Cruisers College

Understanding Weather - Making the Go or No-Go Decision with Mark Bunzel
2021-11-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Changing weather is one of the things most boaters and their crews fear most. Usually it is not deadly, but it can be downright scary when a pleasant day of boating turns ugly. Knowing the basics can help you interpret the weather and make a good go or no-go decision. This course will take you through the basics of how to understand the information available and how to combine it with tide and current information to determine the sea conditions. The class will use actual examples and gather weather data from the internet, cell phone and VHF radio. Software apps will be used and their shortcomings will be reviewed. They say timing is everything, and a few hours difference with the change of current can make all difference in the world. We will use a checklist approach where you can create your own system to create an understanding of the weather that fits your vessel and crew.

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New Boaters Course
2021-11-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Boat sales have been crazy the past 18 months and we know there are plenty of new boaters in our area. The instructors at Cruisers College have many years of experience cruising and want to share it with you! We’ve put together a new, all-day course that should answer many of your questions, gain you skills, learn tips & tricks, & make you more comfortable on the water
Topics include:

Communications onboard
Anchoring & Docking
Pacific Northwest Weather Intro
Understanding electrical power
Itinerary & Route Planning
Maintenance for your vessel

Please note: The Seminars are at the Skagit Valley College Marine Technical Center in Anacortes, located at 1606 R Ave, Masks are required for participation at the school.

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D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting with Matt Mardesich
2021-10-10 09:00 - 16:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers College will offer an all day course about your diesel propulsion engine. Having your Diesel engine fail while underway can ruin your day. Worse, it could put you and your crew in a dangerous position. In general, marine diesel engines are incredibly reliable…..
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DIY Electrical: Learn to troubleshoot & wire like a pro by Michael Beemer
2021-10-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Michael Beemer, a Skagit Valley College Marine Technology Instructor will take you through the ins and outs of your vessel’s electrical systems. This hands on course will teach you how to use your multimeter for trouble-shooting, understand marine wiring, and how to “Keep Your Electrical System Alive”. Every boat owner should understand their electrical systems…..

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Managing Power on Board: Balancing Your Energy Needs with Michael Beemer
2021-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
There are many new choices for generating and managing power on your boat – solar cells, fuel cells, high-output alternators and of course – a genset…..
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Cruise to Desolation Sound and the Broughtons Seminar
2020-04-18 08:30 - 16:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Spend a day learning about some of the most magical and easily accessible cruising in our area! Longtime experts will teach you about clearing Canadian Customs, navigating through the Gulf Islands, selecting a weather window to cross the Strait of Georgia, where to go in Desolation Sound, how to anchor and stern tie, provision, and much more.

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Medical for the Pacific Northwest Cruiser with Marykay Pasnick
2020-03-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2019-01-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Last year one of the most requested courses at Cruisers College was medical at sea. Medical concerns are always a topic of interest to Pacific Northwest cruisers because we like remote cruising, racing, hiking, and adventures on our vessels. There are always risks when cruising, but being prepared and knowing what to do in an a medical emergency is essential for every mariner.
This course covers many topics, a few highlights

Assessing injuries, being the nurse
Temporary splints/broken bones
Head injuries
Treating burns
Infections
Cuts and lacerations
What a Proper medical kit contains – including a checklist for your vessel
and more!

Marykay spent her career as an E.R. doctor and life-long cruiser. From small vessels to cruising the inside passage and S.E. Alaska on a George Buhler “Diesel Duck”, she will share her knowledge and experiences with you!

