OCC Students will choose one of two tracks to obtain their US SAILING Basic Keelboat Certification

•  The Keelboat Certification Course (39  hours), or
•  The Keelboat Certification Class (12 hours)

If you have completed our Beginning Sailing and/or Intermediate Lido classes you are ready for the US SAILING Basic Keelboat Certification Course, a rigorous course that comBines Shields 1 and Shields 2 in an introduction to small keelboats leading to your certification. 

For students who have completed Shields 2 the next step towards certification would be the US SAILING Basic Keelboat Evaluation and Certification Class - a four session evaluation class where student skills are assesed.  

Students on either track who demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and skill level will pass the practical portion of the certification.  A passing grade on the written test is required for final certification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a US SAILING Basic Keelboat certification and be ready to move on to Basic Cruising.

Basic Keelboat Certification Course

This rigourous course combines Shields 1 and Shields 2 in an introduction to small keelboats. Fast-paced and fun, the small class size allows for plenty of student/teacher interaction.  The course is designed for graduates of our intermediate lido classes and for those who have some experience, but want to learn to sail right.

You and your fellow crewmembers will be at the helm on the first day, and in command of the boat through all of the fundamental maneuvers. You will learn the essentials of sailing a keelboat including how to rig the Shields, leaving and returning to the dock, skippering, terminology, right of way rules, crew work, sail trim and sail shape, reefing, anchoring, crew overboard, safety topics, seamanship skills and more.  Active participation in the classroom and on the water will be necessary for success. 

Basic Keelboat Certification Class

This 3-weeks skills evaluation class is for students who have completed Shields 2 and are ready to test for Basic Keelboat Certification.  Students will be evaluated on skills required for certification including leaving and returning to the dock. terminology, reffing, crew overboard rescue, safety tops, seamanship skills and more.  For a complete list of Certification Standards, please refer to pages 88-89 in the Basic Keelboat book. 

Class Formats:

Weekend Classes
Basic Keelboat Course     6 weeks (10 am - 4:30 pm)
Basic Keelboat Class        4 weeks (1:45-5:30 pm)

Friday Classes
Basic Keelboat Course     6 sessions (12pm – 7pm)
Basic Keelboat Class        4 sessions (1:00-5:00 pm)

Weekday Classes
Basic Keelboat Course     5 sessions (12 pm– 7pm)
Basic Keelboat Class        3 sessions (1:00-4:45 pm)

Class Size:

Basic Keelboat Course     Minimum 6 students
Basic Keelboat Class        Minimum 3 students

Prerequisite:

Basic Keelboat Course: Intermediate Lido or equivalent experience
Basic Keelboat Class:    Shields 2 or equivalent experience

Text:

Basic Keelboat

Fee:

Basic Keelboat Course (39 hours)     $550 (Text included)
Basic Keelboat Class (12 hours)        $320 (Text included)