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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]