On the Water
Learn with Confidence. Navigate with Skill.
At the Chicago Yacht Academy, we offer hands-on boating education backed by US Powerboating and IYT certifications. Our programs don’t just boost your confidence on the water—they can also help lower your insurance and qualify you to charter vessels both in the U.S. and internationally.
Our courses combine classroom learning with real on-the-water experience, so you’re truly prepared to captain with skill. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned boater, we offer classes tailored to every experience level. Let’s get you certified and on the water.
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Boating Education & Certification
Private Lessons
Want to learn about boating but anxious about sitting in a class? Or do you simply want to learn on your own boat? We offer private lessons to make the
experience as enjoyable and fruitful as possible for an optimal learning atmosphere.
If you are interested in working on a specific boat handling skill with an accredited boating instructor, we can set this up for you! Private lessons can be done aboard your own boat or one of our school boats. Focusing on skills like but not limited to:
- Docking, Alongside, and in a Slip
- Close Quarters Maneuvering
- Anchoring
- Yacht Systems
Private lessons can be a one-time or multiple sessions, to help you gain exposure to various weather conditions and build confidence behind the helm.
Boating Classes
Classes are now offered through our partner Captain Scott Souders with CenterHelm. Whether you are 16 and want to learn your boating license, or you own a 40′ cruiser and want to enhance your knowledge with nighttime navigation and radio classes, CenterHelm has you covered.
Click on Our Class Listings for More Details and Registration.
Boating Certifications
Whether you want to charter a powerboat in the Bahamas or Europe or simply know the right way to navigate the locks or trailer your boat, learn from the best and do it the right way. Be safe, be comfortable, be secure, and have more fun…be certified! We have the Certified Instructors to teach you what you want to know.
Click on the Boating Certifications Listing CenterHelm Offers for More Details and Registration Information
