Since sailboats respond so dramatically to wind and weather, a strong foundation in and working knowledge of coastal navigation will serve every sailor well, no matter where their home waters are. A sailing school that is recognized by the American Sailing Association will offer a comprehensive navigation class. This class is usually taken after a basic coastal cruising course.

Coastal navigation courses will teach students to plot their position by reading and interpreting nautical charts and landmarks. Sailing and navigation involve using a lot of common sense, in conjunction with a number of time-tested skills. Knowing how to get to a point without relying on electronic navigational aids can be a real help in tough conditions.

Expand Your Skills with a Coastal Navigation Course

Navigation students will also learn to read the tides and the currents using tables. So many variables determine the sailboat's vector motion that it behooves each student to develop as much familiarity with these tables as possible. The easier they are to read in a learning environment, the better one will be able to do when necessary.

Sailors come in every level of commitment. Some simply want to learn just enough to cruise on a sunny day, while others want to learn to skipper a craft in all kinds of weather. However, since weather is inclement on the ocean, even day sailors should know how to navigate, plot, and read tide and current tables.