Learn to Sail a 45 foot catamaran on your Odyssey Expeditions Adventure, with you at the helm!

Stepping aboard a sleek yacht and casting off from the dock excites even the most seasoned of sailors, but you do not have to be an 'old salt' to share the awaiting adventures. As you and your shipmates hoist the sails, you begin to discover the potentials of both the regions we visit and ourselves. There will be few moments when you confuse your voyage with a pampered cruise ship vacation or a day at a theme park; these are real adventures where you make things happen. The responsibility and joy of active participation and doing things on your own allows you to acquire valuable lifelong skills and accomplish goals. Upon return to port you will have uncovered confidences and abilities that would give the 'old salt' a run for his money. Fill your sails!

There are several reasons why teenagers should learn to sail:

  • Sailing is a challenging and rewarding activity that can help teenagers develop physical and mental skills such as balance, coordination, and problem-solving.
  • Learning to sail can also help teenagers develop confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility.
  • Sailing can be a great way for teenagers to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Sailing can also be a social activity that allows teenagers to make new friends and spend time with their peers.
  • Finally, learning to sail can open up new job and career opportunities for teenagers in the marine industry or in related fields such as yachting or sailboat racing.


As part of our sailing curriculum, we teach our students about marine navigation, including chart reading, compass use, dead reconing, and course plotting. Here are ten great reasons why teenagers should learn about navigation:

  • Navigation is a crucial skill for anyone who spends time outdoors, and learning how to navigate can help teenagers feel more confident and self-reliant.
  • Navigation can help teenagers develop problem-solving skills, as they must use maps, compasses, and other tools to find their way.
  • Learning about navigation can also help teenagers develop their sense of direction and spatial awareness.
  • Navigation is an important safety skill, as it can help teenagers avoid getting lost or stranded in unfamiliar areas.
  • Knowing how to navigate can also be useful in a variety of careers, including the military, aviation, and outdoor education.
  • Navigation can be a fun and rewarding hobby for teenagers who enjoy spending time in the outdoors.
  • Learning about navigation can help teenagers understand the geography and history of different places.
  • Navigation is a skill that teenagers can use throughout their lives, whether they are traveling, hiking, or simply going for a walk in their neighborhood.
  • Navigation is a great way for teenagers to stay mentally active and engaged.
  • Finally, learning about navigation can be a great bonding activity for teenagers to do with their friends or family.

We sail exclusively on large luxury catamarans as they have multiple benefits.

  • Catamarans have a wider beam, which provides more stability and comfort than monohulls. This makes them ideal for sailors who are prone to motion sickness or who want a more stable platform for activities such as fishing or diving.
  • Catamarans tend to be faster and more maneuverable than monohulls, making them a great choice for sailors who want to cover more ground or participate in racing.
  • Catamarans have two hulls, which means they have more deck space than monohulls of the same length. This makes them ideal for sailors who want more room to relax, entertain, or store gear.
  • Catamarans have a shallow draft, which allows them to enter shallower waters and anchor closer to shore than monohulls. This makes them ideal for sailors who want to explore remote or shallow areas.
  • Catamarans tend to have a smoother ride than monohulls, which makes them more comfortable for sailors who are looking for a more relaxed cruising experience.

General Sailing Knowledge
  • Vessel Parts
  • General Sailing Terminology
  • General Sailing Theory
  • Points of Sail
Navigation
  • Course Plotting
  • GPS Use
  • Hazard Recognition
Sailing Boat Handling Skills
  • Helmsmanship
  • Steer Upwind
  • Steer Downwind
  • Tack with Commands
  • Jibe with Commands
  • Steer by Telltales
  • Steer by Compass
Sail Handling
  • Grinding the Winch
  • Releasing the Winch
  • Tailing the Winch
  • Trim by Telltales
Power Boat Handling Skills
  • Anchoring
  • Mooring
  • Docking
Safety
  • Heave-to
  • Man Overboard
  • Reefing
  • Equipment Checks & VHF use
Seamanship Skills
  • Coil & Throw a Line
  • Knots
  • Bowline
  • Figure 8
  • Cleat Hitch
  • Clove Hitch
  • Square Knot
  • Sheet Bend
  • Slip Knot
4600 cloud-tag
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odyssey expeditions students raising the main halyard
odyssey expeditions shipmates at the helm of the catamaran
odyssey expeditions students teamwork to raise the mainsail
odyssey expeditions student shipmate at the helm
odyssey expeditions captain and shipmates at the helm
odyssey expeditions view of line coiled on deck
odyssey expeditions view of shipmates at front of vessel while underway
odyssey expeditions shipmates having fun at front of vessel
odyssey expeditions starboard view of catamaran sailing
odyssey expeditions students do a tack, pulling in the sheet

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