Have you ever:
- Had the engine sputter out and left you stranded, running low on water and snacks? (or margs, we get it!)
- Thought it would be great to jump in the drivers seat
- Been hesitant to help when launching the boat
- wanted to grow more confident in boating in general to go out solo or with the kiddos?
Maybe you aren’t looking for new skills (because let’s face it, sometimes is AWESOME to have someone else do the planning/driving etc and be along for the ride!) but want to enjoy time on the water with other outdoors loving ladies.
If any of the above resonates, this is the perfect class for you! Join us to learn how to drive a boat and prepare for a lifetime of fun on the water.
Topics
Trip Planning
On-water safety starts on land. Understanding the tides, currents, and weather helps you to plan a trip that is not only safe, but enjoyable for everyone. In addition to those skills, we will cover different landings in the area to help you decide where and when to launch.
Trailering & Boat Launching
Getting the boat in the water can be intimidating, especially when the landing is busy and there are people waiting on you. We will address all parts of the process, from pre-launch prep, communication, backing the trailer, and safely launching and re-trailering your boat. A little practice goes a long way in bolstering your confidence and reducing your stress level at the ramp!
Intro to Boat Handling
Time to get comfortable behind the wheel! Maybe you’re the primary operator of your vessel, or maybe you would need to take over in an emergency situation. In this session, you will get hands-on time at the helm, getting a feel for the throttle, steering, moving in forward and reverse, and accounting for the wind, current, and waves.
Basic Maintenance
We’ve all been there: cruising down a creek, enjoying a picture perfect day when the engine cuts out and threatens to ruin everything. Fortunately most issues are simple fixes. We will cover some of the most common reasons for a breakdown and how to get back up and running. Looking to say goodbye to that Sea Tow membership? Start here.
On Water Etiquette
This class will focus on being a respectful part of the boating community from beginning to end. Topics may include boat landing etiquette, passing other boaters, navigating no-wake zones and narrow channels, and beaching the boat in busy areas. In addition to respecting other boaters, it’s extremely important to respect your recreational environment, and we will discuss ways to be an environmentally conscious boater.
Advanced Skills
Topics will vary for this advanced lesson. Please feel free to make a request via email for a topic you would like to see covered! Some topics we offer include advanced boat maintenance, advanced boat handling in rough conditions, and advanced trip planning for complex or multi-day itineraries.
Knot Tying
This on-land lesson is a great place to start building your boating confidence. We will cover the most useful and common boating knots so that you’ll be able to tie up to the dock, readjust a fender, safely store spare line, and creatively solve unexpected situations on the water.
Anchoring
On the surface, anchoring may seem like a luxury skill, not a necessity. But in unexpected and emergency situations, your anchor is a major safety feature. When your engine cuts out, your anchor often becomes the best way to regain control of the vessel. There are many techniques to anchoring both in water and on the beach that we will learn and get hands-on experience with in this class.
Location
Not all classes are held at Sunset Cay Marina! Trip planning is often hosted by a community partner such as a boat dealer, coffee shop, or brewery. (Especially for off-season classes when it’s dark early).
– The class location will be listed on our schedule when booking and on advertising material.
– We will send out a reminder email the day prior to class with the location address.
More Info
- Classes are typically Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoon. If you are interesting in joining but need another day, please let us know a better time.
- Please direct questions to [email protected]
- Payment is required up front
- Private classes available starting at $400 for up to 2 people, 3 hrs
- Use your boat or ours! Multiple departure locations available.
These classes will be led by Captain Weatherly Meadors and hopefully a few guest instructors. Capt. Weatherly grew up on James Island and has been driving boats since she was old enough to see over the steering wheel. She got a SCDNR boat license at the age of 12, took off into the wild on a 13′ Boston Whaler (before the days of cell phones, gasp!), and hasn’t turned back since. She has worked into the ecotour industry since 2015 and has spent countless hours in the estuaries of Charleston and surrounding areas. During this time she’s operated everything from that whaler to kayaks to a 42′ catamaran. She has made several blue water crossings via sailboat to the Bahamas and US Virgin Islands and gets as sea sick as the next person! She currently holds a USCG 50 ton Masters license with a sailing endorsement.
