Cruising and Seamanship draws on a broad and ever-changing mix of skills. Over the years there have been improvements in sails, boats, and gear; and of course a revolution in electronics and navigation. Learn the latest in Cruising & Seamanship skills at the North U Cruising and Seamanship webinar.

Cruising & Seamanship Webinar On Demand

A Four-Session Course led by North U Director Bill Gladstone with a guest appearance from meteorologist Chris Bedford.

• • Four x Two-hour sessions; Eight hours total
  • View, Review, Revisit the recordings as often as you like for a year.

Curriculum

– The latest in Cruising and Seamanship skills in all weather conditions
– North U Cruising and Seamanship workbook available by mail

Course Topics

Session 1 – Upwind Trim
Session 2 – Downwind Trim
Session 3 – Marine Weather with guest expert Chris Bedford
Session 4 – Seamanship, Navigation, Night Sailing, Safety, Crew Over Board, Heavy Weather Sailing, and more

Cruising Skills & Know-how

Cruising is sailing, and so much more. This course covers sailing – that’s for sure. But that is not all. We also explore the important skills needed to both sail and live in your boat. Come away with a greater understanding of the weather, navigation, safety, mechanical, and interpersonal skills necessary to be a safe, confident, happy,  proficient coastal cruiser. North U’s Cruising & Seamanship webinar gives you the expertise needed to face the new and unique challenges each cruise presents.

Seamanship Skills & Insights

Competence in Seamanship is important for every sailor, no matter their experience. The knowledge areas that fall under it will help you sail safely, regardless of weather or situation. You don’t need to be an expert sailor to grasp and utilize Seamanship. In the North U Cruising & Seamanship Webinar, you’ll leave with a solid awareness of the technical and anticipatory skills that allow for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Upwind Trim

Sailing efficiently upwind, against the force that drives us, is a marvel of modern design. In Upwind Trim you get a brief look at the theory of upwind sailing and in-depth training on proper trim. You’ll learn how to sail fast and point high with balance and control in all conditions. We explain proper sail shape and the use mainsail and jib controls to achieve optimum performance. You’ll learn techniques to improve performance in light, moderate, and heavy air conditions. We also look at trim tricks for better auto-helm performance and other short-handed techniques.

Downwind Trim

Most of our cruising time is spent reaching. If not, it’s time to choose a new destination! In Downwind Sail Trim we address proper use and trim of gennakers, asymmetric spinnakers and symmetric spinnakers when reaching and running. We also explain proper use of whisker poles for jib and main sailing and look at the new Code Sails and furling systems.

Marine Weather, Sailing & Safety

The sources weather information are expanding everyday. Our special session with Marine Weather University founder Chris Bedford will help you select the best sources for your needs and teach how to combine your own observations with forecast information to create a local forecast and plan your passages.

Heavy Weather Sailing

Heavy Weather Sailing is a part of cruising. Gain a better understanding heavy weather trim to maintain comfort and control when conditions are rough. We address sudden squalls, and wavy storms, and the preparation, strategies, and techniques you need to make your way through them.  We look at proper reefing technique and the lost art of heaving-to.

Cruising and Seamanship

Cruising is sailing… and so much more. Navigation, night sailing, tides and currents, wind shifts, engine care, heads, dinghies… The list goes on and on. Spoiler Alert: When you go cruising problems will arise. In the webinar, we look at some of the challenges you might encounter along the way. We offer solutions, and an approach to problem solving that will help ensure a successful cruise. And then we encourage you to go. Don’t wait. Go…

Add the Advanced Cruising and Seamanship Book

The companion book is the all new 4th edition Advanced Cruising and Seamanship Book. Written by Bill Gladstone and edited by the ASA development team, the book covers Sail Trim, Performance, Safety, Navigation, Weather, and Seamanship topics.  Much has changed since the first edition of the Cruising & Seamanship Workbook. There have been improvements in sails, boats, and gear; and of course a revolution in electronics and navigation.  What has not changed is the role of the sailor to assure a safe, enjoyable passage. Learn the latest in Cruising & Seamanship skills with the all new 4th edition  Advanced Cruising and Seamanship by Bill Gladstone.   You can add the book to your registration and we’ll ship it to you.

Session 1: Upwind Trim

• Upwind Trim Theory in Brief
• Mainsail Trim and Controls
• Jib Trim and Controls
• Helming
• Moderate Air Trim
• Light Air Trim
• Heavy Air Trim
• Performance Problems and Trim Solutions

Session 2: Downwind Trim

• Reaching Trim
• Running Trim
• Gennakers and Spinnakers

Session 3: Heavy Weather Sailing & Safety

• Upwind Trim Theory in Brief
• What is Heavy Weather?
• Heavy Weather Forehandedness
• Heavy Weather Sailing
• Squall!
• Storms
• Alternate Storm Strategy
• Misery and Danger

Session 4: Cruising and Seamanship

• Upwind Trim Theory in Brief
• What is Heavy Weather?
• Heavy Weather Forehandedness
• What is Cruising?
• Seamanship
• Safety
• Knots
• Anchoring and Docking
• Sailing