"Learn to Sail" Program Overview

The SailQuest "Learn to Sail" Program is an in-depth and well organized training system which combines online theory lessons from NauticEd with our fast-paced, fun and effective 7 day OTW (On-The-Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE>

For beginner to advanced sailors, completing online courses before attending the OTW COURSE is a provably effective path to becoming a well-informed and competent sailor, prepared to operate and manage a live-aboard sailing yacht in moderate weather and sea conditions. Students are equipped with a solid foundation of sailing skills, knowledge and experience which continue to be deleveloped as sea-time and nautical miles are added to provided Sailor's Logbooks & Sailing Resumes.

To enroll in the SailQuest "Learn to Sail" Program, select your online course level (CREW, SKIPPER or MASTER) and find OTW (On-The-Water) COURSE dates that fit your schedule on the SailQuest OTW COURSES & SAILING EVENTS Calendar.

After booking your OTW COURSE you will be provided with links for the CREW, SKIPPER or MASTER online sailing course, a "smart" Sailor's Logbook & Sailing Resume, a huge sailing knowledge library, a digital Sailor's Tool-Kit, access to high quality VR sailing lessons & simulators and more.

"Learn to Sail" Program Flow-Chart

ONLINE COURSES - Overview

To become a competent and successful sailor, it is essential to learn the theory and be exposed to a wide range of nautical knowledge. And while there is no substitute for hands-on sailing experience, NauticEd online courses are an extremely effective way to introduce sailing related topics to beginner and intermediate sailors, as well as providing a worthwhile review for more experienced yachties.

With the most advanced online sailing courses and other digital assets, NauticEd is an excellent partner - offering education, guidance and useful tools to those who embark on the learn to sail journey.

Students attending the SailQuest "Learn to Sail" Program can select an online course level: CREW, SKIPPER or MASTER. When booking dates for the OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE links will be provided for your selected course level. Please note that the cost of selected onlines courses are not included in the OTW COURSE cost.

Students complete online requirements for their selected course level before attending OTW COURSES at the SailQuest location. This results in students who are well-prepared for on-the-water training and allows us to focus on hands-on activities and to maximize time aboard the training yachts rather than spending a day or 2 stuck in a classroom.

NauticEd Qualified Crew

• NauticEd Qualified Crew Course (about 10 hours)
• SailQuest OTW CREW COURSE (3 day)

Choose this option if you are just testing the waters or interested in an entry-level yachting course only or if have limited availability. You can complete more advanced online courses and return to attend the OTW CAPTAIN COURSE at anytime.

Online Sailing Course Details

From basic sailing terminology to sail handling/trimming to yacht systems to helming tips & tricks to understanding the full range of crewing responsibilities, the NauticEd Qualified Crew Course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a competent crew member.

Whether you are new to sailing or looking to fill the gaps in your nautical knowledge this course is an excellent place to get started.

The NauticEd Qualified Crew course includes 3 online courses:

1. Qualified Crew
2. Basic Sail Trim
3. Navigation Rules

Estimated time to complete all courses = 10 hours

Topics covered in the online Qualified Crew Course:

• Weather and Sea Conditions
• Electrical Systems
• Auxiliary Power
• Rigging
• Standing and Running
• Rules of the Road
• Slip Departure and Return
• Sailing
• Communications & Navigation
• Anchoring and Mooring
• Coping with Emergencies

Qualified Crew Certification

Students who complete the online Qualified Crew and attend the SailQuest on-the-water 3 day CREW Course will get the NauticEd Qualified Crew Certificate with the Verified Proficiency Endorsement added to their NauticEd profile and Sailor’s Logbook. Certificates can be downloaded, printed, emailed, etc. as needed.

NOTE:

All Qualified Crew Course material is included in the NauticEd Skipper and NauticEd Charter Captain courses. Students booking the more advanced courses won’t be missing out on any sailing basics online or during the on-the-water training. Essential lessons covered at this course level provide a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to build on and prepares you for the captain courses.

NauticEd Skipper

• NauticEd Skipper Course (about 30 hours)
• SailQuest OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE (7 day)

Choose this option to get the full benefit of our on-the-water training with less commitment to online courses. You can upgrade to Charter Master by completing additional online courses anytime.

Online Course & Certificate Details

The NauticEd Skipper online course provides beginner thru advanced sailors with skills and knowledge to become a competent large keelboat sailor - including added emphasis on large sailboat systems (electrical, mechanical, plumbing), docking, anchoring and maneuvering under power.

