Planning Your Boating Cruise

Weather can make or break a day on the water. Learn how to be weather wise by understanding the basic science of meteorology, plus internet resources, weather apps and more.

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.

Learn the differences between navigating on roads and waters. How to understand nautical charts, aids to navigation, use chart plotters, and plan your trip electronically.

Learn chart symbols, how to read latitude and longitude, use paper as well as electronic charts, what charts show both above and below the water, and how to plan a safe course.

Become a more useful crew member by learning how to operate the boat. Understand the basics of navigating, docking, preparing for bad weather, handling onboard emergencies, etc.