Sailing Course Descriptions
Our sailing curriculum is designed to develop competent sailors. We strongly believe in developing fundamental sailing skills prior to progressing to intermediate & advanced certifications. To ensure unsurpassed instruction. We are a comprehensive ASA Certification facility.
Our Basic Sailing courses are taught on Lake Lewisville at Pier 121 Marina.
After this course you will want to practice before moving on to the next level of certification, our J-24's are available to our graduates for lease or rent.
The next certification level (Basic Cruising) is also taught on Lake Lewisille at Pier 121t Marina. We use a 34 foot Cruising Sailboat. After completing this second certification this course, the same boat may be available for you to charter for a day or for the weekend.
Our Bareboat Courses & Advanced Sailing Courses are only taught on the ocean. You can not conduct a quality bareboat course on local lakes in North Texas. We simply refuse to do it!
Those sailors already holding a current ASA certification may Challenge the other standard and pursue a dual certification path. Refresher courses are available for those sailors with experience but wanting a little brush-up on their skills.
Certification Levels at a Glance:
Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification
Responsibly skipper and crew a simple day sailing keelboat in familiar waters with light to moderate wind and sea conditions.
Responsibly skipper, crew or Bareboat charter an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat within sight of land to a port or an anchorage during daylight hours in moderate to strong wind and sea conditions. This certification is for those sailors with cruising experience.
Responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during daylight hours within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.
Coastal Navigation Certification
Properly use traditional navigation techniques and electronic navigation for near coastal passage making.
Advanced Coastal Passage Making Certification
Responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat for coastal or offshore passages in strong to heavy conditions, including zero visibility and nighttime, in unfamiliar waters out of sight of land.
Celestial Navigation Certification
Navigate using celestial techniques and integrating celestial and traditional navigation.
Learn To Sail - Basic Sailing Certification
Our sailing curriculum is designed to develop competent sailors. We strongly believe in developing fundamental sailing skills prior to progressing to intermediate and advanced levels.
Our comprehensive curriculum is broken down into manageable steps. Learn the basics. Develop a sound foundation. Then, you add to your skills by taking our short, targeted Intermediate Sailing Seminars. You can not become a competent sailor overnight (beware of any claims to the contrary).
ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (ASA 101)
Only $399!
Responsibly skipper and crew a simple day-sailing keelboat in familiar waters in light to moderate wind and sea conditions. Sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters without supervision.
Prerequisites:
No prior sailing experience required. You need only the desire & commitment to learn!
Course Description:
This is the entry level sailing course for the beginner or novice sailor. It qualifies for the ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification standard (ASA 101). You will develop basic boat handling and sailing fundamentals.
This course qualifies for the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard as a recognized Safe Boating Course. As such, it meets all requirements for mandatory education and licensing for every state in the United States. For boat owners, many insurance companies offer discounts for successful completion of a Safe Boater course.
Standards include:
- Rigging and Unrigging the Boat
- Basic Sailing Terminology
- Right-of-Way Rules
- Points of Sail
- Fig-8 Over-Board Recovery
- Crew Coordination
- Basic Knots
- Safety Equipment
- Sailing in confined areas
- Docking Under Sail
- Required Safety Equipment
Certification:
Upon successful completion you will receive the ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (ASA 101).
Course Length:
Total of 10 hours: 2 hours in classroom seminar, 8 hours on the water (+ quiz) in two separate 4-hour sessions.
Pricing & Scheduling:
$399 per student, group lesson format.
For scheduling, see navigation buttons at left of screen...
Telephone: 214-827-8990
Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars (Sailing 102)
After developing fundamental sailing skills in your ASA Basic Keelboat Sailing course (ASA 101), you build on that foundation. We offer several short, targeted, Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars. Each Seminar costs $199 each. They consists of approximately 4 hours on the water, no classroom is required. These Seminars include:
- J-24 Orientation & Motoring
- Heavy Air Sailing
- Intermediate Sail Trim
- Intermediate Boat Handling
After completing just the first Seminar, you are qualified to rent from our fleet of J-24 Sailboats.
Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminar
"J-24 Orientation & Motoring" (Sailing 102.1)
Prerequisites:
ASA 101; Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (or equivalent)
Course Description:
This is the first in a series of Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars offered at Magellan Sailing Center, Inc. It assumes a proficiency at the Basic Keelboat Sailing level.
The entire seminar is only 4 hours and there is no classroom required.
This skill level is a required prior to renting our J-24’s. Of course, if you already have the skills you can challenge the course.
A detailed knowledge of rigging a sailboat handling the boat under power (outboard motor) should be standard knowledge of a competent skipper. Adding this to your knowledge base can easily pay for itself in avoiding just one unfortunate docking encounter.
Knowledge & skills include: Local Knowledge of Lake Lewisville, Rental Rules & Restrictions, Complete Rigging & Un-Rigging of the J-24, and Docking under Power.
Topics include:
- Detailed Rigging and Unrigging the Boat
- Docking Under Power
- Local Knowledge
- Safety Equipment
- General Orientation
Certification:
Upon successful completion you will receive our Orientation & Motoring Seminar certification.
Course Length:
4 hours on-the-water (no classroom, no quiz).
Pricing & Scheduling:
$199 per person, 2 students.
NOTE: After completing this Seminar, you are qualified to rent from our fleet of J-24 Sailboats.
Telephone: 214-827-8990
Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminar
"Heavy Air Sailing" (Sailing 102.2)
Prerequisites:
ASA 101; Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (or equivalent)
J-24 Orientation & Motoring
Course Description:
This is one of a series of Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars offered at Magellan Sailing Center, Inc. It assumes proficiency at the Basic Keelboat Sailing & Motoring levels.
This entire seminar is only 4 hours and there is no classroom required.
THIS IS THE ONE YOU’VE THOUGHT ABOUT (HAVEN’T YOU!)! If you sail long enough, you will eventually find yourself facing Mother Nature with your sailing skills as your defense. You will find out if your training paid off! A truly competent skipper knows how to handle this. This is where learning it right pays off in ways only afterthought can truly appreciate!
You will learn how and when to Heave-To (a passive storm survival technique). You will learn how to Reef (and how to tell precisely WHEN you should reef!). We will cover sailing techniques for heavy wind …and the waves that accompany them.
Topics include:
- Docking: Sail & Power
- Heave-To
- Reefing (Shortening Sail)
- Heavy Air Sail Trim
Certification:
Upon successful completion you will receive our Intermediate Heavy Air Sailing Seminar certification.
Course Length:
4 hours on-the-water (no classroom, no quiz).
Pricing & Scheduling:
$199 per person, 2 students.
Telephone: 214-827-8990
Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminar
"Sail Trim" (Sailing 102.3)
Prerequisites:
ASA 101; Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (or equivalent)
J-24 Orientation & Motoring
Course Description:
This is one of a series of Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars offered at Magellan Sailing Center, Inc. It assumes proficiency at the Basic Keelboat Sailing & Motoring levels.
The entire seminar is only 4 hours and there is no classroom required.
This is where you will build upon the sail trim foundation you already have. After reviewing Basic Sail Trim, you will explore techniques such as Draft Position, Leach tension, Powering & De-Powering the Main (mainsheet, outhaul, cunningham, boomvang, traveler, & backstay), Powering & De-Powering the Jib (fairlead position and jib sheets).
You will also review confined quarter sailing skills (docking under sail).
Topics include:
- Powering & De-Powering the Main Sail
- Powering & De-Powering the Jib Sail
- Outhaul, cunningham,boomvang, & traveler position
- Jib fairlead position
- Docking under Sail
Certification:
Upon successful completion you will receive our Intermediate Sail Trim Seminar certification.
Course Length:
4 hours on-the-water (no classroom, no quiz).
Pricing & Scheduling:
$199 per person, 2 students.
