Description:

Whether it’s sailors griping about lack of wind, or powerboaters fearing steep and dangerous seas - the conditions in the Pacific Northwest present special challenges, due to the complexity of the many weather systems that interact in this region.  Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owns Shearwater University, Maritime Education.  Speaking from 50 years of experience on the Salish Sea & Inside Passage, and 10 years providing custom training for boaters of all types in these waters, she will provide a highly practical, science based, and interactive seminar on Pacific Northwest Marine Weather:

Description:

Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owner of Shearwater University - Maritime Education, will introduce the physics of boat maneuvering.  Many of these concepts will apply to all types of boats.  She will also discuss specifics of controlling single engine vessels, including strategic use of prop wash, momentum, inertia, and rotation.  With these physics in mind, she will go over optimum docking approaches, as well as strategies for maintaining full control of the vessel anywhere in the marina, in any conditions.  Captain Woolwine will also cover the concepts of using dynamic springlines for full control of the boat at the dock - leaving and returning.

Description:

NOAA has been "Sunsetting" Raster Navigation Charts over the last several years, and now most of these traditional charts are no longer updated.  What most boaters don't understand is that NOAA has not retired PAPER charts. They've actually made them better than ever. Captain Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University will provide highly relevant practices for using electronic and paper charts together, focusing on the most powerful applications of both for skilled piloting on the Salish Sea and anywhere in the world. Bring your tablet or laptop, as we'll be doing hands-on learning experiences. This presentation will include:

• • What is the NOAA Marine Charts "Raster Sunset", and how does it affect boaters?
  • Benefits and limitations of paper charts
  • Benefits and limitations of electronic charts
  • Hands-on Tutorial for using NOAA's new Custom ENC Chart tool - a powerful resource that combines the best of both worlds
  • An integrated approach to plotting and piloting routes so you never have to experience a calamity at sea

Description:

No place in the world has the range and complexity of tides and currents like the Salish Sea.  Captain Phyllis Woolwine of Shearwater University guides you through the hazards to a place where you can make sense of them and plan mitigating procedures for optimizing the safety and enjoyment of your vessel and crew.

The Science:

• • Why the Salish Sea has the most challenging tide & current environment in the world.
  • Understanding the general patterns and crazy exceptions for how currents run on the Salish sea.
  • How to access, interpret and apply tide data and current data to keep your boat safe and your cruise a happy, successful one.
  • Optimal use of multiple electronic, online and paper resources for tides & currents

The Survival:

• • How to ensure that you don’t get left high & dry at anchor or while making a shallow passage
  • How to optimize current predictions to get you there sooner and safer
  • Methods (electronic and conventional) to prevent being pushed off course and onto the rocks

Description:

Docking with dynamic springlines has become a lost art - with tragic results in marinas all around the world, not the least in the Pacific Northwest. Captain Phyllis Woolwine is leading a charge to bring these powerful skills & strategies back. “Captain Wooly” specializes in training boaters of all types to use springlines for maximum safety and boat control while leaving and returning to the dock - every time, in any conditions, with just two people. This seminar focuses on the physics of the core springline strategy we apply on all boats, every time, no matter the boat type or scenario. If time, other springline strategies will be introduced for getting in and out of challenging situations.

Description:

This is a very hands-on workshop.  The knots we cover depend on the amount of time available, and the experience & interests of the group.  Yes - I tailor it to each group on the spot!

You are not alone! The ratio between boaters and those skilled with tying the right knot, for the right purpose, the right way is perhaps 100 to 1. Captain Phyllis Woolwine has a cure! More than the many "how to" lessons and YouTubes you've learned (and forgotten) from in the past, Captain Wooly shares knot tying learning methods that you will KNOT forget. And for each one you will learn powerful applications for the knot. This is a hands-on workshop, so roll up your sleeves! The number and assortment of knots we will do will be decided by the interests of the group.

Description:

Captain Phyllis Woolwine, owner of Shearwater University - Maritime Education, introduces attendees to powerful strategies for maintaining full control of a vessel with single inboard engine in the close quarters of the marina, plus docking approaches and line handling.  This will include an induction into use of dynamic springlines for full control at the dock.

Required Shore School Session - Tuesday 1pm - 4pm

The Shore School Session prepares you for your on-water training.  You will learn the physics of boat maneuvering, including strategic use of prop wash, momentum, inertia, and rotation.  With these physics in mind, we will go over optimum docking approaches, as well as strategies for maintaining full control of the vessel anywhere in the marina, in any conditions.  We will also cover the concepts of using dynamic springlines for full control of the boat at the dock - leaving and returning. After 2 hours in the classroom, we will spend the last hour of Shore School on the dock with the boat, practicing line handling skills and strategies.  This 3-hour session will prepare you to get the most out of your 2-hour on-water session on Wednesday.

On-Water Sessions - Wednesday 1-3pm OR 3:30-5:30pm

We will operate a single inboard power vessel in and near the marina, practicing the skills of:

• • Casting off using a single dynamic springline
  • Controlling and tightening turns using prop wash
  • Countering the effects of prop walk
  • Pivoting the boat using “back & fill” procedure, while controlling the boat’s position in a narrow fairway
  • Stopping the boat with precision
  • Hovering the boat in a steady position despite wind
  • Docking the boat with a bow-in approach
  • Securing the boat with full control on a single dynamic springline