You steered to:
3-DAY LIVEABOARD
Powerboat Classes
A 3-day liveaboard class of your choice (from beginner to advanced) based in Anacortes.
A great option if:
You prefer to take a class during the off-season to prepare in advance for a full week (or more) of cruising during the peak summer months or at a later date
Would like your choice of class type – from Beginner to Advanced
You want to receive American Boating certification as a skipper
Boating Class Special!
Buy One, Get One 50% Off
Get certified to captain a bareboat charter and enjoy our best deal of the year on a 4-Day Sail Class. This limited-time offer is perfect for couples or friends to train together. Sign up now, and you’ll both be certified to skipper your own bareboat charter!
To register for a Powerboating or Sailing Class please contact us at:
(800) 233-3004 | (360) 293-4555 | [email protected]
By successfully completing the course you will be certified to charter an equivalent AYC power yacht and be automatically enrolled in AYC’s Captains Club loyalty program for discounts on charters and future classes.
Anacortes Yacht Charters offers a full range of instruction to put you at the helm of your own bareboat – even if you are just getting started.
AB101: Beginner Powerboating
Begin your journey to becoming a skilled power boater.
This 3-day, 2-night liveaboard course is a hands-on experience designed to build foundational skills for recreational boating, making you capable of independent and safe operation in calm waters. The course begins with a brief classroom session to review key terms and concepts before quickly moving to practical, hands-on training to give you the skills and knowledge to confidently operate a recreational powerboat as you explore the waters around Anacortes, Washington.
The AB 101 certification covers essential boating terminology, safety practices, and navigation skills. Students will learn about boat types, propulsion systems, hull shapes, safety equipment, and the responsibilities of the skipper and crew. You’ll leave equipped to handle docking, navigating, and maneuvering a powerboat safely in light to moderate conditions.
AB101 Certification qualifies you to:
- Operate a recreational powerboat of appropriate size, managing speed, throttle, and steering effectively.
- Identify and use essential safety equipment in compliance with USCG and local regulations.
- Perform safe fueling, engine start, and shutdown procedures.
- Navigate and identify hazards, such as currents, weather, and local boating regulations, plus know how to interact courteously with other vessels.
- Safely dock, moor, and stow gear to ensure stability.
- Prepare for a safe journey, including pre-departure and emergency procedures.
AB101: Beginner Powerboating – Twin Engine
3-day, 2-night liveaboard course aboard a twin-engine powerboat up to 42’.
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee:
$1,900 per person in shared stateroom
$2,200 per person in private stateroom
AB101: Beginner Powerboating – Single Engine
3-day, 2-night liveaboard course aboard a single-engine powerboat up to 42’. This course is an excellent option for those transitioning from sailing to power boating.
Prerequisite: None
Course Fee:
$1,900 per person in shared stateroom
$2,200 per person in private stateroom
AYC Advanced Powerboating
Enhance your expertise with experience on larger yachts and more advanced systems
This 3-day, 2-night liveaboard course includes the same valuable training as our AB101 Beginner Powerboating: Twin Engine course while also introducing you to basic operation of modern navigational aids and auxiliary power sources. Additional time is also spent on crew training and dock maneuvering. Class is offered on larger yachts from 47’ to 57′.
Prerequisite: Previous boating experience
$2,100 per person in shared stateroom
$2,400 per person in private stateroom
American Boating certifications are internationally recognized and ensure you receive a proven curriculum in a professional, supportive learning environment under the direction of a certified instructor.
“I was impressed by the thoroughness of the check-out by Robert. He has a very good teaching style. If I had a yacht under charter, I’d want to have people like him evaluating skippers. Your entire staff were excellent.”
J. CouchMoondance, Grand Banks 36
Class Details
The yacht serves as both the training platform and overnight accommodations. Linen or sleeping bags and towels are included. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided. Dinners are on your own. Students should plan to bring comfortable clothing suitable for the season, including suitable deck shoes and a waterproof jacket.
Course Schedule
All Powerboating courses are 3-days and 2-nights and are scheduled from 9:00am Friday to 4:30pm Sunday. Each course has a maximum of 4 participants.
2025 Dates
| Month | Dates |
| April | 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 |
| May | 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-Jun 1 |
| June | 6-8, 13-15 |
| Sept | 19-21, 26-28 |
| Oct | 3-5, 10-12 |
Group Class: Bring a group of 3 or more students and we will make every effort to schedule a class to meet your needs.
Required Course Materials
Required course materials will be determined based on class selected.
Note:
We will be unable to offer refunds for any reason if cancellations occur within 45 days prior to the class. For cancellations outside 45 days, 50% of the total amount will be forfeited. AYC reserves the right to cancel or change a class due to minimum enrollment requirements. Prices subject to change without notice.
Looking for more? Our team has created five ways to help you gain the knowledge and experience to confidently and safely skipper a bareboat charter yacht.