AB 101 Close‑Quarter Handling: Single Inboard Diesel — A Hands‑On Certification Clinic in Anacortes

ANACORTES GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

AB 101 Close‑Quarter Handling: Single Inboard Diesel — A Hands‑On Certification Clinic in Anacortes

A focused, instructor‑led powerboat handling course in Anacortes that teaches close‑quarter maneuvering, safety, line handling and culminates in AB 101 Single Engine certification.

AB 101 Close‑Quarter Handling: Single Inboard Diesel — A Hands‑On Certification Clinic in Anacortes.

Duration
2 days - 9am-5pm
Location
Anacortes
Operator
Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set against the waterways of Anacortes, this guided clinic places students at the throttle of a single inboard diesel for concentrated instruction in close‑quarter maneuvers, safety procedures and vessel systems—all delivered by expert instructors and evaluated through ongoing on‑water assessments and a final written exam.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

Single Inboard Diesel, Hands‑On Time at the Helm

Students train aboard a single inboard diesel powerboat that serves as the classroom for mastering backing, standing turns, crosswind handling and close‑quarters technique.

THE WATERWAYS

Anacortes: A Perfect Training Ground

The local channels and sheltered passages around Anacortes provide varied angles of wind and current where students practice maneuvers and line handling under real conditions.

THE INSTRUCTORS

Expert Instruction and Continuous Evaluation

Instruction is intensive and practical: classroom theory and safety briefings are paired with on‑water coaching and ongoing evaluations that lead into a final written exam for certification.

What the day feels like

What the Clinic Feels Like

The course blends classroom briefing and vessel familiarization with a full day on the water where students cycle through practical drills—knotwork and line handling, maneuvers across wind angles and currents, backing and standing turns—while instructors observe and give immediate feedback as part of ongoing evaluations.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this clinic is built for — and what it requires.

1
Prospective AB 101 CandidatesIdeal for those pursuing the AB 101 Single Engine certification, as the course culminates in practical evaluations and a written exam required for certification.
2
Hands‑On LearnersWell suited to students who learn by doing—this clinic emphasizes on‑water practice and continuous evaluation rather than passive instruction.
3
Boat Owners & SkippersA fit for operators who want focused training in close‑quarter maneuvering and line handling to improve confidence handling a single inboard diesel.
4
Exam‑Prepared StudentsAppropriate for participants prepared to complete both ongoing practical assessments and a final written exam to demonstrate competency.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

The clinic spans two days with daily hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Meeting Point

Participants gather at the classroom at 3116 V Place, Anacortes, WA 98221 before the practical sessions.

What to Expect / Bring

The program includes a vessel familiarization and a pre‑departure checklist during the classroom session; students should be ready for hands‑on drills and the course’s assessments.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the AB 101 Single Inboard Powerboat Handling clinic?

The clinic is scheduled over two days, running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where and when do participants meet?

Participants meet at the classroom located at 3116 V Place, Anacortes, WA 98221 prior to the on‑water sessions.

What topics and skills are covered?

Instruction covers powerboat theory, safety briefings, vessel familiarization, line handling and knots, maneuvers in various wind angles, crosswinds and currents, backing and standing turns, plus communication and securing procedures.

Is there an exam or evaluation?

Yes—on‑the‑water evaluations occur throughout the clinic and there is a written test at the end; passing the assessments and exam is required to earn the AB 101 Single Engine certification.

What does the day‑to‑day itinerary look like?

Day one begins in the classroom with briefing and vessel familiarization; day two is spent on the water practicing maneuvers and completing the systems checklist and evaluations.

Who teaches the course?

The clinic is delivered by instructors associated with Seattle Yachts Sailing Academy.