Intro to Cruising
San Francisco Bay | California
Ever wondered what it's like to live on a sailboat?
Let us introduce you to that feeling...
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Join us for a 2 night liveaboard experience that's the
perfect mix of learning and adventure!
BOOKING
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No sailing experience necessary!
Our Intro to Cruising adventure welcomes a spectrum of sailors, whether it be your first time out or you have crossed oceans. We invite people to participate at their own pace with the flexibility to learn as much or as little as you'd like. The first thing we do is gather as a crew and explore what topics guests would like to cover, whether it be the basics of sailing, reviewing different systems on-board, planning on how to get your own boat, weather and navigation, or anything else you'd like to dive into!
Is this
trip right for me?
what will i learn?
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WHAT'S THE LAYOUT?
Instead of having structured classroom time and a set curriculum, we will be covering these general topics and teaching on the fly. You are welcome to ask anything about the cruising lifestyle!
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SAFETY ABOARD
How to keep you and your crew safe and comfortable.
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WEATHER FORECASTING/ROUTE PLANNING
How to make a sail plan/pick an anchorage based on conditions.
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NAVIGATING CHANNELS & SHIPPING LANES
How to safely navigate variable and busy conditions.
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FUNDAMENTAL SAILING MANEUVERS
How to tack, gybe and manage sails on a 42 ft. sailboat.
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​CREW POSITIONS ONBOARD
How to be a good crew member in all postions.
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CREWMANSHIP & COMMUNICATION
Qualities that crewmembers a valuable part of the team.
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SELECTING AN OVER NIGHT ANCHOR
How to confidentley select an anchorage and sleep well.
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COOKING ONBOARD
How to store and manage provisions onboard.
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BOAT WALK THRU
Let's open every hatch & bilge to show you the systems onboard.
whats included for the $$$?
cost
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For every bunk purchased, we include...
A two night live aboard experience on our fully refitted Passport 42' 'LINTIKA'! Our goal is to create a once in a life time experience for our guests that will transform into crew over the few days spent with us. We believe that experiences mean more when the people participating can walk away with not only memories but also knowledge to help further their sailing aspirations.
Each trip will be open to 4 guests with a range on privacy and pricing. Brady and Blue will be guiding the trip from sailing to cooking but inviting guests to participate and learn along the way.
The price of each booking includes 3 days of sailing on Lintika including 2 nights of sleeping aboard, each bunk has cozy blankets and pillows ready for you. Also included will be all meals cooked on-board as well as beer and wine. We will provide each guest with a coast-guard approved personal flotation device.
50% of the cost is due upon booking with the option of diverting the other 50% to be charged within 10 days of the course start date.
*Price does not include airfare, hotel outside of the 2 nights aboard, transportation to/from Sausalito, or recommended items to bring.
cost
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Bunk Options
SALON BUNK FOR ONE PERSON: $1600
This bunk provides a sleeping space for ONE PERSON in a bunk a little narrower than a twin sized bed. It is located in the main communal salon, so it's best for someone who is a strong sleeper and feels comfortable sleeping in a bunk without much privacy.
SEMI PRIVATE BUNK FOR ONE PERSON: $1800
This semi-private bunk provides a sleeping space for ONE PERSON in a bunk a little larger than a twin sized bed. The bunk is tucked away on the starboard side of the boat, so sleeping head facing aft means you will have a bit of privacy.
PRIVATE CABIN FOR TWO PEOPLE: $3600
This fully private cabin provides a sleeping space for TWO PEOPLE in a bed slightly smaller than a queen sized mattress. The cabin has its own door and can also be booked by just one person who wants a private cabin to themselves.
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who am i sailing with?
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CAPT. BRADY & CAPT. BLUE
These pirates in crime have spent over a decade living on sailboats and sailing around the world with over 100,000 combined nautical miles and many ocean crossings under their belt.
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If either instructor is sick, a trusted & qualified instructor will stand in.
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SHARKI THE SAILOR
Sharki is our 3 year old rescue dog! She's a constant source of entertainment and a part of our family and crew. She enjoys a good port tack, giving love, eating, and sleeping. She has an affinity for winning people over who "aren't dog people". See her in action on Instagram @sharki.the.sailor
typical
schedule
Day 1 - Boarding between 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
We will meet you at the Public Parking Lot #4 in Sausalito. We will all hop in the dinghy and head out to Lintika at anchor to get settled. (We can arrange a later pick up for you based on your arrival time.) You will have the chance to familiarize yourself with the boat, have a snack, and a safety briefing will take place.
Day 1 - 12:00 PM and beyond...
Our first lessons will begin! Depending on experience and interest of the group, we will run through what we need to know to get the sails up and moving with the wind! We will spend the afternoon sailing and then select an anchorage based on conditions. Once anchored, we will enjoy the sunset, cook dinner, and make a plan for the next days adventure.
Day 2 - 8:00 - 11:00 AM
Wake up and have breakfast onboard. Double check weather, jump into our next lesson, and discuss more details of our plan for the day.
Day 2 - 11:00 AM - Sunset
Sail and explore the SF bay! Rotate through all crew positions and enjoy a lunch aboard. Depending on the conditions we will set anchor just before sunset for sun downer drinks.
Day 2 - After Sunset
Enjoy an evening at anchor. Cook dinner aboard and discuss plans for the following day.
Day 3 - 8:00 - 11:00 AM
Wake up at anchor and enjoy breakfast. Check the weather and make a plan for the day. If conditions permit we will dinghy to shore and hike around Angel Island or cover the next lesson before getting the sails up.
