An introductory, "Sailboating for Beginners" course is scheduled to begin on April 26, 2004, in Newburyport, MA, and will meet Monday evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, for four weeks. This is an annual course, which is open to the general public, sailors and powerboaters, and no previous boating experience is necessary.

This course is designed to meet the needs of BOTH the "beginner," who wants to learn more about sailboating & boating safety, as well as for the "non-sailing power boaters," who may want to either broaden their skills--or simply get a better understanding of the "sailing crowd," their sailing habits, maneuvers, limitations, etc.

The course will include: sailboat theory and techniques; boating safety; Rules of the Road; basic piloting and navigation; popular knots; marine electronics; winds & weather, boating terminology; and safe, boat-handling skills.

The instructors are all "seasoned" sailors/mariners with impressive credentials, who have enjoyed decades of assorted boating experiences, including "blue-water" voyages, marina management, cruising to the Bahamas, etc.

The course will be conducted in the "Sail Loft" sections of the three co-sponsoring Newburyport, MA, restaurants: the Ten Center St., the GROG, and the BluWater Cafe. Participants will have full food and beverage service available to them throughout each presentation. (The first session will meet at the Ten Center Restaurant.)

Registration forms may be obtained at the restaurants, calling (978) 502-9330, or E-mail to: [email protected]. The Course fee of $69 is payable with registration, as seating for this popular course will be on a "first-come" basis.