Do I need previous sailing experience to join the course?

Yes, completion of US Sailing’s basic bareboat courses or equivalent experience is required before enrolling.

What certifications will I receive after completing the course?

You will earn the US Sailing Cruising Catamaran Certification, qualifying you to charter boats up to 45 feet in coastal waters.

Is overnight accommodation provided on the boat?

Yes, the two-day course includes one night aboard the Excess 11 catamaran to practice extended cruising skills.

Where does the training take place exactly?

Training departs from Palmetto, Florida, sailing local coastal and bay waters near Tampa Bay.

What is the maximum group size for the course?

Group sizes are kept small to maximize hands-on instruction and safety aboard the catamaran.

What should I bring with me to the course?

Bring weather-appropriate layered clothing, non-marking boat shoes, sun protection, and any personal sailing gear you prefer.

Catamaran Cruising Certification with The Bluewater Academy

Located in Palmetto, Florida, The Bluewater Academy offers a unique two-day US Sailing Cruising Catamaran Certification course that invites avid sailors to master multihull sailing in coastal waters. This immersive experience takes place aboard the Excess 11, a 37-foot performance cruising catamaran known for its stability, expansive cockpit, and spacious layout, giving students practical, real-world training in handling larger multihulls.

Palmetto sits on the western coast of Florida, along the Manatee River, near the entrance to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The area’s sheltered waterways and variable coastal winds provide an ideal classroom for honing skills in catamaran maneuvering, including docking, sail trim adjustment, weight distribution, and anchoring. The landscape blends mangrove-lined shorelines with the openness of the Gulf, offering students a mix of protected inlets and expansive coastal cruising conditions.

The Bluewater Academy’s curriculum goes beyond the basics, delivering hands-on instruction crafted for sailors who have completed preliminary bareboat certifications and want to confidently command catamarans up to 45 feet. The program balances technical learning with extended time on the water including an overnight stay aboard the vessel, equipping participants with essential systems knowledge and cruising strategies.

Unique to this Florida location is the chance to sail in warm waters rich with marine life, including dolphins and seabirds, while enjoying temperate weather ideal for extended on-water instruction most of the year. The Bluewater Academy plays a vital role in bridging the gap between foundational sailing skills and advanced cruising certification within this popular coastal region, making it a standout destination for multihull enthusiasts aiming to expand their qualifications and confidence offshore.

About The Bluewater Academy

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.