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Galveston Bay Sail & Power Squadron
8-Week Piloting Course

 

Oct 3 - Dec 5
Once per week
Thursdays
7 PM to 9 PM
Course Fee: $80
 

The Galveston Bay Sail & Power Squadron is returning to the Lakewood campus for the first time in years with its 8-week Piloting course beginning in early October. Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 7 PM to 9 PM in the Youth Education/Seahorse Building at LYC. Classes are open to both Lakewood members and nonmembers.

 

 
What is piloting and why is it important?
Piloting is the first in the series of navigational classes focusing on techniques for piloting a boat in coastal and inland conditions. The course emphasizes route planning and checking, along with the use of GPS for determining position. It introduces digital charting along with traditional charting, compass, and dead reckoning skills. Plotting, labeling, use of the compass, identifying aids to navigation, and a host of related topics are included in this all-new approach to coastal and inland piloting. This course uses the 4x15 plotter, which is included.


 
Participants will receive the Student Kit, which includes:
  • The Student Manual also contains the 1210TR and Bowditch Bay charts in “KAP” file format for use with your navigation software.
  • 4x15 Plotter
  • The Plotting and Labeling Standards Learning Guide
  • Instructions for downloading, installing, and using OpenCPN – a marine navigation program that is state-of-the-art and in wide use by commercial and recreational boating enthusiasts.


Class Schedule Conflicts
The class will meet for eight weeks starting Thursday, October 3rd at Lakewood Yacht Club. For those who have a conflict, such as Harvest Moon Regatta, we urge you to register and let us know of your conflict ahead of time. We have made the schedule flexible to accommodate if needed.


Registration
The cost for the course is $80, due first night of class (check or cash). Pre-registration is required, the registration deadline is September 26th. To register for the course, please email [email protected]


Inquiries
If you have any questions or need assistance in any way, please email Jay Brinkmann at [email protected].