Introduction to Powerboating

Sailing Orlando partnered with the Central Florida Boating Association to offer comprehensive educational courses on all things boating & sailing. Designed for beginner boaters, this Introduction to Powerboating class offers a taste of operating a motor-driven vessel while instilling the principles of responsible boating. During this 3-hour course, you’ll take the wheel and gain hands-on boating experience and learn to navigate waterways with confidence.

Led by certified instructors and USGA licensed Captains, this course covers essential topics such as boat handling, safety procedures, navigation basics, and more.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking to embark on your boating journey or simply looking to refresh your skills, this course provides the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the waterways safely and responsibly.

Class Duration

3-Hour Course

What to Know Before You Enroll

Our courses involve hands-on learning where students take the helm on public waterways. Per Florida State Law, students born after January 1, 1988 must complete a Florida Boating Safety Course prior to enrolling in our course or operating a power-driven vessel.

We recommend this FREE online course available through Boats US Foundation that satisfies this state requirement. Students will be required to present their certificate of completion prior to attending on-the-water training courses.

What This Course Covers

• Pre-Departure Checklist & Safety Essentials
• Centering the Wheel
• Shifting Gears & Throttle Control
• General Steering & “Boater’s Eye”
• Standard Stop – Maintaining Bow Control
• Urgency Stop
• Understanding Weathervane Effect
• Ferrying Using the Wind: Stern-to-Wind & Bow-to-Wind
• Ferrying Using the Current: Bow-to-Current
• Holding Station (Using Wind & Current)

Embark on your journey to becoming a skilled boater and gain your sea legs today!