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

•  The Keelboat Certification Course (39  hours), or
•  Shields 2 with US SAILING Keelboat Certification (30 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 1 the next step towards certification would be the Shields 2 with US SAILING Basic Keelboat Certification Course.

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. 

Shields 2 with Basic Keelboat Certification

For students who have completed Shields 1 and are ready to pursue Shields 2 and the US SAILING Basic Keelboat Certification.  Active participation in the classroom and on the water is required for success.  Course topics will include a review of Shields 1, anchoring, crew overboard and an emphasis on overall boat handling and seamanship skills. Passing grades on the written and practical tests are required for certification.

Class Formats:

Weekend Classes
Basic Keelboat Course        6 weeks (10 am - 4:30 pm)
Shields 2 w Basic Keelboat  5 weeks (10:00 am-4:00 pm)

Friday Classes
Basic Keelboat Course     6 sessions (12pm – 7pm)
 

Weekday Classes
Basic Keelboat Course     5 sessions (12 pm– 7pm)
 

Class Size:

Basic Keelboat Course               Minimum 4 students
Shields 2 w Basic Keelboat        Minimum 4 students

Prerequisite:

Basic Keelboat Course:            Intermediate Lido 
                                                 or equivalent experience
Shields 2 w Basic Keelboat:     Shields 1 or equivalent experience

Text:

Basic Keelboat

Fee:

Basic Keelboat Course (39 hours)    
$563 (Text included)

Shields 2 w Basic Keelboat (30 hours)       
$403 (Text not included)