Open Classes

Boating on the Great Lakes demands a wide range of skills—but none is more critical than understanding marine weather. Whether you're cruising, racing, or enjoying a day on the water, weather awareness is essential for safety and enjoyment.

In the third installment of the series, you’ll explore the powerful role of high and low pressure systems in shaping Great Lakes weather. Learn to identify and interpret cold fronts, warm fronts, and occluded systems using surface charts and forecast tools. Take this class on its own or enjoy savings with the full four-part package.

Anyone cruising beyond their immediate home harbor will find this special Jim Zima five-session Diesel Maintenance Webinar Package invaluable. And with Jim's clear, step by step instructions you'll quickly realize that these basic diesel engine maintenance steps are far from rocket science ...

Ever had that sinking feeling when your diesel starts to labor, sputter, and finally dies? In the second of his GLCC School diesel maintenance series Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, will lead you through a thorough and detailed look at how to prevent diesel fuel issues and what to do when they occur. From his classes at the GLCC School to his classes at the Annapolis Cruisers University, Jim Zima shows us that he is not only a master mechanic but a great teacher. Join Jim for this outstanding webinar.

Lake Huron is blessed with many wonderful and interesting ports and small towns up and down both the Canadian and Michigan shorelines. The Lake Huron webinar will cover the ports and anchorages surrounding the main lake including the Straits of Mackinac, the east Michigan shore and the west Ontario shore. Updated for 2026, join GLCC Rear Commodore Rob Hillman as he shares his extensive cruising experiences throughout the Lake.

The final class in the Marine Weather Essentials series prepares you to recognize and respond to thunderstorm threats. You’ll learn how to spot storm types, understand their development, and use online tools to create your own daily marine forecast. Register individually or save with the complete four-part series.

An overheated engine is never good, and it always seems to happen at the worst time. In the third of his GLCC School diesel maintenance series Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, will lead you through a thorough and detailed look at how to prevent diesel cooling system issues and what to do when they occur. From his classes at the GLCC School to his classes at the Annapolis Cruisers University, Jim Zima shows us that he is not only a master mechanic but a great teacher. Join Jim for this outstanding webinar.

Nautical terms and phrases have found their way into our everyday speech. Many nautical terms or phrases are part of our everyday language without knowing their origin. How nautical are you? Join us for this educational and FREE webinar!

Do you know what is the required safety equipment (whether US or Canadian) for your particular boat? Last year, almost 50% of US boats that were first time participants in a complimentary US vessel safety check in Northern Michigan were missing one or more required safety items. Join this free webinar to get updated information on the safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada for your boat and dinghy. Safety requirements change from time to time, so listen in to ensure you are prepared for the upcoming boating season and save yourself potential non-compliance fines.

Whether in the Great Lakes or the Atlantic Ocean, everyone on board must be able to use the VHF radio in an emergency. Is your crew prepared? Many people are intimidated by this simple device because they have never had a gentle introduction with clear examples and straightforward procedures. Join Christian Sandvig, University of Michigan professor and member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, to learn how to demystify this vital piece of marine safety equipment.

The equipment you need to communicate on the water varies depending on where and how you will use your boat. Furthermore, the technologies for communicating are changing all the time. Do you possess the appropriate communication equipment? Is your current equipment outdated and potentially unsafe? Does your equipment match your cruising plans? Join Christian Sandvig, University of Michigan professor and member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, for a thorough look at modern marine communications equipment.