Want to learn how to boat? Affordable on-water training courses August 11 in Woodbridge, VA
by Scott Croft 7 Aug 2018 06:32 PDT
Learn boat handling with affordable on-water training courses at Prince William Marina in Woodbridge, Saturday, August 11 © Scott Croft
Want to learn the basics of powerboating or brush up on your skills? The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water together with Prince William Marina offer a choice of two fun on-water training courses taught aboard single and twin engine powerboats: 'Powerboat I' and 'Powerboat II', this Saturday, August 11, at the marina's location at 12849 Gordon Rd., Woodbridge VA. The three-hour courses start at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. and are affordably priced at $159 per person. Class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor. The courses were previously scheduled for Saturday, July 28, but local weather conditions forced their postponement.
The Powerboat I course includes preparing a boat for departure, steering straight at idle speed and learning to center the wheel, shifting gears and throttle control, stopping the boat in an emergency, station holding, the "Boater's eye" technique, and understanding the "weathervane effect." Powerboat II covers pivot turns, docking alongside a pier and departing, and how to maintain a proper lookout.
The goal of the BoatUS Foundation and Prince William Marina courses are to address the high costs typically associated with at-the-helm training, making hands-on boating education more affordable. The courses also offer area residents the chance to try out recreational boating and give boaters the opportunity to brush up on their skills.
Space is limited. Must be 18 years or older. To sign up for these courses or seek out others, go to www.BoatUS.org/On-Water.