Telephone: 214-827-8990
Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminar
"Boat Handling" (Sailing 102.4)
Prerequisites:
ASA 101; Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (or equivalent)
J-24 Orientation & Motoring
Course Description:
This is one of a series of Intermediate Keelboat Sailing Seminars offered at Magellan Sailing Center, Inc. It assumes proficiency at the Basic Keelboat Sailing & Motoring levels.
This entire seminar is only 4 hours and there is no classroom required.
You will begin with a review of docking under power (outboard motors) followed by a short review of sail trim & handling.
Then, you will learn the “Quick-Stop” Overboard Recovery technique. This recovery technique has a higher recovery rate than any other recovery technique.
You will also cover "Balancing the Helm". A competent Skipper knows how to perform these skills (this separates you from beginner sailors).
You will review confined quarter sailing skills (docking under sail).
Topics include:
- Docking under Power
- Review Sail Trim
- Quick Stop Overboard Recovery
- Balancing the Helm
Certification:
Upon successful completion you will receive our Intermediate Boat Handling Seminar certification.
Course Length:
4 hours on-the-water (no classroom, no quiz).
Pricing & Scheduling:
$199 per person, 2 students.
Telephone: 214-827-8990
Basic Cruising Certification (ASA 103)
Responsibly skipper and crew an auxiliary powered cruising sailboat during daylight hours within sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions.
This course qualifies for ASA 103 Certification!
After successfully completing this course you will be certified to rent or charter a 30-35 ft. sailboat locally or in the Caribbean.
Prerequisites:
- Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification (ASA 101)
- Sailing 102.2 Certification OR EQUIVALENT
- Sailing experience, as skipper, aboard a 20-25 ft sailing vessel is highly recommended.
Course Description:
This course introduces the additional skills required to skipper a 30-40ft auxiliary sailboat on local lakes (such as Lewisville or Texoma) or in simple coastal waters (such as the Caribbean).
This 3 day course includes one day of classroom and two days on the
water.
Our objective is to train competent skippers in the art of sailing and this course is no exception. We hold our students to the highest standards. We are not a certification factory. After completing this course, you will know what you are doing!
This course is a radically different from other North Texas sailing courses with a similar name. In fact, it is similar to most Bareboat courses offered locally in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! After completing this course you will be certified to charter a comparable vessel locally or in the Caribbean.
Standards include:
- Sail Trim
- Balancing the Helm
- Figure-8 Over-Board Recovery
- Under Power, Confined Areas
- Under SAIL, Confined Areas
- Selecting an Anchorage
- Navigation & Charts
- Aids to Navigation
- Basic Boat Systems
- Safety Equipment
- Boat Inventory Checklist
- Minor Emergencies
- Intermediate Knot Tying
- Chart & Symbols
- Dock Lines (Spring/Breast)
- Docking Under Power
- Engine Failure Procedures
- Steering Failure Procedures
- Running Aground & Recovery
- Marine Weather Forecasts
- Basic Anchoring
- Right-of-Way Rules
- VHF Radio Procedures
- Sail Power Theory
- Apparent vs. True Wind
- The Ships Compass
- Introduction to Fire Fighting
- Boating Etiquette
- Use of Day Shapes
- Use of Sound Signals
- Navigation Rules (1-19)
- Introduction to Towing
- Dinghy Operation
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising Certification.
Course Length:
This course spans a total of 4 days:
- 2 evenings of classroom seminar,
- 2 days aboard a 30 to 35 foot auxiliary Sailboat.
Pricing & Scheduling:
$499 per student meeting prerequisits. Additional fees may apply for those needing additional instruction.
Price includes:
- The Basic Cruising Course (as described above)
- Text reference book
- ASA's Basic Coastal Cruising Certification
Scheduling:
For scheduling, see navigation buttons at left of screen...
Telephone 214-827-8990
Bareboat Cruising Certification (ASA 104)
Responsibly skipper, crew or Bareboat charter an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat within sight of land to a port or an anchorage during daylight hours in moderate to strong wind and sea conditions.
This course qualifies for ASA 104 Bareboat Charter Certifications!
After successfully completing this course you will be certified to rent or charter a sailboat of approximately 50 feet in length, locally, the Caribbean, Florida, the Bahamas, or just about anywhere.
