Open Classes

Interested in completing one of the Northeast Loops this season, but uncertain how long they are, how much time they take or which one is right for you? Take advantage of this GLCCSchool 2-webinar package with BOTH the Triangle Loop and the Down East Loop. Get this $40.00 value for only $30.00.

Looking for a leisurely type of cruise with historic charms, amazing scenery, extensive use of canals, protection from bad weather and that can be completed in as little as a month? Then you might be interested in the Triangle Loop, a 700-mile loop from Kingston, Ontario down the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Richelieu Canal/Ottaway River through the Champlain Canal and back to the Hudson River at Troy. Join Gold Loopers and GLCC Admiral Bayfield Award winners Deb and Mike Hervey as they share tips and suggestions for this picturesque Loop.

Join us on a journey from Thessalon to Collins Inlet to experience the amazing North Channel geology.

This is a webinar series that Great Lakes boaters should not miss. Boating on the Great Lakes requires many skills, but none is more important than a basic understanding of marine weather forecasting.

This second class in the GLCC School’s four-part Marine Weather Essentials series explores the forces controlling the wind, and then examines how Doppler weather radar is an important resource in avoiding a hair-raising encounter with a thunderstorm.

Looking for boating adventure with historic charms and dramatic scenery? Then you might be interested in the Down East Circle Route, a 3,000 mile loop from Montreal through the St. Lawrence River, around Nova Scotia, then New England and return via the Erie Canal. Join Gold Loopers, GLCC Admiral Bayfield Award winner and GLCC School instructors Deb and Mike Hervey as they share tips and suggestions for this Down East trip.

Anyone cruising beyond their immediate home harbor will find this special Jim Zima four-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 ...

Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, believes that by instructing boat owners in basic maintenance, they learn to do daily engine checks and become confident in their ability to perform their own preventative maintenance services. Knowledge in these areas will keep your boat in good running order and will likely avoid costly repairs.

The third session in GLCC School’s four-part Marine Weather Essentials series delves into large-scale surface weather patterns.

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.

Learn what anchoring strategies are best to minimize each other’s stress, to maximize restful sleeps on the hook and to stay safe throughout the anchoring process. Discussions will include; choosing the right anchorage, selection and safe use of ground tackle and related equipment, and in particular, crew communication while anchoring. Those new to anchoring will pick up a good foundation of knowledge and those experienced at anchoring are sure to learn a few new things to make anchoring easier and safer through the illustrative slides.

This final class in GLCC’s four-part Marine Weather Essentials series covers thunderstorms and offers a strategy for preparing your own daily marine forecast.

Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing in many ways—strong winds, large waves, dangerous lightning, waterspouts, or visibility-limiting rain. This in-depth two-session webinar will examine the various types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation.

Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing in many ways—strong winds, large waves, dangerous lightning, waterspouts, or visibility-limiting rain. This in-depth two-session webinar will examine the various types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation.

Making the leap to that first longer-distance overnight passage can be intimidating. It shouldn’t be. From this webinar you'll gain the confidence to undertake longer passages including overnights, sharply expanding your cruising horizons. Plus, you'll find that longer passages definitely add a special dimension to the cruising experience.

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.

Thunderstorms can quickly spoil an outing in many ways—strong winds, large waves, dangerous lightning, waterspouts, or visibility-limiting rain. This in-depth two-session webinar will examine the various types of thunderstorms and the ingredients that lead to their formation.

Cruising Canada's North Channel puts you in one of the top ten cruising destinations in the world. Join Roy Eaton as he shares his local knowledge of and experiences in this wonderful part of our Great Lakes.

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.

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.

One of the best parts of cruising is sharing a rum drink with friends at the end of a perfect day on the water. For centuries, cruisers around the world have saluted the setting sun, rum glass in hand. How rum became part of this tradition goes back hundreds of years.

Radar is an extremely useful tool, but do you know how to use it effectively? This webinar will help you discover your radar's full potential.

In this final webinar in the diesel maintenance series, instructor Jim Zima digs past the benefits of regular diesel maintenance and looks at those subtle and sometimes not so subtle indications that says, "Something is not right!"

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.