US Sailing Certification Programs

The WaterFront Center offers a variety of programs suited to sailors of all abilities and ages. As a US SAILING accredited facility, we offer the highest standard of quality instruction and facilities. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned racer, interested in dinghies, keelboats or cruising, the WaterFront Center has an experience for you.

US Sailing Certification Programs Adult & Family Sailing Courses Open Sailing Programs Racing Programs Private Sailing Lessons

Basic Keelboat
Basic Cruising

Basic Keelboat

basic keelboat The WaterFront Center’s Basic Keelboat Certification Package is a comprehensive introduction to sailing. Designed to build strong foundational sailing skills, this course is appropriate for beginner and intermediate sailors. Combinations of classroom and on-the-water sessions focus on practical sailing skills, safety, basic navigation and sail theory. After successful completion of the course, including an on-the-water practical and written test, students receive US SAILING certification which enables the holder to operate a small tiller-steered keelboat in light to moderate breeze in familiar waters.

US SAILING programs provide a national standard of instruction and learning outcomes. Instructors receive specific training intended to accelerate the learning process for students through a comprehensive building block approach. Students will build both sailing knowledge and practical skills. Topics covered include: terminology, boat preparation and rigging, knots, wind awareness, boat handling and sail trim, navigation, weather, and important safety procedures and maneuvers. Students must successfully complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Schedule: see program schedule for dates
Fee: $695 (Includes: course materials, testing, one-year US SAILING membership, one free Beyond Basic Keelboat session, one free WFC Racing session, half-off first rental)
Ages: 18 and older
Register: click here

* A 50% deposit per person per course is required to secure your spot in any course. Classes are held rain or shine. The WaterFront Center (WFC) reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a class due to severe weather conditions. WFC reserves the right to cancel any instructional sailing program if total enrollment is less than two (2) people. Full payment is required on the course start date. Private lessons may not be applied to any certification course as course time, all certification courses are offered as is - unless special arrangements are made before the lesson begins. Deposits are refundable, less $50 materials/administrative fee, up to one week prior to the start of the course. If a student cancels within one(1) week of the course start date, the student may reschedule within the same season only. No refunds will be given within one week of the course start date. Once a course has begun no refunds are given for any reason. All rates and dates are subject to change. If any customer cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice, without a doctor’s note or they do not show for the class, no refund will be given and the program cannot be rescheduled.

* Late Adult Registrations: If you try and register for a program beginning in 7 days or less we cannot secure your spot or accept payment online. Please give us a call to find out if there are any openings and if we can accommodate you we will accept payment by check or credit card before the first day of the program.

Basic Cruising

basic cruising Cruising offers sailors the freedom to enjoy extended stays afloat. This US SAILING course prepares you for destination sailing during daylight hours within the sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions. This class emphasizes handling an auxiliary engine, docking, anchoring, boat systems, plotting a course and navigation. After successful completion of the course, including an on-the-water practical and written test, students receive US SAILING certification which enables the holder to skipper and crew an auxiliary powered sailboat up to 32' in length.

The US SAILING Keelboat Certification system provides the national standard to learning and mastering the various components of sailing. Building upon fundamental sailing skills learned in Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising grants students the knowledge for destination sailing, a popular recreational activity that allows freedom to further enjoy the scope of the marine environment. Topics covered not only boost sailing skills, but also focus on operating under auxiliary power and understanding power, electrical, bilge, head and fresh water systems. Students must successfully complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Schedule: see program schedule for dates
Fee: $645 (includes: course materials, testing, half-off first charter of Sleepy Head)
Ages: 18 and older
Prerequisite: US SAILNG Basic Keelboat Certification plus a minimum of 20hrs sea time as a skipper
Register: click here