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Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska - a 2-day seminar
2020-02-22 08:00 - 2020-02-23 17:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska Seminar
Instructors: Mark Bunzel, Mike Beemer, Lynette Brower, Leonard and Lorena Landon
This two-day seminar covers all the information you need to cruise to Southeast Alaska, including exploring Northern British Columbia, Haida Gwaii, and the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Topics include routes to and from Southeast Alaska, customs clearances, weather and tidal challenges, favorite destinations, permit processes for protected areas, getting parts and crew delivered to remote areas, and much more.
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Understanding Marine Systems: A complete overview by Michael Beemer
2020-01-12 09:00 - 16:30 | WA
Most modern cruising vessels have many systems aboard that we enjoy, but they require inspection, care, and maintenance. Spend a day with ABYC Master Technician and Skagit Valley Colleges systems instructor Michael Beemer.
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Electrical Systems Investigations, with Jen Haaland
2019-05-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers college will help you better understand your vessel’s electrical systems. There is plenty of information every boat owner should know about these critical systems, whether they are doing routine inspections, battery monitoring, or simply trying to understand the system on your boat and “Keep it Alive”.
Sample list of topics covered:

How an electrical system works
How to monitor electrical systems
Early warning signs of trouble
Learn proper use and safety while using a multi-meter
Proper tools & basic wiring
Learn how to make connections and do emergency repairs

Jen received her marine training from the Skagit Valley College Marine Maintenance Technology program and holds ABYC certifications in Marine Electrical, Corrosion, Gasoline, and Diesel Engines. She specializes in AC and DC electrical troubleshooting and has a passion for labeling. Jen currently works for NW Explorations in Bellingham, WA as a lead technician.
In addition to being an ABYC Master Technician, Jen has a BA in Fine Arts from Seattle University. She enjoys spending her free time sailing and power boating around the San Juan islands.
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Taking care of the fiberglass boat with Jeff Paxson
2019-05-19 12:30 - 15:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers College knows if you are a fiberglass boat owner, you know that the cost of maintenance and keeping your vessel looking good is not getting any cheaper. Many boat owners would consider doing some of it themselves, as it can be very rewarding and less expensive. Learn from the experts on how to maintain your fiberglass boat. Local expert Jeff Paxson (Marine Detail Specialists) will give you some tricks of the trade! You will learn how to remove tough stains, how to bring back your Gelcoat to high luster, equipment to use, & products that work. Whether you’re seeking information about how to keep your boat shiny or how to fix these bangs and scrapes to keep vessels looking good and holding their value, you will take away many practical tips.
Sample of topics covered:

Learn how to remove tough stains
Learn how to repair fiberglass dings and dents.
Learn how to bring back your Gelcoat to a high luster
Learn how to take continual care of you boat’s fiberglass for best results
Understand materials and equipment for buffing and waxing

Jeff Paxson is the owner of Marine Detail Specialists—a full service marine detailing company in the Pacific Northwest. Jeff has been around boats his entire life. He began detailing at the age of 15 and has expanded his knowledge and expertise over the years. He is very passionate about his work and the relationships with his clients. Jeff brings with him the expertise and knowledge to help Cruisers College participants to understand the secrets of making their own boat look great and retaining its value.
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Engine Room Investigations, with Jen Haaland
2019-05-19 09:30 - 12:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers college will help you understand your diesel engine and the equipment you rely on when out exploring on your boat. It’s often overwhelming when trying to figure out all that happens in an engine space, but it’s essential for safe, reliable and enjoyable time on the water. Marine technicians have the benefit of being in many engine spaces and understanding the many different scenarios that happen below decks. We have a great technician, with lots of experience, that will take you through the engine space and pass along the many tips she has learned.

Learn all about daily engine room checks
Learn ‘early warning signs’
Learn how to change fuel filters and bleed a diesel engine