Prerequisites:
- Basic Cruising Certification (ASA 103)
- Minimum of 6 days charter experience, as skipper, aboard a 30ft (or greater) sailing vessel
- Minimum of 3 nights at anchor, as skipper, aboard a 30ft (or greater) sailing vessel,
Course Description:
We only teach this important, one week course on the ocean. A local lake simply isn't sufficient to learn the skills necessary to be Bareboat Certified. You need the experiences of tides, tide currents, freighters, channel markers, buoys, fishing vessels, draw bridges, and so on.... You will actually experience these, not just talk about them.
A Bareboat skipper is responsible for the boat and for the lives of the crew. This is a responsibility we do not take lightly. Bareboat certification is designed for experienced sailors with some cruising experience (this is a requirement of ASA). The Bareboat skipper needs the wisdom to safely handle a large sailing vessel. Our standard includes extensive knowledge of boat systems, maintenance procedures, general boating etiquette, and emergency procedures.
The beauty and splendor of the ocean also brings potential hazards. Coral, rocks, and shoals are an everyday occurrence in many waters. Modern conveniences fail with alarming regularity in this salt water environment. With proper training and experience, most problems can be turned into minor inconveniences. This Bareboat Certification course is designed to prepare you to meet these challenges and continue on your journey.
Vacation while you learn. Our Bareboat certification course is taught in exotic locations. This includes exciting areas such as the Caribbean, the San Juan Islands & Puget Sound, the Bahamas, and The Florida Keys. As situations develop (as they always do!) you will learn how to deal with them. No two courses have ever been the same. Your best-made plans will change on a continuing basis. The real trick is learning to deal with problems while continuing to enjoy yourself.
Standards include:
- Sail Inventory & Selection
- Daily Check List
- Securing the Boat
- Figure-8 Over-Board Recovery
- Quick-Stop Over-Board Recovery
- Boats Tool Inventory
- Advanced Knot Tying
- Under Power, Confined Areas
- Dinghy & Outboards
- Emergency Recovery Plans
- Moorings & Advanced Anchoring
- Basic Navigation & Charts
- Comprehensive Boat Systems
- Docking
- Charter "Check-In" Report
- Group Parties & Rafting
- Advanced Docking Techniques
- De-powering a Sail
- Going Aloft, Safely
- Tides & Tidal Currents
- Life raft & EPIRB Procedure s
- Foreign Ports & Customs
- Dealing with Charter Companies
- Inclement Weather
- The Politics of Skippering
Certification:
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive the ASA Bareboat Cruising Certification (ASA 104).
Course Length:
This course spans approximately 6 days:
1-2 evenings in classroom seminar (prior to the trip),
6 days & 5 nights aboard a 40 to 50 foot auxiliary Sailboat.
Private Lesson Pricing:
These Lessons are taught on a private basis to ensure a solid foundation. We allow a maximum of two students per boat. However, this is a live-aboard course and is somewhat like a vacation. You are welcome to invite up to two guests to share this unique experience with you for no additional charge. Your guest will act as crew and will not receive certification.
One week course:
Call for pricing, depends on vessel. (2 students maximum)
Two additional guests:
No charge
Price includes:
- The Bareboat Cruising Course (as described above)
- Text reference book
- ASA's Bareboat Cruising Certification
- Fuel, pumpouts, & hull damage insurance
Scheduling:
These are private lessons and are scheduled individually!
Telephone 214-827-8990
Coastal Navigation Certification (ASA 105)
Properly use traditional navigation techniques (and electronic navigation) for near coastal passage making.
Modern electronics can make navigation quite easy (when used properly). However, they fail with alarming frequency, ask anyone with actual experience!
This is a classroom-only seminar lasting 8 evenings. It is usually offered during the winter months. If you are well versed in traditional navigation techniques, challenge this course and proceed to the next level.
Your Instructor will be a seasoned ocean sailor with extensive experience in Coastal Navigation.