Day 3 - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pick up anchor and set the sails! Arrive back on shore a around 3PM.
SV
LINTIKA!
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LINTIKA - A FULLY REFITTED PASSPORT 42
The Passport 42' has a cult like following in the offshore sailing world for being sturdy, seaworthy and surprisingly quick for their weight. Lintika was designed by Stan Huntingford and built in 1980 in Taiwan. She is 42 feet long, has beam of 13 feet and has a draft of 6.3 feet. Her all teak interior gives you the feel of being in a classic boat with many stories to tell. Her elegant interior has been polished up with modern cooking appliances, sound system, nav station, hydronic diesel heater, new main engine and holding tanks. Her deck reflects this same mix of beauty between old-school and new age with all new standing and running rigging, a large sail inventory and brand new decks.
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We love Lintika because she is the perfect example of how the build quality of a classic boat can be modernized while still holding fast to her old school vibe.
why sf
bay?
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Level up your sailing
why lake
tahoe?
How do you sum up the iconic San Francisco Bay!? Running about 40 nautical miles long by 10 nautical miles wide, this bustling bay is filled with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the city of SF, Angel Island, Marin Headlands and more. It's a great place for sailors to build experience with strong winds funneling in the from the Pacific Ocean and creating a demanding sailing environment. The many ports located around the Bay means you will experience navigating around other boats and shipping channels. On any given day you will see sail boat races, container ships, kite boarders and harbor seals all sharing her waters.
Despite all of the hustle and bustle, Angel Island state park sits right in the middle of the Bay and provides a safe and beautiful anchorage for us to rest after a long day on the water. It’s barren beach and rich history provide the perfect place to stretch our legs on shore. If conditions permit, we can work together as a crew to select a different anchorage.
SF Bay is located in Northern California at a latitude of 37° N, which makes for a mixed marine climate of beautiful sunny days to cool foggy mornings. Summer temps range from 50°-80° F.
travel
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Traveling in via Plane?
The closest airport is (SFO) San Francisco International Airport (24 miles away). Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another option and is 35 miles away.
Be sure to book all travel in advance; it is your responsibility to get to Sausalito.
travel
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Do I need to rent a car?
Taxis, Ubers and public transport is plentiful in the bay area so a rental car is not necessary. We designed this adventure so you could arrive on the morning of Day 1, come aboard for 2 nights and fly out the afternoon/evening of Day 3.
travel
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Live locally or driving to Sausalito?
Awesome! Give us a heads up on how your arriving and we can give you the best options for parking.
how do
i get
there?
Is
Cruisers academy accredited
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Accreditation
is caÂ
accredited?
We realize that our unique customers are all at different stages in their sailing journey, and may not share the same strengths and weaknesses as one another. This is why we decided to skip affiliations with other sailing schools that would force us to offer a 'one-size fits all' curriculum.
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Our goal is to pass along 100,000 nautical miles of sailing experience in a way that is customizable to your skill level and interests. Our hands on, practical knowledge is not something that you will find in most text books but instead comes from over a decade of actually living aboard sailboats. There is much more to the cruisers lifestyle than just hoisting sails, so we cover the information that we have found to be the most valuable. Whether that be our focus on how to be the best crew member possible or answering specific questions you may have about boat systems, world sailing routes, provisioning, or more!
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At this time, Cruisers Academy is not affiliated with any other sailing schools and is not teaching or certifying based on other curriculums. If you'd like to read this blog highlight the similarities and differences between Cruisers Academy and ASA you can here.
What should i bring?
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Recommended Items
what
should i
bring?
Being out on the SF Bay means we are subject to LOTS of variable conditions. Mornings are cold and often foggy and afternoons tend to be brisk and sunny. Typical summer temperatures range from 50°-80° F. The following items will make your time spent with us the most enjoyable.
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1. Sunscreen! Please avoid spray-on sunscreen as these make the boat slippery/dangerous. We ask you use a "reef friendly" sunscreen to help keep toxins out of the bay.
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2. A hat that will stay on in the wind, a water proof jacket shell and or puffy jacket, and a few warm mid and base layers. Waterproof pants are also recommended. These are for extreme conditions but it is better to be prepared and then take layers off if needed.
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3. Nicer days could mean sailing in a t-shirt, shorts, and barefoot so be sure to pack a couple warmer weather items as well.
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4. Inside Lintika is warm and cozy from the heater. Be sure to pack something comfortable to change into after sailing. Shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirt, pajamas.
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5. Water bottle to refill onboard and stay hydrated.
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6. Non-slip shoes that are warm and preferably water resistant. Sneakers are fine too.
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7. Sunglasses to protect your eyes and help you see incoming wind lines. Polarized lenses work best.
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8. Cell phone chargers and cameras.
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9. A toothbrush!
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All bedding, towels and toiletries will be provided for you. You are welcome to shower on-board.
booking
policies
covid &
refunds
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What are Cruisers Academy COVID protocols?
We take pride in having a clean vessel and will clean and sanitize between trips.
If a guest is feeling ill, showing symptoms, has been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, or tests positive themselves, we ask that you NOT attend for the safety of others.
covid &
refunds
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Cancellation Policy
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ALL cancellations will incur a 3% charge to cover processing fees plus a $50 admin charge for all instances below.
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If a participant cancels 30 or more days before first day of event they will receive 100% refund of payment.
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If a participant cancels within 14-29 days from first day of event they will receive a 50% refund of payment if they are paid in full, and no refund will be issued if only deposit has been paid.
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If a participant cancels within 14 days of event, no refund will be issued.
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