Inspection of shafts, rudders, and other often overlooked items

Jen received her marine training from the Skagit Valley College Marine Maintenance Technology program and holds ABYC certifications in Marine Electrical, Corrosion, Gasoline, and Diesel Engines. She specializes in AC and DC electrical troubleshooting and has a passion for labeling. Jen currently works for NW Explorations in Bellingham, WA as a lead technician. In addition to being an ABYC Master Technician, Jen has a BA in Fine Arts from Seattle University. She enjoys spending her free time sailing and power boating around the San Juan islands.
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Using New Technology for Navigation & Cruising w/ Mark Bunzel
2019-05-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
This course will explore many new technologies in the marine marketplace during this 3 hour course.
During the last five years there have been amazing advances in new technology for use on a boat. Waggoner Cruising Guide Editor Mark Bunzel will describe, demonstrate and show the full range of devices and the low-cost apps now available. He will show you new systems you can add to your boat and contrast how you may want to choose. You can create an all new system or add new systems one step at a time. He will explain DSC for your VHF and how you can use its full capabilities. AIS will be explained with recommendations on what you might want to consider. The different systems offer different capabilities for your boat.
Mark will show you the differences between iPad and tablet apps and how you can choose the right apps for your use. He will also show how your entire boat can be networked to allow you to view critical engine and navigation data from all your devices anywhere on your boat. Want to run a new digital radar system without the expense of running new cable? Mark will discuss your equipment choices and how some new radar systems use WiFi to connect into the system.
Sample of topics covered:

Communications – VHF, WiFi, cellular and satellite for safety and staying in touch
Navigation – the reality of new nav systems and the capabilities they bring for chart plotters and iPads and Tablets.
Emergency – Need help fast – the new systems can send different alerts. We will also cover new Man Overboard Systems (MOB) and other safety systems.
Systems will be discussed in plain language for easy understanding.

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Creative Solutions to a Bad Day at Sea by Art Hebert
2019-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Going on any passage can be the most satisfying and wonderful experience you may have on your boat, but every now and then bad things happen. Every cruiser faces some level of the “what if” that’s in the back of your head as you embark on a voyage. This course is designed to help you understand what things typically can happen and how to deal with them in a safe, and often critical timeline. We teamed up with many experts who combine decades of knowledge and experience into this course. Topics will include:

Proven Techniques for temporary solutions to many common failures onboard cruising vessels
Knowing, understanding & maintaining critical systems for the safety and comfort of the captain and crew
Pre-departure checklists of what to check, inspect, and stock to support efforts when emergencies happen while passage making
Decision making strategies every cruiser should know when facing an emergency
Practical tips for temporary repairs of key systems

We’ll end this session with a checklist of proven solutions and instructions you will want on your boat that will help you be prepared if an emergency should arise during your cruise.
Arthur Hebert is a 28 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He served on a wide variety of the Coast Guard ships and participated in many Search and Rescue missions. He holds a 100 ton Master Inland License and is an ABYC Master Tech. He is a part time instructor at Skagit Valley College Marine Trades program and during the summer you can find him on his 30 ft Fisher motorsailer or working with new boat owners.
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Itinerary Planning for All—How to get the most from your time on the water by Mark Bunzel
2019-05-17 15:30 - 19:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
There are so many excellent places to go in the NW, BC and SE Alaska – which do you choose? What do you need to know in order to plan an enjoyable cruise? The Editor of the Waggoner Cruising Guide, Mark Bunzel, will tell you their secrets on how you can put together an itinerary that will be special for the entire crew. Have kids on board; plan a trip to visit marinas with swimming pools. Love to kayak; we can point you to the places that have the best kayaking. Like history and museums or farmer’s markets; we can point you to those too. Want to discover hidden special destinations; we have pictures. Just want to relax anchored in front of a waterfall; yes we have that one too. Mark will show you the Waggoner Guide’s system to itinerary planning and provide you with sample’s you can modify for your trip next season.
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Staying Local-Cruising Puget Sound, and the San Juan/Gulf Islands w/Bunzel
2019-05-17 12:30 - 15:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Being on the water is pure magic—especially in the Pacific Northwest! If you haven’t spent the time to explore our own backyard, this course is for you. This seminar, presented by Mark Bunzel, the editor of the
Waggoner Cruising Guide, will give you planning routes and tips to make the most of your summer holiday. Topics will include unique areas and must see highlights in the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, and the Canadian Gulf Islands; information on clearing US and Canadian Customs; books and charts; electronics/internet access; anchorages and moorages; fuel & repairs; water & provisions; cell/WiFi
communications. This seminar will also launch you successfully towards cruising the Inside Passage.
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Creating Power on Your Boat: Keeping Your Batteries Charged by M Beemer
2019-05-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
There are many new choices for generating and managing power on your boat – solar cells, fuel cells, high-output alternators and of course – a genset. Did you know a genset on your boat is the most expensive power you can buy?
Our needs for power on our boats have became higher. Computers, tablets and iPhone chargers, microwave ovens, music systems and even the Instant Pot may be expected to run off a modern boat’s electrical system and many vessels don’t have a “balanced electrical system” that performs properly, has reliability, and is designed to last. This course is designed to help you understand how to design, check, maintain, and upgrade your electrical system to match the power requirements on your boat.
First, we will take a look at the typical power demands a modern electrical system supports.
Do you know how much your microwave draws from your inverter and storage system? We will total up the electrical draw different systems require. Next, we will cover the size of your power storage system, and how to monitor and keep it charged. We then will wrap up the seminar by providing other ways to produce energy and their cost: high-output alternators & battery chargers, solar options & controllers, new fuel cells, and even wind energy. After taking this course, you will become the ‘master’ of the energy equation onboard your cruising vessel.
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Marine Canvas for Cruisers by Mike Reese
2019-04-14 12:30 - 15:30 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Description

