Elective Courses and Seminars

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Study course material included with all classroom courses.

Fundamentals of Weather
Prerequisite: none
	This course covers many aspects of the formation and behavior of the weather around us. Meteorology is quite technical in nature, whereas Fundamentals of Weather is presented in a clear, straightforward manner that eliminates much of the jargon. The study of weather is both fascinating and satisfying. The skills you will develop from this course will serve you for a lifetime. With practice, you will be able to make short term forecasts - challenge the professionals as to who better predicts the weather in your local area. With Fundamentals of Weather, you will forecast the weather beyond 'red sky at night'.   Top
Global Weather
Prerequisite: none
	Global Weather expands on concepts introduced in the Fundamentals of Weather. In this course you will study topics like El Nino, summer monsoons, or lake effect snows. Work with measurements such as air pressure, temperature, dew point and wind direction/speed to sharpen your forecasting skills. Appreciate the inner workings of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) and chinooks. Develop skills in offshore sailing and advance planning including the use of weather services and interpreting data. Study the weather in all its moods.   Top
Extended Cruising
Prerequisite: none
	To roam upon the seas has long been a dream of many adventurous sailors. In today's fast paced life, the sea remains one of the few places where one can explore our planet while making a personal journey as well. To make port successfully after a long sea voyage using your own boat and skills is a great accomplishment, especially as offshore sailors must be able to fill the roles of helmsperson, navigator, plumber, meteorologist, shipwright, radio operator, cook, doctor, sailmaker, mechanic and diplomat. The Extended Cruising course helps establish the skills required for you to seek distant shores.   Top
Seamanship Sail
Prerequisite: none
	The Seamanship Sail Course provides the knowledge required to operate a sailboat safely. Building upon the skills gained in Seamanship, this course will acquaint the beginner sailor with day-sailing in protected waters, and allow experienced sailors to sharpen their skills. Emphasis is placed on how a sailboat works and the special terminology associated with sailboats and sailing, as well as practical seamanship. While there is no chart work or navigation, the particular problems of piloting under sail, and making progress to windward are discussed.   Top
Marine Maintenance
Prerequisite: none
	The full enjoyment of boating includes both the pleasure of using the boat and the satisfaction of properly maintaining it. To many boaters, working on their boat is part of the fun, to say nothing of the savings in costs. All boats need maintenance to correct for the gradual deterioration from wear and tear, let alone exposure to the elements. A boater should be constantly on the alert for signs of vessel degradation, and make repairs while the problem is minor. From spark plugs to bottom paint, the Marine Maintenance course covers all the basics for DIY boaters.   Top