Cruisers College, the boat-owner-specific marine technical education offered through Skagit Valley College, is gearing up for another great season of hands-on learning.
Are you interested in acquiring the skills to maintain your vessel effectively? How about gaining the confidence to identify and address potential problems on your boat, making you more self-reliant and assured while on the water?
Cruisers College was created in 2016 to provide high-quality marine courses for boat owners to do just that. It is run as a part of Skagit Valley College’s (SVC) Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. Cruisers College spun off from SVC’s professional technical program, which offers extensive training for new marine technicians. 
Most Cruisers College courses take place on weekends and are led by industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their extensive knowledge and experience. Offered in a world-class marine training facility, there’s ample opportunity for demonstrations and hands-on activities. It is fitting to seek out this kind of education in Anacortes, a town with a rich maritime industry history that is even more vibrant today.
Cruisers College’s schedule for 2026 includes a variety of hands-on courses that allow you to apply your newfound knowledge in practical labs. Here’s the schedule for this season:
- Marine Surveying: Yachts and Small Craft, September 14 – November 13
- New Boater Course, Saturday, October 3 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- ABYC Marine Standards Certification, October 12 – 16, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Outboard Motor Service, Repair and Maintenance, Saturday, October 17, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- ABYC Marine Systems Certification, October 26 – 30, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Mahina Offshore Cruising Workshop, November 7 – 8, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- ABYC Marine Electrical Certification, November 9 – 13, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Cruising Boat Electrical Basics Workshop, November 14 – 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- D.I.Y Diesel Engine Maintenance & Troubleshooting, December 5 – 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Marine Diesel Engines Weekend for Women, December 12 – 13, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
