Navigation aid to becoming a Skipper

We have a mission at the Hoboken Yacht Club to share the transformation skill of sailing.   This mission would not exist without the majestic Hudson River and the opportunities that this historic body of water presents. 

One of our favorite metaphors is learning how to ski on the icy slopes of New England.  If you can ski the famous blue ice, you can go anywhere in the world and be an exceptional skier.  The Hudson River presents a similar training ground.  If you master this tidal brackish estuary with currents that can top 3 knots, massive cruise ships and a consistently choppy sea state, you can sail anywhere in the world with ease.

• What are the first steps to becoming a Skipper at the Hoboken Sailing Club?

  Go sailing! Jump on with other Skippers and develop your sea legs. You can also log your sailing days!

  Use this link to set up a Nauticed profile and use the logbook. Each time you’re on the water you can have a record.

• How do I advance my skillset?

  You can choose the Small Keelboat Skipper Certification in Nauticed and advance your knowledge online.

  You can then put that knowledge to test out on the open water when out with other members or an instructor.

• Can I spend time practicing with a professional instructor?

  Yes! We have instructors available to spend 1 on 1 time with you.

  Learn how to heave to and reef the main, practice the man overboard drill and perform docking practice.

  The instructional rate of as little as $75/hour is great value and can be booked by clicking here.

• What specific skills to I need to be Skipper Certified?

  Developing as a sailor happens at a different pace for each individual.

  In order to be consider Skipper Certified, we ask that you can tack and gybe with ease, dock slowly and confidently, be able to heave to and reef the main sail, do a person overboard drill under sail.

Are you ready for the Skipper Assessment to gain your Skipper Priviliges? We offer the 1.5 hour assessment with one of our instructors complimentary to our members. You simply prove competency of the skills that you have been practicing and you become a Skipper member with no dues increase.

The American National Standards Institute defined sailing and boating skills in 2016 and Nauticed has adopted them into their online training. You can see these standards by clicking the button below.