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Sailing and Boating Courses
Captain Deb’s Intermediate/Advanced Sailing & Boating Courses
The purpose of these courses is to teach you the foundational knowledge of safety on the water so you can be comfortable boating and sailing and build your skills to competency. The goal is to have our waterways filled with competent, safe boaters, where we can have more people enjoying recreational watersports safely with fewer accidents and fatalities.
Sailing South – The Thornless Path and Beyond
This course, led by Captain Deb, covers the essentials of navigating the Thornless Path—a safer route south beyond the Bahamas toward destinations like the BVIs and Grenada.
As sailors journey south, they face new challenges like shifting trade winds, strong currents, and mountainous islands that drastically impact passage planning.
This course provides the knowledge and tools needed to safely navigate these waters, offering insights into why this route remained unexplored for centuries and how to adapt to its demands today.
Who Should Take This Course:
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Intermediate sailors planning their first extended voyage south: This course is ideal for sailors familiar with coastal cruising who want to gain confidence and avoid surprises when tackling more complex routes.
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Those seeking practical tools for safe passage: Participants will learn about critical resources like weather windows, reliable shipyards, and anchoring techniques essential for long-distance cruising.
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Sailors wanting to enhance safety and preparation: Captain Deb covers emergency procedures, personal security, and the importance of equipment like chart plotters, water makers, and ditch bags to ensure preparedness for challenging waters.
This course is perfect for sailors ready to expand their horizons and navigate safely beyond the Bahamas, equipping them to make well-informed decisions and plan a successful journey south.
Upcoming Dates:
Cruiser Course
$39.95
Sailing South – The Thornless Path and beyond
(April 23, 2026 7:00 p.m. ET 9:30 p.m. ET)
Ultimate Sailing & Boating Management
Make boat management a breeze!
Ultimate Sailing & Boating Management is a three-hour, hands-on course that will show you how to organize every detail of your boat operations with an exclusive tool created by an RYA Master Yachtsman. From inventory to crew scheduling, this tool keeps everything from part numbers to first-aid kits right at your fingertips, ensuring you’re always prepared.
This course covers:
- Inventory management for parts and equipment.
- Maintenance schedules for all boat systems.
- Crew scheduling and documentation essentials.
- Managing provisioning, first-aid kits, and safety equipment.
- Access to a downloadable tool for seamless organization.
Who should take this course?
If you’re planning a long cruise or simply want to run a well-organized boat, this course is for you. Ideal for boaters of all levels who want to manage their vessel like a pro, this course provides a system for stress-free cruising that will serve you on any voyage!
The tool is provided for the course via download.
Upcoming Dates:
Ultimate Sailing & Boating Management
Ultimate Sailing/Boating Management and
Maintenance Tool
(March 7th, 2026 11:00 a.m. ET to 1:00p.m.)
$39.95
Chart & Chart Plotters
Navigate with confidence! In this immersive three-part course, Captain Deb will teach you to harness the power of charts and chart plotters for safe, precise navigation.
You’ll learn to interpret latitudes and longitudes, read underwater topography, and use tools like compasses, GPS, and AIS to plan each leg of your journey with ease.
Course highlights include:
- Basics of reading and understanding nautical charts and plotters.
- Plotting and measuring courses using latitudes, longitudes, and distance calculations
- Using compass, currents, tides, and a compass rose for navigation
- Hands-on practice with chart plotters, GPS, and navigation apps.
Who should take this course?
Perfect for sailors at all levels who want to become skilled navigators, this course will give you the tools to plot courses safely, manage weather and currents, and confidently explore your favorite destinations. Whether you’re new to charts or looking to refine your navigation skills, this course opens up a world of adventure!
REQUIRED Materials (Not Included):
NOAA Training Chart: 13205TR Map – January 1, 2012
Weems & Plath #176 Marine Navigation Ultralight Divider
Weems & Plath Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (Aluminum Arms, 15-Inch)
Upcoming Dates:
Chart & Chart Plotters
Intro to Charts and Chart Plotters
(April 1st, 8th, 15th, 2026
at 6:30 p.m ET to 9:00p.m.ET)
$99.95
Cruising Comfortably
What truly defines comfort for you on the water? How can you achieve it without compromise?
