Coastal Navigation & Piloting Class (winter only)

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 all the same timeless principles, is interesting and understandable 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 USSA’s Coastal Navigation in two manageable segments, Basic Navigation and Piloting 501 and Advanced Coastal Navigation 521. While both courses are required for US SAILING certification, many participants find that their navigational needs are well served with 501.

Basic Navigation and Piloting 501 is the heart and soul of navigating. In nine hours of classwork you will learn the fundamental concepts of navigation, skills necessary to confidently solve most coastal navigation situations. This course is 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 that are unaffected by currents and tides.

Advanced Coastal Navigation 521 is designed to build upon all the skills of 501 by introducing the elements of tides and currents as well as other more advanced navigational techniques including an overview of electronic navigation. Certification examination is included, administered in the last session.

Basic Navigation and Piloting 501 Cost: $215 Includes US SAILING’s Coastal Navigation textbook, all course instruments and materials When: TBA *Seating is limited so call 773 871 7245 today to reserve your first choice in dates.

Advanced Coastal Navigation 521 Cost $200: Meets in three evening sessions –to be announced Includes: all course materials and USSA certification Instructor:    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.

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.