New England Sailing Center Course

Sailing Courses & Certifications

NESC is pleased to offer sailing instruction and certifications out of beautiful Jamestown, RI and in the British Virgin Islands(BVI). Contact us to check availability and to schedule your sailing course.

New England Sailing Center (NESC) is an accredited ASA training facility offering beginner through advanced sailing certification courses. Our certified instructors and team members provide support and guidance to ensure you gain sailing knowledge, experience and confidence while also enjoying your time on the water. We offer introductory courses as well as accelerated curriculum options. Group and private courses are available to align with your learning preferences.

Group courses are held weekly with a maximum of four students per course. We limit the size of our courses to ensure ample hands on training for each student. Group course provide you with an opportunity for camaraderie and support as you train with students that have similar interests and abilities.

Private courses tailored to your objectives are also available for individuals, couples and families. Customized courses for individuals provide the maximum one-on-one instruction and hands on experience. Private courses can also be tailored to meet the needs of couples and families wanting to share the experience of learning together while also enjoying a holiday. Each student can determine the level of instruction they want during their sailing experience whether it be a ride along, becoming competent crew or formal certification.

Few sports provide the sense of pride, confidence and feeling of accomplishment that you gain with sailing, while being able to enjoy the experience with friends and family. Learning and mastering sailing skills will provide a lifetime of fun and enjoyment individually as well as shared with others.

Our Courses

Competent Crew

Overview / Rates

Basic Keelboat

Overview / Rates

Day Sailor

Overview / Rates

Bareboat Cruising

Overview / Rates

Accelerated Bareboat

Overview / Rates

Catamaran Cruising

Overview / Rates

Coastal Navigation

Overview / Rates

Advanced Cruising

Overview / Rates

Offshore Passage

Overview / Rates

VHF Communications

Overview / Rates

Celestial Navigation

Overview / Rates

Modern Celestial

Overview / Rates

Jr Sailing Program

Overview / Rates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary of courses

Competent Crew Endorsement™
New England Sailing Center Course
Gain knowledge and skills to support qualified sailors
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

NESC developed the Competent Crew Endorsement for students and family members wanting to experience sailing without the in-depth training and certification. Participants can be as hands on as they would like.

This instruction level is most common for couples and families that have varying interest levels but want to experience sailing together. Students completing the Competent Crew Endorsement instruction level can gain sufficient knowledge to support certified sailors for recreational sailing during daylight hours and within sight of land.

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Certification: None
  • Duration: Consistent with individual training courses
  • Cost: Consistent with individual training courses
  • Curriculum:

Consistent with individual training courses but in a more relaxed manner

Visit our Competent Crew Endorsement Overview for more information on this course.

Basic Keelboat Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn fundamental principles of safe, confident day sailing
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

In our two day Basic Keelboat (BK) course you will learn the fundamental principles of sailing. You will experience a mix of classroom and on the water training that will enable you to skipper an 18 to 27 foot keelboat in a safe, confident manner.

The two day certification course combines classroom and three to four hours of on the water training each day. Classroom time focuses on terminology, parts of the boat, knots and theory followed by on the water training. Following the water training session on day two you have the option to take your Basic Keelboat certification written exam as a conclusion to the BK course.

We offer this course weekly with a maximum of four students in each course. You can extend your training to include an optional third day for more time on the water practicing and refining your skills. The BK course is taught on a J22 boat that is one of the most popular keelboats for day sailing in the world. See the J22 description in the Frequently Asked Questions below. Private lessons are available.

This course meets ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification standards. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.

  • Prerequisites: None

There are no prerequisite certifications required. The only requisite is your desire to learn sailing.

  • Certification: ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Certification

Students may choose to complete the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification exam after completing the second day’s curriculum. The ASA certification fee is $115.

  • Duration: Two days

Training can be extended to include an optional third day for more time on the water practicing and refining your skills.

  • Cost: $550 per person for the two day course

The cost is $650 per person if you would like to include the optional third day.

