SEAS Monmouth offers a series of Foundation Courses, also known as "Mini-Courses", covering a range of specific topics. These courses are 2.5-hour, single-session classes covering specific sailing and sailing-related topics, as listed below. They are usually held in the evenings, on the particular boats required for the course. Please refer to the All-Events calendar for specific dates and contact information if the course has been scheduled (not all courses are given each season). Since the classes may be cancelled if there is not enough advanced demand, it is a good idea to check with the instructor for the latest status.
Potential Mini-Courses
- Anchoring
- Diesel Engine Basics
- Docking and Maneuvering
- Outboard Engines (Small and Smaller)
- Sail Selection and Trim
- What Knot to Do While Sailing
- Sail Reefing, and Heaving To
- Spinnaker Sailing on SEAS Harpoon 5.2
| Course: |
Anchoring |
| Description: |
We'll
review how to select your spot to anchor, taking into consideration
water depth, tidal changes, potential wind changes, and nearby boats
and other obstacles. Then we'll practice dropping and setting the
anchor, followed by how to pick it up ("weigh anchor"). With no more
than 3 students, everyone will get a chance to work the foredeck and to
be at the helm during these procedures. |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
Capri 22 |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 3 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Graham Blundell () |
|
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| Course: |
Diesel Engine Basics |
| Description: |
Learn how to identify diesel engines, the external components, identify and understand fuel
systems, identify and understand cooling systems, identify and understand electric systems,
identify and understand external controls, learn to start and stop the engine on SEAS the
Breeze, and see how the helm controls operate the engine and transmission.
|
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
"SEAS the Breeze" (Catalina 30). |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 6 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Matt Montanari () |
|
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| Course: |
Docking and Maneuvering |
| Description: |
Teaches
techniques for maneuvering sailboats under power (inboard or outboard
engines, no sails) for the purpose of docking, and entering or leaving
a slip. Since this is a hands-on class taught in the boats, students
will have ample opportunity to practice these techniques. |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
"SEAS the Breeze" (Catalina 30) and Capri 22 - see dates in Classes and Training calendar for specific boat. |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 4 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Peter Shearer () |
|
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| Course: |
Outboard Engines (Small and Smaller) |
| Description: |
The course covers:
1) Engine starting problems, 2) Engine failure, 3) Capri 22 electrical and alternator check, 4) Daysailer outboard engines 5) Handout |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
Capri 22 the class will begin at the Capri 22 and then proceed to the daysailers at Marina Bay marina. |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 5 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Greg White () |
|
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| Course: |
Sail Selection and Trim |
| Description: |
This
course will cover the adjustments of sails to obtain their maximum
speed and performance under various wind-speed and point-of-sail
conditions. It will also cover sail selection and the reefing of sails. |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
"SEAS the Breeze" (Catalina 30) |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 3 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Matt Montanari () |
|
(top of page) |
| Course: |
What Knot to Do While Sailing |
| Description: |
Practicing
knots at home or in a classroom is a vital part of learning to be a
competent sailor. We'll take that practice to the next level and show
real life situations on a boat when you would need to use these knots.
So even if you've practiced at home, this class will make the theory
come alive! |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
"SEAS the Breeze" (Catalina 30) |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 6 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Graham Blundell () |
|
(top of page) |
| Course: |
Sail Reefing, and Heaving To |
| Description: |
In this class we will cover two different topics, both related to sail handling. First we will review the techniques for reefing the sails - when and how. Then we will experiment with the sail trim you can use to "heave to" - a technique that keeps the boat almost at a standstill on a set heading while you eat lunch, wait out a storm, or do something that involves leaving the helm unattended for a few minutes. |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
"SEAS the Breeze" (Catalina 30) |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 3 students (SEAS members only); cost: $25. |
| Instructor: |
Graham Blundell () |
|
(top of page) |
| Course: |
Spinnaker Sailing on SEAS Harpoon 5.2 |
| Description: |
In this class we'll explain basic knowledge (when to use a spinnaker, the rigging, terminology, preparation), describe the procedures to hoist it and lower it, explain how to trim a spinnaker, and how to stay safe while the spinnaker is up. Includes self-study handout, 2 on-water sessions of 2-3 hours each, and a written test. With 2 students per on-water session, each will get a chance to work the foredeck and to be at the helm during these procedures. |
| Time/Date: |
See All-Events calendar for dates and times (if it has been scheduled) |
| Keelboat: |
Harpoon 5.2 |
| Class Size: |
Limited to 2 students (SEAS members only); cost: $50. |
| Instructor: |
Greg White (),
Matthew Montanari () |
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