Master Electronic Navigation with Windworks Sailing in Seattle
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 sessions of 2–3 hours each
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly classroom-based with some hands-on demonstrations
Overview
Unlock the secrets of electronic navigation on the waters of Puget Sound with Windworks Sailing's expert-led classroom series. Learn to navigate confidently using modern tools and traditional methods in one of America's premier sailing hubs.
US Sailing Essential Marine Navigation
Classroom Course - US Sailing & WWSC
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join Windworks Sailing and Powerboating for an innovative four-part course on Essential Marine Navigation. This unique program blends traditional and modern navigation techniques, ensuring you gain practical skills for both sail and power boating. With hands-on practice and certification opportunities, enhance your confidence on the water in just four evenings!
4 PART CLASSROOM SERIES:
- September 29th, October 1st, 6th, and 8th, from 6pm-9pm
Overview:
Windworks Sailing and Powerboating is proud to be one of the first schools in the country offering this new course! Essential Marine Navigation (aka Electronic Navigation & Piloting) teaches sail and power boaters to confidently use both traditional and modern navigation concepts. This course fulfills the Windworks Navigation and Piloting requirements for overnight charter, as well as the NEW US Sailing & Powerboating Nav 1 certification.Whether you are a novice navigator, or wanting to update your skills, this course will be practical and fun, including 4 evening classroom sessions with additional hands-on practice activities for students to work through outside the classroom. Coursework will include the use of Navionics Boating mobile app subscription (purchased separately) on the student’s own GPS-ENABLED tablet or smartphone, as well as Garmin, Raymarine, and B&G chartplotters which are popular in Windworks and other charter fleets around the world.
The Course Covers:
- Understanding Basic Navigation Concepts
- Using Electronic Navigation Systems
- Interpreting Aids to Navigation
- Understanding Tides and Currents
- Eyeball Piloting Concepts
- Independent Backup Navigation Planning
- Trip Planning
- Navigation Resources
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisite for this course, which provides practical navigation skill using electronic devices for our local Salish Sea or anywhere in the world. It can be taken at any time before, after, or in conjunction with Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Powerboat Cruising, or our Paper Navigation and Piloting class. This course, Paper Navigation & Piloting, or Coastal Navigation is required prior to taking any Windworks vessel overnight.
What's Included:
- US Sailing Essential Marine Navigation textbook (e-book or paper booklet)
- US Sailing Essential Marine Navigation certification testing
- Windworks Navigation and Piloting certification sticker if you pass the certification test
- US Sailing Essential Marine Navigation Certification sticker for logbook if you pass the certification test
Adventure Tips
Familiarize with Electronic Instruments Before Class
Review basic GPS and chartplotter functions to maximize hands-on learning during sessions.
Prepare for Variable Weather
Seattle’s marine weather can change rapidly; dress in moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable.
Bringing Your Own Device
If you have personal marine electronics, bring them to class for guided usage tips and troubleshooting.
Practice Navigation on Local Waters
Complement classroom study with visits to Puget Sound for real-world application of piloting skills.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals commonly seen around Seattle’s piers
- Occasional sightings of bald eagles soaring above the waterways
History
Puget Sound has been a vibrant maritime corridor since indigenous times, with Seattle evolving as a key Pacific Northwest port since the late 19th century.
Conservation
Windworks promotes sustainable boating to protect Puget Sound’s delicate marine ecosystems, emphasizing low-impact piloting techniques.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Notebook and Pen
For taking detailed notes during lessons and practical exercises.
Personal Marine Electronics
Bring your own GPS or chartplotter for personalized instruction.
Comfortable Indoor Attire
Wear layers to adapt to classroom and marine environment conditions.
Marine Weather Apps
Useful for following Puget Sound conditions during and after the course.