Weeklong Passagemaking Course Aboard an Endeavour 40 Trawler Catamaran

Just in time for the spring cruising season along the U.S. East Coast, Sea Sense is offering intensive weeklong passagemaking courses. Conducted aboard a fully equipped Endeavour 40-foot trawler catamaran, these hands-on classes give cruising boaters practical experience in real conditions under the guidance of professional instructors.

“We have met many boaters who, for one reason or another, have not yet gone beyond their home cruising grounds, or out the inlet into the ocean. This course will give them the knowledge and confidence to take that next step,” Sea Sense co-founder Capt. Carol Cuddyer said.

The program is designed for boaters who want to move beyond local cruising and gain the skills and judgment necessary for longer coastal and near-offshore passages. Whether you are a skipper seeking to expand your experience or a crewmember aiming to become a confident watchstander, the course emphasizes practical decision-making and real-time application of seamanship principles.

Core instruction covers boat handling in the Intracoastal Waterway, inlet transit strategy, and preparation for offshore runs. Students will receive focused training in offshore safety and equipment, filing and using float plans, and preparing both boat and crew for extended cruising. Classroom briefings combine with on-deck practice to build competence in navigation, log-keeping, watchstanding, weather interpretation, fuel planning and management, and rules of the road.

Emphasis is placed on active participation: course attendees are involved in planning each leg of the cruise and in the on-the-spot decisions that come with real passagemaking. Instructors walk students through common scenarios — from handling changing weather to responding to equipment issues — and explain how to evaluate risks, choose alternatives, and make safe, informed choices. Offshore passages and inlet transits may be included in the itinerary, weather and conditions permitting.

Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and meaningful onboard practice time. Students rotate through roles such as skipper, navigator, and watchstander so each participant develops competence across multiple skills. Onboard debriefs and daily briefings reinforce lessons learned and connect practical experience with seamanship theory.

Logistics for the seven-day course are straightforward: tuition is $4,250 per person and covers instruction, onboard accommodations, all docking and fuel costs, and most meals. The price reflects a full week of guided experience aboard a professionally outfitted trawler catamaran and the opportunity to train in real-world coastal conditions. Prospective participants should inquire about current schedules, prerequisites, and any recommended personal gear or documentation prior to enrollment.

Who should consider this course? Boat owners and active cruisers who want to expand their range and confidence; sailors and powerboaters transitioning to passagemaking; and crew members preparing to take on greater responsibilities during longer trips. While prior basic boat handling experience is useful, the course is structured to support a range of skill levels by pairing experiential learning with instructor-led coaching.

Safety and preparedness are central themes throughout the week. Instruction covers pre-departure checks, emergency equipment and drills, proper communications and watch organization, and smart fuel management. Students learn to develop and use float plans, to set up safe watch rotations, and to apply conservative decision-making when weather or mechanical concerns arise.

Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. For course dates, detailed itineraries, and enrollment information, call Sea Sense at (800) 332-1404 or (727) 289-6917. The staff can provide specifics about what to bring, recommended experience levels, and any additional logistical details to help you prepare for the week.

This passage-focused week offers a concentrated, practical path to becoming more skilled and confident on coastal and near-offshore voyages. With professional instruction, onboard practice, and focused discussions on safety and planning, participants leave better prepared to plan and execute longer cruises with greater competence and peace of mind.