Join us for an in-depth look at your boat’s marine canvas and the role it serves in protecting your vessel and helping to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Topics will include, repair and maintenance of canvas, types of canvas work typically needed on cruising boats, design and construction considerations on new projects, what to expect, and ask for, from your favorite canvas shop, and which projects you can tackle yourself versus having made professionally.
Interested in fabricating your own boat canvas? Sign up for the afternoon session when we’ll have a comprehensive discussion of the things you need to know before you dive into these rewarding, but sometimes ‘hair-pulling’ projects. From sewing machine selection and the “tools of the trade” to which materials to use and how to plan, pattern and sew your projects will be covered. The afternoon session concludes with time in the shop getting hands-on experience with the tools and equipment needed to successfully make boat canvas and an opportunity to construct a small project using the concepts and techniques discussed in class.
Instructor Bio
Mike Reese is a 25+ year veteran of the marine industry and the founder and managing partner of SeaBound Canvas, a full-service canvas company with shops in Anacortes and Seattle. Mike is passionate about the art and science of marine fabrication and loves to share how high-quality canvas structures and covers can help protect your boat and make your nautical adventures as safe and comfortable as possible. When not obsessing over new ways to perfect marine canvas, you can find Mike on the water pursuing his passion for boating. Mike loves both power and sailboats. When not out cruising on his 40’ trawler, you’ll likely find him racing his 30’ Etchells sailboat in Bellingham or searching for crab in his 17’ center console.

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Cruising Desolation Sound and The Broughtons Seminar
2019-04-13 08:30 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructors: Mark Bunzel, Michael Beemer, and Lynette Brower
Spend a day learning about some of the most magical and easily accessible cruising in our area! Longtime experts will teach you about clearing Canadian Customs, navigating through the Gulf Islands, selecting a weather window to cross the Strait of Georgia, where to go in Desolation Sound, how to anchor and stern tie, provisional, and much more. The seminar will include information on cruising to Princess Louisa Inlet and transiting Malibu Rapids and the Upper and Lower Rapids in Okisollo Channel. We will provide you with round-trip planning to help maximize your time on the water.

