Our specialty courses are designed to help you refine your sailing skills and gain more knowledge by focusing on a single topic. We are always developing new classes and welcome your input on sailing topics that we could offer.

On-The-Water Skill Building

Advanced Anchoring

• 6 hours of instruction, one day

Learn the trick of single and double bow anchoring, Mediterranean mooring, Bahamian anchoring, forward and aft anchoring, and the uses and purposes of different anchor types.

Advanced Motoring and Docking

• 6 hours of instruction, one day

Tight quarter boat handling, spring lines, emergency rotation skills, back and fill skills and backing in a straight line in adverse conditions.

Catamaran Basics

• 6 hours of instruction, one day

So you want to sail a catamaran? Learn the terminology, construction and sailing skills unique to multi-hull vessels in this hands-on course. Other topics covered in this class are: Shallow draft sailing, effects of windage, preventing capsizing, docking, anchoring bridle, and understanding twin screws.

Sail Trim

• 4 hours of instruction, one day

This class is taught by Quantum Sail Design Group in Point Richmond. The class meets at the Quantum loft for a technical discussion about sails, materials, sizes, and shapes. The class continues onboard a boat for a discussion of trim, reading telltales, setting fairleads, use of the traveler, and more. Lunch is included.

Technical Clinics

Whether you are a day sailor on a Club boat or getting ready to buy your first boat, the Tradewinds Technical Clinics provide you with the knowledge that will make your days on the water more enjoyable.

As a skipper, it is valuable to know how boat systems work so that you troubleshoot problems when they arise while you are away from the dock.

Small Diesel Maintenance

• 4 hours of instruction

Learn the theory of operation, maintenance and general troubleshooting of small diesel engines. This course is taught by a certified diesel mechanic. This is a great course for future boat owners and skippers who want the background to deal with engine problems that might occur.