This course is able to accommodate beginners learning to sail a large ocean sailing vessel to students interested in advanced ocean navigation. The course is designed for students that plan to expand their horizons to include bareboat chartering and coastal or offshore passage making and cruising. A Sea-Service certificate is awarded upon completion of this course.

We designed the combined sailing course to fill the needs expressed by our students. Many students came to us wanting a night sail but were lacking sailing experience and background. Consequently, we designed and constructed a course in which we focus on sailing, seamanship, navigation and safety for several days and follow this up by a night passage.

The night sail transiting the Caribbean Sea can be demanding and may be rigorous. The course provides a controlled introduction to night sailing. We are underway at night remaining at sea with an anticipated morning landfall entering Charlotte Amalie Harbor in the dark. The Night Passage will offer the participant a clear picture of the rigors and demands of offshore sailing and offshore passage making during the night.

As with all programs of this type, weather is an important factor in the safe execution of a night passage. The night passage will be conducted when weather conditions are favorable for both the departure and the return. Students will actively participate in the weather gathering and decision making process for the night passage. The final decision for departure rests with the captain.

We take great care in planning the night trip. The safety of the vessel, participants, and crew are our first priority and the instruction of safety is high on the list of learning objectives. Participants will operate in two or three person watch teams and will stand 3 hour watches.

Course Outline: Ocean Sailing & Advanced Navigation with a night sail. (Introduction to offshore passage making)

I. The Sailing Vessel

II. Navigation

III. Offshore Safety at Sea

IV. The Daily Schedule

We provide all instructional materials for the Ocean Sailing and Advanced Navigation with night sail course (Introduction to Offshore Passage Making) including marine charts, navigational tools, books and other materials related to the course.

All persons must wear flotation while underway. We provide deck-jackets, but bring your own “crewsaver”, etc. if you wish.