Learning The Language
Sailing, like other sports, has its own terminology. When faced with
so many unfamiliar terms it may help to remember that salt water is in
the blood of all of us. Our speech continues to be abundantly peppered
with words and phrases originating from the days when men went down to
the sea in tall ships. For safety's sake communication aboard must be precise.
You will soon recognize each term, associate it with its definition or
function, and then incorporate it into your vocabulary.
What happens if there is a storm or bad weather while I'm on the
class?
Due to the nature of sailing and the weather, we do not cancel classes
nor are we able to provide refunds for bad weather, with the following
exception: If, at any time during your school, a storm watch, warning or
hurricane watch or warning is issued for the area you are sailing, you
may take a rain check for the unused portion of your class. You may also
be given a rain check if we feel its prudent not to sail, even if a storm
watch has not been issued.
Do I need to study before the class starts?
YES, A thorough study of the material in advance is required to get
the most out of the course. Sailing Fundamentals : The Official Learn-To-Sail
Manual of the American Sailing Association and the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary by Gary Jobson
Why should I choose Marblehead Sailing Center?
The goal of MSC is to provide training and education in sailing, seamanship
and boating safety. We offer the finest quality education in one of the
nicest areas for sailing in the United States. We are one of the few sailing
schools that offers not only the basic sailing courses, but also the most
advanced sailing courses available: Advanced Coastal Cruising, Navigation
and Offshore Passagemaking. At all levels you will be taught
by instructors who are not only expert sailors, but expert teachers. You
can start at Basic Sailing and continue with our program to owning your
own boat and sailing around the world. We not only teach sailing techniques,
we prepare you for a sailor's way of life. The ASA sailing curriculum is
composed of seven levels, from Basic Sailing to Navigation and Offshore
Passagemaking. Our courses combine two to three levels of the ASA program
taught in a one week format.
I've been sailing for years - why should I take a class?
Many people, even people who have been sailing for years, have experience
on only one type or size of boat or in a limited geographic area. Also,
many people who are self taught lack the fundamental knowledge that can
let them proceed easily to an unfamiliar boat or an unfamiliar area. We
provide the education and the fundamentals so that a student can then proceed
on his or herown.
What are the advantages of certification?
ASA certification provides internationally recognized credentials,
quality educational materials, professional instruction, specific goals
and training for each level of the program, and discounts with many charter
companies throughout the world.
Do I need certification to charter?
Every charter company has their own standards to qualify prospective
charterers. Some may accept the ASA Bareboat certification alone; most
will also ask for resumes of experience. Charter companies look at a variety
of variables in qualifying a charterer: experience, certifications, size
of boat being applied for, charter area and conditions, experience and
certifications of crew. A certification in Bareboat Chartering or higher
will show the charter company that you have received formal training and
have passed a rigorous program with specific standards. |
