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BOAT OWNER MASTERCLASS

Preparation | Immersion | Confidence

24° 33' 53.09" N 81° 44' 09.66" W

About This Class

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If you have recently purchased a boat, are awaiting delivery of a new boat, or are considering making sailing a major part of your lifestyle, this Masterclass is for you!  Bluesail has developed a stepped-approach to ensure new boat owners have all the foundational elements for becoming responsible and competent mariners.  This clinic is not for the faint-of-heart, and is the most in-depth clinic offered.  You and the crew of your choice will be fully immersed in our 3-week training program covering everything from terminology and points of sail to foul weather tactics, charting, boat maintenance, and everything in between.  

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All Classes Include:

  • 10 online training courses for up to 2 students

  • eLogbook

  • All onboard running expenses (fuel, oil, electricity, etc.)

  • Bed/bath linens, kitchenware, cookware

  • Instructor/USCG Licensed Captain

  • Lodging

  • 150+ logged and verified training hours with a USCG Licensed Captain

  • 3 weeks of training split into either three 1-week sessions or two 10.5-day sessions

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Excludes:​​

  • Airfare and ground transportation

  • Food, beverages, drinking water

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Prerequisites:

  • None

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Bluesail Owner Masterclass Certificate Includes:

  • ASA 101, 103, 104, 114

  • NauticEd Large Keelboat Rank

  • NauticEd Catamaran Endorsement

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Pricing:

  • 1 - 2 Students:  $39,945 + 7.5% tax

  • 3 - 4 Students:  $42,945 + 7.5% tax

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  • What are the COVID requirements for entering The Bahamas?
    As of January 14, 2022 the Bahamian government requires each vaccinated traveler entering from a foreign country to obtain a Travel Health Visa and online profile as well as a negative rapid antigen COVID test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in addition to a second rapid antigen test from an approved facility upon arrival to The Bahamas. For updated regulations and details, and to open a Bahamas Visitor Healty Visa Profile, go to https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates
  • What are the COVID requirements for re-entering the United States via boat and aircraft?
    Currently there are no covid testing requirements for re-entering the United States on a pleasure/recreational vessel. We do, however, anticipate this to change so please check this site regularly for updates. If you or your guests are traveling back to the United States via aircraft, a verified negative antigen test is required 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure.
  • Where do we go for U.S. Customs check-in upon arriving back in the United States?
    Currently United States Customs does not require a physical check-in at a Customs office for private vessels entering from The Bahamas unless specifically requested by a Customs Officer. They do, however, require checking in either in person or via mobile device (preferred) as soon as possible upon arriving back to the United States. Please download the CBP Roam app from the Apple App or Google Play store, then familiarize yourself with the app's check-in process before leaving the United States. We will also review this process prior to departing back to the United States.
  • Can I plan my own destinations during the rally, including leaving early or staying longer?"
    Yes! You are welcome to come/go from the rally as you wish, however we ask that you let us know in advance what your plans are, and keep us updated throughout your passage in case you require assistance.
  • Can I get cellular or WiFi coverage during the rally?
    Most U.S. mobile service providers offer extended Bahamas coverage for an additional fee, however it may be worth checking on a local provider after clearing Bahamian Customs in Bimini. Aliv is one of the local mobile service providers that offers both SIM cards as well as mobile WiFi hotspot hardware, and has an authorized reseller just up the road from Bahamian Customs in Bimini. Keep in mind that not all destinations in The Bahamas will have coverage though, so you may consider purchasing a basic satellite device from Zoleo or Garmin. Bluesail also can rent a Zoleo device with unliminted text and email to you for $200, so please let us know if you'd like to rent one from us.
  • I have guests meeting us or departing during the rally.  How does that work?
    While we can't guarantee exactly when we'll be near an airport during the rally, we're currently expected to be at Nassau from the afternoon of April 30 to the morning of May 2. To be safe with regard to timing, we suggest guests to arrive to/depart from Lynden Pindling International Airport on May 1. Also keep in mind that those departing back to the United States must obtain a negative COVID test the day prior to departure.
  • If I don't have a fresh water maker, how much should I budget for fresh water?"
    Fresh water is not as easily accessible in The Bahamas as the United States, and as such they charge much more for it. You can expect to pay up to $0.50/gallon, however that will vary depending on the location. If you own a fresh water maker we suggest ensuring it works properly in advance of the rally, and ensure you have adequate spare supplies and filters to last the entire passage.
  • How will marina dockage work in The Bahamas?
    Once registration closes on February 28, the Bluesail team will contact specific marinas along the route to obtain pricing and availability on certain dates. Our goal will be to book multiple slips at once, however each boat will be responsible for dockage terms and direct paymen.