Telephone 214-827-8990
Advanced Cruising & Coastal Passage Making (ASA 106)
Responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat for coastal or offshore passages in strong to heavy conditions, including zero visibility and nighttime, in unfamiliar waters out of sight of land.
It isn’t until you have sailed out of sight of land and the sun begins to set that you get the full sensation of the offshore sailor. It will be at this point that you appreciate the historic attraction of the sea.
Practical applications of Coastal Navigation and Ded Reckoning as well as the application of previous course material are necessary to successfully complete this course. You will draw on all previous knowledge to safely arrive at your destination. In the offshore environment, mistakes can be costly. All of the lower level courses are designed to prepare you for this course.
Taught only on the ocean, this is the course in which you encounter inclement weather, overnight sailing, and zero-visibility. Look for seasoned ocean sailors with extensive offshore experience when choosing your instructional facility. Our instructors have weathered hurricanes, crossed oceans & seas, and sailed internationally.
While this particular course may not be for everyone, it should be comforting to know that you are learning from instructors qualified to this level of sailing!
Telephone 214-827-8990
Celestial Navigation Certification (ASA 107)
Navigate using celestial techniques and integrating this with traditional navigation techniques to determine location.
Offshore navigation has celestial navigation as it’s cornerstone. Only the foolish navigator places his fate solely with modern electronics. The harsh salt water environment of the ocean can, and does, render electronics completely useless with alarming frequency. Learn to use celestial techniques to navigate a vessel while offshore.
Telephone 214-827-8990
Offshore Sailing (108)
Responsibly skipper and crew an inboard auxiliary powered cruising sailboat for coastal or offshore passages in strong to heavy conditions, including zero visibility and nighttime, in unfamiliar waters out of sight of land.
It isn’t until you have sailed out of sight of land and the sun begins to set that you get the full sensation of the offshore sailor. It will be at this point that you appreciate the historic attraction of the sea.
Practical applications of Coastal Navigation and Ded Reckoning as well as the application of previous course material are necessary to successfully complete this course. You will draw on all previous knowledge to safely arrive at your destination. In the offshore environment, mistakes can be costly. All of the lower level courses are designed to prepare you for this course.
Taught only on the ocean, this is the course in which you encounter inclement weather, overnight sailing, and zero-visibility. Look for seasoned ocean sailors with extensive offshore experience when choosing your instructional facility. Our instructors have weathered hurricanes, crossed oceans & seas, and sailed internationally.
While this particular course may not be for everyone, it should be comforting to know that you are learning from instructors qualified to this level of sailing!
Telephone 214-827-8990
Refresher & Challenge Courses
The Magellan Sailing Center, Inc. is based in Dallas, Texas. We operate on two different lakes in the North Texas area. Our Basic Sailing courses are taught at Pier 121 marina on Lake Lewisville, just minutes from most north Metroplex locations. Our Basic Cruising courses are conducted on Lake Texoma. We conduct intermediate and advanced courses in other exciting locations such as Florida & the Florida Keys, New England, and Canada. Our courses range from Basic Keelboat Sailing to Bareboat Certification to Advanced & Offshore sailing.
Refresher
A Refresher course is simply a private lesson for which you identify the specific sailing techniques you would like to concentrate on. The instructor acts as a COACH and may supervise in the execution of those sailing drills.
Challenge
A Challenge course is strictly a matter of you demonstrating your sailing ability. The standards will be fully explained to you. You will be given some time to practice and become familiar with the boat. The instructor will act strictly as an EVALUATOR and may NOT supervise in the execution of those sailing drills (if a particular drill is unfamiliar to you, the instructor may demonstrate, but not offer supervision).
During a Challenge course, you may decide that you would like additional supervision. If so, at your option, the course may immediately transition to a Refresher course. The instructor may now offer supervision and suggestions. Once this transition happens, a new Challenge course may NOT be rescheduled for that same day. Pricing is hourly so there is no penalty for making this decision.
For a description of our standards, please view our course descriptions.
Pricing (Refresher or Challenge courses):
$100/hr
Plus $50 for each certification (this fee applies only if a written quiz is attempt