The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is set to teach Sailing Skills and Seamanship at the Long Beach police station starting April 18.

"Students should take the course to be able to safely operate a sailboat," aid Bob Vatz, who's scheduled to teach the eight-week course with Tony Ashlin. Vatz and Ashlin are USCG Aux instructors with the Long Beach Flotilla, 5-12.

The classes are designed for new and intermediate sailors, 12-years old and up.

"A number of things can happen on the water," said Ashlin, "and it's always good to be prepared."

The curriculum will include how a boat sails, sailboat types, basic sailboat maneuvering, rigging and boat handling, safety equipment, trailering, aids to navigation, radio, weather, auxiliary engine, and marlinespike seamanship.

The cost is $45 for books. Friday classes run from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The police station is at 5375 E. 2nd St. (at Claremont).

For further information, email Vatz at bobnflip@aol.com, or call him at (562) 493-3479.