Learn to Cruise — Passage to Alaska
Have you always wanted to cruise the Inside Passage but been too intimidated to try? Worried about not having enough knowledge or experience? Want to take your own boat, but a little apprehensive about the challenges? Do you want to see it first, under the watchful eyes of an experienced captain before you go by yourself?
The group after a great trip
Then the Learn to Cruise–Passage to Alaska is the perfect trip for you. On it you’ll learn how to navigate all the tough passages of the trip, see numerous anchorages, experience the crossings and participate in the planning that goes into a long voyage, so you’ll feel confident doing it on your own. This knowledge and experience will translate well to every area of your boating, making you more confident to cruise these same waters, to sail in new places, and even make you more sure of yourself on short trips close to home.
Northwest Navigation is offering two of these one-way trips. The northbound trip (10-21 May, 2012) departs from Bellingham, and you will fly home from the end in Ketchikan. On the southbound (19-30 July, 2012) you’ll join the ship in Ketchikan and disembark in Bellingham. The Learn to Cruise — Passage to Alaska trips follow our Canadian Inside Passage Itinerary. Everything is included in the trip, like all of our other trips, including all of Christine’s amazing cooking, beautiful scenery, and plenty of time to relax.
These voyages are also great for couples who cruise together to as well as individuals. One of the topics that will be covered will be “effective crew communications” which includes both giving commands as well as listening. Operating a vessel can be much more enjoyable when it’s approached as a team, and teamwork will be emphasized in all aspects of the classes.
Ray Learns to Steer the Boat
Each day will include one formal class time, several informal sessions and lots of time at the helm for anyone interested. (It’s approximately 100 hours underway over the 12 days of the voyage.) The trip won’t be all work and no play, however. There will be lots of time for occasional shore excursions and hiking and kayaking for anyone interested. Also, for if spouses, friends or family, who would like to travel along, but not participate, there’s no requirement to participate in any of the classes.
Captain Jeffrey has more than 20 years of experience operating various kinds of vessels professionally and teaching others about everything from seamanship to engine maintenance. His style of teaching revolves around the premise that students should be able to experience things on their own to learn them, in an environment that make them feel comfortable. There is never any confrontation, or embarrassment of students and they get to learn at their own pace, not that of the group.
What you’ll learn on a Learn to Cruise–Passage to Alaska:
- Passage Planning
- Voyage Planning, Preparation and Provisioning
- Important Documents
- Spares and extra equipment
- Navigation and Electronics
- Charts and Plotters
- Chart Navigation
- Tides and Currents
- Fuel Management
- Tidal Rapids
- Operations and Seamanship
- Anchoring Techniques-Standard techniques and unusual situations
- Docking and Maneuvering
- Marinas
- Stowing Gear for Sea
- Weather-getting information and reading conditions
- Rules of the Road
- Traffic
- Radios and AIS
- Radar
- Logbooks
- Crew
- Assigning Jobs
- Communication
- Spouses and Significant Others
- Safety at Sea
- Personal Safety
- Emergencies
- Man Overboard
- Engine Room Safety
- Systems
- Trouble Shooting
- Channeling your inner MacGyver
- Legal
- Customs Immigration and the Borders
Class in session on David B's Bridge
- Licenses and Tonnage Rules
- And much more…
…having wanted to take this trip for years, I grabbed my duffel and joined Jeffrey and Christine on a piece of maritime history, headed from Bellingham to Alaska. While Christine’s gourmet diners outshone any restaurants I frequent, my main mission was to gain the knowledge to safely traverse those water in my own boat someday.
Jeffrey’s professional, calm, precise guidance, with various types of docking, and understanding of the planning needed to safely time the passages through tidal rapids, left me with a heightened confidence that I could one day do the same.
Have you ever had the desire to cruise the Inside Passage? If you don’t have a boat, then you should be on the David B. If you want to go in your own boat, you should first take the trip on the David B. You will spend time at the helm, steering, monitoring, and experiencing. You will take important notes, document safe waterways, and anchor in pristine inlets.
If you want the confidence to make this passage, grab a chart book and get on board. - J. from Bellingham Owner of a 42′ Nova Sundeck
The small group size (limited to just 6 students/guests) makes the M/V David B the perfect learning environment. (We can all fit on the bridge if necessary.) There is plenty of time to answer questions and give each person the time to learn new things at their own pace. We love teaching.
Materials Included:
- Marine Atlas Vols. 1 & 2
- COLREGS
- Log Book
- Class notes book
Things you’ll need to bring:
- Passport – Required
- Binoculars
- Dividers
- Parallels or plotting triangles
- Calculator
- Float coat or inflatable PFD (optional)
Check out our reviews, look at our photo galleries, then give us a call or send us an email to sign up. It’ll give your confidence an amazing boost.
