Class Overview
Have you been dreaming of spending time boating in South Puget Sound, the San Juans, going up the Sunshine Coast to Desolation Sound, or going around Vancouver Island? Knowing where to go and what to expect when you get there is important. In this class, you will learn how to use cruising guides and paper charts to help plan your trip.
Cruising guides and NOAA Coast Pilots are a wealth of information about destinations, both marinas and anchorages. They list the amenities available in the marina or anchorage, and cruising guides usually include points of interest nearby. This is a good place to start when planning a trip.
Paper charts—or chartbooks—provide the essential information needed to plan your route. How far is it, and how long will it take to get there? Are there any bridges, shallow areas, or narrow passages with currents that need to be avoided? Are there buoys or beacons to indicate the harbor entrance? If things don’t go to plan, what other harbors are en route?
This class will be hands-on, working with local charts and navigation tools. If you have cruising guides, Puget Sound charts or chart books, or navigation tools, please feel free to bring them to class.
Learning Objectives
- Use cruising guides for trip planning
- Use charts to measure distance and estimate travel time
- Recognize all official Aids to Navigation (buoys and beacons) and understand their meaning
- Understand symbols used on marine charts (e.g., hazards, the nature of the seabed, land features) and where to find more information
Who Might Enjoy This Class?
- Recreational boaters
- Anyone wanting to deepen or refresh their knowledge and get their questions answered
Class Details
Fall 2025
- When : Tuesday, Nov 04 ; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Location : SCSMA , SC - SMA General Class -SMA0111 , 4455 Shilshole Ave. NW Seattle WA 98107
- Fee : $89