  • Options:

ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Certification ($115)

Third day for skills mastery ($100)

Incorporation into the Accelerated Bareboat certification program (see description below)

  • Curriculum:

Curriculum for this course includes parts of boat, terminology, personal floatation devices and safety gear, safety at sea including right of way and commands, knots, points of sail, tacks and jibes, basic sail shape and trim, sail raising and controls, docking, man overboards and proper boat put down.

Visit our Basic Keelboat Certification Overview for more information on this course.

Day Sailor
New England Sailing Center Course
Gain knowledge to successfully bareboat charter cruising yachts
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Day sailing on a cruising yacht can be very rewarding as you share the joy of sailing with family and friends.

NESC offers a two day Day Sailor Cruising Certification course. The course will cover the skills for Basic Cruising with the option for ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification. Testing for the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising will provide you with International recognition of your qualifications. Your classroom will be a Beneteau 39 cruising yacht.

We have a maximum of four students in our group courses. Private lessons are also available for individuals, couples and families.

  • Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat certification

If certifying, students must have completed the Basic Keelboat course or have comparable training to challenge the certification.

  • Certification: ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising Certification

Students may choose to complete the ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification exam after completing the second day’s curriculum.

  • Duration: Two days
  • Jamestown Cost:
  • Monohull
$1,099 per person
  • Tuition Includes:
  • Course texts and exam fee
  • Boat fuel
  • Yacht damage insurance
  • Curriculum:

Curriculum for this course includes a review of terminology and sailing techniques relative to a mid-size auxiliary cruising sailboat followed by on the water training. Topics covered include auxiliary cruising sailboat systems, maneuvering under power and sail, basic coastal navigation and coarse plotting, reefing, anchoring, crew overboard, safety at sea, radio operation, weather forecast interpretation, and heavy weather techniques.

Visit our Day Sailor Certification Overview for more information on this course.

International Bareboat Cruising Certification™
New England Sailing Center Course
Gain knowledge to successfully bareboat charter cruising yachts
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Cruising can range from day sails to living aboard longer trips of several days or more, to extended sails with offshore passages.

NESC has developed a five day International Bareboat Cruising Certification (IBCC) course. The curriculum can be completed within a Monday through Friday consecutive course with live aboard format, or it can be split over weekends into a two day session and a three day session. With a three day weekend course students add in a Friday or Monday to complete their final weekend session.

Your classroom will be your cruising boat. Training will cover both theory and skill requirements for the Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising standards. The first two days will cover the skills for Basic Coastal Cruising with the option for ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification. The final three days will cover the skills for Bareboat Cruising with the option for ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification. Completion of your training will qualify you to sail a cruising yacht up to 54 feet. Testing for the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications will provide you with International recognition of your qualifications.

We have a maximum of four students in our group courses. Private lessons are also available for individuals, couples and families. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.

  • Prerequisites: ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification

If certifying, students must have completed the Basic Keelboat course or have comparable training to challenge the certification.

  • Certification: ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certifications

Students may choose to complete the ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification exam after completing the second day’s curriculum.

Students may choose to complete the ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification exam after completing the fifth day’s curriculum.

  • Duration: Five days

Split course options:
If unable to schedule the full five days consecutively and prefer to schedule the 103 and 104 certification levels as separate course; or have previously completed the 103 level, trainees may choose from the following options:

ASA 103 2 day Day Sailor course  $1,099
ASA 104 3 day Strictly Cruising course  $1,595

  • Training Boats:

Monohulls:
Beneteau 39
Bavaria 46

  • Jamestown Cost:

 

Full IBCC 5-day course:

  • Monohull
$2,695 per person

3 day Strictly Cruising (ASA 104; prerequisite ASA 103):

  • Monohull
$1,595 per person
  • BVI Cost:
  • Monohull
$2,295-$2,495 per person
  • Tuition Includes:
  • Night of arrival sleep aboard
  • Course texts and exam fee
  • Boat fuel
  • Yacht damage insurance
  • Provisioning onboard: breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks and starter kit
  • Curriculum:

Curriculum for this course includes a review of terminology and sailing techniques relative to a mid-size auxiliary cruising sailboat followed by on the water training. Topics covered include auxiliary cruising sailboat systems, maneuvering under power and sail, basic coastal navigation and coarse plotting, reefing, anchoring, crew overboard, safety at sea, radio operation, weather forecast interpretation, and heavy weather techniques.

