NEWS From BoatUS

Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
Read this press release online at: http://goo.gl/3RnrrK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

A new, easy to take online course at BoatUS.org/courses helps boaters plan for their next summer cruise.

Boaters: Plan Your Summer Cruise Now With Online Course That Shows You How

ANNAPOLIS, MD, December 17, 2015 ‘“ While anxiously awaiting next summer’s boating season, boaters may endlessly roam barren marina docks or eerily quiet boat clubs anticipating the return of the season many months away. However, to provide hope for the sun-splashed days of summer, boaters can start planning their summer cruise now with a new online course that shows them how. `Planning Your Cruise’ is the newest online course that can be taken from the comfort of a warm home this winter and is offered at BoatUS.org/courses through a partnership with United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. The cost is $30, while BoatUS and USPS members receive a 20% discount ($24).

Designed to help power and sailboat owners get more out of the trip and prepare for the unexpected, the online seminar is targeted for those who have a limited amount of time for cruising inland or coastal waters ‘“ typically a long weekend up to several weeks. It is appropriate for both first-timers as well as more seasoned cruisers, offering all of the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a voyage including discussions on crew selection and comfort, meals and provisions, chartering, cruising foreign waters, emergencies, medical care and security.

`Planning for Your Cruise,’ which follows `Weather for Boaters,’ is the second course of three planned that will, together, replicate the classroom course `Cruising and Cruise Planning.’ The Planning for Your Cruise course can be completed at you own pace ‘“ started, stopped, and picked up again where you left off at any time. All BoatUS specialized courses may be taken on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez, `Taking the course now will get you ready for the big trip and keep you happy while winter keeps us inside.’

For more information, go to BoatUS.org/courses.

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About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses ‘“ including 34 free state courses ‘“ can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

About United States Power Squadrons:

Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.