Open Classes

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.

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 Is your current equipment outdated and potentially unsafe?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.

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 ...

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.