April 2026 Edition: Issue #23 of Our Boating Newsletter
Welcome to our April Edition!
Ahoy, Reader!
Spring has arrived—and the season is officially underway.
Boats are heading back in the water, courses are filling, and charters are already booking for the weeks ahead. This is where planning turns into time on the water.
Whether you're sharpening your skills, booking a spring celebration, or finding a meaningful Mother’s Day gift—now is the time to lock it in.
In this issue:
- Spring charters now booking (perfect for group celebrations)
- Women In-Command as a standout Mother’s Day experience
- New courses designed for real-world boating confidence
- Final openings for early-season training
Let’s get you out there. 🚤⚓
💍⚓ Spring Charters: Perfect for Celebrations
Make your next gathering effortless with a private charter aboard Rendezvous, our Mainship Pilot 30.
Ideal for:
- Bridal parties
- Family gatherings
- Small group outings
Why Rendezvous:
- Spacious layout with shaded seating
- Classic New England cruising comfort
- Swim platform + onboard shower
- Operated by a licensed captain
Relax, celebrate, and enjoy the water—without managing the boat.
📆 Now booking spring & summer
💐 Mother’s Day Gift: Women In-Command
Give something meaningful this year—confidence on the water.
Women In-Command is more than a course—it’s an experience that builds real skills in a supportive, all-women environment.
What to expect:
- 4 hours classroom + 3 hours on-the-water training
- Docking, maneuvering, radio, and emergency skills
- Led by experienced female instructors
🎁 Mother’s Day Bonus:
Each participant receives a complimentary Rhumb Line Outfitters baseball hat—perfect for sunny days ahead.
📅 Upcoming Date: May 10 (Mother’s Day)
💰 $395 per person
⚓ Elevate Your Skills: Launch Operator Training
Already certified—or considering it?
Our Launch Operator pathway goes beyond licensing with real-world, hands-on training designed for daily operations in dynamic conditions.
Ideal for:
- Marina staff
- Yacht club teams
- Anyone pursuing commercial work on the water
👉 Read more on our blog
🆕 New Courses & Training Opportunities
We’re expanding this season based on what boaters need most:
navigation confidence, safety readiness, and real-world vessel knowledge.
🧭 Navionics: Essential Marine Navigation
Learn to confidently use modern navigation tools.
- Build and adjust routes
- Read depth contours and hazards
- Use GPS tracking and overlays
- Navigate with mobile and onboard systems
❤️ CPR & First Aid Certification
Confidence on the water includes knowing what to do when something goes wrong.
This course provides essential life-saving training that meets requirements for both recreational boaters and professional licensing.
Course includes:
- Adult & child CPR
- AED usage
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- First Aid essentials
Format:
- Online learning (2–4 hours, completed before class)
- In-person skills session with certified instructor
Upon completion, you’ll receive an official CPR certification card.
🔎 Bow-to-Stern Dockside Assessment
Buying a boat, upgrading, or just want to truly understand your vessel?
This 3-hour private dockside consultation with a USCG Licensed Captain gives you a complete walkthrough of your boat’s systems and setup.
Covers:
- Propulsion systems, generators & charging
- Electronics, radar & navigation systems
- Safety equipment review
- Dock lines, departure setup & best practices
- Fueling and onboard systems
Optional add-on:
✔ 3-hour on-the-water training session for hands-on application
This is one of the most valuable ways to build confidence before the season begins.
Ready to teach navigation—not just use it?
The NAV 1 Instructor course is designed for experienced captains looking to level up and become certified instructors.
- Advanced navigation instruction
- Real-world teaching skills
- US Sailing certification
Spots are limited.
🚤 Recreational Training: Start the Season Strong
⚓ US Powerboating – Start Powerboating Right!
Safe Powerboat Handling (NASBLA Approved)
A 16-hour, 2-day classroom + on-the-water course designed for:
- First-time boaters
- New boat owners
- Anyone wanting to improve boat handling
No experience required.
