Bareboat Cruising Course
The Bareboat Cruising course offered by Sunshine Sailing Australia (SSA) is designed for sailors looking to take the helm of a sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered keelboat ranging from 30 to 45 feet in length. This multi-day course will equip you with the skills necessary to confidently skipper a vessel during extended inland or coastal voyages, even in moderate to heavy winds of up to 30 knots and challenging sea conditions.
During this four-day adventure, you’ll delve into the essentials of provisioning and galley operations, ensuring your crew is well-fed and comfortable throughout the journey. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with boat systems, including auxiliary engine operation and routine maintenance procedures, to keep your vessel in top condition.
The course covers advanced sail trim techniques, allowing you to optimise your sailing performance under various conditions. You will also develop coastal navigation skills, including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, to safely guide your vessel along the coastline. Additionally, you’ll practice multiple-anchor mooring, docking, and learn how to handle dinghies and tenders efficiently.
Health and safety are paramount at sea, so you’ll receive training on emergency operations and weather interpretation, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to skipper a keelboat on multi-day cruises, managing all aspects of the voyage with ease.
Additionally, the knowledge gained from this course is beneficial for those pursuing the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), further solidifying your preparedness for sailing in international waters.
Course Duration
4-days
Start and Finish Times
0900 First Day – 1600 Last Day
Minimum Age
Course Format
On-water
Difficulty
Moderate
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE BAREBOAT CRUISING COURSE
Skippering a Keelboat in Challenging Conditions
Gain the skills to confidently skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary-powered keelboat of 30 to 45 feet during multi-day cruises in moderate to heavy winds and sea conditions.
Advanced Coastal Navigation
Learn the essentials of coastal navigation, including basic chart plotting and GPS operation, to guide your vessel safely along inland and coastal waters.
Provisioning and Galley Operations
Master the art of provisioning and managing galley operations, ensuring your crew is well-fed and comfortable throughout the voyage.
Auxiliary Engine Operation and Maintenance
Understand how to operate and perform routine maintenance on auxiliary engines, keeping your vessel in top condition during your journey.
Sail Trim and Boat Handling Techniques
Develop advanced sail trim techniques and boat handling skills, allowing you to optimize performance and handle your vessel with confidence.
Multiple-Anchor Mooring and Docking
Learn the techniques for multiple-anchor mooring and docking, ensuring your vessel is securely anchored and safely docked in various conditions.
Emergency Operations and Safety Procedures
Prepare for any situation with comprehensive training in emergency operations and safety procedures, including weather interpretation and health and safety protocols.
Dinghy and Tender Operation
Gain practical experience in operating dinghies and tenders, ensuring you can safely manage all aspects of vessel operation.
Managing Extended Voyages
Learn how to plan and execute extended voyages, managing all aspects of your trip, from navigation to crew safety, with confidence and competence.
