Basic Weather and Forecasting Seminar
Materials Fee: $15.00 (members), $20.00 (non-members)
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 to 12:00
Location: R H Stafford Library, (8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury) or Online via your computer
Instructor: Al Harmon
“A veering wind will clear the sky; A backing wind says storms are nigh.”
"Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take morning."
All boaters have heard these mariners' proverbs or similar ones. They have a salty flavor that takes us back to the era of sailing ships. In this Basic Weather and Forecasting seminar, students will learn the meteorological basis for them. The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent, and this two-hour session is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course. The complex subject of weather is presented in a way that is both understandable and useful. Topics include:
Air Masses & Fronts, Winds, Storms, Clouds & Thunderstorms, Fog and Forecasting.
Questions? education@stpaulsquadron.org
Members: Please register on the Member Classes page.
America's Boating Course
Materials Fee: $35.00
Dates: Saturdays, April 13 and 20, 2024 (2 sessions)
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Location: Bayport Marina Clubhouse (200 5th Ave So, Bayport) or Online via your computer
Become a safer, more confident boater!
America’s Boating Course is the most comprehensive, single source, in-person boating course available to provide both new and experienced boaters the skills needed to safely enjoy time on the water. Topics include: rules of the road; required safety equipment; navigation aids, lights and sounds; anchoring; communications; adverse conditions; water sports and personal watercraft safety; trailering; local and federal laws; and knots & lines. This course is perfect if you are a new boat owner or just want to freshen up your knowledge. Local information, discussion with other boaters, and ample time for questions expand on the course curriculum to broaden students' boating knowledge.
This course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. It meets all Minnesota and Wisconsin requirements for obtaining boating license and operator certification. Instructors are NASBLA-certified and members of the local St. Paul Sail and Power Squadron.
This course is considered the first step in joining America's Boating Club. If you know of people considering membership, please refer them to this course, and this website.
We strongly recommend taking this class in person to maximize your investment of time and resources. However, it will be available online as well. The link will be published weekly to registered participants.
We strongly recommend taking this class in person to maximize your investment of time and resources. However, it will be available online as well. The link will be published weekly to registered participants.
NOTE: The test required for NASBLA certification must be taken in person - Saturday afternoon, April 20.
Questions? education@stpaulsquadron.org
Boat Handling (Formerly Seamanship)
Materials Fee: $75.00 (members), $150.00 (non-members)
Dates: Wednesdays, May 1 through June 12, 2024 (7 weeks)
Time: 7:00 to 9:00
Location: Bayport Marina Clubhouse (200 5th Ave So, Bayport) or Online via your computer
Boat Handling, which replaces Seamanship, is the next course to take if you’ve already taken an introductory boating class such as America’s Boating Course. The class is conducted in six sessions:
Rules of the Road
Confidence in Docking
Handling Your Boat Underway
Anchoring
Emergencies on Board
Knots and Line Handling
The seventh week (June 12), there will be a written test. Members who complete the course and pass the test will be granted the advanced grade of "Seaman."
We strongly recommend taking this class in person to maximize your investment of time and resources. However, it will be available online as well. The link will be published weekly to registered participants.
NOTE: The test required to certify course completion must be taken in person on June 12.
For more information, please contact the St. Paul Squadron Education Officer: education@stpaulsquadron.org
Members: Please register on the Member Classes page.
Spring Boating Refresher Seminar
Fee: FREE
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: Bayport Marina Clubhouse (200 5th Ave So, Bayport)
Join us as instructor members of the St. Paul Squadron present timely reminders as we get back to boating this spring. Topics may include:
Updates on Minnesota and Wisconsin Boating Regulations
US Coast Guard Safety Equipment Requirements
Adapting to Wind, Current, Waves and Wakes
Use of Spring Lines
Close-Quarter Maneuvering
Rafting & Towing Tips
More
Questions? education@stpaulsquadron.org
This event is free, but we request you register to attend.