Covers:
- Docking & close-quarters maneuvering
- Navigation rules & aids to navigation
- Person-in-water recovery
- Anchoring & systems
- Weather & preparation
✔ US Sailing / US Powerboating Certification
✔ State Boating Education Card
✔ On-the-water portion can be scheduled on your boat
Upcoming sessions begin April 25.
🌊 NSBC Certified On-Water Training Modules
Focused, 3-hour hands-on training:
- Intro to Boating
- Precision Docking
- Open Water Handling
Advanced Maneuvering
Take one or complete all four.
Modules begin in May.
🛥 RI & MA 1-Day Boater Safety Course
8-hour classroom course preparing you for the RI or MA boating exam.
✔ Same-day exam
✔ Application submission included
✔ Insurance discounts may apply
Next class: April 18
👩✈️ Women In-Command
A one-day program (4 hours classroom + 3 hours on-water) designed to build:
- Docking confidence
- Radio & emergency readiness
- Seamanship knowledge
- Active crew or captain capability
All-female instruction. Supportive environment. Real skills.
May sessions are filling now.
Private groups of 4 available upon request.
🧭 Dock-Pro: Conquer Docking Anxiety
A focused 3-hour on-the-water lesson covering:
- Close-quarters maneuvering
- Wind & current adjustments
- Fender & line setup
- Crew communication
Available on our boats — or yours.
Spring sessions begin April 25.
🌍 Powerboat Cruising + IPC Certification
Planning to charter internationally?
Our 5-day Basic + Inshore + Night Operations course qualifies you to apply for your International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
Conducted aboard a Sabre 36 Express.
Next session: May 18–22
🛥 New Owner Training: Protect Your Investment
Buying or upgrading your boat?
Insurance companies often require formal training — and even if they don’t, your confidence will.
We design custom programs tailored to your boat, including:
- Rules of the Road
- Systems & safety walkthroughs
- Docking & low-speed maneuvering
- Open-bay cruising
- Anchoring & shore power transitions
Experienced across:
- Single & twin screw
- Thrusters & joystick controls
- Pod drives (IPS & Zeus)
Training built around your boat and your goals.
📞 401-4SAFETY
📩 info@incommandri.com
🔎 Bow-to-Stern Dockside Assessment
A 3-hour dockside evaluation with a USCG Licensed Captain covering:
- Vessel systems
- Propulsion & charging systems
- Electronics & radar
- Safety equipment
- Dock line configuration
- Fueling & water procedures
An optional 3-hour on-water add-on is available.
If you want confidence before launch day, this is where it begins.
🎯 Private One-on-One Skill Development
On Our Boats
2-hour private sessions to improve:
- Docking confidence
- Close-quarters handling
- Decision-making & control
Instructor & fuel included.
On Your Boat
Custom 3-hour (power) or 4-hour (sail) instruction tailored to your vessel:
- Twin screw handling
- Joystick maneuvering
- Thruster techniques
- Docking & crew communication
Confidence on your boat matters most.
|
⚓ Professional Courses: Turn Experience Into Opportunity
Thinking about taking boating beyond recreation?
Now is the time — before the season fills up.
🧑✈️ OUPV / 6-Pack License + Application Assistance
Our USCG MMC License Assistance Program includes:
✔ 30-minute pre-course consultation
✔ 2 hours post-course personal assistance
✔ License level evaluation
✔ Forms, documentation & checklist review
✔ Ongoing NMC clarification support
Price: $195
Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of the OUPV course.
Professional licensing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
🚤 Launch Operator – U.S. Coast Guard
16-hour, 2-day course meeting USCG requirements for:
- Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels
- Launch Tender Service (Inland Waters)
Next session: April 12 & 19
Ideal for marinas, yacht clubs, and waterfront employers.
We can still squeeze you in, BUT you must email Captain Carol directly at carol@incommandri.com
🌊 Launch Operator Lab
On-the-water professional refinement covering:
- Passenger loading
- Dock approach
- Mooring transfers
- Wind & tide management
- Professional communication
Next session: April 15
Available individually or as a discounted package with licensing.
