwide recognition of ASA endorsements as either a point of personal pride or when contacting charter companies as proof of experience. Qualified sailors may test out of an ASA course by passing the both the written test and demonstrating on-the-water proficiency.
Course Content:
Each student who wishes to challenge an ASA course must first complete the written exam. Upon successfully passing you will schedule a 2-4 hour block of time on the water where you will be asked to demonstrate the requisite skills. Each ASA course must be challenged in order. (101-103-104-105-106). Course text book and logbook may be purchased from Seahawk Sailing School. Course standards of training may be found in your logbook or online at ASA.com.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval.
Course Length: Varies
Tuition: 180.00
This option is only for experienced sailors who wish to attain ASA certification and the worldwide recognition of ASA endorsements as either a point of personal pride or when contacting charter companies as proof of experience. Qualified sailors may test out of an ASA course by passing the both the written test and demonstrating on-the-water proficiency.
Course Content:
Each student who wishes to challenge an ASA course must first complete the written exam. Upon successfully passing you will schedule a 2-4 hour block of time on the water where you will be asked to demonstrate the requisite skills. Each ASA course must be challenged in order. (101-103-104-105-106). Course text book and logbook may be purchased from Seahawk Sailing School. Course standards of training may be found in your logbook or online at ASA.com.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval.
Course Length: Varies
Tuition: 180.00
Night Sailing
Ready to try something new? Night Sailing is a hands-on workshop for experienced sailors who wish to expand their knowledge, experience, and professional confidence. This is a non-certification course and the topic of a book/course currently being written by Seahawks own Captain Craig.
Course Content:
We will begin in the evening as we prepare the boat for the “evening watch”. Boat preparations, equipment, safety gear, rules of the road, night navigation, and the physiology of what to expect on the body and mind while at sea in the dark.
Prerequisite: None, but students should have sailing experience equivalent of ASA 101 & 103.
Course Length: 6-8 hours.
Tuition: 150.00
Ready to try something new? Night Sailing is a hands-on workshop for experienced sailors who wish to expand their knowledge, experience, and professional confidence. This is a non-certification course and the topic of a book/course currently being written by Seahawks own Captain Craig.
Course Content:
We will begin in the evening as we prepare the boat for the “evening watch”. Boat preparations, equipment, safety gear, rules of the road, night navigation, and the physiology of what to expect on the body and mind while at sea in the dark.
Prerequisite: None, but students should have sailing experience equivalent of ASA 101 & 103.
Course Length: 6-8 hours.
Tuition: 150.00
Captained Charters
In addition to our ASA course offerings, Seahawk Sailing School is also proud to offer you the opportunity to go sailing without the academics of a formal class. Lets face it, sometimes its just nice to get out on the water and enjoy the peace and quiet of a relaxing day afloat where the only sound is the waves gently kissing the side of the boat and conversation with your friends or family.
Come join us for a few hours or the whole day, and experience the adventure and passion that is sailing. Previous sailors with us have enjoyed relaxing in the sun, fishing, a mid-lake swim to cool off as well as getting up close to the occasional great freighters as they make their passage offshore.
Come aboard, sit back, relax, enjoy the ride, or lend a hand in sailing the boat; its all fun; its your choice.
2-hour rides: Reservations appreciated but not necessary, adults $35 children $25.
Private Cruises: Lasting 4 hours (half day), 8 hours (full day) or extended cruises for several days are also available. Please contact us for rates and available dates/time.
Special Event & Private Charters: Tailored to fit your needs a few hours or a few days. Weddings, memorial/ashes at sea, corporate team-building, private parties, color tours, or an expedition to explore far shores.
Sunset and Fireworks Cruise: July 4th Weekend 8pm till 11pm off Port Sanilac.
*OPEN: Call to Reserve
Race Crew: Every Friday evening for the weekly PSM Beer Can Racing Series. Loads of fun, bragging rights only no prizes or trophies.
In addition to our ASA course offerings, Seahawk Sailing School is also proud to offer you the opportunity to go sailing without the academics of a formal class. Lets face it, sometimes its just nice to get out on the water and enjoy the peace and quiet of a relaxing day afloat where the only sound is the waves gently kissing the side of the boat and conversation with your friends or family.
Come join us for a few hours or the whole day, and experience the adventure and passion that is sailing. Previous sailors with us have enjoyed relaxing in the sun, fishing, a mid-lake swim to cool off as well as getting up close to the occasional great freighters as they make their passage offshore.
Come aboard, sit back, relax, enjoy the ride, or lend a hand in sailing the boat; its all fun; its your choice.
2-hour rides: Reservations appreciated but not necessary, adults $35 children $25.
Private Cruises: Lasting 4 hours (half day), 8 hours (full day) or extended cruises for several days are also available. Please contact us for rates and available dates/time.
Special Event & Private Charters: Tailored to fit your needs a few hours or a few days. Weddings, memorial/ashes at sea, corporate team-building, private parties, color tours, or an expedition to explore far shores.
Sunset and Fireworks Cruise: July 4th Weekend 8pm till 11pm off Port Sanilac.
*OPEN: Call to Reserve
Race Crew: Every Friday evening for the weekly PSM Beer Can Racing Series. Loads of fun, bragging rights only no prizes or trophies.
CYO Camp Youth Sailing Program, Small Boat Sailing
Students must be registered campers with the CYO Camp.
Sessions:
Beginners: CYO-1, July 11 - 15, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Advanced: CYO-2, July 18 - 22, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Students must be registered campers with the CYO Camp.
Sessions:
Beginners: CYO-1, July 11 - 15, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Advanced: CYO-2, July 18 - 22, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Certified