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Understanding Marine Systems: Propane/Fire Suppression/Water-makers by: Michael Beemer
2019-03-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Results from survey information indicated many Cruisers College participants wanted more systems type courses. Most modern cruising vessels will have many systems aboard requiring inspection, care, and maintenance. Spend some time with ABYC Master Technician and systems instructor Michael Beemer who isn’t selling anything and will answer your questions from his 25+ years cruising in our area. Whether you are upgrading or wanting to inspect and test your existing systems, this course will allow you to understand industry best practices and ABYC standards to make sure that your vessel is safe and reliable. Water-making systems are becoming very popular on modern cruising vessel, so we’ll spend some time understanding the theory, operation, considerations, options, and installations for these systems.
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Getting on the Outside: The West Coast of Vancouver Island by Greg & Lori Bernard
2019-03-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
The West Coast of Vancouver Island offers some of the wildest, most remote cruising that the West Coast of BC has to offer. For sailors, it also offers 350 miles of potential downwind ocean sailing in short, manageable sections. For many Pacific Northwest sailors, this trip is serves as preparation for offshore sailing adventures. It also offers many miles of secluded, sheltered inlets and fiords, with many excellent anchorages, fine sandy beaches, small coastal villages, great fishing and abundant wildlife. With a keen weather eye, these features are also available to those travelling by power. This course will help to prepare boaters – power and sail – for voyages south from Port Hardy to Victoria (or Neah Bay), as well as provide strategies for experiencing a taste of the west coast by sailing north up Juan de Fuca to Barkley Sound. Topics will include:

The boat and equipment
Personal readiness and preparation
Tides and Currents, and strategies for optimizing speed over ground
Routing options and voyage planning for passing through “the gates”
Summer weather patterns and forecast interpretation
Interpreting wave height forecasts, and strategies for dealing with ocean waves
Select anchorages
Useful reference material
Provisioning
Fishing basics
Tips we’ve learned for maximizing our time “off the grid”

Where applicable, there will be an opportunity to practice some of the necessary planning skills in the comfort of a classroom. We will also share stories of our own adventures to these waters, and in the process, inspire you to consider cruising to these magnificent waters.

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Starting the Trek North: Nanaimo through Cape Caution by Greg & Lori Bernard
2019-03-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
The area between Nanaimo and the northern tip of Vancouver Island is a large and amazing area that includes two major cruising destinations: Desolation Sound and “The Broughtons”. In addition, Northern Georgia Strait, the Discovery Islands, and Queen Charlotte Strait are also worthy destinations in and of themselves, and with some effort, can reward the adventurous boater with quiet and solitude that is hard to find in the two more popular areas. All of the areas boast a variety of secluded anchorages, marinas, and communities to explore. In addition, routes through this area are the usual course for those taking on adventures to the more remote parts of the West Coast – north to Alaska, and south down Vancouver Island’s Pacific coast. This course will help to prepare boaters – power and sail – for voyages north from Nanaimo as far as the Rivers Inlet area north of Cape Caution. Topics will include:

The boat and equipment
Personal readiness and preparation
Tides and Currents, and strategies for optimizing speed over ground
Routing options and voyage planning for passing through “the gates”
Summer weather patterns and forecast interpretation
Select anchorages
Useful reference material
Provisioning
Fishing basics
Tips we’ve learned for maximizing our time “off the grid”

