This is a midlevel skills milestone endorsement whereby you are starting to learn and demonstrate skippering skills on a sailboat. It is equivalent to a 103 type semi-advanced knowledge and skills regarding a particular topic.


For the theory knowledge side of learning, take the NauticEd Introduction to sailing course OR for those more committed to eventually gaining full competence, take the NauticEd Skipper (large Keelboat) Course OR for gaining competence on a keelboat 25 ft (7.5 m) or less , take the Skipper Small keelboat Course. This will give you  the essential knowledge to ensure you understand what is going on when out on the water and how to take the helm and manage the boat The course is presenting in a fun interactive multimedia manner.


  • Terminology and Communication
  • Directions
  • Parts of the Boat
  • Sailing the Boat
  • Raising and Lowering the Sails
  • The Rules of Giveway
  • Maneuvering the Boat in the Marina
  • Knots
  • Anchoring
  • Navigation
  • Weather
  • Safety on Board


For the practical training side of learning, our American National Standards qualified instructors will spend 2-3 days with you on the water giving you a fun introduction to sailing, skippering and managing a sailing boat covering in practice the principles above. Upon completion, you will earn a Basic Skippering Skills Endorsement. See the Skipper Small Keelboat Practical Training page OR the Skipper (Large Keelboat) Practical Training page. 


Upon completion, you will be awarded the Basic Skippering Skills Endorsement and have good basic understanding and knowledge of sailing and skippering a sailboat (and have had a lot of fun).


Under NauticEd's strict guidelines of competence following the American National Standards, this endorsement recognizes you for your midlevel knowledge and skills. To be fully recognized under the American National Standards for appropriate skipper competence, you will need to complete the NauticEd Skipper Rank with a final Instructor/Assessor "Verified Competence" grade.


Therefore, this endorsement is usually considered as a good milestone stepping stone achievement. Students usually use this to progress to the next level of NauticEd Skipper Rank with a final Instructor/Assessor "Verified Competence" grade. This then means the student should be knowledgeable, skillful, and competent enough to take friends and family out sailing with in 5 miles of the shoreline during day light hours in mild conditions.



Specifics




Basic Skippering Skills Endorsement
A Midpoint Skipper Milestone

Able to demonstrate basic sailing knowledge and skills as a new Skipper of a sailboat.

  • Theory Requirements: Introduction to Sailing course, or any NauticEd Skipper course.
  • Skills requirements: The Instructor feels confident that under ideal day sailing conditions (minimal adverse conditions) - the student could safely leave the dock, go sailing, and return safely to the dock.
  • Training Requirements: recommended 2 days of on-the-water training.



See this infographic for a perspective on growth to Skipper Competence.