Visit our International Bareboat Cruising Certification Overview for more information on this course.

  • Provisioning:
  • NESC provisioning service
Online_Form or PDF
  • Personalized shopping
Email or 401-619-1697
  • Self-provision online
Peapod
  • In-store shopping
McQuade’s Marketplace, 6 Clarke St, Jamestown, RI 02835 (map)

 

Accelerated Bareboat Certification™
New England Sailing Center Course
Fast-track course to successfully bareboat charter cruising yachts
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Cruising can range from day sails to living aboard longer trips of several days or more, to extended sails with offshore passages. NESC developed the seven day Accelerated Bareboat Certification (ABC) course so that motivated students complete a fast track program that advances them from beginner to bareboat certification through our comprehensive course that combines all skill requirements for the ASA Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications.

This course is structured as a combination of classroom and on the water training. You will learn on a J22 for the Basic Keelboat training and a Beneteau 39 cruising yacht for the Basic Cruising and Bareboat Cruising courses. The accelerated pace supports an immersion into the sport of sailing.

The first two days will cover sailing fundamentals and skills for Basic Keelboat with the option for ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification. Days three and four will cover the skills for Basic Cruising with the option for ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising certification. The final three days will cover the skills for Bareboat Cruising with the option for ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification. Completion of your training will qualify you to sail a cruising yacht up to 54 feet. Testing for the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising certifications will provide you with International recognition of your qualifications.

We have a maximum of four students in our group courses. Private lessons are also available for individuals, couples and families. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.

  • Prerequisites: None

There are no prerequisite certifications required. The only requisite is your desire to immerse yourself in learning to sail.

  • Certification: ASA 101 Basic Keelboat, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certifications
  • Duration: Seven days
  • Jamestown Cost:
  • Monohull
$3,295 per person
  • BVI Cost:
  • Monohull
$3,295 per person
  • Tuition Includes:
  • Saturday night hotel stay
  • Sunday evening sleep aboard
  • Course texts and exam fee
  • Boat fuel
  • Yacht damage insurance
  • Provisioning onboard: breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks and starter kit
  • Curriculum:

Curriculum includes parts of boat, terminology, personal floatation devices and safety gear, safety at sea including right of way and commands, knots, points of sail, tacks and jibes, basic sail shape and trim, sail raising and controls, dock leaving and return, and proper boat put down. The course also includes a review of terminology and sailing techniques relative to a mid-size auxiliary cruising sailboat followed by on the water training. Cruising topics covered include auxiliary cruising sailboat systems, maneuvering under power and sail, basic coastal navigation and coarse plotting, reefing, anchoring, crew overboard, safety at sea, radio operation, weather forecast interpretation, and heavy weather techniques.

Visit our Accelerated Bareboat Certification (ABC) Overview for more information on this course.

  • Provisioning:
  • NESC provisioning service
Online_Form or PDF
  • Personalized shopping
Email or 401-619-1697
  • Self-provision online
Peapod
  • In-store shopping
McQuade’s Marketplace, 6 Clarke St, Jamestown, RI 02835 (map)

 

Catamaran Cruising Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Gain knowledge to successfully bareboat charter catamarans
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

This certification course should provide you with a strong foundation for multihull sailing and is achievable in 1-2 days if your Bareboat Cruising pre-requisite has been met. Alternatively we do offer this course in our group course offerings (4 student maximum) in our 6 day/5 night Live Aboard Cruising format.

