Build practical confidence diagnosing and maintaining your boat’s essential systems
5 days
Coffee, water, disposable gloves
Go beyond sailing with a hands-on classroom course focused on preventive maintenance and practical troubleshooting. Learn how to recognize problems in key boat systems and explain them clearly when professional repair is needed.
Classes run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. If weather cancels, tuition will be rescheduled or refunded, excluding non-refundable fees and books. Cancel 14+ days before start for a refund or credit. Within 14 days, tuition is non-refundable; rescheduling may be possible.
Product ID: V9KJS9
Yes. The 5-day marine systems class requires at least 3 students.
Class runs from 9:00 AM to around 4:00 PM each day, with a one-hour lunch break.
Bring your own lunch if you prefer; a refrigerator and microwave are available. Bring your copy of How Boat Things Work by Charlie Wing if you already own it. Copies are available for $20.
Cove Haven Marina, 101 Narragansett Ave, Barrington, RI
Phil and Emilie, the owners, have built something genuinely special here. Reviewers consistently call out their hands-on involvement, patience, and real enthusiasm for helping students grow in confidence. The instructor roster runs deep too, with names like Caity, Steve, Rob, and Jen earning repeated praise for their ability to break down complex material and adapt to different learning styles. The course catalog is unusually broad for a sailing school, covering everything from ASA certifications to marine diesel, electrical systems, sail making, and women-only classes. The diesel courses are a particular standout, with students frequently mentioning that hands-on engine teardowns gave them a level of understanding no book could replicate. Small class sizes come up often as a real advantage, keeping the experience personal and focused. Ratings here are about as close to perfect as you'll find, and the consistency across different course types suggests this isn't just a one-trick school. If you're somewhere on the sailing spectrum between complete beginner and experienced skipper looking to sharpen specific skills, this place seems genuinely worth the trip.
Had a great liveaboard ASA 104 with Phil and Emilie. Excellent hosts, patient teaching day and night, great cooking while underway, and a stunning location around Narragansett Bay. Will be back! Thank you for helping me and many others achieve our sailing goals.
Dan Wechter
August 30, 2026
Had a great liveaboard ASA 104 with Phil and Emilie. Excellent hosts, patient teaching day and night, great cooking while underway, and a stunning location around Narragansett Bay. Will be back! Thank you for helping me and many others achieve our sailing goals.
Dan Wechter
August 30, 2026
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