Catamaran Sailing Courses — OSS 101/103/104/114
Learn to Cruise on Twin-Hulled Catamaran Sailboats in a Rewarding Sailboat Cruising Course
If you plan to charter catamarans or purchase your own boat the Live Aboard Cruising Course (OSS 103/104/114) or Catamaran Bareboat Charter Certification Course (OSS 103/104/114) on catamarans are the most popular choices. If you don’t have good small boat sailing skills, our Fast Track to Cruising® Course (OSS 101, OSS 103/104/114) is your ticket to sailing catamarans. You learn on cruising catamarans with three or four private cabins, large open salon, galley with 360 degree views, a big trampoline forward for sunning, and spacious seating in the cockpit area. Catamaran Sailing Courses are available in Florida and the British Virgin Islands, with a minimum of two participants required (maximum four unless purchasing a Private Family Catamaran Course option).
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About the Fast Track to Catamaran Cruising Certification Course — OSS 101/103/104/114
You start with the basics on a lively, fun-to-sail Colgate 26 keelboat. Your first three nights are spent ashore – arrival night, then the next two nights while taking the Learn to Sail Basic Keelboat Certification Course 101. On day 3 you step aboard an spacious, amazing 40′-45′ catamaran yacht and for the next 5 days you gain the confidence and skills to sail and live-aboard a catamaran sailing yacht from expert, licensed and US Sailing certified Offshore 
Sailing School cruising instructors.
Daily Drills, Sailing from Port to Port, Island to Island, Learning While Living Aboard a Big Catamaran
The Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising course (103/104/114) covers what you need to know to make your catamaran sailing adventures more fun and relaxing. Since these boats tend to have more windage than cruising monohulls specific docking maneuvers are taught to make your landing easy. Tacking angles vary from single-hulled (monohull) sailboats. During our catamaran sailing courses, you learn about shortening sail in heavy weather and crew overboard recovery techniques which can be distinctive to catamaran sailing.
“We had an amazing experience! We came away with way more knowledge and excitement to learn. Mike and I really only took this course because it was important to my brother-in-law who had a passion to learn and we wanted to spend time together. Neil took two beginners with only slight curiosity and made us extremely passionate to sail and continue the journey. We rented the 46′ catamaran right after our courses which will allow us to put all this great information to work.”
Heather and Mike Nichols – Selana Beach, CA
Or Choose the Stay Ashore Option While Learning Aboard the Sail Catamaran Yacht
During summer months in Florida when the water is quite warm and running air-conditioning aboard yachts can not be guaranteed, it is recommended that students learning to cruise choose a stay-ashore option. You are on the yacht during four all-day sessions– doing drills and maneuvers under sail and power including anchoring and docking procedures and practice, person-overboard recovery exercises, learning how to handle a big yacht. Each evening you return to the resort and your air-conditioned accommodations ashore. For those who bring family that just want to play ashore while you are out learning, this is also a nice option as you can be with your companion(s) or family after comprehensive days on the water. When you talk to one of our Sailing Advisors, ask them for the best option and availability depending on the time of year you plan to take this course.
Learning to Cruise is Fun and Rewarding on a Catamaran Sailing Vacation
Catamarans provide the ideal on-water classroom setting while enjoying a catamaran sailing vacation as you navigate from port to port. The huge airy salons on our catamarans, with 360o visibility and lots of natural light, are a boon for pre-sail classroom sessions and after-sail relaxation. Each day you sail and navigate through the islands and along coastlines, putting to use all that you have learned. Preparation of meals is also an important part of this course. During your sailing catamaran charter, there is no professional chef. Your instructor will guide you in learning how to prepare meals aboard as all aboard take turns in the galley.
“Everything about my catamaran live aboard cruising course exceeded my expectations. Great sailing, the navigation and itinerary between islands were very well prepared, outstanding course content and sailing practice.”
Vincent Schmitt – Hillsborough, NJ
Read more testimonials here
The Catamaran Live Aboard Cruising Course Prepares You to Get the IPC for Chartering Overseas
If you plan to charter in Europe or other areas overseas, you may be required to show your certification credentials and an International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). The IPC is issued by US Sailing for a nominal fee, once you have obtained US Sailing Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising, and Bareboat Cruising certifications. Offshore Sailing School also has a special IPC Prep with Barboat Cruising Certification and Cat Endorsement Course for those who already have big boat sailing experience. For more information, view details on US Sailing organization’s website here.
A Note About Night Sailing During a Live Aboard Cruising Course on Catamarans
Most charter agencies do not allow night sailing and require that you are anchored, docked or on a mooring before sunset. Night sailing is not covered in this course. For those planning to do long distance cruising, this is covered in Passage Making courses, the next step in your learning process. Take the first step and sign up for our learn to sail catamaran vacations below.
