Custom Training on Your Boat
Any Type • Any Size • Anywhere
Including Charter - Anywhere in the World
Choose Your Learning Model
See sections below for details on each model
Modular Certification Training
Best for experienced boaters who want to improve their skills and earn internationally recognized Certifications. New boaters also welcomed to this model. Customized training is built on your background, your goals, your boat, your learning style, and your pace. Prepare for your next level of boating proficiency.
Extended Cruising and Training
Best for new boaters and boaters moving into a larger or different type of boat, or into new and more challenging waters. Experienced boaters also welcomed to this model. Start cruising & enjoying your boat while you develop solid skills and experience for operating it independently. Certifications included.
Modular Certification Training
Customized to your boat or charter boat, your background, your goals, your learning style, your pace and your choice of location. Skills & knowledge to prepare for your next level of boating.
Amp up your skills and knowledge to meet your goals. No matter how new or how seasoned, we will meet you where you are and work with you individually (yes, even with a wide range of backgrounds among your crew).
Your custom program will work you through the training modules you need, at the level you need, to achieve your goals with a high level of proficiency. US Sailing and US Powerboating Certifications are included.
Shearwater University Training Modules
- Your Boat's Systems
- Close Quarters Maneuvering & Docking
- Trip Planning
- Navigation & Piloting - including electronics
- Anchoring Securely
- Marine Weather Forecasting & Planning
- Working with Tides & Currents
- Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Crew Overboard Rescue - on water and on deck
- VHF Communications
- Locks & Bridges
- Boating Knots and Line Handling
- Sailing Proficiency - all levels (if applies)
Contact Shearwater University to Start your Certification Program.
Extended Cruising and Training
Your Boat or a Charter Boat - Anywhere in the World
Embed your skills development within a context of actual cruising. Enjoy your boat and explore with the confidence of your Captain and/or Mate onboard. Focused training days are interspersed among a wide range of cruising scenarios and conditions, providing crucial experience and practice to develop your proficiency & safety.
Depending on your boat size and your background, you might need both Captain and Mate, just the Captain, or just the Mate.
Flat weekly or monthly rates make the supported, extended cruising cost effective. A training premium is added for focused training days. Internationally recognized Certifications for sailing or powerboating are included.
We specialize in the world's greatest boating challenges, so let's stretch your horizons and amp up your skills & experience so you can do whatever you want to do with your boat, you can achieve that with safety and confidence.
Contact us to begin planning your optimum custom program to meet your goals.
Internationally Recognized Certifications
Available for Extended Cruising & Training and for Modular Certification Training
US Sailing Certifications:
- Basic Keelboat
- Basic Cruising
- Bareboat Cruising
- Coastal Passage Making
- Night Operations
- International Proficiency Certificate
US Powerboating Certifications:
- Basic Powerboat Cruising
- Inshore Powerboat Cruising
- Night Operations
- International Proficiency Certificate
Your Instructors
With the Best Practices in Maritime and Best Practices in Eduction in mind, we are uniquely specialized to focus on your best path and process toward the high level of skills necessary to safely and confidently cruise your boat or a charter boat anywhere in the world.
Captain Phyllis Woolwine
Phyllis Woolwine, AKA Captain Wooly, is a US Coast Guard licensed Captain (Master, Near Coastal), US Sailing Certified Instructor for all levels, US Powerboating Certified Instructor for all levels, and National Board Certified Teacher. She has spent her life on the sea, plying all parts of the Inside Passage and other waters of the world. Captain Wooly is also a career professional educator. For over 30 years - both on and off the water - she's taught all types and ages of learners, in the classroom, on the sea, in the wilderness, in universities, high schools and private settings. She has trained hundreds of recreational boaters and professional mariners of all skill levels, on all types and sizes of boats, and in all manner of conditions.
Mark Hersh
Mark is an ABYC Certified Marine Maintenance Technician, and has been operating boats for most of the decades of his life. At Shearwater University, Mark is a highly sought-after instructor, serving every kind of student on every kind of boat. Your knowledge of your boat's systems, your ability to maneuver, dock, operate and cruise your boat will grow rapidly in the time you spend with him.