TRAIN ON YOUR BOAT
Learn aboard the vessel you own, using the controls, systems, and setup you’ll operate on the water.
HANDS-ON PRACTICE
Build practical boating skills through guided instruction and real experience at the helm.
USCG CREDENTIAL
Train with Elliot, who holds a USCG 50-Ton Merchant Marine Credential.
Confidence Starts Here
Buying your first boat is exciting. Feeling completely comfortable operating it can take time.
Take the Helm by Kadima Host & Sailing Adventures gives new boat owners practical, hands-on instruction on their own boat, focused on the situations that matter most when you’re responsible for the boat yourself—from understanding how it handles to becoming more comfortable at the helm.
With guidance beside you, you can practice, ask questions, and build skills in a real boating environment rather than trying to figure everything out on your own.
Know your controls: Get familiar with the helm, equipment, and systems you'll use every time you operate your boat.
Practice real situations: Practice around your own marina, slip, and the situations you're likely to encounter regularly.
Build repeatable skills: Develop procedures and maneuvers you can practice and use each time you head out.
CORE TRAINING AREAS
DOCKING - Build comfort approaching, leaving, and maneuvering around the dock while learning how your own boat responds at low speed.
NAVIGATION - Become more familiar with the navigation tools and procedures you'll use while underway.
SAFETY SYSTEMS - Review the safety systems, equipment, and procedures you should understand before getting underway.
TRAIN WITH ELLIOT
Take the Helm is led by Captain Elliot Nudell, who holds a USCG 50-Ton Merchant Marine Credential.
Elliot works directly with new owners aboard their own boat, helping them become more comfortable with the controls, handling, navigation, and situations they want to better understand.
Because the instruction happens on your vessel, the focus stays on the boat you’ll actually operate after the session.
how it works
01TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOAT
Share your boat type, location, experience level, and the areas where you’d like more guidance.
02PLAN YOUR SESSION
We’ll use those details to shape the training around your boat and the skills you want to strengthen.
03TRAIN HANDS-ON
Work directly aboard your own boat with guided instruction and practical time at the helm.
04KEEP BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Leave with a clearer understanding of your boat and what to practice on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Take the Helm is conducted aboard your own boat, so the training is centered around the vessel you’ll actually operate.
-
Core training areas include docking, navigation, and safety systems. You can also tell us about specific situations or skills where you’d like more guidance.
-
Yes. When you request training, let us know what you’d most like help with so your needs can be considered when planning the session.
-
Session length may vary depending on your boat and the type of training requested. Share what you’d like to work on, and we’ll determine the appropriate session details.
-
Pricing is based on the training requested and session details. Submit a training request to receive current pricing and availability.
-
Start with your boat type, location, boating experience, and the areas where you’d like more guidance. We can follow up for any additional details needed before scheduling.
ready to get on the water?
Whether you’re planning a private sail, corporate experience, or another day on the Chesapeake, Kadima Host & Sailing Adventures can help shape the experience around what you have in mind. Share your preferred date and a few details about your plans.
We’ll confirm availability, next steps, and payment details. Cash, Venmo, and Zelle are accepted.