In this thoughtfully designed course, Captain Deb provides a wealth of insights and strategies for creating a comfortable, enjoyable cruising experience. From organizational techniques to practical tips for onboard living, this course empowers sailors to optimize every aspect of life at sea.
What You’ll Learn:
- Planning and Preparation Essentials: Dispel common myths and get to the core of what’s needed for a smooth, comfortable journey—from strategic packing to keeping the essentials that make you feel at home.
- Storage and Space Management: Learn techniques for efficient storage, organizing your galley, and transforming your boat into a personalized, functional space.
- Navigating Nature and Conditions: Gain confidence with Captain Deb’s tips on handling weather, adapting to the elements, and working with your boat to ensure safety and stability.
- Cruising Beyond U.S. Waters: Get practical guidance on international navigation, including customs, duties, medical preparation, and other key factors for extended trips abroad.
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Understand the realities of life at sea and learn how to maintain comfort and contentment on the journey.
Perfect for those who prioritize comfort and organization, Cruising Comfortably offers practical, insightful advice for making your time on the water as satisfying and seamless as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
Cruiser Course – Comfortably Cruising
March 27th, 2026
6:30 p.m ET 9:00 p.m. ET
$39.95
Why and Who should take Captain Deb’s courses:
Captain Deb’s extensive experience—spanning over 25,000 nautical miles across the Pacific, Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Great Lakes—makes her a seasoned guide and mentor in the world of boating. Having owned and operated various vessels, Deb understands the ins and outs of boating life from the practical to the adventurous. She combines expert instruction with a friendly, approachable style, making learning enjoyable and accessible.
With Captain Deb, you’re not just learning skills; you’re joining a supportive community where she’ll make you feel right at home. Her courses create an encouraging environment for women, couples, and friends, focusing on safety, comfort, and the joy of boating.
Meet Captain Deb!
Deb began her boating experiences as a child on Lake Chautauqua New York, and Lake Erie. Boating and sailing were safe and fun memories. Sailing began on Lake Erie in the late 70’s where sailing was competitive and fun. Deb sailed with the Tartan team from Mentor, Ohio and learned racing skills, dealing with extraordinary weather conditions and lots of fun. She attended a performance race clinic in Florida that sealed the dream! She was hooked. Her career took her to San Francisco where the sailing/racing in San Francisco bay was amazing.
Testimonials
What Clients Say
"Describing our 1-week experience aboard a 43-foot Bali catamaran with Captain Deb Marlor as mere "training" would not do justice to the profound impact it had on us. It was, in fact, a transformative "life experience" – one of safely and comfortably sailing the beautiful waters of Grenada and the Grenadines.
Captain Deb's unwavering passion for sailing and her exceptional ability to share this passion made the training engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. From the outset, it was clear that she possessed a remarkable gift – the ability to impart the appropriate amount of information to my wife and I, despite our vastly different levels of experience. Her friendly, supportive, and approachable manner created a positive learning environment that I have rarely encountered.
Captain Deb's patience and thorough instruction ensured that each day presented a new challenge, yet the experience remained truly enjoyable. She took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand, regardless of one's level of experience or gender. Her extraordinary communication skills will undoubtedly enable you to get the most out of whatever sailing skills you are trying to attain.
The skills we gained – from comfort at the helm in 28-knot winds to sail handling, safe passages, rules of the road, navigation, and docking – were tailored to our individual levels of experience. Captain Deb was always encouraging and made us feel comfortable asking questions, even if they seemed basic. Thanks to her guidance, we now feel confident in our abilities or know the next steps needed to grow our comfort and experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend Captain Deb Marlor to anyone looking for a sophisticated and experienced captain who can expand their sailing experience and comfort level. Her exceptional teaching abilities and unwavering dedication to her craft are truly unparalleled."