Lesson Plan

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PREPARATION

Securing insurance coverage can be the most painful part of purchasing a boat, especially if you don't have adequate experience with an accredited instructor and licensed USCG Captain.  Most boat owners can expect to submit at least the following in order to be considered for coverage:

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  • 150+ hrs logged and verified experience

  • Logged sea time with a Captain on similar vessel type

  • USCG Captain sign-off verifying competency

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Bluesail's Boat Owner Masterclass is designed to ensure you have the highest likelihood of securing insurance coverage as quickly as possible.  Showing preparedness and competency in the eyes of the insurance underwriter will ensure your boat isn't left sitting at the dock waiting for you to log enough time to secure coverage.

Each masterclass includes the use of assessment tools developed by NauticEd.  Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and independently verified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), NauticEd's assessment standards make up the foundation of the Boat Owner Masterclass curriculum.

 

NASBLA is recognized by the United States Coast Guard as an official national entity to serve as a third-party independent reviewer to verify boating courses against the American National Standards for On-Water Recreational Boating Skills.

VERIFIED

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ENDORSEMENTS

Understanding the theory behind why sailors do what they do, and how a sailor utilizes certain gear, equipment, and techniques is critical to becoming a competent mariner.  When you complete the Boat Owner Masterclass through Bluesail you'll get the opportunity to earn a number of endorsements that showcase your practical knowledge and mastery of certain areas of the training clinic.  Those endorsements include, but are not limited to the following:​

  • Anchoring

  • Maneuvering Under Power

  • First Aid

  • Tides

  • Flare Operation

  • Crew Overboard

  • Knots

  • Night Sailing

  • Diesel Engines

  • VHF Radio

  • Weather

  • Heavy Weather

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OUR
TEAM

Our team of qualified instructors and United States Coast Guard Licensed Captains will be with you every step of the way.  They will be there to ensure your one-on-one individualized training in the beautiful Florida Keys adequately prepares you and your family to safely operate your own vessel.

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ONLINE COURSEWORK

Theory-based coursework is the foundation of the Bluesail Boat Owner Masterclass.  Each custom training clinic includes 10 online courses, each produced by NauticEd.  The courses are available to view on either a computer or mobile device, are yours to keep for life, and include exams at the end of each section to ensure you master the most important theories.  Learn your way with interactive tools, videos, and text to aid in advancing your overall understanding so that when you arrive for your first day you can practice what you've already mastered.  Coursework includes the following:

  • Sail Trim

  • Anchoring & Mooring

  • Navigation Rules

  • Maneuvering Under Power

  • Catamaran Sailing

  • Storm Tactics

  • Coastal Navigation

  • Skipper Large Keelboat

  • Electronic Navigation

  • Weather

Masterclass Application

GETTING STARTED

Tell us a bit about yourself...

Look at you seas'ing the day and all! We'll be in touch shortly...

TESTIMONIAL

"I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL FOR LEARNING TO SAIL.  NUMBER OF STUDENTS IS FEW ENOUGH TO HAVE ALMOST UNDIVIDED ATTENTION FOR INSTRUCTION."

EUGENE AND NATALIYA C. VIA TRIPADVISOR

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