2025 is Shearwater University's 10th Anniversary!

maritime education powerboat and sailboat school boat lessons navigation

We are excited to celebrate 10 incredible years of providing accessible and engaging maritime education to boaters of all types and all experience levels. Whether you're new to boating or building upon decades of experience, we've been here to help you navigate the waters safely and confidently. As we mark this milestone, we’re proud to continue offering diverse educational opportunities for every boater - both online and on the water.

In the Last 10 Years We Have...

Trained over 600 Sailors, Powerboaters, and Kayakers

Including hundreds of Certifications in: Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bareboat Cruising, Coastal Passage Making, Basic Powerboat Cruising, Inshore Powerboat Cruising, Night Operations and International Proficiency Certifications.

Trained on over 100 Unique Boats

Our Fleet Boats have Featured: Ardenna- Sabre 402, Imagine- Selene 40, Nancy Lee- Pearson 302, SeaSquirt Capri 22, Webejammin- Jeanneau 45
And every type of Privately Owned Power and Sail Boat from 17 feet to 90 feet.

Taught on Boats All Over the Salish Sea and Beyond

From Canada to Olympia, the Pacific to Idaho, in over 6,000 square miles of islands and inlets, and 25+ different marinas.

Built High Quality Online Learning Opportunities through our Growing Online School

With Navigation Essentials as our flagship offering, Shearwater University Online is growing a wide range of maritime course topics for advancing your boating skills, knowledge and safety on the water.  There are robust mastery courses, focused short courses, and free lessons - all professionally taught and produced - with more new offerings added every month.  Click here to participate.

Taught Live Seminars & Workshops All Over the PNW

Provided 35 live, in-person Seminar Presentations and Workshops at 14 different events and yacht clubs.  Join upcoming Seminars & Workshops at the Anacortes TrawlerFest in May and the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival in September.

Provided Free Sail and Power Yacht Rides at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival

Our seventh year in 2025!  So far we have provided 85 free sail and power boat rides to 350 people - most of whom have not been out on a sail or power yacht in their lives.  With more to come this June 7 & 8.  Come down to the Waterfront Festival, sign up and enjoy the fun!

Join the Celebration By...

This year - all year - join Navigation Essentials and get 10% off with the discount code 10Years2025

Up Your Game!  Schedule on water training to get started or to build on your skills and earn Internationally recognized Certifications - on our boat, your boat, or a charter boat.  Any type, any size, anywhere.

Join us at any or all of our Events.  See the Events Page for the latest.

Get the Shirt - Shearwater University Approved light weight, breathable and quick-dry
Get the Hat - choose breathable mesh or waterproof waxed cotton - they both float!
All 3 Available at events, any on-water class, and soon here online