Back to school

January 8, 2012 by

We have put together a plan to take as many classes in the next year as possible.  We are starting with engine maintenance to follow up on Gail’s one day introductory class at Mack Boring.

Volvo Engine

 

The marine diesel is the life blood of the boat.   It moves us to and from a dock, creates the electricity that produces water and powers our navigation systems.   In short, if we understand and treat these engines well our trip will be much easier.   Only one fly in the ointment.   I have no clue about engines.   That is why I chose sailing over motoring.   By the way, the boat has 4 fossil fuel engines: 2 engines for power (port and starboard), 1 generator (creates 110 power like you have at home) and 1 gas powered outboard for the dinghy.   As I have already mentioned, driving the dinghy is half the reason I am taking this trip. Rowing it to shore just wouldn’t be as much fun. Even Gail’s class was just a taster. As the self-appointed Headmaster of the boat, I had to make some plans:

 

 

 

  1. Done: We both took a compressed week long class at Colgate Sailing in the BVI  (see other post).
  2. ASA Navigation course and exam by mail:  Jason and Gail are half done our initial studying.
  3. Radar class by Starpath:  Signed up for this but not very far yet. Also signed up for a 3 hour dose at the Miami Boat Show
  4. Ham radio licesne:  Can do via the web.
  5. Boat Maintaince class in the UK.   Looks like a great way to spend summer break.
  6. Scuba class:  passed written.   Taking practical in Feb as long we don’t get canceled due to weather again.
  7. Photography class for Jason
  8. Spanish classes for gail (80% done Rosetta Stone and starting Coffee Break Espanol)
  9. Weather classes (1 day seminar next month)
  10. Royal Yachting Association has great online exams we can take to eventually reach Yacht Master.  I like the sound of that and like their course structure.  Covers stuff we learned at Colgate and ASA class but you can’t learn it enough.
  11. Learn to fish.  A book and trial by doing is my strategy.
  12. Celestial Navigation  (Steer by the stars.  More for fun than need)
  13. First Aid

It feels like we have a lot of time, but before you know it we’ll be picking up the boat. Off to do some scheduling.

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