Online Course Details

The NauticEd Skipper online course aims for a proficiency level to manage/captain a sailing yacht in moderate conditions, near coastal, during daylight hours.

The NauticEd Skipper includes these courses:

1. Nauticed Skipper (Large Keelboat)
2. Maneuvering Under Power
3. Basic Sail Trim
4. Navigation Rules

Estimated Time (all courses combined): 29 hours

Students who complete this course gain theory and knowledge expertise in a wide range of critical sailing aspects, including:

• Large Keelboats: Explore the anatomy of large keelboats, understanding the components, rigging, and systems that make these vessels unique. Gain insights into maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Sail Theory: The fundamental principles of sailing, including wind dynamics and sailboat physics. Understand how to harness the power of the wind and the physics of sailboat design to propel your vessel efficiently and effectively.
• Sailing Maneuvers & Techniques: Build your confidence by learning the various sailing maneuvers, from tacking and gybing to heaving to and more! Hone your sailing techniques to harness the wind's power effectively and sail with precision while safely helming the sailboat with confident control.
• Sail Trim: Discover the art of reading the wind and trimming the sails for optimal performance.
• Sailing Terminology & Communication: The language of unique terms used by sailors, which is essential for clear communication on a sailboat.
• Docking and Maneuvering Under Power: Learn the intricacies of docking and maneuvering your sailboat under power, ensuring you can navigate even the trickiest of marinas.
• Anchoring & Mooring: Learn the art of anchoring and mooring safely and securely to enjoy peaceful nights at anchor in picturesque locations.
• Boat Management & Systems: Learn about boat management and systems (engine, electrical, etc…) to ensure your vessel operates flawlessly throughout your journey.
• Navigation: Learn the art of navigation, chart reading, and GPS usage.
• International Navigation Rules and Buoys: Learn international navigational markers and USCG rules of the road when sailing or under power.
• Coping with Emergencies: Prioritize safety with modules on safety equipment, procedures, and protocols for different sailing conditions, environments and crew-overboard emergencies.
• Essential Knots: Specialized knots to reliably secure lines (ropes) to perform specific tasks in sailing and tame the hundreds of feet of line various lines on a sailboat.
• Weather: Develop a keen understanding of weather patterns, enabling you to make informed decisions for safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.

More from NauticEd:

In addition to the Skipper courses, students will receive additional items from NauticEd:

• Sailing eLogbook: Use your free elogbook to record your time sailing and boating. The system allows you to record your time on the water, as well as optional details such as the purpose of the trip, duration, sea miles, weather conditions, and more!
• Sailing Resume: If you want to charter a sailboat, you need a sailing resume. NauticEd makes it simple with a resume tool that integrates all of our coursework, logbook, and certifications into a sailing resume that you can send to a charter company with a mouse-click
• And there’s more…

NauticEd Skipper Certification

Students who complete the online Skipper course and attend the SailQuest on-the-water 7 day CREW Course will get the NauticEd Qualified Crew Certificate with the Verified Proficiency Endorsement added to their NauticEd profile and Sailor’s Logbook. Certificates can be downloaded, printed, emailed, etc. as needed.

NOTE:

All Qualified Crew and NauticEd Skipper course material is covered in the NauticEd Charter Captain course. Students booking the more advanced course won’t be missing out on any sailing basics online or during the on-the-water training. Because all 3 online courses offered thru the SailQuest “Learn to Sail” Program (Qualified Crew, Skipper, Charter Master) start at the beginning level, there are no prerequisites, therefore students can book and complete any level, even when they have no previous experience.

NauticEd Charter Master

• Charter Master Course (about 55 hours)
• SailQuest OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE (7 day)

Choose this option to get the full benefit of our on-the-water training, an in-depth, full coverage online program and, when all requirements are met, the globally-recognized NauticEd Charter Master Certificate and the NauticEd International Sailing License (SLA). These certificates and your hi-tech sailing resume will allow you to sail and charter yachts in locations worldwide.

Online Course & Certificate Details

For new and intermediate sailors looking for a complete, balanced and in-depth sailing education, NauticEd’s online Charter Master Course is, without a doubt, a great way to ADVANCE YOUR SAILING GOALS!

