Learn to sail confidently on a modern Beneteau with The Bluewater Academy’s US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification. This 3-day hands-on course in Palmetto, Florida prepares beginners and refreshers for real-world keelboat handling and certification.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Fitness Level
Participants should be in reasonable physical shape, able to move comfortably on a boat deck and handle moderate physical activity.
Wildlife
History
Palmetto, founded in the late 19th century, retains roots as a fishing and boat-building community that shaped the Gulf Coast’s maritime culture.
Conservation
The Bluewater Academy emphasizes responsible boating to protect sensitive estuarine habitats supporting local wildlife and water quality.
The Bluewater Academy
Learn to sail confidently on a modern Beneteau with The Bluewater Academy’s US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification. This 3-day hands-on course in Palmetto, Florida prepares beginners and refreshers for real-world keelboat handling and certification.
The Bluewater Academy is a professional sailing school that delivers US Sailing and NauticEd certification courses aboard modern cruising yachts. The academy offers a structured curriculum spanning basic keelboat skills through coastal passage making and large keelboat skipper training. Students train on Beneteau Oceanis models and the Excess 11 catamaran, gaining hands-on experience in sail handling, navigation, anchoring, docking, and crew management.
Courses include US Sailing Basic Keelboat (US 101), Coastal Navigation (US 105), Bareboat Cruising (US 104), combined certification options such as US 103/104 and the intensive US 101/103/104 combo, plus catamaran-specific training (US 114). NauticEd programs include Skipper Large Keelboat and the SLC international assessment for bareboat charter credentials. Program lengths range from two to six days, and training culminates in practical on‑water assessments and recognized certifications.
Instruction emphasizes safety, seamanship, and real‑world decision making. Professional instructors lead each course with clear learning objectives, hands-on drills, and supervised passage plans. Small crew sizes allow individualized feedback and accelerated skill acquisition. The Bluewater Academy focuses on practical competence so graduates can confidently skipper coastal cruising vessels and evaluate charter readiness.
The academy maintains industry-standard vessels and follows established US Sailing and NauticEd syllabi for standardized assessment. Prospective students can select single courses or multi-course combos to build toward charter qualifications efficiently. Several multi-course combos include live-aboard training nights aboard the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1, giving trainees practical experience with overnight passages, provisioning, watch systems, and extended passage planning. Final assessments verify competence for chartering and leadership and safety decision-making consistently.
Certifications
US Sailing, NauticEd
Industry-recognized credentials
Boat Fleet
Beneteau & Excess 11
Modern cruising yachts used for training
Course Lengths
2–6 days
Short intensives to multi-day combos
Choose a course track, confirm prerequisites, and prepare for practical on‑water assessments to earn recognized credentials.
Arrive Prepared for Water Conditions
Check the local wind and tide forecast the morning of your course to anticipate how conditions may affect sailing maneuvers.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear
Decks can be wet and slippery; shoes with good grip improve safety and mobility aboard the boat.
Sun Protection is Crucial
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from Florida’s intense sun during long days on the water.
Hydrate and Snack Smart
Carry water and light snacks; staying hydrated keeps energy up while actively sailing and learning.
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides secure footing on wet boat surfaces to prevent slips.
Sun hat with brim
Protects face and neck from intense sun exposure during long sailing hours.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Shields against wind and unexpected rain while maintaining breathability.
spring|fall|winter
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Prevents sunburn when spending extended periods on open water.
all
Courses Offered
10 courses
Keelboat, bareboat, catamaran training