Sailing classes to utilize bistros

The Daily ItemNEWBURYPORT ? Eat, drink and learn to sail.That’s the concept behind the four-week discover boating course offered that includes four different restaurants as its classrooms.The popular “Sailboating for Beginners” course begins April 23 and meets on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Open to would-be sailors and power boaters, on-the-water experience is necessary.”This course is designed to meet the needs of both the beginner who wants to learn more about sail boating and boating safety, as well as for the non-sailing power boaters who may want to broaden their skills n or simply get a better understanding of the sailing crowd, their sailing habits, maneuvers and limitations,” said John Kelleher, the program’s safe boating coordinator.The course topics are: sailboat theory and technique; boating safety; marine insurance; U.S. Coast Guard equipment; rules of the road; basic piloting and navigation; popular knots; marine electronics; wind and weather; boating terminology; and safe boat-handling skills.Instructors are all seasoned sailors and mariners with plenty of experience, including some blue-water voyages, marina management and Caribbean cruising.Participants have full food and beverage availability during the classes, which will be held at the Garrison Inn, the Grog, the Black Cow, and the BluWater Café. The first session will be at the Garrison Inn.To register, call 978-502-9330 or e-mail [email protected]. The course fee is $99, payable at registration. Seating is limited.