Finding the perfect gift this year for that new or inexperienced recreational boater you know can’t be any easier than contacting the Hawaii Sail and Power Squadron, headquartered at the Waikiki Yacht Club, and registering them for the Squadron’s ABC Boating Class.
This three-session course is considered by the Squadron as a natural first step in building a foundation for confidence and competence for safe and enjoyable boating on the water as it extends the knowledge and skills of the boater in handling and maneuvering a vessel.
The boating class is open to anyone 16 years of age and older and is offered by the Squadron as a community public service. And, of some importance, the course meets the State of Hawaii’s requirements as a certified boating safety course. The Squadron also notes that some insurance companies offer graduates discounts on boat insurance.
Those taking the course do not need to own a boat, just have the desire to learn how to safely operate one, whether sail or power. The basic class topics include:
• Boat Types and Nautical Terminology
• Boat Handling and Elementary Seamanship
• Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road)
• Marlinspike Seamanship (learn to tie the five most useful knots)
• Federal and State Boating Safety Regulations
• Charts and Aids to Navigation
• Basic Piloting
• Sailing Fundamentals, Marine Radio, and Trailer Boating
The first class will begin on January 7, 2012 at the Waikiki Yacht Club (1599 Ala Moana Blvd. - at the Diamondhead entrance of Ala Moana Beach Park) and go for three consecutive Saturday morning sessions from 8 a.m. to noon.
The cost for the class is just $50 for pre-enrollment ($60 on the day of the class), but those interested should be warned, there is limited seating. For more information or to sign up, call the Squadron at 808-291-4338.
The Squadron points out it is a leading-edge boating organization that has been successfully teaching safe boating courses and seminars to Hawaii boaters for many years. It is the largest Sail & Power Squadron in Hawaii and follows strict guidelines to provide the best possible boating education with certified instructors on board. Its multi-award winning instructors offer a wide range of seminars and many boating classes, including on-the-water clinics and events to expand sail and power boating education and provide better boating experiences.
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