We have a maximum of four students in our group courses. Private lessons are also available for individuals, couples and families. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.

  • Prerequisites: ASA 101 Basic Keelboat, 103 Coastal Cruising, 104 Bareboat Cruising

If certifying, students must have completed the Basic Keelboat course or have comparable training to challenge the certification.

 

  • Certification: ASA 114 Certification

Duration: 1-2 days if your Bareboat Cruising pre-requisite has been met

Jamestown Cost – 1 day: $800 per person
Jamestown Cost – 2 day: $1,650 per person

Visit our Catamaran Cruising Certification Overview for more information on this course.

  • Certification: International Bareboat Cruising Certification (IBCC)

Full IBCC 5-Day Course: $3,295 per person

3 Day Strictly Cruising (ASA 104, ASA 114; Prerequisite ASA 103): $1,995 per person

BVI Cost: $3,295 per person

Visit our International Bareboat Cruising Certification Overview for more information on this course.

  • Certification: Accelerated Bareboat Certification

7-Day Course: $3,695 per person

BVI Cost: $3,695 per person

Visit our Accelerated Bareboat Certification Overview for more information on this course.

  • Tuition Includes:
  • Night of arrival sleep aboard
  • Course texts and exam fee
  • Boat fuel
  • Yacht damage insurance
  • Provisioning onboard: breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks and starter kit
  • Provisioning:
  • NESC provisioning service
Online_Form or PDF
  • Personalized shopping
Email or 401-619-1697
  • Self-provision online
Peapod
  • In-store shopping
McQuade’s Marketplace, 6 Clarke St, Jamestown, RI 02835 (map)

 

Coastal Navigation Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn to safely navigate a sailing yacht in coastal or inland waters
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Coastal Navigation is a classroom only navigational theory course that will teach you how to safely navigate a sailing yacht in coastal or inland waters. A combination of traditional techniques and electronic navigation systems will be covered.

It is common today for most sailors to rely on electronic navigational equipment such as a differential GPS or radar. The intent of this course is to expand on these modern systems to teach you how to confidently and safely navigate using a minimum of resources and traditional methods. Upon completion of this course you will have the insight and feel of a seasoned navigator. Contact us to check course availability and to schedule your course.

  • Prerequisites: None

NESC recommends that students have completed their Basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal Cruising certifications to ensure familiarity with standard yacht and sailing terminology.

  • Certification: ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Certification
  • Duration: Eight hours
  • Cost: $495

The cost includes text, materials and exam fee.

  • Curriculum:

Curriculum for this course includes Aids to Navigation, the Mercator chart, understanding use of a navigation log, safe inshore pilotage, weather information integration, navigational strategies, fog safety precautions, variation and deviation, plotting tools, and benefits and limitations of navigation systems.

Visit our Coastal Navigation Certification Overview for more information on this course.

Advanced Coastal Cruising Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn to skipper a sailboat for passages at least 50 nautical miles upon coastal waters
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Advanced Coastal Cruising is for advanced sailors looking for experience of at least 50 nautical miles upon coastal waters.

Advanced Coastal Cruising challenges those students who have taken Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation or have the equivalent qualifications. Everything you learned from these courses will be used along with new skills you master through this course. Some of these skills include night time approaches to anchorages, night time man overboards, full on navigation, lights at night, standing watches and safety items one must know when sailing out of sight of land.

  • Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation

If certifying, students must have completed the Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising and Coastal Navigation courses or have comparable training to challenge the prerequisite certifications.

The Coastal Navigation course prerequisite is offered in conjunction with this course. Tuition is discounted from $295 to $250 when taken in combination with Advanced Coastal Cruising.

