Cruising Boats and Systems

How to select an anchor, line, and other gear…choose a suitable anchorage, deploy and set an anchor, what to do if it’s stuck, how to pick up a mooring, and raft with other boats.

A comprehensive study of how ocean currents and tides affect navigation. Use navigation software when planning and underway to evaluate current impacts on your route.

Important for offshore boaters, the 500 millibar upper air chart will help you predict upper-level wind speed and direction, trough and ridge patterns, and the 5640 storm track line.

Handling a boat in a variety of situations…getting on plane, trimming the boat, dealing with rough water, understanding what you can control versus what nature throws at you.

Forecasting has improved with technology Using computer weather forecasts, internet resources, weather apps, National Weather Service products, and weather communications.