📩 carol@incommandri.com
📞 401-4SAFETY
🌊 Wickford Boat Rentals: Spring Is Opening
The weather is shifting — and boats will be in the water soon.
⚓ Captain’s Club
Designed for boaters who want:
- Priority booking
- Flexible options
- Exclusive savings
- First access to premium vessels
Membership levels available now for 2026.
🚤 Bareboat Charters: Your Getaway on the Water!
Ready to set out on your schedule? Our bareboat charters let you explore at your own pace with multi-day rentals aboard our premium fleet.
🌟 Now Available for Spring 2026!
✔ Lorelei – Classic elegance meets modern comfort.
✔ Rendezvous – The perfect balance of performance and style.
✔ Elan – A spacious cruiser for relaxing getaways.
📌 Charter Requirements:
- Must have prior boating experience OR
- Complete the U.S. Powerboating Coastal Cruising Course
⏳ Book now to secure your spring charter dates!
Learn More About The Admiral's Club
Learn More About the U.S. Powerboating Coastal Cruising Course
🚤 Featured Charter: Rendezvous
Plan your perfect spring celebration aboard our beautiful Mainship Pilot 30! Rendezvous is ideal for bridal parties, family gatherings, or a relaxing day on the bay with friends. With her shaded seating, swim platform, and licensed captain, she's your go-to for effortless elegance on the water.
📢 Referral Bonus
Refer a friend to Captain’s Club:
- Earn 10% off your next rental or training
Current members receive:
- 10% off their first rental of the season
Boating is better with friends.
🚢 The Season Is Here
Boats are launching.
Courses are filling.
Charters are booking.
Now is the moment to secure your time on the water.
We’ll see you out there. ⚓
📣 Stay Connected
- Blog updates
- Course announcements
- Anniversary content
- Fleet reveals
🌟 Share the Joy of Boating!
If you love what we do, why not share the experience with friends and family? By sharing this newsletter, you can invite them to join our warm and welcoming community of boating enthusiasts.
We’re passionate about building a vibrant community; your referrals mean the world to us. Together, let’s make 2026 our best season yet!
We Want to Hear From You! Choose Your Interests!
Thank you for being part of our boating community! We're thrilled to have you on board and excited to share our passion for the sea and boating with you.
To ensure we send you the most relevant information, please let us know what you're most interested in:
- All Things Boating: Why choose? Get updates from Wickford Boat Rentals, In-Command Seamanship Training, and Rhumb Line Outfitters. Don't miss out on anything!
- In-Command Seamanship Training: Receive updates on our seamanship courses, certification programs, and expert tips to enhance your maritime skills.
- Wickford Boat Rentals: Stay informed about our latest boat rentals, special offers, and exclusive deals, perfect for your next adventure on the water.
- Rhumb Line Outfitters: Get updates on our sustainable boating fashion and special offers. All our garments are 100% designed, sourced, printed, and shipped within the U.S.A.
How to Update Your Preferences:
Scroll to the bottom of any email you receive from us and update your preferences to select the option that best suits your interests.
Thank you for your time, and thanks for being part of our community!
|
Feedback: We'd love to hear your thoughts! Hit reply and share your feedback to help us improve our newsletters.
Stay Connected
LinkedIn
In-Command Training
|
|
LinkedIn
Wickford Boat Rentals
|
Your journey on the water is important to us, and we're here to support every step of the way. Whether you're charting a course toward professional boating or enjoying the seas recreationally, In-Command Seamanship Training and Wickford Boat Rentals are your trusted partners.
We're just an email or phone call away for any questions or to register for our courses and rentals. Here's to smooth sailing and the adventures ahead!
Warm regards,
The Team at In-Command Seamanship Training & Wickford Boat Rentals
Captain Carol Beecher, carol@incommandri.com
Captain Dave Fetherston, dave@wickfordboatrentals.com