Completing the online Charter Master course is also a requirement for sailors who plan to apply for the Bareboat Charter Master Certification and the SLC International Sailing License. These sailing qualifications, issued by NauticEd and recognized by the USCG, port authorities, insurance companies and yacht charter operators, will allow you to sail and charter yachts up to 17 meters (56 feet) worldwide.

Online Course Details

The comprehensive Charter Master course is a bundle of online sailing courses, meticulously designed to equip you with the essential theory and knowledge required for multiday and near-coastal sailing.

The following online courses are included in Charter Master:

1. Skipper (Large Keelboat)
2. Maneuvering Under Power
3. Bareboat Charter
4. Coastal Navigation
5. Anchoring a Sailboat
6. Electronic Navigation
7. Basic Sail Trim
8. Navigation Rules

Estimated Time (all courses combined): 55 hours

Students who complete this course gain theory and knowledge expertise in a wide range of critical sailing aspects, including:

• Sail Theory: The fundamental principles of sailing, including wind dynamics and sailboat physics. Understand how to harness the power of the wind and the physics of sailboat design to propel your vessel efficiently and effectively.
• Sailing Terminology & Communication: The language of unique terms used by sailors, which is essential for clear communication on a sailboat.
• Sailing Maneuvers & Techniques: Build your confidence by learning the various sailing maneuvers, from tacking and gybing to heaving to and more! Hone your sailing techniques to harness the wind's power effectively and sail with precision while safely helming the sailboat with confident control.
• Sail Trim: Discover the art of reading the wind and trimming the sails for optimal performance.
• Electronic Navigation: Harness the power of modern technology with electronic navigation tools and charts. Learn to navigate by GPS, use chart plotters, AIS, and more!
• Bareboat Chartering: Learn how to successfully bareboat charter anywhere in the world.
• Large Keelboats: Explore the anatomy of large keelboats, understanding the components, rigging, and systems that make these vessels unique. Gain insights into maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Docking and Maneuvering Under Power: Learn the intricacies of docking and maneuvering your sailboat under power, ensuring you can navigate even the trickiest of marinas.
• Anchoring & Mooring: Learn how to anchor like a pro, including anchoring and mooring techniques for different tides and weather.
• Essential Knots: Specialized knots to reliably secure lines (ropes) to perform specific tasks in sailing and tame the hundreds of feet of line various lines on a sailboat.
• Boat Management & Systems: Learn about boat management and systems (engine, electrical, etc…) to ensure your vessel operates flawlessly throughout your journey.
• Coping with Emergencies: Prioritize safety with modules on safety equipment, procedures, and protocols for different sailing conditions, environments, and crew-overboard emergencies.
• Coastal Navigation: Navigation is an essential sailing course for all sailors operating in inland and near coastal waters.
• International Navigation Rules and Buoys: Learn international navigational markers and USCG rules of the road when sailing or under power. If sailing internationally, understand IALA-A and IALA-B navigation rules and buoy systems.
• Weather: Develop a keen understanding of weather patterns and forecasts, enabling you to make informed decisions for safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.

More from NauticEd:

In addition to the Charter Master courses, students receive additional items from NauticEd:

• Sailing eLogbook: Use your free elogbook to record your time sailing and boating. The system allows you to record your time on the water, as well as optional details such as the purpose of the trip, duration, sea miles, weather conditions, and more!
• Sailing Resume: If you want to charter a sailboat, you need a sailing resume. NauticEd makes it simple with a resume tool that integrates all of our coursework, logbook, and certifications into a sailing resume that you can send to a charter company with a mouse-click
• Sailing Vacation & Charter Tips & Benefits: Our sailing vacation tools provide access to NauticEd’s team of charter experts. You never pay a fee for our services and, frankly ,we’ve been to just about every destination ourselves. So, whether you’re looking to book a charter anywhere in the world or just looking for “been-there” advice – NauticEd’s vacation tool gets you started.
• International Sailing License management tool: If you want to charter overseas, you may need to get your SLC International Sailing License. This license is accepted by port authorities and charter companies worldwide for your international licensing requirements. The International Sailing License tool tracks your progress, detailing the steps needed for an international license.
• SLC Examination: The SLC Examination is a knowledge requirement for gaining and renewing the International Sailing License and Credentials (SLC)
• And, believe it or not, there’s more…

Charter Master Certification

NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master certificate:

An internationally recognized sailing certification accepted by leading charter companies and port authorities around the globe. When the following requirements have been met, the NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master certificate is automatically added to student's NauticEd profile and sailing resume and can be downloaded, printed, emailed, etc. as needed.

