Tune up your sailing and navigation skills with these small group workshops. Every workshop is limited to no more than 4 students to maximize the hands - on experience.
All workshops are led by an American Sailing Association certified instructor and provide additional "sea time" for students who have completed the Coastal Cruising or Bareboat Charter ASA courses.
All workshops are offered on Symbiosis, a 45 foot Island Packet cruising sailboat. All workshops, except the mini-cruises between Keyport and Jersey City, will be offered subject to a minimum of 3 people and will take place rain or shine subject to the captain's discretion.

Workshop #1: Sail Trim - $200
Learn how to optimize sailing performance on a 45 foot cruising sail boat. Optimum sail trim on all points of sail including the use of the staysail is covered. Proper use of main sheet traveler and jib fair leads is also included. Learn how to handle heavy and light winds to get the most out of your sailing experience.

Workshop #2: Navigation -
Mini-Cruise Between Keyport, NJ. And Jersey City - $150
(No minimum number of students required)
This is a 25 mile cruise that will last up to 5 hours. Travel from Keyport, N.J to Jersey City or Jersey City to Keyport. Practice your navigation using basic charting skills, GPS, integrated chart plotter and radar. Plan a cruise from Keyport, New Jersey across Raritan Bay, under the Verrazano Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson to Jersey City. Calculate the effects of wind and current, use the radar and GPS to establish position and assess the effects of set and drift due to wind and current. Use a hand bearing compass to establish position. This includes all aspects of cruising from one location to another with the use of modern day electronics as well as paper charts and chart plotting tools. Because of the distance involved, portions of the trip may be under power or motor-sailing. Public transportation on PATH and NJ Transit readily available for the return trip to the point of origination.

Workshop #3: Navigation - $200
This is a 3 hour trip either in Raritan Bay or New York Harbor. Calculate the effects of wind and current, use the radar and GPS to establish position and assess the effects of set and drift due to wind and current. Use a hand bearing compass to establish position. This includes all aspects of cruising from one location to another with the use of modern day electronics as well as paper charts and chart plotting tools. Since the emphasis is on navigation, portions of the trip may be under power or motor-sailing.

Workshop #4: Night Sailing - $200
This is a 3 hour trip at night. Sail in Raritan Bay or New York Harbor. Experience and learn how to recognize the light characteristics of marine traffic at night. This workshop combines both navigation and rules of the road in a challenging after-dark experience. To the extent that conditions permit, this trip will be done under sail.

Workshop #5: Ocean Sailing (full day or afternoon & evening) - $300
Enjoy the full experience of ocean sailing, starting with trip planning and moving on to getting underway, sailing on the ocean, and return to port. Gain confidence in your ability to go cruising or chartering. Practice navigation with charts and electronics. Become more comfortable with the Rules of the Road. For the afternoon and evening session, sail during daylight and at night. This workshop incorporates the practical aspects of the Coastal Cruising or Bareboat Charter courses.