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.

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

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.