Question 1

What's Included in Your Liveaboard Sailing Courses?

Accepted Answer

Our cruising sailing courses include comprehensive hands-on training aboard real cruising vessels, accommodation aboard the training boat throughout the program, all instructional materials including proprietary texts and ASA materials, professional instruction from experienced offshore sailors, and practical experience in big water conditions on Chesapeake Bay. You'll receive training in boat handling, navigation, systems management, watch systems, heavy weather procedures, and the psychological preparation needed for sailing for long distance cruising. Programs range from 4 to 9 days, depending on the specific course, with all training focused exclusively on big boat cruising for extended passages. Before enrolling, explore our teaching approach through free instructional videos on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@mdschoolofsailing.'

Question 2

How Does Your Training Compare to Standard ASA Programs?

Accepted Answer

While we're ASA-affiliated and respect ASA standards, we view certification as the floor, not the ceiling. Our liveaboard sailing courses exceed ASA curriculum through proprietary training plans developed over decades of offshore experience, custom texts with detailed explanations beyond standard materials, and advanced procedures specifically for extended passage-making and liveaboard cruising. Our founder authored the ASA navigation curriculum, so sailors learn from the source that defines standards—then we take you significantly beyond those standards with material specifically designed for serious liveaboard cruising training, not just certification requirements.

Question 3

What Experience Level Is Required for Long Distance Training?

Accepted Answer

Most students in our sailing for long distance cruising programs have some prior sailing or boating experience.  However, we assess each student individually.  Our structured methodology can accommodate varying experience levels, though our focus is serious cruisers who are committed to learning liveaboard cruising training for extended passages—not absolute beginners looking for casual introduction to sailing.  If you sailed previously and are returning after years away, our cruising sailing courses will efficiently rebuild and advance your skills for big boat cruising.

Question 4

Where Do Students Stay During Training?

Accepted Answer

You'll live aboard the training vessel throughout your cruising sailing courses—this is intentional, not just convenient. Living aboard during training accomplishes multiple objectives: you experience the space constraints and living systems of cruising boats, you develop familiarity with boat sounds and motion that aids sleeping aboard, you practice the space management and organization skills essential for extended cruising, and you're immediately available for early morning departures and evening reviews. This immersive format accelerates learning and prepares sailors for the realities of liveaboard sailing courses far better than commuting to daily instruction would.

Question 5

Can I See Examples of Your Teaching Before Enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We maintain an active YouTube channel at youtube.com/@mdschoolofsailing where we share instructional content, boat handling demonstrations, and cruising preparation advice. This transparency allows sailors to evaluate our teaching methodology, instructor expertise, and training philosophy before investing in liveaboard cruising training. We believe in establishing trust through education—our YouTube content demonstrates our commitment to helping sailors succeed, whether through our paid programs or free online resources.

Frequently asked questions

What's Included in Your Liveaboard Sailing Courses?

How Does Your Training Compare to Standard ASA Programs?

What Experience Level Is Required for Long Distance Training?

Where Do Students Stay During Training?

Can I See Examples of Your Teaching Before Enrolling?