  • Certification: ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising Certification
  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights course
  • Cost: $2,795 per person (maximum 4 students)

Tuition includes the Advanced Coastal Cruising text, night of arrival sleep aboard, provisioning for 5 days (4 breakfasts; 4 lunches; 2 dinners; snacks and starter kit) and the ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising certification fee. Not included in the tuition are drinking water and other beverages, dinners ashore, instructor’s gratuity. A minimum deposit of 50% of total package is due at the time of the booking. Balance is due 60 days prior to the course start date.

  • Curriculum:

Advanced Coastal Cruising graduates will have successfully demonstrated their ability to responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during passages on coastal waters, in all weather conditions, including all levels of visibility and all hours of the day and night.

Visit our Advanced Coastal Cruising Certification Overview for more information on this course.

Offshore Passagemaking Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn to skipper a sailboat for passages 600-800 nautical miles upon coastal waters
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Offshore Passagemaking graduates will have successfully demonstrated the ability to responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat to any destination worldwide. Students will prepare a plan for an open ocean passage of at least 600 nautical miles of which a minimum of 250 nautical miles must be sailed at least 50 nautical miles offshore; demonstrate a comprehensive check of the vessel, her rig and equipment; develop a primary and alternative watch schedule and duty roster for the skipper, navigator, crew and ship’s maintenance for the passage; demonstrate a plan of advanced weather forecasting: global weather patterns, high and low pressure systems, fronts, storms, squalls, gales, hurricanes and various fog conditions; and more.

  • Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Navigation and Advanced Coastal Cruising Certifications

Documented equivalent experience for the Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Advanced Coastal Cruising levels may be submitted if petitioning to challenge prerequisite levels.

  • Certification: ASA 108 Offshore Passagemaking Certification
  • Duration: Varies. Dependent on scheduled passage.
  • Cost: $3,495 per person (maximum 4 students)

Tuition includes course text, night of arrival sleep aboard, provisioning on board, corresponding certification fee, Customs fees. Not included in the tuition: beverages, instructor’s gratuity. A minimum deposit of 50% of total package is due at the time of the booking. Balance is due 60 days prior to the course start date.

  • Curriculum:

Coastal Passagemaking graduates will have successfully demonstrated their ability to responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during passages on coastal waters, in all weather conditions, including all levels of visibility and all hours of the day and night.

Visit our Offshore Passagemaking Certification Overview for more information on this course.

VHF Certification
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn basic radio theory and VHF radio operator and communications methods
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

A six to eight hour course offered in one day, covering general rules for the use and operation of VHF radios, SARTs, and EPIRBs. Every crew member needs to know how to operate a marine radio as well as what to do in case of an emergency. This course also covers an introduction to other marine communications.

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Certification: VHF Radio Operator Certificate
  • Duration: six to eight hour course
  • Cost: $195 per person

Includes the course manual, exam fee, laminated certification card, training logbook. Retake fee $25.

  • Curriculum:

A written exam will be administered at end of classroom session. A grade of 70% or higher is required to pass. Should a candidate fail an examination, a re-take exam will be allowed for an additional fee.

Visit our VHF Certification Overview for more information on this course.

Celestial Navigation Endorsement
New England Sailing Center Course
Learn celestial navigation methods
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

Celestial Navigation is a classroom theory and practice course to determine latitude and longitude at sea using a sextant and Nautical Almanac. This is a one day course with a noon sighting taken at Beavertail.

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Certification: ASA 117 Basic Celestial Endorsement
  • Duration: 1 day classroom based course 9-5; noon siting will be taken at Beavertail
  • Cost: $240 per person

The cost includes text, materials and exam fee.

Text: Latitude & Longitude from the Noon Sun by John Karl

  • Curriculum:

Visit our Basic Celestial Navigation Endorsement Overview for more information on this course.

Modern Celestial Navigation
New England Sailing Center Course
Modern Celestial Navigation with Frank Reed
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

A fast-paced introduction to celestial navigation from a 21st century perspective. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to adjust and use sextants available on the market today. We’ll learn streamlined calculations using a common handheld solar-powered calculator. This workshop is designed especially for yachtsmen and recreational boaters.

