IMAGINE POWER CRUISING PROGRAM
Train and Cruise on the Salish Sea, Inside Passage, and Beyond
★ Train for powerful skills, with top-end instructors
★ Earn internationally recognized Certifications
★ Qualify to charter cruise anywhere in the world
★ Cruise the Salish Sea independently on Imagine
★ Enjoy supported Community Cruising on Imagine
★ Gain skills & knowledge to inform a yacht purchase
★ Or skip the trouble & expense and keep cruising on Imagine
Imagine
Selene 40 Powerboat Cruising Program
Basic Powerboat Cruising on Imagine
Imagine is our Selene 40 - the ideal trawler for the Salish Sea. Our comprehensive Basic Powerboat Cruising program includes two parts, providing focused training in robust skills for the Salish Sea and beyond. The two levels can be taken separately in different weeks, or together in a week-long intensive.
- Cruising Powerboat Foundations (Level-1) combines a deep exploration into the systems of a cruising powerboat with our signature high-end close quarters maneuvering & docking instruction. This 3-day class includes:
- Cruising Powerboat Systems: A full day for understanding and operating the mechanical, electrical, and the many living systems on the boat
- Close Quarters Maneuvering & Docking: Two full days learning & practicing robust skills and strategies to keep the boat (and others) safe in busy Northwest marinas. This is the most challenging aspect of powerboating. We specialize in skills & strategies that give you full control in a wide range of conditions with just two people and one line.
- San Juan Cruising Immersion (Level-2) gets you into the islands for 4 full days. This level makes you a skilled multi-day cruiser, including:
- Trip planning, navigation and piloting through the complex waters of the San Juan Islands
- Anchoring securely in beautiful bays (anchorage selection; setting, monitoring and retrieving the anchor)
- Mooring in unfamiliar marinas
- VHF Communications
- Safety & emergency procedures
- Crew overboard rescue
- Completes your US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
7-day Intensive Option (Levels 1 & 2 together): Spend a full week immersed in the full training sequence. Provides your Level-1, Level-2, and Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification in one class.
Graduates earn their US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising Certificate, and qualify to charter cruise Imagine in the San Juan Islands, as well as participate in an active Community Cruising Program for fun, and for growing your skills and experience with support.
Two-Part Classes: Breaking up Levels 1 and 2 gives you optimal time for absorption - best for new boaters
Join a Crew to Build Your Skills Over Time
- Level-1: Three full days (Friday - Sunday) building the Foundations: Cruising Powerboat Systems and Close Quarters Maneuvering & Docking. Don't leave the marina without them.
- Gaining Experience: During your break between classes you have the opportunity to day cruise Imagine, practice your maneuvering & docking skills, participate in Community Cruising, and continue preparations for your Cruising class.
- Level-2: After building the Foundations, we spend 4 full days in the San Juan Islands working your navigation, piloting, anchoring, mooring, and safety skills while you get to know routes and destinations in our island paradise.
Two Level Series for Your Custom Group
- Contact us to schedule a Foundations class for your group of family or friends.
- Customized to your background, your goals, and your learning style & pace.
Prerequisite: Navigation Essentials
Levels 1-2: Basic Powerboat Cruising Intensive
Seven days immersed in the San Juan Islands, developing the skills & knowledge you need for safe powerboat on the Salish Sea. Our Home Study Program will prepare you for success and fun. Vast new horizons await...
Prerequisite: Navigation Essentials
Inshore Powerboat Crossing on Imagine: Level-3
Advance your Cruising Skills
Qualify for Charter Cruising Internationally
Train in the Canadian Inside Passage:
At Shearwater University, we specialize in developing real skills for challenging waters, anywhere in the world. And there's no better place to train for that than the Inside Passage. Cross the border (an element rarely included in IPC training), and learn to handle with skill the complex waters, strong currents, long crossings, and dynamic weather conditions this region dishes out.
Skills & Knowledge Advancements in the Following Areas:
• Extended cruise trip planning
• Application of advanced Coastal Navigation skills
• Piloting using advanced bearings, fixes and radar techniques in complex waters
• Smart use of chart plotter route planning & piloting
• Negotiating tidal rapids safely
• Anchoring techniques with 2 anchors, and stern-tie to shore
• Docking in challenging conditions and use of advanced springline strategies
• Crew overboard rescue using the Lifesling and Williamson Turn
Night Operations Endorsement Included:
We don't recommend operating at night when it can be avoided, but when it happens, you need to know what you're doing. A hands-on night run includes navigation & piloting skills for identifying navigation lights at night, avoiding rocks and collisions, piloting under radar, and techniques for the special challenge of rescuing a crew overboard at night.
Prerequisites:
• Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
• Coastal Navigation Certification
• Ample power cruising experience
Join a Pre-Scheduled Class or Reach Out to Schedule for Your Private Group
Custom Instruction on Imagine
Call to reserve your custom instruction dates, then register below.
Whatever your goals, we can make it happen:
- Brush up and upgrade skills
- Get a first experience with powerboat cruising
- Challenge Certification for skilled & experienced cruisers
- Pick a specific skill need, like Docking or Crew Overboard Rescue
- Design a "play & learn" cruise for your family or group