Dana Point US Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Boating Safety Courses

Established in Dana Point in 1974, US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-8 is the lead unit responsible for providing support to the Coast Guard in Southern California’s Dana Point Harbor and surrounding waterways. In addition to its regular safety missions, the Flotilla is noted for its on-the-water patrols ensuring safety zones during the Tall Ships Regatta and the Dana Point Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

Beginning March 13th, USCG Auxiliary 6-8 is offering six courses to fulfill one of its core missions – to promote and improve recreational boating safety. Established by Congress in 1939, the motto of the national Auxiliary organization is Semper Paratus – Always Ready.

In an effort to ensure that the boating and sailing public, too, is “always ready”, the Dana Point Auxiliary is offering six separate courses entitled, Sailing Skills and Seamanship, How to Read a Nautical Chart, Basic Coastal Navigation, Basics of Marine Radio, GPS for Mariners, and Boating Skills and Seamanship. All classes will be held at the Dana Point Yacht Club and nominal fees cover the cost of course books, charts and handouts.

The first 7-week course, Sailing Skills and Seamanship, started March 13th and is now underway. The next class starts May 8th and runs two Wednesdays through May 15th from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. This comprehensive class is designed for both novice and experienced sailors and helps students unravel the mystery of nautical charts, helping them navigate safely to his or her destination and return to port. This course is suggested as an introduction to Basic Coastal Navigation. Cost is $25, including materials. Course fees range from $25 to $65 and include course books, charts and handouts where applicable.

To register, email ericgritzmacher@cox.net, or call 949-632-2378, or Garry Nelson 714-234-0731.

For a complete class schedule and outline, go to www.danapointcgaux.org