Build skills, confidence and safety with hands-on BoatUS Foundation, American Boating, American Sailing, and OBEC courses
SANDUSKY, Ohio, April 21, 2025 – With the summer boating season just around the corner, boaters on Lake Erie’s West/Central Basin can boost their confidence on the water with a little help from Erie Islands Sailing & Powerboating School, which offers at-the-helm training on both power- and sailboats at every level. New this year is a partnership with the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation, which brings a series of four three-hour On-Water Training courses for beginners to advanced boaters, including docking, close quarters maneuvering and open-water boat handling.
Erie Islands Sailing & Powerboating School is currently the only BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training partner on Lake Erie and across the Great Lakes. In addition, the company offers American Boating (powerboat), American Sailing (formerly ASA) and Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) certification as well as private lessons, new boat owner orientation, boat deliveries and boat moves. The company has provided Toledo-, Sandusky- and Cleveland-area boaters on-water training since 2012.
“The on-water learning part of being a recreational boater today is key, and now, just before season starts, is the best time to boost your skills and confidence,” said company owner Tricia Purvis. “Our BoatUS Foundation three-hour courses fit into busy schedules, and then with our American Powerboating and ASA options, you can continue to advance your training journey. Our vessels range in size from single-engine powerboats to larger multi-engine vessels and sailboats.”
BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. Courses follow the curriculum of the National Safe Boating Council, allowing for a modular progression of training that builds upon previous work. Minimum age to participate is 16 years old.
BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training programs are offered at 21 locations across the U.S. Find a course or register at BoatUS.org/On-Water.
About the 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 more than 725,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit 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 safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s largest free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
About Erie Islands Sailing and Powerboating School:
Erie Islands Sailing School was founded in 2012 by Tim McKenna as an adult learn-to-sail program following the American Sailing curriculum. Since then, the school has been acquired by Tricia and Kent Purvis who have grown the school to now include on-water powerboat training. The percentage of powerboaters far outweighs sailors, and while, on the surface, a powerboat might seem easier to operate than a sailboat, knowledge provides confidence and safety for all who love boating. Erie Islands Powerboating School is the first and only BoatUS On-Water Training partner on Lake Erie and across the Great Lakes. Our mission is to provide new and existing boaters with the opportunity to gain confidence, learn new skills, and be as safe as possible while enjoying the waters of the Great Lakes.
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