 Requirements:

• Complete the NauticEd Charter Master online courses
• Attend the 7 day SailQuest CREW/CAPTAIN Course and add the Verified Proficiency endorsement to your sailing resume
• Practical Sailing Experience: at least 50 days (a day being 4 hours minimum) of experience, 25 of which must be as master of the vessel and 25 must be on a boat greater than 28 ft (8.6 m)

NauticEd International Sailing License & Credentials (SLC):

For sailing and chartering in Mediterranean and EU countries, you are now required to have a government-authorized sailing license as well as an acceptable sailing resume. The SLC is fully accepted by all countries requiring a license and is equal to the United Nations supported International Certificate of Competency (ICC). When the following requirements have been met, the NauticEd SLC certificate is automatically added to student's NauticEd profile and sailing resume and can be downloaded, printed, emailed, etc. as needed.

Requirements:

• Complete the NauticEd Charter Master online courses
• Attend the 7 day SailQuest CREW/CAPTAIN Course and add the Verified Proficiency endorsement to your sailing resume
• Practical Sailing Experience: at least 50 days (a day being 4 hours minimum) of experience, 25 of which must be as master of the vessel and 25 must be on a boat greater than 28 ft (8.6 m)
• Pass the included NauticEd SLC Exam
• Pass the NauticEd On-the-Water Assessment – a on-the-water assessment of your skills and knowledge with an SLC-approved assessor.
• STATE BOATER SAFETY CARD, PCOC or GOVERNMENT BOATER LICENSE: if your country requires you to have a boater license, upload a front and back image to the NauticEd International Sailing License page in your NauticEd profile.

OTW (On-the-Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE Overview

The OTW (On-The-Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE is the main event in the SailQuest "Learn to Sail" Program. This is where sailing theory becomes hands-on reality: engine oil and fuel level checks, stowing docking lines & fenders when leaving the dock, setting & trimming sails, steering a steady course & keeping a look-out, plotting a position on the chart to confirm the yacht's position in relation to nearby navigational hazards, selecting a safe overnight anchorage, preparing the dingy & outboard to go ashore for dinner...

Learning to sail means learning to see and feel the wind in new ways and how to use the wind to move the yacht: points of sail, center of effort, tacking, gybing, heaving-to, yes, but learning to sail a modern yacht also requires an understanding of standing & running rigging, AC/DC electrical systems & multiple battery banks, inboard diesel engine, plumbing systems with storage tanks, pressure pumps, filters, toilets, sump pumps & thru-hull fittings, electronics & navigational equipment, steering systems, a complete kitchen with refrigeration system & propane stove/oven, an anchoring system with bow roller, anchor, chain and electric anchor windlass, safety equipment, communication systems and more.

Learning to sail means learning to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair the equipment when needed. It means learning to tie certain knots that are commonly used aboard every sailing yacht. It means learning to read a chart & create a passage plan. It means becoming proficient in close-quarter maneuvering - docking, anchoring, picking up a mooring or a MOB. It means being prepared to deal with emergencies like running aground in a falling tide or a fire in the galley or a crew member falling overboard when the yacht is speeding along under full sail.

So, when we say "Learn to Sail" what we really mean is learn to sail, manage, operate and look after a fully equipped live aboard sailing yacht and her crew in a way that gains the respect of the crew and the yachting community in general.

The OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE is a fast-paced, fun & effective "Learn to Sail" experience. We cover a huge amount of information - there are presentations, demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Everything you need to know to be able to handle a live aboard sailing yacht on your own is covered in this 7 day course - we have had many students who started as complete beginners and were able to charter a yacht on a 1 week live aboard sailing holiday immediately following this course.

Lessons learned here will last a lifetime and provide a solid foundation of nautical skills and knowledge to support any sailor as they continue to gain experience and achieve their sailing goals.

OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE - Day-By-Day Program

OTW COURSE Details

It can be difficult to decide which sailing school program will provide the training you really need to become a capable and confident sailor.

The SailQuest “Learn to Sail” Program has been developed and refined over the past 15+ years to be extremely effective at delivering the training, skills and nautical knowledge to prepare you to responsibly operate a yacht on your own and to make informed choices when it comes to sailing, chartering, yacht management and ownership.

By managing sailing theory lessons thru the excellent NauticEd Online Courses, students are well prepared for the OTW (On the Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE on arrival and we are able to maximize Hands-On lessons and time spent out on the water during course dates.