Where applicable, there will be an opportunity to practice some of the necessary planning skills in the comfort of a classroom. We will also share stories of our own adventures to these waters, and in the process, inspire you to consider cruising to these magnificent waters.
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Overboard Recovery On A Power Boat: Using A Lifesling with Linda Lewis
2019-01-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
The Lifesling was developed for sailboats, but with some inventive rigging it is also extremely useful on power boats. The biggest challenges are finding a good location for the Lifesling and, most importantly, figuring out how to rig the 5:1 Block and Tackle connection-point that is high enough and strong enough. Capt. Linda Lewis teaches Lifesling recovery on power boats and has photos of multiple approaches to the rigging challenges power boaters face. The classroom portion of the course includes a video of a Lifesling recovery, a demo of the gear, and a time for trouble-shooting ideas for YOUR boat. The second part of the course will be a lab, hands-on practice session, working with the retrieval gear – everyone taking a turn actually hauling someone up into a mock-boat who is seated on the floor in the classroom building. Can YOU get your partner into the boat?
Capt. Linda Lewis holds a USCG 100-Ton Masters License and provides customized on-the-water power boat instruction, on-your-boat (www.privateboatinginstruction.com). An Emeritus Associate Professor from the U of WA, she brings her professional educator background to presentations on navigation & boat handling topics yearly at the Seattle Boat Show, Trawlerfest, and yacht clubs. She has 25 years of hands-on experience cruising the Inside Passage (including nine cruises to SE Alaska) on both sail and power boats. Today she single-hands her 45’ trawler and cruises with friends as crew.
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Cruising Outside Vancouver Island with: Leonard and Lorena Landon
2019-01-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Vancouver Island offers fantastic cruising with a wide variety of scenery, anchorages, and activities. While circumnavigating the entire Island is satisfying, it’s not necessary to enjoy the “best half” of West Vancouver Island. You can enjoy a fun and exciting trip, out and back, within easy reach of metropolitan Vancouver, Victoria, or Seattle. Taking advantage of a weather window, it’s a quick trip out the Strait of Juan de Fuca and up the west side to the many protected inlets that offer secluded anchorages and intriguing villages. Leonard and Lorena will help you with cruise decisions, itineraries, destinations and what to expect when venturing to the west side of the Island. Join us for the “best half” from The Bunsby Islands to Cape Beale, with 4 protected inlet cruising areas separated by ocean passages less than 30 miles.
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Pacific Northwest Heating Solutions with Mike Reese
2018-12-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Discover the secret of year-round cruising comfort – warm cabins and hot water in November! Get rid of the damp cushions and moldy Musto’s by adding heat and circulation – the most desired upgrade to a Pacific Northwest cruising boat. If properly sized, installed and maintained a heating system should allow you four season cruising in our Pacific Northwest.
Sample of topics covered:

Pro’s and Cons of Different fuels and heating systems
Dealing with moisture on-board your boat
Sizing, designing and selecting your heater
Maintenance for your heating system
Cost analysis
Things to consider for upgrading/adding heat to your vessel

After this 3 hours course, you will understand how to improve, upgrade and maintain your heating system which will keep you nice and warm all season.
Woody is a retired military officer, off-shore sailor and owner of ‘IceBoat Marine’ – specializing in marine refrigeration, solar and heating, and electrical. An ABYC Certified Master Technician, he is a factory certified installer and troubleshooter for most refrigeration/AC, and heating systems. Woody teaches Marine HVAC at the Skagit Valley Marine Maintenance Technology Program. When not fixing others’ boats, Woody and his family which includes three children, are out cruising (and of course, fixing stuff!) year-round.
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Electrical Systems Investigations, For Women with Jen Haaland
2018-12-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States

﻿Upgrading your sailboat for simplicity and performance: Rigging & Maintenance
2018-12-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructor: Andy Schwenk
Every sailor can learn new tips and techniques like reducing friction, ways to ascend the rig, backstay adjusters, top down furling for spinnaker, preventers, offshore gear from drifters to trysails, carbon and synthetic rigging, and trends in gear.
This course will cover everything from: mast bases, goosenecks, spreaders, lighting, chainplates, furlers (main, headsail, spinnaker), reefing systems, fairleads, and more! People think sailing is expensive and difficult, it should not be difficult.
This course will have three workstations: Cleaning and servicing winches, swaging, cutting rigging

Sample of topics covered:

How to inspect your rigging
Upgrading your boat for simplicity and performance:
How to reduce friction and make running rigging easy
Annual maintenance of winches & furler
Hands-on workstations
Offshore gear selection

Andy Schwenk grew up in Anacortes working after school, summer and weekends aboard the charter boats, marinas, and boat dealers until he graduated from WWU. He continued to teach sailing on weekends throughout his military stint stationed at Ft. Lewis and 10yrs public school teaching. He has now completed 42 Trans Pacific crossings on sailboats 26′ to 72′ and dozens of deliveries from Mexico to Vancouver mostly starting from Seattle. He currently owns Northwest Rigging a full service rigging shop with 7 employees serving yacht owners from Pt. Roberts to Portland. He and his wife sail their SC-27 throughout the PNW year around with their two boys. Among their accomplishments are SC-27 national champions in 2015, Swiftsure and Vic Maui wins as well.