  • Requirements:

Basic addition and subtraction, good familiarity with latitude and longitude. Some familiarity with basic algebra, especially positive and negative numbers.

Recommended for ages 18 and up, students as young as age 13 welcome.

Recommended scientific calculator for the class: the “Casio fx-260 Solar” (original or newer “II” model). These are widely available for less than $10 at Walmart, Staples, and other stores. A few will also be available for purchase on the first day of class for $10.

Sextant not required, but if you have one bring it along and we’ll get it perfectly adjusted

  • Instructor: Frank Reed
  • Course Location: New England Sailing Center, 47 Conanicus Ave., Jamestown, RI – Getting To Us
  • Certification: Celestial Certificate
  • Duration: two day course
  • Cost: $185 per person
  • Curriculum:

A written exam will be administered at end of classroom session.

Visit our Modern Celestial Navigation Overview for more information on this course.

Jr Sailing Program
New England Sailing Center Course
Juniors 12 and older learn fundamental principles of safe, confident sailing
New England Sailing Center Course
  • Description:

NESC’s Jr. Sailing Program teaches the fundamentals of sailing in a fun, dynamic training environment that combines a short classroom session with on the water training each day.

  • Prerequisites: None

There are no prerequisite certifications required. The only requisite is your desire to learn sailing.

  • Certification (optional): ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Certification

Students may choose to complete the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat certification exam after completing the third day’s curriculum. The ASA certification fee is $115.

  • Duration: Three days
  • Cost: $260 per person for the three day course
  • Options:

ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Certification ($115)

Incorporation into the Accelerated Bareboat certification program (see description below)

  • Curriculum:

Through the course, students will learn basic boat handling skills, seamanship skills, sailing language, man overboard drills, and other safety procedures, how to moor and anchor.

Visit our Jr Sailing Program Overview for more information on this course.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


  • Where are you located

We are located at 47 Conanicus Ave, Jamestown, RI Please see the Getting to Us page for a map and directions.

  • Gratuity rates for instructors and skippers

Typical gratuity rates are 15-20% of the event list price. A gratuity for your instructor or skipper is a most welcome expression of your satisfaction. NESC appreciates your recognition of our team’s efforts.

  • Scheduling courses

Contact us to discuss your sailing course objectives and we’ll review our schedule and openings with you. Email us at sail@NESailingCenter.com or call us at (401) 619-1697.

  • Reschedule and Cancellation Policy

Outside of 60 days tuition or charter fees are refundable less $500 cancellation fee plus the cost of the training materials (if applicable). No refund within 60 days of start date. We recommend trip insurance to cover you should the unexpected impact your plans. Two popular trip insurers:

  1. Travel Guard
  2. World Nomads
  • Instructors

NESC instructors focus on providing you with the knowledge, experience and confidence outlined within the course content. Our instructors are certified through the stringent standards of the ASA instructor training program to ensure that students receive an exceptional sailing education.

  • Group versus private lesson differences

NESC offers both group and private courses to align with your learning preferences. There is a maximum of four students in each group course to foster an efficient teaching and learning environment. This also ensures that each student gets ample hands on experience. Private courses are good for individuals, couples and families wanting a custom course experience or additional one-on-one instruction. Families often enjoy private sessions that are tailored to provide a mix of sailing instruction and holiday activities.

  • American Sailing Association (ASA) certification benefits

Students that successfully complete their course certification exams will receive American Sailing Association (ASA) certification. ASA certifications have International recognition, so you’ll be able to sail throughout the world based on your certification.

The ASA system has eight primary levels of student certification from Basic Keelboat all the way to Offshore Passagemaking. Whether your goal is to skipper a bareboat charter in the Caribbean or to crew confidently on a short weekend sail, the ASA’s sailing-education system will guide you as you learn the theory behind sailing, practice the skills needed to handle a sailboat, and build the foundation of knowledge that will enable you to navigate a vessel safely and within the law.