We hope you will get started with SailQuest Sailing School’s “Learn to Sail” Program now and join the hundreds of students who have completed this course and who are now out sailing the oceans and waterways of the world. When you book your place in the SailQuest program you can be confident that you will receive the training course you need to help you to achieve your sailing goals.

 Now is a great time to get started! 

With consistent southwest monsoon winds (March to October) and lively northerlies (November to February) delivering over 320 decent sailing days per year to our Top of the Gulf of Thailand training area, it's always a great time to join the OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE and advance your sailing goals, skills, knowledge and experience.

 Space is limited to 6 students per class - Select your dates & sign up today! 

OTW COURSE Pricing

The 7 day OTW (On-the-Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE cost includes:

• All Training Yacht & Instructor costs
• Complete coverage of Crew & Skipper course material
• NauticEd Skipper Verified Proficiency endorsement & Online Logbook (when required)
• All SailQuest Sailing Course materials: 
  • Rules of the Road Handbook
  • SailQuest Sailing Handbook
  • SailQuest Course notes & workbooks
  • International Chart #1 and a variety of other digital sailing related media
• All on-board food & beverage
• 2 amazing dinner parties, 1 ashore & 1 onboard
• A professional, well organized, fast-paced, fun & effective 7 day yacht training program

Not included in course cost:

• Transportation costs to/from the SailQuest/Ocean Marina location.
• Onshore meals - a wide variety of local restaurants, markets & shops are nearby.
• Onshore accommodation during course dates
• NauticEd Online Courses are purchased separately – links for your selected online course will be provided along with OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE confirmation.

7 Day OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE

  3 Day OTW CREW COURSE only

  4 Day OTW CAPTAIN COURSE only

► Split Course Dates

Get a better price by booking the 7 day OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE package compared to booking the 3 day OTW CREW COURSE and 4 day OTW CAPTAINS COURSE separately.

Complete the 7 day course at one time or split the course dates The OTW CREW COURSE is the first 3 days and the OTW CAPTAIN COURSE is the last 4 days of scheduled course dates. Confirm 3 Day CREW dates now and confirm 4 Day CAPTAIN dates when your schedule allows.

If breaking the 7 day course into 3 day CREW and 4 day CAPTAIN sections won't fit your schedule, it is possible to break the 7 day course into 1 or 2 or 3 day sessions. For example, attend day 1 this month, day 2 + 3 next month, day 4 the next, etc. to complete all 7 days. When choosing this option:

• the days should be completed in order (day 1 first, then day 2, day 3 next, etc.)
• Days 6+7 need to be done together as we are out overnight on these days
• if the class is full, you may need to attend on other dates.

► OTW CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE only (no online courses)

To get the best results, SailQuest recommends all students to complete online lessons before attending on-the-water courses. Completing online courses and meeting all requirements established by NauticEd is essential for students who will be applying for internationally recognized certificates allowing them to charter a yacht in locations worldwide.

However, students with no interest in online theory courses and no need for a yacht charter certificate or license are welcome to attend our on-the-water courses. No problem at all.

► OTW CAPTAIN COURSE only (no OTW CREW COURSE)

The SailQuest OTW (On-The-Water) CREW/CAPTAIN COURSE is a 7 day course where we refer to the first 3 days as the OTW CREW COURSE and the last 4 days is the OTW CAPTAIN COURSE. From day 1 thru day 7 new information is being covered, building knowledge and improving skills step-by-step.

To get the full benefit of the course and to ensure there are no gaps in the training, all students should complete the full 7 day course either in 1 session or by split course dates.

Generally speaking, the 3 day OTW CREW COURSE is a prerequisite for the 4 day OTW CAPTAIN COURSE. The OTW CAPTAIN COURSE only option is primarily for students who have already completed the OTW CREW COURSE and are returning to complete the on-the-water training.

In other words, the full 7 day course is strongly recommended for anyone and everyone who wants a complete training course. We don't want captains who excel in passage planning (covered in the OTW CAPTAIN COURSE) but have no idea about replacing the sea-water impeller on an over-heated engine or how to properly secure a docking line to a cleat (OTW CREW COURSE topics).

However, sailors who have a significant amout of experience and those who have attended other sailing courses and are confident in their crewing skills and have a solid understanding of the International Collision Regulations, yacht systems and other yachting basics which are covered in the OTW CREW COURSE are welcome to join the OTW CAPTAIN COURSE only.