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Marine Electrical Troubleshooting, Design, & Installations with M. Beemer
2018-11-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Cruisers College will take you through the ins and outs of a boat’s electrical systems. There is plenty of information every boat owner should know about these critical systems, whether they are doing improvements themselves, paying a professional for upgrades, or simply trying to understand the system on your boat and “Keep it Alive”.
Sample list of topics covered:

How an electrical system works
How to monitor electrical systems
Early warning signs of trouble
How to use a multimeter for troubleshooting
Sizing and care of battery banks
Proper wire selection, termination, and tools
Alternative energy such as solar and wind generation
How to make repairs to this critical system on almost every cruising vessel

This one-day course includes new technologies and how they might interface or be a solution for your energy needs. Let’s keep the light’s on ☺
Michael Beemer is the department chair for Skagit Valley College’s marine maintenance and repair program. Michael has been presenting and teaching professionally for almost 20 years and holds a master’s degree in education. At the college he teaches all the systems courses, including ABYC certifications. He and his wife have cruised extensively from Anacortes to southeast Alaska for many years on their motor-sailer. In the cruising community, Michael is well known as “The Boat Doctor” who can diagnose and fix almost anything on a vessel. Some of the many topics he has done include: diesel engines, electrical systems, solar, new battery technologies, extended inside passage cruising, and more.
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Single Side Band Radios: ICOM M802 Operation
2018-10-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Instructor: Terry Sparks
Description

High Frequency Single Side band (HF SSB)is an excellent tool for anyone heading out of the United States or especially for off shore cruising. With HF SSB you can make long range radio calls, make marine phone calls, send and receive emails, get weather faxes, obtain Grib files, and even obtain Satellite pictures of the weather for your area. While an initial look at the M802 may seem complex when comparing the radio to a typical Marine VHF radio, this course will provide the basic tools and understanding of HF SSB and M802 operation such that it can become as easy to use as your Marine VHF radio. If you are planning international or offshore travel on your boat, you should attend this course.
Join us as we cover the following areas:

Icom IC M802 overview
Propagation & Tools
The Connections
Pactor Modems
Programming the M802
Operating the M802
Digital Selective Calling
Calls for Help
Making DSC Calls to Friends
Worldwide Group Numbers
Recommendations for Cruisers

Commander TL Sparks enlisted in the Navy in 1968 after he completed a three year Electronics program at Spokane Community College. His first assignment after boot camp was to the Navy’s Electronics Technician “A” school to learn how to operate and repair the Navy’s HF, VHF, and UHF communications equipment.
After almost nine years of active duty at a Communications Station, aboard two Submarines, and a Satellite tracking and injection facility, Terry left active duty and joined the Naval Reserves. After active duty Terry enrolled in a night program to attain a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering offered through Washington State University in Richland, WA. Terry Sailed his first boat over thirty years ago and was hooked at first sail. His years in the Navy where he learned Communications, Navigation, Radar, as well as the workings of the many systems involved with making sure that his two submarines both went into the deep and back to the surface clearly honed Terry’s skills for the cruising lifestyle.
After his retirement from the Navy and ABB in 2008, Terry and his wife went cruising on their sailing vessel Sunnyside. They continue to cruise in the Sea of Cortez and the Mexico Pacific coast.
After a couple of years of cruising, Terry started writing Made Simple for Cruiser books to help others get started living the dream, do it right and come home safely.

Check his cruising travels out at: http://sunnyside-adventure.webs.com/
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