By establishing national standards for sailing education, the ASA has provided a way for more people to take part in the sport safely, with the proper training and respect for their responsibilities as boaters, ensuring that sailing will be safer, smarter, and more fun for everybody.

  • NESC boats and yachts

NESC teaches and charters on various boats. Our fleet is made up of a J22 sailboat, and our cruising yachts include: a Bali 46, a Bavaria Vision 46, a Hanse 548, a Jeanneau 41, a Jeanneau 51, an Astrea 42, an Elba 45, and a Lagoon 46.

The J22 is designed and built in New England. It offers strength, stability and speed unmatched in keelboats of its size. The J22 is tiller driven to enhance the boat’s reaction time and the large rudder provides a light feel, translating into a forgiving and precise helmsmanship. The J22 has a sail plan that gives the boat speed in light to medium wind but that can easily be reefed if the winds increase.

The Bali 46 is a showstopper in her class. Aft cockpit and saloon become one big living area with the tilting garage door. Fully equipped galley with a cooking range and full-sized double fridge with freezer and water cooler. New interior materials bring a new elegance to the Bali aesthetics. From the saloon, you can directly access the solid forward cockpit to enjoy the sun and refreshing sea breeze. The forward cockpit is big enough for the entire family to enjoy – no space goes to waste or you can enjoy the 360º view from the flybridge equipped with sun beds, table and fridge.

The Bavaria Vision 46 is made up of brilliantly conceived details evident as you step into the cockpit. Every instrument essential for navigation and control is within easy reach. With a perfect view of the deck and sail trim, the Vision 46 can be sailed with your fingertips. The layout features 3 cabins and 2 heads. This yacht includes a convertible settee and is ideal for a family of six or 2-3 couples.

The Hanse 548 is the crème de la crème of the luxury yachts, providing an excellent sailing experience with coveted Hanse handling. Beautiful, fast and comfortable, the 548 offers all the amenities that one would expect of a quality luxury yacht. Modern hull shape and interior build a sublime contrast to the natural materials and warm hues. The salon has the look and feel of an elegant lounge.

The Jeanneau 41 Yacht Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41, with 3 cabins and 2 heads plus and extra double sleeping berth in the salon, where the table can convert into a bed. The cockpit is equipped with twin helm stations with auto-pilot, GPS/chart plotter and wind instrument within easy reach. The cockpit is wide and comfortable with a folding table in the center. A clear passageway leads aft between the helm stations to the fold down swim platform that provides access to both dinghy and sea.

The Jeanneau 51 Yacht benefits from the latest innovations that have made Jeanneau Yachts so successful: unequaled level of finish, unrivaled quality of life aboard and maximum ease of handling. Living spaces have been carefully studied, with meticulous attention to detail and the use of fine materials, to contribute to an excellent cruising experience and a luxurious lifestyle on board.

The 2022 Astrea 42 is ideal for instructional and crewed charters as well as performance ocean sailing. Boasting a high degree of comfort, the Astrea 42 has a low center of gravity to afford maximum safety and with a generous sail area.

The Elba 45 helm of our new catamaran offers easy maneuverability and will delight you with its performance. A true cruising catamaran, traversed by a magnificent luminescence, you will feel aboard the Elba 45 just as comfortable as at home. With two new dedicated spaces in the saloon, you’ll feel like you’re in business class.

The Lagoon 46 catamaran combines easy sailing with plenty of comfort. Relaxed, effortless sailing paired with comfortable accommodation are the highlights of the Lagoon 46. The French yacht designers placed value on an elevated helm station and on the three spacious lounge areas on this catamaran. The Lagoon 46 catamaran comes with four cabins and offers enough space for up to twelve passengers.

  • Travel Insurance

You should not overlook travel insurance for your upcoming trip. We have partnered with two popular trip insurers:

  1. Travel Guard
  2. World Nomads
  • Sailors Packing List

Please see our recommendation guide for more information on what to pack. PDF Version: NESC Sailors Packing List