US Sailing Award Winning Facility
A pole that extends perpendicularly from a mast. A boom is used to control the shape and angle of a sail.
View Boating GlossaryAll of our courses are managed by the City of Ventura's Parks and Recreation Department. All registrations go through them! You can register on the City of Ventura's website, or by calling (805) 658-4726.
The flowchart below shows the required/recommended order in which to take our classes. Click on a class in the list underneath the flowchart for more information.
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Sixteen hours of instruction follow US Sailing Small Boat format in protective Ventura Harbor on Catalina Capri 14.2' sailboats and covers: sailing theory, terminology, safety, knots, right-of-way and docking. Recommended textbook: Start Sailing Right (click for more info). Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Handouts: | General Instructions Class Outline Basic Knots Quizzes Rigging - Derigging Checklist |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Sixteen hours of instruction follow US Sailing Small Boat format in protective Ventura Harbor on Catalina Capri 14.2' sailboats and covers: sailing theory, terminology, safety, knots, right-of-way and docking. Recommended textbook: Start Sailing Right (click for more info). Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Handouts: | General Instructions Class Outline Basic Knots Quizzes Rigging - Derigging Checklist |
| Prerequisites: | Basic or Women's Sailing completed within last 6 months (or instructor approval). |
|---|---|
| Description: | Sixteen hours of instruction follow US Sailing small keelboat format on 16.5' Catalina Capri sailboats in Ventura Harbor and offshore. Course covers: proper sail trim, tiller extension, overboard recovery, sailing upwind, using the whisker pole, down-wind docking and offshore safety. Recommended textbook: Start Sailing Right (click for more info). Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | Basic or Women's Sailing completed within last 6 months (or instructor approval). |
|---|---|
| Description: | Sixteen hours of instruction follows near-shore cruising textbook aboard midsize 30’ auxiliary-powered sailboat. Course covers maneuvering under power and sail, reefing systems, overboard recovery, anchoring, shipboard systems, safety rules, onboard equipment and coastal navigating. Recommended Textbook: Basic Cruising (click for more info) Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | Small Boat Sailing Level 1 completed within last 6 months (or instructor approval). |
|---|---|
| Description: | Earn US Sailing Association certifcation with US Sailing certifcation card. Twelve hours of instruction and skill verifcation. Required textbooks: Start Sailing Right (click for more info) - and - Small Boat Sailor Certification Record Book. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Learn basic paddling and safety skills aboard stable and comfortable double-seat (Malibu Two) kayaks exploring Ventura Harbor. Bring swimsuit, comfort top, water bottle, and sunscreen. All other equipment will be provided. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | Previous kayaking experience recommended. |
|---|---|
| Description: | Paddle our kayaks offshore to see dolphins, sea lions and pelicans as you get a great workout! Bring adequate clothing, sunscreen, hat, and water. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Learn the basics of nautical navigation using compass, plotting tools, nautical charts, position fixes, aids to navigation and GPS. You will be working navigation scenarios and problems you may encounter sailing in our local waters or to the Channel Islands. A great class to take with Keelboat Crusing 1. Location: Senior Recreation Center. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | What happens when you lose your electronics? In this fun, hands-on class, individuals with no experience in celestial navigation, use a sextant, nautical tables and simple procedures to find your location without a GPS. It is recommended that you take coastal navigation first. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | Keelboat Cruising 1 completed within last year (or instructor approval). |
|---|---|
| Description: | Three to four students get a full day of sailing instruction from Ventura Harbor to Anacapa Island. Take the wheel and trim the sails, navigating, anchoring and passage planning. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Spend quality adventure time together kayaking in beautiful Ventura Harbor. Bring comfortable clothing, hat, sunscreen, and water. No experience necessary. Instructional orientation and all equipment provided. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Show up ready to get wet and have fun! No experience is necessary. We provide all equipment and skilled instructors to guide you on an awesome coastal surf adventure! 13 - 17 years age limit. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Paddle the coast of Santa Cruz Island from Prisoners Harbor to Pelican Bay. Explore the cliffs and coves and discover the abundant marine life that can only be reached by small boat. Trip includes experienced guide, all kayak equipment and boat ride to the island. Bring cameras, water/wind clothes, lunch and drinking water. Location: Channel Islands Kayak Center. |
| Prerequisites: | Small Boat Sailing Level 1 (or instructor approval). |
|---|---|
| Description: | Certification: Able to sail a boat of about 20 feet in length in light to moderate winds and sea conditions in familiar waters. Call 805-643-3612 for additional information or to arrange a class. |
| Prerequisites: | ASA Level 101 Certification, Keelboat Cruising 1, and Coastal Navigation. |
|---|---|
| Description: | Certification: Able to cruise safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary-powered sailboat of about 20 to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions. Call 805-643-3612 for additional information or to arrange a class. |
| Prerequisites: | ASA Level 101 Certification, Keelboat Cruising 1, and Coastal Navigation. |
|---|---|
| Description: | Certification: An advanced cruising standard for individuals with cruising experience. The individual can act as skipper or crew of a 30' to 50' boat sailing by day in coastal waters. The standard includes knowledge of boat systems and maintenance procedures. Call 805-643-3612 for additional information or to arrange a class. |
| Prerequisites: | ASA Level 101 Certification, Keelboat Cruising 1, and Coastal Navigation. |
|---|---|
| Description: | Certification: Able to demonstrate the navigational theory required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. Call 805-643-3612 for additional information or to arrange a class. |
| Prerequisites: | No Prerequisites! |
|---|---|
| Description: | Learn sailing or kayaking skills, beginning to advanced, during a three-hour lesson on boats or kayaks we provide. Call 805-643-3612 to arrange. Location: Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center. |
(Click on class for more information)